Hiking to Chamanna Cluozza from Zernez

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Overview

  • Starting Point: Parking lot at the edge of Zernez towards Fuorn Pass (Elevation: 1,500m)
  • End Point: Chamanna Cluozza (Elevation: 1,900m)
  • Lowest Point: River crossing at 1,850m
  • Highest Point: Ridge at 2,100m
  • Total Elevation Gain: Approx. 900m (600m initial climb + 50m to Chamanna + 250m on the return)
  • Distance: Approx. 10 km (round trip)
  • Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 hours (including breaks)
  • Difficulty: Moderate – steep ascent initially, followed by a gentle descent
  • Best Season: Summer to early autumn

The Journey

Zernez is in the middle of nowhere—or at least it feels that way. For 30 km in every direction, there's nothing but untouched nature. While this might not seem vast to Americans, in Europe, it gives the impression of a wilderness as remote as a desert. The closest "city" is St. Moritz, about half an hour away, making Zernez a perfect escape for those who want to get lost in nature.

Zernez is also the gateway to the Swiss National Park, a unique place where nature is left to take its course without human intervention. Unlike other parks where trails and landscapes are meticulously maintained, here, the environment is wild and raw, offering a rare glimpse of nature in its purest form. In short, it's absolutely worth a visit!

Adding to the charm, the locals speak Romansh, a language that, to me as an Italian, sounds like a child’s version of my native tongue—funny eheh. But don’t worry, almost everyone in the valley speaks near-perfect German and Italian, so communication is never an issue.

The Hike

The adventure begins at a parking lot on the outskirts of Zernez, near the road leading to Fuorn Pass. The goal: reach Chamanna Cluozza, a cozy mountain hut nestled in the Swiss National Park (or as the signs say, Parc Naziunel).

The first section follows a paved road for a short distance before veering into the forest. The trail immediately starts climbing steeply in a series of zigzags up the ridge in front of Zernez. The ascent is tough but rewarding. 

Around 2,000m, there is a trail junction. Both paths lead to Chamanna Cluozza, but taking the right-hand path is recommended as it passes a spectacular panoramic viewpoint—definitely worth the extra effort. After about 1 hour and 20–30 minutes, you reach a clearing at 2,050m, where a small chalet offers a stunning overlook of Zernez. Below its cute clock tower make for very nice pictures.



After passing the chalet, the trail climbs a little more to 2,100m, before crossing over the ridge and revealing a lush, secluded valley on the other side. The landscape here feels almost prehistoric, a pristine world untouched by civilization. Despite hiking in August, I was surprised by how few people were around—adding to the sense of remoteness.


From this high point, the trail gently descends through the forest for about 3 km until it reaches the river at 1,850m. Crossing the river marks the final stretch of the journey—just a 15-minute climb and a 50m elevation gain to reach Chamanna Cluozza at 1,900m.

Chamanna Cluozza: A Hidden Alpine Retreat

The hut itself is a charming wooden structure that feels as remote as the surrounding wilderness. Inside, hikers can enjoy delicious homemade cakes and traditional Swiss hut treats—well-earned after the hike!

After a well-deserved break and a sandwich, we retraced our steps back to Zernez, following the same scenic route. The return journey requires an additional 250m of elevation gain as you climb back up the ridge before descending to Zernez.

Final Thoughts

This hike is a perfect mix of challenge and reward, offering breathtaking views, a taste of true wilderness, and the warm hospitality of a Swiss mountain hut. If you're looking for an immersive nature experience in the heart of the Swiss National Park, Chamanna Cluozza is a must-visit destination!

Location: 7530 Zernez, Switzerland

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