Weisstannen - Elm

Nathalie and Roman with Indira (from 23.08./24.08.19):

2-day hike

My brother and I are setting out on the 3 stage of the Via Alpina. We start in Weisstannen Oberdorf, where the 2 stage ends. The route leads first in the shade along the nature trail of the ibexes and always along the beautiful Seez (dogs must be kept on a leash on the nature trail). Up to the Alp Siez the path has some slight gradients, but these are easily manageable. We stop at the Restaurant Siez and are greeted by the people and the farm dog. We let it go us again really well. Afterwards we start in direction Foopass. Up to the alp Walabütz the route runs on a well developed path (also accessible by car). There you have the possibility to stop again. After the beautiful Mattbach Falls, the steep ascent begins. The path is stony and uneven but well developed. Again and again beautiful brooks and springs cross the path, where dog and master can refresh themselves. We stop every now and then to have a look back to Alp Walabütz and simply enjoy the panorama. Up to Fooalp the path becomes narrower and narrower, but with good surefootedness it is no problem even with dogs and the exposed areas are well secured. Up at the Fooalp there are cattle, but they do not show much interest in us. After crossing the bigger creek, which also invites for a swim, we take a short rest, our legs feel like lead after the ascent. From here on we go over open alpine pastures and the route consists of paths from the cows. For Indira I am more like a block at the end of the line, because she only smells the tracks of the marmots, which doesn't really make it easier for me to get ahead :-D. Meanwhile it's already after 5 o'clock and we decided to set up our camp for the night a bit below the Foopass. Shortly after that the rain starts, but fortunately it doesn't last long. During dinner we enjoy the indescribable panorama, the rainbow that accompanies the sunset and in the distance you can still hear the cow bells. With a little luck, you can still see ibex and chamois. Marmots swarm around, but they also retreat from time to time. The temperatures at night are pleasantly mild and the sky is clear. Shortly after 6 o'clock we got up and broke up the tents after breakfast. At the top of the Foopass you can see on both sides again the almost endless breathtaking alpine landscape. Now we drive up to Raminer Matt again on footpaths and past grazing cows, but they don't show any interest in us either. Also at the Raminer Matt / Besenbeiz the owners are friendly and talkative. Indira, who usually likes to be a bitch, quickly becomes friends with the farm dog. From here the path is wide again, and well developed down to the valley. Arrived down at the bus station, it goes again with public transport / car home. In the middle of Sept. is in many places Alpabzug. For those who prefer to avoid grazing cows, there are no more obstacles to a beautiful autumn hike.

The stage could also be done as a day hike. I count it as one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever experienced.