Obersaxen WW2 Plane Crash: Hiking in History to Inneralp

Obersaxen WW2 B-17 Crash Site: Hiking in History to Inneralp

High above the pristine, sun-drenched plateau of Obersaxen in the Swiss canton of Graubunden, the dramatic serenity of the Swiss Alps hides a startling scar from World War II. While Switzerland famously maintained its neutrality throughout the conflict, its airspace was a tense battleground on both sides.

On July 19th, 1944, the violent realities of the war slammed directly into the quiet peaks. Today, a challenging alpine hiking route allows history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts to retrace the final flight path of the Boeing B-17G "Champagne Girl", visiting the remote mountainside where its journey ended, before looping back down through the postcard-perfect meadows of Inneralp.

The History: Minutes from Disaster

The story of the "Champagne Girl" - a heavy bomber assigned to the 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group - is a tale of extraordinary luck and narrow escapes. On that fateful July morning, the aircraft was part of a massive Allied bombing run targeting Lechfeld, Germany. Cruising in tight formation through heavy cloud cover over the border region, disaster struck. "Champagne Girl" suffered a catastrophic mid-air collision with another B-17 named "Bunky". 

The impact sliced "Bunky" in half, sending it plummeting to the ground with the loss of the entire crew. "Champagne Girl" survived the initial impact but plunged into a violent tailspin. Fights against extreme G-forces by Pilot 1st Lt. Cyril J. Braund and Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. John Sykes miraculously leveled the heavy bomber just long enough for all 9 crew members to bail out into the skies over eastern Switzerland. 

The empty, ghost-flown bomber continued soaring on autopilot until it ultimately crashed into a rugged mountain ridge above Obersaxen. Meanwhile, the entire crew parachuted safely into Swiss territory, where they were detained, interned in alpine resort towns like Davos & Wengen, and eventually repatriated after the war in 1945.

A Landscape of Medieval Migration: The Walser "Linguistic Island"

As you lace up your boots in Obersaxen, you aren't just walking into a scenic landscape, you are stepping into a centuries-old cultural anomaly. Obersaxen is famously known as a "Walser Island - a German-speaking community isolated in a vast sea of Romansh.

Useful when trying to locate the site...

Originally, the region (referred to in 8th-century church documents as Supersaxa, meaning "above the stones") was entirely Romansh. However, in the 13th century, a fierce, highly adapted group of mountain farmers known as the Walser migrated east from the Canton of Valais. 

The powerful monks of the nearby Disentis Abbey granted permission to these settlers of the high, rugged plateau. In exchange for clearing the harsh wilderness, the Walser were given special legal freedoms and the right to self-govern. 

Because they stayed on this high terrace and kept their distinct Highest Alemannic German dialect, the 28 scattered farm clusters (Fraktionen) that make up Obersaxen (incl. Inneralp) remain fiercely German-speaking to this day. Walk just a short distance down into the valley floor, however, and the language instantly shifts back to Romansh.

The Hike: Obersaxen to the Crash Site & Inneralp

This strenuous but rewarding circuit pairs sobering WW2 history with panoramic views of the Surselva Valley, unique local architecture, and unforgettable alpine wildlife encounters:

• Distance: 15.5 km (9.6 miles)

• Elevation Gain/Loss: +/- 850 meters (2,788 feet)

• Duration: 5-6+ hours (depending on pace and time spent exploring)

• Difficulty: Strenuous/Moderate (Swiss T2+ alpine scale; requires some stamina)

• Best Season: June to October (Snow-free months)

Step 1: The Ascent from Obersaxen

The trail kicks off in the traditional Walser village of Obersaxen. Follow the marked yellow hiking signs pointing upwards toward the alpine pastures. The initial leg winds through fragrant pine forests and wide-open green meadows ringing with the chime of Swiss cowbells. As you climb, look back to absorb the expanding views of the anterior Rhine valley below.

