National Park: Val Spöl

A rarely undertaken and therefore quiet hike through a cozy spruce-larch-pine forest with magnificent individual trees, mostly near the Spöls stream. Along the route, diverse birdlife can be observed. If lucky, one might spot a dipper diving. The place name «Charbunera» indicates that charcoal was produced here before the national park was founded.

Note: Carrying dogs is not allowed in the Swiss National Park, not even on a leash. Further information and all protection regulations can be found at nationalpark.ch/schutzbestimmungen.

From Charbunera, the hike can also be extended over Alp la Schera (see route «Alp la Schera»).

The hike starts at Parking Lot 3 and the PostBus stop «Vallun Chafuol (P3)» (1766 m above sea level) on the Ofenpass road. The path descends to the bridge over the Ova Spin compensation basin and then ascends on the other side to the clearing Plan Praspöl (1690 m above sea level). From there, the route turns south. For a long time, it goes up and down on a narrow trail through a spruce-larch-pine forest, constantly accompanied by ever new views of the Spöls river course. After crossing the stream from Val da la Föglia, the clearing Plan da l’Acqua Suot follows, where you might be lucky enough to observe red deer grazing. At Punt Periv, the path switches to the other side of the Spöls and then ascends northwards. Soon a junction follows (1720 m above sea level), where as an alternative the path to Punt dal Gall (dam of the Livigno reservoir) can be chosen. From Punt dal Gall, Silvestri Bus runs back from Livigno to Zernez (Swiss tickets valid). Without the variant, the path continues northwards, through the La Schera forest, to the charcoal place (Charbunera), a small saddle between Munt la Schera and the small Piz la Schera. At this spot, wood piles were formerly stacked and charcoal produced. At the following junction, the path leads further northeast and leaves the Spöls valley. Instead, the Ova dal Fuorn accompanies the hikers with its rushing sound. Soon the destination of the hike, the customs house at Punt la Drossa with the eponymous PostBus stop (1704 m above sea level), becomes visible.