Nationalpark: Zernez – Munt Baselgia – Macunseen – Alp Zeznina – Lavin

Logo Nationalpark: Zernez – Munt Baselgia – Macunseen – Alp Zeznina – Lavin
Logo Nationalpark: Zernez – Munt Baselgia – Macunseen – Alp Zeznina – Lavin
Tour data
22.94km
1,387 - 2,928m
Distance
1,497hm
1,563hm
Ascent
09:45h
 
Duration
Brief description

The hike over Macun is a long and challenging high altitude hike, which is only suitable for athletic, sure-footed trekkers that are not afraid of heights. Anyone who takes on the challenge of this hike is rewarded with an exceptional landscape in the youngest part of the Swiss National Park.

Difficulty
difficult
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Zernez, train station

Route
Zernez (1,471 m)
0.0 km
San Antonius
0.1 km
Zernez (1,474 m)
0.4 km
Reformierte Kirche Zernez
0.6 km
Alp Zeznina Dadaint
17.8 km
Lavin (1,412 m)
22.5 km
Lavin (1,432 m)
22.9 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description
Since 2000, the Swiss National Park has been enriched by the inclusion of the Macun lake district. Situated on a high plateau between Zernez and Lavin, the 23 small lakes align like pearls on a chain. Furthermore, the hike provides an impressive view of Munt Baselgia, unique vegetation on crystalline surface (including the only Swiss occurrence of the Pygmy buttercup) as well as the possibility to experience rock glaciers up close.

The loop at the Macunseen is an optional extension of the tour and takes an additional 50 minutes (not yet included above). However, this can be avoided by taking the direct path towards Lavin. 

Directions
For the athletic hikers who undertake the whole ascent on foot, the trek begins directly at the Zernez train station (1'471m above sea level). From here, there is also the possibility to take a shuttlebus to Plan Sech, thereby saving the first two hours of ascent. Information regarding the bus can be found at http://www.hotelstaziun.ch/macun-shuttle.html➲.

The trek leads to the Kirchhügel in Zernez, from where you can either follow the paved road or the slightly steeper walking trail towards Munt Baselgia. A 700 meter ascent through diverse mountainous forest follows, which has everything to offer from the last barberries at Zernez up to the gnarled stone pines at the forest edge. The main road ends above the tree line near Plan Sech. From here, the trek also begins for those who took the shuttle bus from Zernez. The path winds upwards through avalanche barriers to a beautiful viewpoint (2682m above sea level). The subsequent final climb leads steeply over coarse rubble.

The view from the highest point of Munt Baselgia (2'945m above sea level) compensates for all of the hardship: the view opens onto the wide lake plateau of Macun, the pyramid of Piz Arpiglias, the chain of Piz Macun and the dark stature of Piz Nuna. To the east, the Fuorn Pass can be seen ending in the Italian Ortler massif. In the south, the unmistakable mighty Bernina group can be seen, while the Sarsura glacier is visible in the west.

Once more, the subsequent descent to Fuorcletta da Barcli (2'850m above sea level) requires a degree of sure-footedness and concentration. On the Fuorcletta da Barcli, the route turns northwards through the top of the rocky basin of Macun, where snow can frequently be found even in the middle of summer. The trail then leads past impressive rock glaciers down to the first lakes. The Lai Sura (Upper Lake) is located on the left, the Lai d'Immez (Middle Lake) straight ahead and the Lai da Mezza Glüna (Half-moon Lake) in the north-west. The path leads down to Lai d'Immez with a resting area on the east bank.

Subsequently there are two options:

The route to the north leads directly to Val Zeznina, while the path to the west allows you to visit Lai dal Dragun (Dragon Lake). At the park border, the two paths reunite and the steep and sometimes slippery trail then leads downhill to Alp Zeznina (1958m above sea level). From here, the well-marked hiking trail continues steadily downhill through the forest to Lavin, the destination of the hike (1'412m above sea level).

Alternatively, it is also possible to descend on marked trails to Susch (about 20 minutes of additional hiking time). There are hourly trains from both villages running back to the starting point in Zernez.

Highest point
2,928 m
Endpoint

Lavin, train station

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

Sturdy walking or hiking boots, warm clothing, sun and rain protection, trekking poles as required, and binoculars are recommended.

Safety instructions
The tour was assessed in favourable weather conditions. Before starting the hike, it is crucial to check the current weather conditions and forecasts. This hike requires basic alpine experience, orientation skills, and hiking boots are recommended.

Emergency numbers:

144 Emergency call, first aid

1414 Mountain Rescue REGA

112 International emergency call


Directions
  • From the north: via Landquart - Klosters by car through the Vereinatunnel (Selfranga - Sagliains) or via the Flüelapass to Lower Engadine on the H27
  • From the east: via Landeck / Austria towards St. Moritz on the H27
  • From the South: via Reschen Pass (Nauders-Martina) or Fuorn Pass (Val Müstair-Zernez) on the H27

Zernez is located directly on the Fuorn Pass and on the Engadiner Street H27 (10 minute drive from the Vereina south entrance)

Public transportation
  • By Rhaetian Railway (from Chur, Landquart / Prättigau, Upper Engadine or Scuol) hourly to
  • By Postbus (from Mals and Val Müstair) hourly to

The first 600m ascent from Zernez to Plan Sech can covered by shuttle-taxi if booked in advance (reservation: Macun shuttle +41 79 103 20 20)

Parking

Paid parking is available at Zernez train station


Author

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Overall rating

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General info

Flora
A lot of view
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