Step 2: Entering the Eagle's Kingdom

As you push past the tree line into the upper alpine zone (approaching roughly 2,000 m), the terrain shifts from soft grass to rugged scree and isolated rocky slopes.

Keep your eyes open, not just on the ground, but in the air. This remote, quiet altitude is the kingdom of the Golden Eagle (Steinadler). Lucky hikers occasionally startle these apex predators resting near the rocky fields. Watching a mature eagle take flight, spread its massive 2.3-meter (7.5-foot) wingspan, and lazily circle the mountain thermals overhead is an unforgettable highlight of the trek - if you're lucky like we were…

Step 3: Unearthing the Hidden Crash Site

The actual crash site is unmarked, sitting in a quiet area near a small, active farm. Because Swiss military cleanup crews removed the bulk of the heavy fuselage immediately after the war, and decades of shifting soil, rockslides, and heavy winters have buried the remaining parts of the aircraft, most people would walk straight past it without knowing it was there...

However, if you explore a concentrated area of the rough hillside, the fractured outline of the wartime giant makes itself known. Hidden right in the pasture grass is a small debris field, for example:

For further historical details, please refer to websites such as warbird.ch

Step 4: The Living Alpine Farmstead

Near the farm site, you will pass a fascinating piece of timeless Swiss agricultural engineering: a traditional Erdkeller (earth cellar) or Milchkeller. Looking from behind like a simple, grass-covered mound, it features a low stone front with an open entrance door. 

For generations, farmers have used these naturally insulated, subterranean stone rooms to keep fresh milk and aging wheels of alpine cheese perfectly chilled without electricity.

Step 5: Down the River to Inneralp

Leaving the crash site, the trail contours across the mountain and follows the river dropping down toward Inneralp. Along this stretch, you will encounter a small concrete weir and reservoir structure (Wasserfassung). This local water intake regulates stream flow, filtering out high-altitude silt to feed clean water to the livestock troughs below and diverting a portion into underground pipes to generate clean micro-hydroelectricity for the valley. 

From here, you enter the high alpine pastures of Inneralp, a testament to nearly a millennium of strictly regulated shared-farming systems (Alpwirtschaft). The stunning, sun-blackened timber barns (Maiensasse) you see scattered across the meadows represent a centuries-old seasonal migration cycle, where farmers moved their cattle vertically down to the intermediate pastures in autumn and up to these high fields for peak summer months.

Step 6: Optional Loop Back

From the quiet settlement of Inneralp, a gentle farm track completes the circle, bringing you back down to your starting point in Obersaxen for a well-deserved mountain feast. Alternatively, you can just get the bus back to Ilanz from here…

Scenic Landmarks Along the Route

• Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge) Panorama: During the higher sections of the ascent, looking north-east reveals distant, sweeping views of the "Swiss Grand Canyon." This massive gorge features soaring white limestone cliffs carved out by the Anterior Rhine.

• Piz Mundaun and the Signina Range: The jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Signina mountain range flank the horizon, providing a dramatic backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the soft green pastures below.

• Obersaxen Church Towers: Looking back down toward the plateau, the distinct spires of the historic local churches stand out against the valley floor, serving as a visual anchor for your starting/ending points.

I will be covering some of these topics as well as the many local castles and ruins in future hiking articles…

Post-Hike Alpine Feast: What to Eat

After spending hours on the mountain tracking history, the traditional gasthofs (inns) and alpine huts in Obersaxen and Inneralp offer the perfect setting to recharge. The regional cuisine of Graubunden is hearty, comforting, and satisfying:

• Capuns: This is the ultimate culinary specialty of the canton.

• Maluns: A classic mountain farmer dish made from grated potatoes slow-fried in butter with a bit of flour until they form golden, crispy crumbs.

• Nusstorte: End your meal with a slice of the famous local walnut tart.

Trailhead Tips

• Footwear & Fitness: Given the distance and steep climb, robust hiking boots with excellent ankle support are essential. 

