In the high valley of Avers, Walser history, trails to mountain lakes and seasonal winter activities come together. At 2,124 m, Juf is considered the highest village in Europe inhabited year-round. When planning your trip, it is worth noting the different starting points and requirements of the excursions: some trails are described with an approximate duration, while others include distance and elevation gain.
Walser history and historic trails
Walser traditions are still maintained in Avers, and the Walser dialect is still spoken. Walser houses, some more than 400 years old, are scattered throughout the high valley. The Alte Averserstrasse also tells the story of a route through the landscape: this historic road from Juf to the Roffla Gorge is protected by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of GraubĂĽnden. Glacial potholes can be found in the riverbed of the Averserrhein along the Alte Averserstrasse.
Those interested in historic routes can follow a section of the Säumerweg Avers from Innerferrera to Juppa, which follows the historic Averserstrasse. Along the way, it passes bridges, steep gorges, historic Walser houses and peaceful Alpine landscapes. Another section, Innerferrera–Juppa, passes the 14th-century valley church in Cresta. The Alte Averserstrasse and the sections of the Säumerweg thus offer different highlights: the former focuses on the historic road, while the latter also takes in other buildings and stretches of landscape.
Hikes with different kinds of trail information
The marmot nature trail runs from Loretschhus near Avers-Juppa to Alp Bergalga, also known as Olta Stofel, at 2,074 m. The round trip takes about two hours. The trail is suitable for strollers and can also be used by wheelchair users with an aid such as a Swisstrac. There is a barbecue area and a playground at the trailhead.
The circular hike to the Bandseen lakes starts in Avers-Cresta, is 9.3 km long and involves 690 m of ascent and 690 m of descent. The lower Bandsee lake lies at 2,599 m above sea level and the upper one at 2,643 m above sea level; both can be reached from Avers-Cresta. The trail to the upper lake is well marked. By comparison, the marmot nature trail is described mainly in terms of the approximate round-trip duration, while the Bandseen loop specifies distance and elevation change. These details offer different ways to plan your outing.
Another route option is the Juppa–Soglio stage. It climbs gently to Alp Bergalga and continues to the Bergalga Pass. The route crosses a high-Alpine lake landscape between 2,500 and just under 2,800 m above sea level, then crosses the pass into the Bergell. On the Bergalga winter hiking trail, the loop runs from Juppa via Vorder Bergalga and Nüwa Stofel back to Juppa. The trail offers views of Piz Platta, Gletscherhorn, Wengahorn and Grauhörner; chamois, ibex, golden eagles and bearded vultures may be spotted along the way.
Winter trails and winter sports
The classic cross-country ski trail in Avers-Juf is about 4 km long. It starts in the village of Avers-Juf, runs to Jufer Alp and back. Trail grooming depends on conditions. Avers-Juppa has a natural ice rink at an altitude of 2,000 m. It is a seasonal facility; check whether it is currently open before visiting.
In the Avers ski area, gentle slopes alternate with more challenging runs. Children can make their first turns at the pony lift, while night skiing is available on the Cawetta lift. Both are seasonal winter activities. Check the current winter program before your trip. The ski route from Juf to Mingalunhorn presents a different challenge: it requires good fitness, careful preparation and technical mountaineering skills. The route offers views of the Avers high valley, Madris, the Albula Valley and the Bergell.
Getting there and planning your visit
Juf is accessible by PostBus. The annual Andeer–Juf cycling race is a recurring event; check the dates of the current edition before your trip. When planning excursions, note the starting point for each one: the Bandseen loop starts in Avers-Cresta, the marmot nature trail in Avers-Juppa, and the cross-country ski trail in Avers-Juf. This makes it easier to plan your stay around the specific trails and seasonal activities you choose without confusing different places or activities.
Discover more destinations: Hinterrhein, SplĂĽgen, Pignia, Urmein, Tartar, Flerden, Zillis, Sils Im Domleschg.
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