The Montafon Totale Hike: Once across the Silvretta Montafon
The Montafon Totale Hike: Once across the Silvretta Montafon
From Schruns to Gaschurn or vice versa. 47km and 4700 metres in altitude. What ultra trail runners have been doing for a few years on the Montafon Totale Trail is now also possible for us hikers. Just in a relaxed way. Using the mountain lifts, I was able to explore the most beautiful highlights of the Silvretta Montafon in just one or two days and combine my hikes to suit my mood.
From picturesque lakes and panoramic trails to rugged rock formations, everything was included. And I'll show you below what a Montafon Totale Hike with the beautiful hikes of the Silvretta Montafon can look like.
On the way to the Hochjoch
I had actually planned to hike the highlights of the Montafon Totale Hike in one day. But the weather was far too good on the day of arrival not to take advantage of it. So on Friday afternoon I took the Hochjoch cable car and then the Sennigrat cable car to my starting point for today's pleasure tour.
Accompanied by panoramic views
Accompanied by wonderful views, I pass the Wormser Hütte and head up to the Kreuzjoch, from where I can enjoy views over the Silvretta, the Rätikon and the Klostertal. The Zamangspitze, my next destination, is already in the distance. The path leads me gently up and down through the picturesque landscape of the Silvretta Montafon.
From the Zamangspitze, I walk down to the Grasjochhütte in the company of a few marmots, where I take a short break. I decide to make the ascent by cable car rather than on foot, so I take the Hochalpila cable car back to the top.
Between mountain lakes and sundowners
Passing the Herzsee lake, I make a short stop at the Kälbersee lake. SUPs are available here, which you can take for free and take a trip across the lake.
I have plenty of time, as the Hochjoch cable car runs until 9.30 pm every Friday in August. So it's perfect for a sundowner. The landscape around me slowly turns a soft orange colour.
Passing the Schwarzsee lake, I enjoy the wonderful views of the Silbertal and Lechquellen mountains on my descent to the Kapellrestaurant.
As already mentioned, I have taken my time today and am lucky enough to be able to enjoy the wonderful sunset on the mountain before taking the Hochjoch cable car back down into the valley.
Cosy start in St. Gallenkirch
The next day, I set off from St. Gallenkirch on the Valisera cable car, which has also been open in summer at weekends since this year, at an altitude of 2,100 metres. My destination is the panoramic trail to the Gantakopf on the Nova. To get there, I take the Valisera circular hiking trail, which takes me along a wide gravel path to the Nova cable car.
My rucksack is light, just a light jacket and something to drink. I don't need my own snacks today. I pass several mountain restaurants and huts on my way today, so I don't have to worry about food.
The impressive Heimspitze and Valisera lie before me before I set off on my descent. The path is quite steep and you realise that you're in a ski area, but the view of the beautiful Vermielbach valley makes up for it. Once I reach the bottom, I have to make a decision: The ascent via Alpe Nova, which is famous for its Sura Kees, or the ascent by cable car? I decide in favour of the latter, but would like to add a short additional hike on the other side of the mountain.
As far as the eye can see
From Nova Stoba, I follow the path along the Lifinar family hiking trail. With a view of the Patteriol, I hike gently up and down to the Vier Barga viewpoint. It is so beautiful here that I look for a quiet spot and let my gaze wander from the Hochjoch, over the Kopssee and the Patteriol to the Piz Buin.
Then follows a short but beautiful descent. I leave most of the families behind me and immerse myself in what feels like unspoilt nature away from the pistes. Until I finally reach a lift again. The Versettla Bahn II takes me back up to Nova Stoba. Just in time for a lunch break on the sun terrace.
Panoramic hike on the Gantakopf
The last and probably most beautiful part of the day is about to begin. In front of me, the path meanders gently towards the Gantakopf. After just 15 minutes, I have already reached the summit and can enjoy the panoramic views all around. From here, the path leads along a wide ridge past cotton grass meadows to Garfrescha. It's really idyllic and I reach the forest far too quickly. This is followed by a steep but beautiful descent over roots and stones to the Maisäßsiedlung. From here, you could take the Garfrescha cable car down into the valley. I climb up to the middle station of the Valisera cable car and then return to the Valisera Hüsli. There's also something on offer here every Saturday evening. I round off my day here with live music and a delicious dinner. I enjoy the sunset until I make my way back to Schruns at around 9.30 pm.