• Navigation: Because the crash site near the farm is unmarked and partly hidden, downloading an offline GPS trail map &/or photographs before you leave is essential to avoid disappointment.

• Respect the History: If you encounter any historic debris on the mountain, please leave it exactly where it lies so future hikers can experience the history as well…

This route was hiked by the Author on the 20th of July 2024. Contact me by email for photos or to ask questions...

Andermatt to Goscheneralpsee via the Devil’s Bridge

If you are looking for a hike that packs centuries of dramatic history, amazing alpine engineering, mythic folklore, and raw glacial lake beauty into a single trail, then this is it. 

This hike takes you from the high-alpine crossroads of Andermatt, down through the roaring abyss of the legendary Schollenen Gorge, and then back up into the serene, granite-walled Gaschenertal valley to the Goscheneralpsee. It’s a hike through the very landscape that shaped modern Europe.

Route Summary

• Distance: c.16 Km (approx. 10 miles)

• Elevation Gain: +760 meters (mostly during Stage 2)

• Elevation Loss: -410 meters (mostly during Stage 1)

• Start: Andermatt Train Station (1,437 m / 4,714 ft)

• Mid-Point: Goschenen (1,106 m / 3,628 ft)

• End: Goscheneralpsee Reservoir/Dam & Bus Stop (1,792 m / 5,879 ft)

• Best Season: Late June to mid-October - check the bus schedules…

Stage 1: Descent Through the Devil’s Gorge

Launchpad: Andermatt

The adventure begins at the Andermatt train station. Before taking your first step, drop into the Andermatt Tourist Information center next to the station. The staff are incredibly helpful and will gladly provide you with up-to-date trail conditions for the gorge, weather forecasts, and even physical maps. 

As you walk out of the village toward the north, you are immediately immersed in Andermatt's military history. You will pass the imposing Altes Zeughaus (Old Arsenal) and the Kaserne Andermatt. For centuries, Andermatt was the strategic gateway to the Swiss Alps - a massive wartime mountain fortress designed to defend the nation. 

Look up to the peaks framing the Ursern Valley; to the south rises the imposing Piz Gabin (2,776 m) and the rugged massifs guarding the Gotthard Pass corridor.

Braving the Schollenen Gorge

Soon, the valley floor fades. You will pass the quiet Mariahilf-Kapelle, a small chapel where centuries of nervous merchants and travelers stopped to pray for safe passage before entering the perilous Schollenen Gorge.

For generations, this sheer granite canyon was entirely impassable, fiercely resisting human traffic. That changed in the 13th century when daring pioneers hung wooden walkways by chains over the roaring Reuss River, unlocking the Gotthard Pass as Europe's vital north-south trade route. 

You enter the gorge by walking through the Urnerloch tunnel. Blasted out of solid rock between 1707 and 1708, this 64-m passage was the first road tunnel ever built in the Alps, replacing the fragile wooden boardwalks that the river routinely smashed to pieces.

Myths, Monsters & the Devil's Bridge

Emerging from the tunnel, you find yourself face-to-face with the roaring waters and the legendary Devil's Bridge (Teufelsbrucke). According to local folklore, the chasm was so treacherous that the villagers made a deal with the Devil to build a stone bridge overnight. In return, the Devil demanded the soul of the first creature to cross. The clever locals outsmarted him by sending a goat over, causing the enraged Devil to drop a massive boulder down into the valley. Keep an eye out for the vibrant modern painting of the Devil and his goat on the cliff face! (See my other articles on hikes and VF climbs in this area.)

Standing on the current 1830 stone arch bridge, you are also at the site of the historic Sept. 1799 Napoleonic clash where Russian Marshal Alexander Suvorov pushed back retreating French forces. The staggering, 12-meter-tall Suvorov Monument carved directly into the sheer cliff wall honors the soldiers who fell.

