The excursion from Murtel (Silvaplana) to the Chamanna Coaz, in the upper Val Roseg, via Fuorcla Surlej, is one of the most fascinating itineraries in Engadine, as it takes place, almost entirely, in the presence of the Bernina, Piz Roseg, the Piz Scerscen and their glaciers, which dominate the upper Val Roseg. It is a trek at high altitude, which requires a fair amount of physical effort.
Trekking, Engadine, Switzerland: from Murtel (Silvaplana) to Chamanna Coaz, via Fuorcla Surlej
If you've never been to Fuorcla Surlej, you can't say you really know Engadine, says my hiking guide "44 steps - Itineraries for families in Engadine" by Andrea and Luca Merisio. So we went to explore the area on Sunday 19 July 2020. The image below is enough to make you understand that the guide is right.
The itinerary described below takes place on a well-marked path, and without particular technical difficulties, but it should not be underestimated. First of all, the route plans to cover a distance of about 17 km, round trip (see track map below). Therefore, it is a rather long itinerary, even if with modest gradients. Secondly, everything takes place in a high mountain environment, between about 2500 and 2800 meters. Therefore, choose a day with favorable and safe weather conditions.
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On the other hand, we returned, legs on shoulders, to Forca Surlej, and to Murtel just in time to take the last cable car at 5.25pm. We took 2h and 15 minutes (1h and 50 at Fuorcla, 25 minutes more for Murtel), instead of the 3 hours indicated by the guides and signs. To rest after the trip, we lay down on the grass in front of the Silvaplana Kitesurf Center, enjoying the pleasant breeze and the warm afternoon light of what will remain for us a magnificent and very long summer day.
Grüezi Mitenand! Fabio Muriano.
P.S. Grüezi ("I greet you"), or Grüezi Mitenand ("I greet everyone", when you meet several people) are the words used in Swiss German to greet other hikers met on the path in Engadin, and in other areas of German speaking Switzerland. It is the contraction in Swiss German of the German "Grüß dich " i.e. "I greet you", while "mitenand" stands for "miteinender" or "together". Greeting the locals in their language is a gesture of cordiality.
Click here for the complete itinerary slidegallery.
Read also the article on the excursion to Cavloc lake, and the one about Blaunca and Grevasalvas trekking.
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The video shot during the trekking