High above Samnaun

With the world's largest double-decker cable car, you ascend the first 700 meters to Alp Trider Sattel. From Alptrider Eck, the hiking trail rises to Viderjoch. The ascent to Flimjoch partly runs over large scree and rock blocks. At Flimjoch, a decision awaits: to the summit or not? Anyone who is sure-footed is rewarded after the ascent to Flimspitze (2,929 m) with a 360-degree panoramic view. Back at Flimjoch, the trail first descends past two lakes, then climbs again through meadows to the Mullerbahn. From here, it only goes downhill. Alp Bella is closed in summer. Below the alp begins the wide forest road that descends steeply to Laret.

With the presentation of the Samnaun guest card, you have free rides in 2012 on all facilities of the Samnaun/Ischgl hiking arena. Samnaun is also the only duty-free area in Switzerland. Exclusive brand perfumes, spirits, tobacco products, and much more are available duty-free. In Samnaun, you can pay with euros.

From the Samnaun district of Ravaisch to the starting point of the hike, a marvel of cable car technology takes us. A double-decker gondola lifts 180 people per cabin in 6 minutes to about 2500 m altitude. At the mountain station at Alp Trider Sattel (S), follow the signpost towards Viderjoch (1 ½ hrs). After just a few meters, the wide path turns into a trail that bypasses the mountain ridge. At Alptrider Eck (1), turn right along a trail. Already at the first small saddle, you can overlook the entire Samnaun ski area with all lift facilities. After a moderate ascent, the mountain station of the Viderjoch cable car (2), at the border between Austria and Switzerland, is reached. Turn right and walk on a wide hiking trail towards Flimjoch. The valley of Ischgl is visible. Soon, a rocky path leads down in serpentine turns. The Flimspitze is circumnavigated, and a scree field with large boulders lies ahead. This must be crossed towards Flimjoch. Surefootedness is absolutely necessary for this section of the path. After the scree field, the trail ascends in switchbacks to Flimjoch (3). Here, the border between Austria and Switzerland runs. To the right, a partly somewhat exposed path leads up to Flimspitze (round trip approx. 50 min). Back at the saddle, descend on a narrow, rocky path to the lakes. Both at the saddle and during the descent, you can enjoy the magnificent view. At the lakes, follow the signpost towards Alp Bella 1 ¼ hrs. By now, 400 meters of descent have been completed. With white/red/white markings, the path around the lakes is easy to find. On rocky paths, gently downhill to a stream, then straight ahead towards Alp Bella. Shortly after is a wide scree field to cross. After an ascent, the mountain station of the Mullerbahn (4) at 2506 m is reached. Keep left under the cable car and follow a path along the slope. The last few meters to Alp Bella (2380 m) (5) are on a wide forest road. Alp Bella is only operated in winter. A signpost points the way towards Laret 1 ¼ hrs. After the valley station of the Mullerbahn, a wide forest road begins, leading further downhill. Always towards Laret, accompanied by the rushing mountain stream downhill. Continue on the wide forest road; after a few hairpin bends, the Mülbach is reached. Turn left here, steeply downhill again, for the last meters to the district of Samnaun-Laret at the bus stop on the main road (6).