The Hidden Ridge Viewpoint

Look high up onto the steep hill to the left of the bridge. Perched over the canyon is a strategic viewpoint hiding the secret, rock-carved bunkers of Fort Schollenen (see my other article). Built centuries after Suvorov's battle, these hidden artillery positions were designed by the Swiss military to defend this bottleneck from above, ensuring that no one could pass the bridge undetected.

The Baelematt & Peaks Above

Peer upward out of the chasm to notice the jagged spine of the Baelematt ridges framing the gorge. The enclosing walls are so vertical that the high summits mostly peak out like silent titans standing guard over the abyss. The Diavolo Via Ferrata route can be seen climbing straight up by the Suvorov monument.

Learning about Alpine Transit History

As you follow the trail north, you are walking parallel to one of the world's most impressive transport corridors. For centuries, engineers wrestled with this gap. The early bridle path became a carriage road in 1830, which was eventually bypassed by heavy transit when the original standard-gauge Gotthard Rail Tunnel opened far below in 1882. 

To directly link Andermatt to this mainline network, builders constructed the Schollenenbahn in 1917. This incredible meter-gauge branch line uses a rack-and-cogwheel system to tackle a staggering maximum gradient of 17.9% - one of the steepest rack-railway climbs in the country! If you travel in 1st class here, you travel in style...

You will get an up-close look at this engineering marvel by walking directly along the flat, concrete gallery "roofs" that shield the railway and modern highway from avalanches. Looking down over the edge gives you a thrilling view of the modern red trains slipping out from beneath your feet while the river churns below. 

The Gatekeeper: Haderli Bridge

As the canyon finally begins to widen, you will cross the historic, stone-arched Haderli Bridge (Haderlisbrucke). First documented as a wooden packhorse bridge in 1470, it was upgraded to local solid granite in 1649 to withstand the elements. Though it survived centuries of alpine history, the original structure was tragically swept away by a catastrophic flood in August 1987. 

Between 1989 and 1991, the community painstakingly rebuilt it, using original stonemasonry techniques and the exact same stone quarry to ensure that this iconic gateway remained true to its 17th-century roots. Crossing its high stone arch, you will follow the riverside path straight into the village of Goschenen.

Stage 2: Up the Hidden Valley to the Dam

Goschenen: Industrial Forge of the Alps

Arriving in Goschenen, you enter a village that went from a quiet alpine mountain outpost to an epicenter of world engineering. In 1872, Goschenen became the northern construction portal for the historic Gotthard Rail Tunnel - the longest tunnel in the world at the time. 

Led by engineer Louis Favre, the project brought thousands of Italian miners to the village, turning it into a crowded boomtown overnight. It was also a site of immense human struggle; the grueling conditions sparked the tragic Goschenen Riots of 1875, where local troops opened fire on striking miners demonstrating for fair wages. 

To discover this hidden world, head to the train station. Goschenen is world-famous for its minerals, and right by the station, you can browse a local crystal shop filled with giant, smoky quartz unearthed by local treasure hunters (Strahler). 

Directly adjacent, you can step into the Visierstollen - an authentic, historic underground alignment tunnel used by 1870s surveyors. Inside, the cool rock walls hold fascinating exhibits detailing the grueling, heroic building of the rail line and the legendary crystal discoveries made along the way.

Wild Isolation: Into the Gaschenertal

From the station, turn your back on the busy transit corridors and head west into the pristine Gaschenertal. The transformation is sudden. Because the main Gotthard transit lines slice straight through the mountain north to south, this east-west lateral valley escaped modern urbanization entirely. It remains a wild, quiet alpine paradise dominated by towering granite peaks, roaring waterfalls, and aromatic pine forests. 

Historically, this secluded valley was populated by hardy mountain farmers and Strahler (crystal hunters) searching the steep crevices for quartz treasures.

Follow the mountain trail as it climbs steadily along the Goschener Reuss river. You will pass through tiny, idyllic hamlets like Gwuest, navigating past historic boulder fields and lush alpine meadows. 

