A shorter but exceptionally beautiful hike in the Swiss National Park hike that starts off of bus route and goes from Stabelchod up to Margunet and back down to the hotel and restaurant at Il Fuorn. You can make it longer or shorter by changing where you start and stop. My absolute favorite parts were immediately around Margunet but the whole route is incredible.
Startpoint: Stabelchod P8 bus stop (Bus 811 from Zernez)
Endpoint: Il Fuorn bus stop at Hotel Parc Naziunal Il Fuorn (Bus 811)
Details: Approx 8.2 km, +465m / -550m elevation difference
Time: Around 3 hours
Date hiked: 11 June 2023. Best in summer as starts at a relatively high elevation of 1800m – details of trail opening statuses are at the Swiss National Park website. The Il Fuorn hotel/restaurant is also open around May until October.
Map: Google Maps
WAY TO STABELCHOD
The Swiss National Park in Graubünden is (currently) the only national park in Switzerland – it’s around 170 square kilometers of protected area with a large network of hiking trails. This was the second hike that we did in the area and probably one of my favorite hikes I have done in all of Switzerland.
We started at the Stabelchod P8 bus stop off of bus 811 from Zernez – start on the north side of the road and follow the signs that go to “Stabelchod”. If you need them, there are some portable toilets right by the bus stop.
The first part of the hike to Stabelchod goes through a nice pine forest with a ton of informational signs along the way about the plants and animals of the region.
Once you get to Stabelchod, you have the first of many amazing views all around and then begin the ascent up to Margunet.
UP TO MARGUNET
From here you follow the signs that direct you to Margunet, about a little over an hour away. The trail goes up through the trees but it’s not too steep nor difficult. Although it was a weekend we were the only people on this part of the trail. It’s really quiet and we did see some animals (birds, a snake…).
MARGUNET
Once you make it up to Margunet you get 360 degree views of the area – it’s exceptionally beautiful here. It was quite windy at times, and here were finally did see some other people (still not too many). Words and photos don’t do it justice.
Back down to Il Fuorn
After a little time up at Margunet we headed back down to go towards the Il Fuorn bus stop. On the way back you walk along and across a small creek/stream, and it’s still incredibly beautiful.
Once we got back to Il Fuorn we had a quick drink and then took the bus back – would have loved to try the food there but we didn’t have enough time. The hotel is also one of two places where you can sleep in the national park (the other being the Chamonna Cluozza hut). Next time!