Val Trupchun, in the Swiss National Park, from S-chanf

What it is

The Val Trupchun is a side valley of the Swiss National Park, the oldest nature park in the Alps, entered from S-chanf, in the Upper Engadine. It is one of the best places in the park to see wildlife: chamois and red deer on the slopes, marmots beside the path and, at the head of the valley, groups of ibex on the scree. There is no hunting here, no logging, and the animals are used to seeing people on the trail, so they let you watch them from a distance.

The route step by step

1. Start at the Prasüras car park (1,677 m), on the edge of S-chanf. You can drive this far; beyond this point traffic is forbidden.
2. The valley floor: the path climbs beside the river, through forest, past the Varusch area. You soon enter the national park.
3. The head of the valley: the forest opens into meadows and stony slopes. Here you start to see animals: stop and look with binoculars.
4. Alp Trupchun (2,042 m): the rest area, with drinking-water fountains, in a bowl of mountains. It is the best spot to look for ibex and deer.
5. Return: along the same valley or along the other bank of the river back to Prasüras.

The round trip from S-chanf is about 14 km, with around 500 m of ascent and about 4 hours' walking, not counting stops, which here are long. It is a mountain path with no technical difficulty, well marked with the park's signs. For stronger walkers, route 02 continues to the Fuorcla Trupchun, the pass at the head of the valley.

Park rules

The Swiss National Park is a strict nature reserve, with strict rules: you may not leave the marked paths, bring dogs, even on a lead, pick plants or stones, light fires or camp. Cycling on the trail is not allowed either. The park rangers make sure the rules are kept.

Season and guided excursions

The walking season runs from June to October, depending on the snow. In 2026 the park organised guided excursions to the Val Trupchun on Thursdays, from 18 June to 22 October, with advance booking. They are a good way to learn where and how to look.

Late September is the rutting season, when the stags bellow on the slopes: it is the busiest time of year in the valley.

Getting there

By car to the Prasüras car park, in S-chanf; check on arrival whether it is paid. By public transport, the little Express Parc Naziunel train and the Engadin Bus buses reach Prasüras from S-chanf; check their timetable, which is separate. S-chanf is reached by the Rhätische Bahn train through the Engadine.

Water, food and what to bring

Bring food: if the alp hut is closed there is nowhere to buy anything. At Alp Trupchun there are drinking-water fountains, but carry your own water. Binoculars are essential; a spotting scope, if you have one. Mountain footwear and warm clothing: at 2,000 m the weather changes quickly.

With children

For children who can walk well for a few hours, it is the Engadine outing they will enjoy most: seeing real ibex and marmots. For the youngest, the first stretch along the valley floor is already interesting. If it rains or fog closes in, the animals hide and it is best to turn back.