Walserweg Gottardo, Stage 3/14

From one picturesque Walser settlement to the next, the path then climbs up a steep, stepped rock face to the first dam, Lago Busin. This is followed by another pass crossing and the path descends to the long Lago Vannino. At the end of it, the attractive Rifugio Margaroli sits on a hill.

The hike begins in remote Salècchio. The starting point is far from public transport; the nearest stop, Rossboda (Grossalp), is almost six kilometres away. The route initially descends through open terrain before the long ascent begins. There are no marked hiking trails along the entire route, making reliable navigation essential.

Crossing meadows and pastures, the route gains around 1,250 metres in elevation. After just over seven kilometres, it crosses the Passo Busin. Shortly afterwards, near Punta d'Arbola, it reaches its highest point at just under 2,500 m. It then loses elevation again and continues through the open mountain landscape to Lago Vanninio/Margaroli.

Allow just under five hours for the eleven kilometres. The hike ends by the lake, again far from the public transport network. The nearest stop, Binn, Brunnebiel, is around ten kilometres away.