Alpine Passes Trail, Stage 15/43

Return over the Albrun pass to Switzerland and the Binntal landscape park, rich in minerals. First there’s an ascent over a scree passage to the Scatto Minoia pass and then a descent to the Alpe Forno, famous for the rare Bettelmatt cheese. After crossing the national border, the trail passes the Binntal hut and follows the Binna river to Binn.

The starting point at Rif. Margaroli is not served by public transport; the Binn, Brunnebiel stop is around 10 km away. The route initially climbs through open terrain, with long stretches away from marked trails. After just over three kilometres, it reaches its highest point near Punta d’Arbola at around 2,590 m.

A long high-level trail then leads to the Bocchetta d’Arbola, the 2,409 m Albrunpass. This historic mule pass crosses the southern main ridge of the Alps. Shortly afterwards, the SAC’s Binntalhütte stands amid rocky terrain below the pass. From here, the white-red-white marked mountain trail descends into the valley, later continuing between alpine pastures and forest to Freichi.

In the lower Binntal, the trail becomes wider. It passes the Church of St Christophorus and continues through the first houses; the Restaurant Bärgkristall also lies close to the route. After 20 kilometres and just over six and a half hours, the hike ends in Binn, a few steps from the Binn, Dorf bus stop.