ViaSbrinz, Stage 5/5

A demanding hike from Goms over the 2479-metre Griespass to Italy’s Val Formazza. A stage with varying Alpine landscapes, characterized by the history of the migrant Walser people and their relationship with their former homeland.

The roughly 27-kilometre route begins at the Obergesteln bus stop. The hiking trail leads between the houses, past the Sankt-Anna-Kapelle, before climbing across open meadows and pastures. As far as Ladstafel, the route follows a yellow-marked hiking trail; from there, a mountain trail climbs more steeply.

After a good three hours, the Griessee comes into view. This high-altitude reservoir is used to generate electricity. Higher up, the terrain becomes barer and rockier. Near the Nufenenstock, the route reaches its highest point at around 2,500 metres before continuing to the Griespass at 2,487 metres. This packhorse pass crosses the southern main Alpine ridge into Italy.

Beyond the top of the pass, a long descent leads through open mountain terrain. The mountain trail steadily loses altitude across pastures and ends in Ponte after around nine hours. The destination is well off the public transport network; the nearest stop, Rossboda (Grossalp), is a good seven kilometres away.