Giants of the Sky: Mountain Views Along the Valley

As you journey deeper into the Gaschenertal, the horizon breaks open to reveal some of the most dramatic summits in Central Switzerland. 

• Northern Wall: Towering high to the right is the formidable Fleckistock (3,417 m), the highest peak in the Urner Alps north of the Susten Pass corridor. Its steep, grey rock flanks and hanging snowfields look down directly onto the trail. Adjacent to it stands the jagged crown of the Stucklistock (3,313 m).

• The Guard Dogs: Flanking the head of the valley like fortress walls are the twin giants of the Salbitschijen (2,981 m) and Schijenstock (3,107 m). The Salbitschijen is legendary in the international mountaineering community for its razor-sharp granite west ridge, widely considered one of the finest rock-climbing routes in the entire world - see my other article…

Reaching the Goscheneralp Dam

The final, steep push rewards you with an awe-inspiring sight: the massive earthen dam of the Goscheneralpsee, built between 1955 and 1960. Standing at a towering 155 m high, it was a monumental engineering feat constructed to fuel Switzerland's appetite for hydroelectricity. The creation of the reservoir flooded the ancient, high-altitude hamlet of Hinteralp, meaning roughly 100 mountain residents had to be permanently evacuated as their traditional wooden homes were submerged beneath the rising waters.

Step out onto the top of the dam wall to see the deep, turquoise reservoir perfectly contrasting against the blinding white ice sheet of the Damma Glacier dominating the horizon. Framing the ice sheet are the spectacular pyramid of the Dammastock (3,630 m) - the crown peak of the entire region - and the dark, sharp tooth of the Dammahund (3,293 m). Again, see my other articles on this area…

Walk entirely across the massive dam wall to truly appreciate the sheer scale of the engineering. Then head right back to your well-deserved endpoint: the mountain restaurant and the waiting bus…

Food & Fuel Options

After a trek this long and steep, satisfying your appetite is a priority! Here is where to eat along the route...

Mid-Way Fuel (Goschenen Village):

Before you start the climb up the valley, stop in Goschenen to stock up on energy:

• Local Bakery (Backerei-Conditorei Truttmann): Located near the station, this is the perfect spot to grab fresh Swiss bread, sandwiches, or a slice of traditional Nusstorte - perfect fuel for the uphill climb.

Grand Finale (Goscheneralpsee):

Once you have conquered the dam and finished your hike, celebrate at the top of the valley:

• Berggasthaus Goschener Alp: Situated right at the end of the trail next to the reservoir & bus stop, this rustic mountain lodge features a beautiful sun terrace looking out over the peaks.

This hike was done by the Author on the 26th of August 2018. Contact me by email for photos or to ask questions.

Arosa Winter Hike: Climbing the Weisshorn

Conquering the Weisshorn: Arosa’s Most Thrilling Winter Hike

Imagine standing on a windswept alpine summit, the crisp mountain air biting your face, while a 360-degree panorama of over 400 jagged Swiss peaks stretches out to the horizon.

This is a suoerb winter loop around Arosa. Taking you from the lively ski village, along the snowy boundaries of the solar system, straight up to the stark beauty of the Weisshorn, and then down through a frozen wonderland of reservoirs and lakes, this route is a winter hiker's dream...

Route at a Glance

• Distance: ~21 km (13 miles) but can be shortened to ~18 km by using the local buses.

• Duration: 6 to 7 hours of active hiking

• Difficulty: Strenuous (Steep ridge climbing & high-altitude winter conditions)

• Elevation Gain/Loss: +/-900m

Getting There: Iconic Trains & Wild History

Getting to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. The easiest and most spectacular way to reach Arosa is by public transport from Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. 

Hop onto the iconic red Arosa Line (Arosabahn) operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). The train departs from in front of Chur station hourly and climbs over 1,000 meters in just one hour. It winds through city streets like a tram before plunging into the wild Schanfigg Valley, crossing the breathtaking, high-domed Langwieser Viaduct before climbing the hill and pulling into Arosa.

