749 Suspension Bridge Path Val Meltger

Lantsch/Lenz is located on a sunny terrace above the Albula Valley. Attractions in the village include the three churches, among them the parish church of St. Antonius of Padua in the middle of the village and on the hiking trail. Through the alleys, it goes down to the road crossing at the La Tgoma restaurant. The settlement gradually remains behind and the paved road soon turns into a natural path. Here begins the steep ascent through light mountain forest and up to the Val Meltger suspension bridge. It was built in 2005 after the old bridge was repeatedly swept away by avalanches. That should no longer happen: it spans the deep gorge at a height of 12 meters. From the bridge, one has impressive views into the wild ravine and the surrounding slopes, towards Savognin, the Julier Pass, and into the Engadin.

After crossing, a narrow path leads further towards Vasternos. The landscape opens up, the remote Alpine hut marks the transition into quieter terrain. A forest road gently descends before the path ascends again at a fork. It crosses the mostly dry mountain stream at Runcalatsch, where a short glance into the rocky stream bed is worthwhile. Then the route continuously leads downhill back to the starting point in the village.

The hike combines different landscapes: narrow forest paths, open alpine meadows, and a spectacular gorge crossing. Characteristic are the contrasts between the quiet sections and the exposed passages on the bridge. Historical buildings or tourist infrastructure are largely missing, which emphasizes the natural character of the route. The elevation differences require good basic fitness but reward with varied perspectives and an intense nature experience.