Hiking Trail

Madrisa Round Route (2-day Gargellen) – On the trail of the smugglers

Madrisa
Madrisa circular route
Madrisa circular route
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Madrisa circular route
Border crossing Madrisa round route
Descent into the Valzifenztal
Customs hut in the Valzifenztal
Valzifenztal
Madrisa Runtour 2-day overview map

Factbox

Difficulty: schwer
Distance: 21.59 km
Ascent: 1007 m
Descent: 1290 m
Duration: 7.5 h
Deepest point: 1430 m
Highest point: 2602 m
Condition:

Experience:

Landscape:

  • Höhenprofil

    Day 1: Gargellen - Gafierjoch - Rätschenjoch - Madrisa Land

    Day 2: Madrisa Land - Schlappiner Joch - Valzifenztal - Gargellen

    For centuries, lively trade developed between Montafon and Prättigau. Due to the state border, this exchange became illegal, and important goods had to be smuggled between the valleys. Today, the route is open and offers you unique natural experiences and exciting stories.

    The two-day mountain hike around the Madrisa takes you on a journey into the past and leads you into a world full of smuggler stories and mule tracks. Embark on a fascinating route where you cross the Swiss border twice and experience magnificent panoramic views, diverse geology, and rich plant life on the partly historic paths between Austria and Switzerland.

    The journey starts from the mountain station of the Gargellen mountain railways over the Gafierjoch into the Madrisa Land above Klosters. After an overnight stay in the charming Swiss village, you return the next day via the Schlappinerjoch back to Gargellen.

    Note: Please note that a valid travel document must be carried on this tour.

    Choose your desired route and book your package online at www.madrisa-rundtour.com and you will receive discounted mountain railway tickets and our goodie directly at the valley station in Gargellen. You book your desired accommodation yourself directly at one of our partner accommodations and with the password "Madrisa" you get special conditions. Detailed information at www.madrisa-rundtour.com

    Presented by: Montafon
    Author: Andreas Marent

  • Difficulty: schwer
    Condition:

    Experience:

    Landscape:

    		Altitude: 2602 m 1430 m Best season:
    JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
    JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
    Equipment:

    Da sich auf der Tour keine bewirtschafteten Hütten befinden, sollte ausreichend Verpflegung mit genommen werden. Wanderstöcke und Kopfbedeckung (an heißen Tagen) zu empfehlen.
  • Start Talstation Gargellner Bergbahnen
    Coordinates:
    Geogr. 46.957713 N 9.896021 E
    Destination Bergstation Gargellner Bergbahnen

    Waypoints

  • Public transportation:

    Just leave your car behind

    The Montafonbahn regional buses run throughout the Montafon area. The main lines run every half hour from Schruns station.

    Bus stop for start/finish of the route: Gargellen Schafbergbahn / Line 670

    Timetable: www.vmobil.at

    Arrival by train to Montafon

    From Bludenz station the Montafonbahn runs hourly (partly every half hour). There are also direct connections from Lindau (D) and from Bregenz.

    Timetable: www.oebb.at

    Approach:

    Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit and continue on Montafonerstraße L188 to St. Gallenkirch. There, turn right onto Gargellnerstraße and follow it to Gargellen until you reach the Gargellen mountain railways.


    Route Planner

    Park:

    Parking spaces for multi-day routes (free) are located at the entrance to Gargellen near the large sign.

    Note: parking your car overnight is not permitted at the valley station of the Schafbergbahn.