Short trip to Switzerland, on a long stage. Via the Visnitz Alm and the Visnitz Valley to the green border and into Switzerland. I wonder how the smugglers felt here in the old days? In any case, we can continue on our way with complete peace of mind, eventually arriving back on Tyrolean soil and even later in the stage destination of Ischgl.
Demanding, energy-sapping stage on black mountain paths. This 16-kilometre route takes you along narrow paths and sometimes steep climbs, as well as through bends and saddles. Alpine experience, sure-footedness and a very good level of fitness are required.
From Kappl we follow the signposts for Samnaun, pass the Rotwegkapelle via a few short cuts and mostly on Alpine trail we get to Visnitz Alm at 2250m after around 1 ½ hours. From here the foot path branches off after around 40 minutes and the actual Smugglers route begins. We walk through a wild and romantic, very isolated valley. Almost at the end of Visnitztal we base the lower toll lodge (Jagdhütte) and shortly afterwards the upper toll lodge (signposts for Samnaun). From here a very narrow and steep path heads up to the easterly Visnitzjoch at 2694m. From the easterly Visnitzjoch we descend into Switzerland and get to top of the Alp Bella at 2400m on a path beneath the so-called Mullersattels which runs directly past den Seen, taking us to the Flimjoch.
Difficulty: Difficult Length: 21.00 km Duration: 9.50 h Ascent: 2000 m Descent: 1800 m Highest Point: 2757 m Lowest Point: 1185 m Start: Kappl End: Ischgl
With the railway station in Landeck, the Paznaun is optimally connected to the Austrian train network. From Landeck-Zams station, only a short bus ride separates you from the Paznaun. Every half hour, line bus 260 runs from there through the valley. Bus stop: Kappl Bergbahn
Buses in the Paznaun valley | Region Paznaun – Ischgl
Etappe 3: Schmugglerroute
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