In the paradise of mountain flowers

Flower trail to Val Fex

The Val Fex in the Upper Engadine is a very special mountain flower paradise: Alpine roses, lobelia, gentian and edelweiss... Many of the most famous alpine flora can be admired on the sunny slopes of the Fex Valley. But it is not only botanists who thrive here, but also leisurely hikers like Gian.

Up high in the cable car

«We have both nature and the people to thank for the particular abundance of flowers in the Fex Valley», explains Gian, as the cable car takes us gently up to the Furtschellas middle station. «The Fex Valley has been a nature conservation area since 1954, but even in the 1920s there were heavy fines for stealing plants, regardless of whether it suited the government of Chur or not.»

Sometimes far away, sometimes very close

Gian's flower hike, one of the most beautiful and varied in the Engadin, combines both stunning views of the Engadin lakes and magical glimpses of the alpine flora. The hike starts in Marmorè and leads towards the far end of the Fex Valley. We traverse the sunny, fragrant hillsides above the alpine meadows.

Small beauties, great variety

«Anyone who loves flower hiking needs to give it plenty of time and attention», explains Gian, speaking from experience. «Our alpine flora is rich in small beauties of nature that you only discover if you bend down to look closely. However, after a while, you know where to look.» Gian has launched the Flora Helvetica flower app. He swears by this standard reference when it comes to botany in Switzerland. «The identification key is simple and there is also a great deal of information about the ecology of the species.»

Spring to summer flowers

The Fex Valley lies in the subalpine and alpine zone and stretches from an altitude of 1,800 to 3,000 metres above sea level. You can find both spring and summer flowers within one hike.