"Mutterkuh frei" - Nurseras Loop Trail

We now follow the old ore trail, which reminds us of the rich mining history of the Ferrera Valley—it’s no coincidence that the valley was once called “Eisental” (Ice Valley). Passing the former tunnel, prospecting sites, and a small iron deposit (the “Gruoba”), we hike through the Val Nursera toward the Alp Nurseras. This ascent—530 meters of elevation gain over 1.5 kilometers—is quite challenging, but it rewards us with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Once we reach Alp Nursera, goats and cattle graze there during the summer months.

After Alp Nursera, the trail climbs briefly once more and leads toward the Suretta Valley at an elevation of about 2,000 meters above sea level. We hike across rugged terrain and enjoy the fantastic views back toward Piz Grisch and across to the Teurihorn. After a short descent to Schwarzwaldalp and another ascent of about 200 meters in elevation, we have crossed the Suretta Valley. If you’re lucky, you might spot the rare, protected silver thistle along the trail.

Now the descent to Ausserferrera begins. In a truly enchanting setting above the valley stands an ancient Romanesque chapel in Cresta (1,660 m above sea level)—the oldest church in the valley. We descend to Ausserferrera first along a footpath, then along a road.

The route is designated “cattle-free”—you won’t have to cross any pastures with herds of cows, which makes hiking particularly pleasant for families with children or anyone who prefers to avoid encounters with cattle. PLEASE NOTE: Near Punt Muttala, you’ll cross a pasture with young cattle; the Nurseras alp is grazed by goats and sheep, but there are no livestock guard dogs on site.

From Ausserferrera, we hike along the rushing Ragn da Ferrera (the “Ferrera Rhine”) back to Innerferrera, thus completing the loop.