Senda Scuol–Samnaun, Stage 2/2

Scree slopes and a detour to Austria are the hallmark of the upper section of this stage. You then reach duty-free Swiss soil and descend through a varied landscape with glacier residue, waterfalls and meadows to Samnaun.

The mountain hike starts at the Heidelberger Hütte DAV, far from public transport; the nearest stop, Salaniva, is around eight kilometres away. The route climbs across open slopes on a mountain trail marked white-red-white. As it gains height, the pastures become increasingly sparse, while rocky terrain characterises the path to Fuorcla da Val Gronda. Just over a third of the way along, the route reaches its highest point there at around 2,750 m, close to Piz Val Gronda.

Beyond the Fuorcla, the mountain trail crosses broad, rocky terrain to Zeblasjoch. The descent then dominates: the route steadily loses height across open slopes and winds down into the Samnauntal. In total, around 600 metres of ascent are offset by a good 1,050 metres of descent. Shortly before the destination, the trail passes the Maria Hilf chapel, after which the houses of Samnaun come into view. After twelve kilometres and a good four hours, the hike ends in the village; the Samnaun-Dorf, Post stop is only a few steps away.