Swiss National Parc: S-charl – Mot Tavrü (Return Route)

During the hike on Mot Tavrü, the differences between the landscape inside and outside the national park border can be observed particularly well. The trail leads through Val Tavrü, over the traditionally cultivated Alp Tavrü, up to the summit at the national park border. This offers impressive views into the wild, inaccessible Val Foraz, where, with a bit of luck, a pair of bearded vultures and countless red deer can be seen.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Swiss National Park, not even on a leash. Further information on this and all protection regulations can be found at www.nationalpark.ch/en/visit/hiking/protection-regulations/. 

A visit to the Museum Schmelzra with its bear exhibition is very rewarding. The experience-oriented exhibition gives an insight into the past, the way of life, the biology and the return of the brown bears. It is especially suitable for children. https://www.nationalpark.ch/en/visit/schmelzra-museum/bear-exhibition/

On the adjacent bear discovery trail, 9 interactive stations captivate young and old and provide practical tips on how to behave in a bear area. https://www.nationalpark.ch/en/visit/educational-trails/bear-discovery-trail/ 

The hike starts at the post bus stop S-charl (1790 m a.s.l.) or at the car park in front of the village, for which a fee is charged. It passes the Schmelzra Museum right at the beginning, where, in addition to the ruins of former mining buildings, there is also the Mining and Bear Museum, which is worth a visit before or after the hike.At the Schmelzra level, the trail crosses the Clemgia valley river, and leads across the delta of the stream from the Val Tavrü. The path leads through a larch and pine forest up to Alp Tavrü. After the alp, the signposted trail climbs quite steeply to the Mot Tavrü rest area (2315 m a.s.l.). From here, red deer herds can be observed in the Val Foraz and at Mot Foraz. It is therefore worth carrying a telescope on this tour.After the rest area, the trail continues for another ten minutes to the summit of Mot Tavrü (2420 m a.s.l.), and then on the same route as the ascent back to the starting point in S-charl.