High up to Furtschellas

«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 Chur government or not.»

Distant and close-up views

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 slopes above the alpine meadows.

Large variety of small beauties

«Anyone who loves flower hiking needs to give it plenty of time and attention», explains Gian, speaking from experience. «Our alpine flora is abound with 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.

Follow the sun

You need to have blue skies to go flower hiking. «The flowers only open if the sun is shining», explains Gian. «But please look only with your eyes and from the path. Never pick the flowers. Anyone who wants to pick a bunch of alpine flowers can do this on the meadows in the Fex Valley and in Sils.» We soon see the scattered houses of Fex Platta below us. It's not much further now until we reach Vanchera before we head back to Sils. «Have I promised too much? Has nature not been generous enough?» asks Gian as way of goodbye.

Gian's tips

• Early in the morning
  «Set off hiking early while the dew is still on the ground. When the dew evaporates, the flowers are particularly fragrant.»
• May and June
  «In May, the flowers on the Chastè peninsular are particularly splendid. In June, they are best on the Via Engiadina trail.»
• Meadow flowers
  «You can pick flowers in our meadows until mid-July in the Fex Valley and until the end of July in Sils.»