In the footsteps of the Walsers – Mittelbünden Panorama Trail

Although the Mittelbünden-Panoramaweg is only 40 kilometres (25 mi) long in total, it’s incredibly varied. Deep valleys alternate with panoramic peaks, centuries-old Walser settlements with modern sports resorts, green alpine meadows with rugged moonscapes. On two challenging stages, you hike from Lenzerheide via Arosa to Davos. In between, natural, historical and geological highlights await you.

The traces of the Walsers are more visible in picturesque mountain settlements like Medergen. Typical of the Alemmanic peoples, the houses are built with dark brown wooden beams or logs. From the 13th century, the Walsers came from Valais in Switzerland and settled in high-altitude, mountainous regions. You can still hear their dialect – Walser German – in some areas.

From the starting point in Lenzerheide, the first day takes you up to the 2,861-metre (9,386 ft) Parpaner Rothorn. You hike through impressive rocky landscapes and past two crystal-clear lakes as you descend to Arosa, which grew from a Walser settlement. After spending a night in this well-known mountain resort, you embark on the second stage across the Walser Alps.

In early summer, the surrounding slopes are painted pink by alpine roses. After the key section, the Tritt, you reach the Latschüelfurgga and then descend to Davos via the Schatzalp.

Decent fitness and surefootedness are required for the two 20-kilometre (12 mi) stages. The paths and trails are all safe – on the second day you climb an iron staircase, secured by a rope. You can reach the starting point of the Mittelbünden Panorama Trail in Lenzerheide by post bus from Chur or Tiefencastel railway stations. In Davos, your destination, you have direct access to the rail and bus network.

If you’re looking for a physical challenge for a weekend in a fantastic Swiss landscape, then the Mittelbünden Panorama Trail is just right for you.