Day 1:
The first altitude meters are covered with the Gargellner mountain lifts. The start of the route is at the mountain restaurant Schafberg Hüsli at the mountain station. From here, you follow the signs to the Gafierjoch (approx. 1 hour). The hike leads below the via ferrata VAUDE Gargellner Köpfe, past the Schafbergsee (reservoir pond), until you reach the Gafierjoch after about half an hour and cross the border into Switzerland for the first time.
At the Gafierjoch, first keep to the right and then descend a short, steep section before the ascent towards Rätschenjoch begins. From the Gafierjoch, you reach the Rätschenjoch in about 1.5 hours. The highest point of the route is reached at Rätschenjoch, where you can enjoy views of the Bernina Group, the Rätikon, and the Silvretta. Next, you reach the high valley of Chüecalanda and, over the green ridges of Glatteggen, you reach Obersäss. In Obersäss, you find a scenic rest spot.
You continue descending and reach Untersäss and then the mountain station of the Madrisa cable car at Saaser Alp. During the overnight stay, you exchange exciting stories with other hikers over a hearty smuggler’s meal. In the mountain dormitory, you find rest at night.
Day 2:
From Saaser Alp, you effortlessly hike on a scenic ridge trail over Zügenhüttli to Älpli and over Schwarz Bach to Schlappiner Joch. In about 2 hours, you reach Schlappiner Joch and then cross the national border. A steep descent begins, and you pass a customs hut and descend further into the Valzifenztal. At the upper Valzifenz alp, you walk along a wide path through the Valzifenztal and reach the lower Valzifenz alp after 20 minutes. Shortly afterwards, you reach the Madrisa hut. From there, you can switch to the other side of the river. Alongside the rushing Valzifenzbach, you hike back to Gargellen.
