Walserweg, Stage 1/19

Around 1270, the Walser people migrated from the Valais, Pomatt and Gurin over the glacial landscape of Passo del S. Bernardino to Hinterrhein. The appearance of the village is reminiscent of the times of mule-trains and waggoners.

The hike begins at the S. Bernardino, Chiesa Rotonda bus stop, immediately beside the Roman Catholic church of San Bernardino. The mountain path soon leaves the houses behind and climbs across open meadows and pastures. As it gains height, the surroundings become more barren, with rocky terrain replacing the green slopes. After around four kilometres, the highest point is reached at just under 2,100 metres.

The route does not cross the actual summit of the San Bernardino Pass, which lies a good half-kilometre away. Nevertheless, the proximity of the pass shapes the open high-mountain landscape. The path then turns northwards and steadily loses altitude along broad slopes. Lower down, it enters the forest before the Rheinwald opens out.

Towards the end, the first houses of Hinterrhein come into view. After a total of around ten kilometres and just over three hours, the hike ends near the Hinterrhein, Dorf bus stop.