Switzerland’s largest canton by area is the only one to have three national languages. In addition to its rich culture, it also offers an impressive touristic diversity. There are 150 valleys and 615 lakes waiting to be discovered.

The trek begins in Tiefencastel in the Albula Valley. The village is the perfect starting point – for this Alpine trek as well as for further excursions. It takes two hours to get there from Zurich by public transport. The first two stages are a steep ascent – to the pretty Lai digl Feil at 2,400m. The mountain lake glistens dark blue in the sun. The panorama from up here is already fantastic. The great thing is that from now on, you will pretty much remain at 2,000m above sea level, far from the hustle and bustle down below and close to the sky, at peace with yourself. At one with the flora and fauna along the way, and with other friendly people you might encounter. 

The Parc Ela Trek will delight you with its route guidance. It really shows off the great variety of the spectacular alpine Parc Ela: the route heads up to Ziteil, the highest place of pilgrimage in Switzerland, to a rare triple watershed in Europe at Piz Lunghin and into the Ducan Valley, which is a world-famous site with fossils from the Triassic period. 

Ziteil: Switzerland’s highest place of pilgrimage.
Septimer and Julier Passes: these two passes were once important Alpine crossings for the Romans.
Lunghin Pass: the pass and the unique triple watershed of Europe.
Val d’Agnel: from afar you can see an impressive rock gate, also called Gate of Heaven.
Alp Flix: a natural jewel, created by human hands. The alp is protected as a moorland of national importance and inspires with a vast wealth of flora and fauna as the “treasure island” of Switzerland. 
Val d’Err: a mecca for wildlife watching.
Ducan Valley: world-famous fossil site from the Triassic Period. Glaciers and firn fields characterise the barren high Alpine Kesch-Ducan region.
Landwasser Valley: on the trek, you can see the Wiesner Viaduct and the Landwasser Viaduct in the distance. 
Val digl Guert: impressive wild and romantic valley on the last stage of the Alpine trek.

Traders, armies and kings once crossed the Alps via the Septimer and Julier Passes. Anyone who travels on the Parc Ela Trek thus enters historically significant terrain. On stage 5, the trek leads from Juf over the Forcellina Pass to the top of the Septimer Pass and from there to the new Septimerhütte. As was the case 200 years ago, there will once again be accommodation for hikers on this pass from summer 2023. The hut has 16 beds (4x 4-person rooms) and a restaurant with a terrace affording breathtaking views of the Val Bregaglia. 

The Parc Ela Trek offers breathtaking nature and intact cultural landscapes. On the last stage, this is clearly revealed to the hikers once again. Here, the trail leads from the Wiesner Alp above Davos Wiesen, across Alpine meadows to the pretty Mäiensäss mountain pastures with the small settlements of Aclas Dafora and Aclas Davains. Those who wish can take a break here and enjoy the views of ancient houses and stables with their sun-blackened beams, the lush green gently-sloping Alpine meadow and the striking triumvirate with Piz Ela, Tinzenhorn and Piz Mitgel opposite. Fortified by Bündnerfleisch and Alpine cheese from the “Post da marenda”, the alp kiosk, the trail continues through the wildly romantic Val digl Guert valley via the Culmet to Lenzerheide. 

Overnight stays are in small, rustic accommodation in the heart of unspoilt nature, almost always at over 2,000m. Stage 15 is, however, an exception: here, guests stay with the young farming family Risch/Walcher in the dreamy Walser settlement of Jenisberg at 1,500m. They put heart and soul into producing Angus meat under the “Natura Beef” label on their Bio Suisse Bud certified organic farm. There are also two cosy 6-bed rooms in an old hay barn. An overnight stay costs CHF 90 and includes a delicious dinner and hearty breakfast. When the family has time, they are also happy to share an insight into their work and life on the alp.

The Parc Ela Trek follows the white-red-white marked hiking trails and is not additionally signposted. The technical difficulty is rated “medium” and a T3 on the SAC scale. In terms of fitness, the trek is “medium” to “difficult”. To make the most out of your long-distance hiking experience, here is a practical guide.