Hike Fextal

The Fex Valley has remained practically untouched by the developments of modernity. There are only three small hotels and some mountain farming here. Instead, there is an impressive mountain landscape, which is flown through by the unspoilt Fexbach stream. The route has hardly any asphalt surface.

The Fedacla (or Fexbach) stream flows freely and unbridled through its wide, green valley. The horizon is formed by high cliffs lined by glaciers (although here, too, they are clearly receding). Larch and Swiss stone pine forests run through the slopes.
The Fex Valley is a scenic treasure, as many other comparable high valleys have been enhanced with facilities for electricity production, mountain railways, hotel and apartment towers. Here, however, time seems to have stood still. A road reserved for agriculture leads from Sils-Maria to Hotel Fex in the middle of the valley. For tourists there are only motor-free possibilities to reach the valley, namely on foot, by bike or by carriage.
Several hiking trails at different altitudes lead into the valley. The charm of this wonderful cultural and natural landscape can be easily explored on a high-altitude hike starting at the Furtschellas cable car station. At the start, a small ascent of a few dozen metres in altitude must be mastered until you reach a ridge of terrain that offers a magnificent view of the Upper Engadine mountain lakes. From here on, the path is mostly narrow and stony and goes down or straight on practically without interruption.
At first you will keep to the signposted mountain path in the direction of Marmorè, then leave the vantage point on the right and take a step into the valley. A short stretch through boulder rubble terrain requires increased attention and surefootedness. Afterwards, however, the trail continues with a great view into the bottom of the Fex valley.
At Curtins you will reach the small valley road and walk a few hundred metres into the valley to Hotel Fex, where the terminus of the horse bus line is located. In a moment, you will leave the asphalt surface behind, cross the Fedacla stream and continue the hike on the other side of the valley. The path is again narrow and leads through mountain forest, past meadows and pastures. Large wooden benches along the path invite you to stop for a while and enjoy the views.
The wooded mountain range southwest of Sils is crossed by numerous footpaths. The official hiking trails are not always clearly signposted here, but that doesn't matter - you will definitely get down to the village. The variant that is marked in the map below offers a number of beautiful views of the Silsersee Lake.