A Feat of Engineering History

When the railway line opened in 1914, the Langwieser Viaduct was an absolute sensation. Spanning 284 m long, it was the first railway bridge in the world built out of reinforced concrete, completely redefining modern bridge architecture. 

The Anti-Car Rebellion

Long before Arosa was easily accessible, it was a remote, isolated settlement founded by the Walser people in the 14th century. When the tourist boom hit in the early 1900s, Arosa fiercely guarded its mountain peace. Between 1907 and 1925, the community repeatedly voted to ban all cars from the valley entirely. For decades, if you wanted to come to Arosa, the railway line was your only lifeline to the outside world, preserving the town's pristine mountain air - much like Murren and Zermatt.

Pro-Tip (Shortening the Route)

Once you arrive at Arosa, you can skip the steep uphill walk to the official trailhead. Just jump straight onto the free local winter bus (Line 1), which shuttles you directly from the station up to the Pratschli hotel and trailhead. 

This saves your legs a few kilometers of pavement tramping, leaving you with a delightful, flat victory lap around the Obersee Lake right by the station to close out your day instead!

Essential Gear Checklist

While this loop uses Arosa's incredibly well-groomed winter hiking trails, do not let the smooth paths fool you. The extreme elevation changes the game. 

Because the trail becomes exceptionally steep on the final push to the Weisshorn summit and then down the exposed ridges, standard winter boots will not cut it. You need targeted traction and protection:

• Micro-Spikes (Mandatory Minimum): Even on groomed snow, steep sections become slick and hard-packed from wind and ski traffic. A pair of slip-on rubber-and-chain micro-spikes for your boots will keep you from sliding on the mountain's upper ridges.

• Trekking Poles with Snow Baskets: Useful for maintaining balance on the steep descents and taking the pressure off your knees.

• Sturdy, Waterproof Winter Hiking Boots: Make sure they have a rigid sole to support micro-spikes and good ankle support. 

• Layered Clothing & Wind Protection: The summit is highly exposed. Pack a windproof outer shell, insulated gloves, a warm beanie, and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect against intense alpine snow glare.

Trail Safety: Share the Mountain

Because Arosa is a world-class ski resort, parts of this winter hiking network cross or briefly merge with active ski slopes &/or sledding runs. Parts of the route are therefore mixed-use. 

Always stay alert and keep strictly to one side of the trail to allow downhill skiers and snowboarders plenty of room to pass safely. When crossing active ski runs - particularly on the descents around the reservoir - look up the hill first, move quickly across the designated path, and don't stop to rest in the middle of a ski lane. 

The Journey: Step-by-Step

Phase 1: Walking Among the Stars

The adventure officially begins at Pratschli. Instead of a standard forest climb, you jump directly onto the famed Arosa Planet Trail (Planetenweg). In the winter, the local trail crews groom this path into a beautiful, snow-packed boulevard. 

You will trek past scale models of the planets, where every meter you walk represents a million kilometers in space. The path opens up across sun-drenched alpine meadows as you clear the orbit of the outer planets, reaching the magnificent panoramic lookout at Rot Tritt before linking up with the trail to Scheidegg (2,106m).

Phase 2: The Razor's Edge to the Weisshorn

From Scheidegg, the trees vanish completely, replaced by wide-open snowfields. The air grows noticeably thinner and colder as you march steadily toward the Sattelhutte (2,401m). 

From the hut, the real challenge begins. The final push to the Weisshorn Summit (2,653m) is a thrill-seeker's delight. The trail narrows into a steep alpine gradients. With every step, the wind howls a little louder, and the drop-offs showcase the sheer scale of the Graubunden Alps. Pull out your trekking poles, snap on your micro-spikes, and make the final push...

```

      â– Weisshorn Summit (2,653m) - 360° Alpine Panorama

     / \

    /   \  <-- Thrilling Ridge Climb (Spikes Needed)

   /     \

  /       \__ Sattelhutte (2,401m)

 /           \

/             \__ Scheidegg ”Rot Tritt” Planet Trail (Start)

```

Phase 3: The Roof of Graubunden

Reaching the summit is a moment of pure adrenaline. The Weisshorn is the crown jewel of the Plessur Alps, and on a clear day, offers an unhindered look at more than 400 mountain peaks across Switzerland and neighboring countries. 

From the viewing deck, the snowy peaks feel close enough to touch. Look south to spot the glaciated peaks of the Piz Bernina massif scraping the sky. Scan the surrounding ridgelines to trace the rugged borders toward Davos, Lenzerheide & Chur.

Phase 4: Descending to the Ice Kingdom & the Sleeping Bears

After catching your breath, face the thrilling descent by backtracking down the steep summit ridge to the Sattelhutte, leaning on your poles for stability. 

From the hut, break away from your ascent path and drop southwest into a dramatic, sun-shadowed valley bowl. Ahead lies the Hintere Hutte reservoir, a massive artificial lake that transforms in winter into a stark, perfectly flat sheet of ice, framed by the towering mountain walls. 

As you trek safely around its edges, you will pass the boundary of the Arosa Barenland (Bear Sanctuary). The spectacular elevated adventure walkway is closed for the winter to ensure the tranquil environment necessary for these rescued animals.

Phase 5: The Mythical Schwellisee to the Finish

Leaving the reservoir, descend further to join the quiet trail toward the Schwellisee (1,933m). In winter, this legendary alpine lake sleeps completely frozen beneath the shadow of the mighty, jagged Erzhorn peak.

Your loop closes with a gentle downhill stroll through Innerarosa. Hike past the Bergkirchli, a tiny wooden mountain chapel built in 1492, before navigating back to the bustling village. If you took the local bus at the start, use your saved energy for a relaxing, flat stroll around the frozen banks of the Obersee, ending your epic loop right at the doorstep of the Arosa Train Station. 

Want More? Exploring Arosa’s Winter Trail Network

The Weisshorn Loop is just one gem in a spectacular network. If you have extra days, Arosa offers over 60 km of groomed winter hiking & snowshoeing paths. Keep an eye out for these other official, pink-signposted routes:

• Squirrel Path: Starting from the village, this short, family-friendly trail meanders through snowy pine woods. The local red squirrels are famously trusting - bring raw hazelnuts or walnuts, and they will climb right onto your hand to eat.

• Arlenwald Winter Trail: A beautiful 6 km loop that winds through the quiet, snow-heavy Arlenwald forest before cutting back through the lower ski area.

• Hornli to Innerarosa Path: Take the Hornli-Express cable car up to the Hornli Ridge, then enjoy a stunning, purely downhill 5 km winter hike back to the valley floor. It offers exceptional views of the Urden Valley without the leg-burning ascent.

• Pratschalp Winter Trail: A sunny, high-alpine balcony walk that looks directly down over the cross-country ski tracks of Maran and the historic, frozen Unter Pratschsee lake. 

Fueling the Adventure: Food & Drink Stops

A grueling winter trek requires top-tier alpine fuel. Here's where to stop along the route:

• Summit Treat: 360° Panorama Restaurant Weisshorn. Where: Right at the Weisshorn peak. Vibe: A modern, futuristic glass pavilion designed by architect Tilla Theus.

• Sun Terrace: Sattelhutte. Where: The midpoint junction before/after the summit ridge. Vibe: A rustic, energetic mountain hut with a massive outdoor sun deck.

• Historic Pitstop: Alpenblick. Where: On the descent path through Innerarosa. Vibe: Cozy, traditional Walser-style wooden interiors.

• Lakeside Finale: Cafe am See.  Where: Right across from the train station looking directly over the lake. Vibe: A beloved local bakery, cafe, & confectionery with a magnificent terrace.

This route was hiked by the Author on the 3rd of February 2024. See my other articles for hikes in this area in summer. Contact me by email for photos or to ask questions.