This hike to two gorgeous alpine lakes is maybe the best autumn hike in Switzerland. In late October, the golden larch trees turn bright yellow and light up this mountain landscape like magic.
If you reserve a spot on the valley shuttle, you can ride up the valley and do a short hike to both lakes. Without the shuttle, it’s a much longer hike up the beautiful forested valley to reach the lakes, taking the full day.
Keep reading for hiking details for Val da Camp.
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Region: | Poschiavo, Graubünden, southeastern Switzerland |
Car: | Parking at Sfazù – 46°23’25.6″N 10°04’43.1″E From St Moritz 35 mins • Zürich 3hr15 |
Transit: | Bus stop: Sfazù, Fermata From St Moritz 50 mins • Zürich 3hr50 |
Trail: | with shuttle: 5.6 km loop, about 3h without shuttle: long 15.2 km loop, about 5hr30 |
Elevation: | highest point 2280m |
Technical skill: | moderate, narrow lumpy dirt footpath (no strollers) |
Stamina: | moderate (3/5), 660m up/down |
Services: | restaurants near Lake Saoseo |
Cost: | free except for parking fee |
Open: | June to mid-October, weather dependent |
More info: | www.valposchiavo.ch • webcams • weather |
Gallery
Hike overview
This map shows the Val da Camp points of interest and trail options.
The two shorter trails (A & B) use the private shuttle to ride to Ristoro Alpe Campe mountain hut (#2) and start hiking there. The longer trail (C) does not use the shuttle, instead starts directly at the parking and regular bus stop (1).
Trail A: Easiest trail to both lakes
This trail starts at the mountain hut and hikes directly to Lake Saoseo, about 20 mins. For the shortest day, you can simply spend your time wandering around the lake and enjoying a picnic here.
If you want to hike to Lake Viola, you can hike on the relatively easy path that leads directly to Lake Viola in about 40 mins. Return the way you came to the hut.
Round trip to both lakes: easy • 2h • 4km • 130m up & down
See trail map on Komoot
Trail B: Short loop to both lakes
This trail also starts at the mountain hut and hikes first to Lake Saoseo. Then it continues on a steep rocky trail up the mountain to a spectacular viewpoint above Lake Viola. Then down to the lakeshore and eventually down to the hut on a wider, milder path through the forest.
Loop to both lakes: moderate • 2h45 • 5.6 km loop • 250m up & down
See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
We usually do this hike counterclockwise, so we ascend on the more difficult trail in the forest and descend with a view of Lake Viola.
Trail C: Long loop through full valley
The trail skips the shuttle and, instead, starts directly at the main road in Sfazù. The trail ascends the long valley, dipping in and out of the forest.
At the far end of the loop, it visits both Lake Saoseo and Lake Viola. On the way back, it passes by the mountain hut and hikes down the valley on the road.
Full valley loop: moderate • 5h30 • 15.2 km loop • 660m up & down
See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • AllTrails • OutdoorActive
The path up the valley is mostly a dirt footpath with uneven terrain. On the way back, after the hut, you walk on the road, which has more open views than the footpath on the other side of the valley.
We hiked this trail counterclockwise, starting in the shade on the southern side and ending in the sun on the northern side, which I think is the preferred direction.
Shuttle bus to shorter hikes
From end of May through middle of October, a small shuttle bus runs from Sfazù up the valley to Ristoro Alple Campe mountain hut. From the hut, it’s a just 20 min walk to Lake Saoseo and another 40 mins up to Lake Viola.
The shuttle bus picks up next to the regular bus stop in Sfazù, just past the hotel as shown below.
From June to third weekend of September, the shuttle runs seven times a day in both directions. Then it only runs three times a day in both directions. Check the current schedule.
You must reserve a seat on this bus in advance, at least one hour before departure but better a few days in advance. The bus only has about 20 spots so it can sell out quickly. Call +41 81 844 10 42 to reserve. The office is open Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00 / 13:00-17:00.
You can also buy a one way ticket. On our last visit, we chose to only ride the shuttle up to the trail and hike all the way back. This gave us more flexibility so we didn’t have to worry about hurrying back to meet our shuttle time.
In 2024, a round trip ticket costs CHF 18/adult and CHF 9/child. No discounts for Swiss travel cards. When reserving, you choosing a specific time slot for both directions.
How to get there
This hike is located in southeastern Switzerland, south of St Moritz near Poschiavo. This area is accessible by car and bus. No cable car necessary.
The parking and bus stop are in Sfazù. From here, you can catch the private shuttle (reservation required) up to the mountain hut for the shorter hike. Or you can start the long hike directly from Sfazù bus stop and parking.
By public transport
Take a train to Samedan, then a bus to Sfazù, Fermata. This bus runs from beginning of June through late October.
It only runs a few times a day so check the schedule carefully including the return bus schedule.
By car
Drive to Sfazù (46°23’25.6″N 10°04’43.1″E) . There is a metered parking lot just on the north side of town.
This parking fills up quickly. We went on a Wed in late October and we got one of the last spots around 10:00 in the morning. On busy days, they open a nearby overflow lot and the staff will direct you there as needed.
Shuttle to hut
If you are riding the shuttle, it picks up near the Sfazù, Fermata bus stop, just south of the hotel. The shuttle drops you at Ristoro Alpe Campo.
Planning your day
Costs
If you taking the shuttle, a round trip ticket costs CHF 16/adult and CHF 8/child, no discounts for Swiss travel cards.
If you drove, you’ll need to pay for parking, about CHF 8 for the day.
Where to eat
Next to the Val da Camp bus stop, there is a mountain hut Alpe Campo with a restaurant, about a 20 min walk from Lake Saoseo. Near the hut, there is a small picnic area with tables. A bit further down the road is Rigugio Saoseo, which also has a restaurant.
What to wear
Check the forecast and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. If there is a chance of rain or clouds, bring warm and waterproof layers in case the weather changes quickly. Bring a sun hat and wear sunscreen.
Most of this trail is a narrow dirt footpath with uneven terrain. I suggest you wear hiking shoes with good tread, preferably ankle boots for support, and bring hiking sticks for balance.
What to bring
Bring 1-2 liters of water per person and enough food to sustain you through the hike. You can optionally stop for refreshments at the huts near Lake Saoseo.
Photo story of the trail
Here is the parking at Sfazù.
You pay the parking fee in cash to the man with the dog.
The trail starts on the road behind this restaurant.
When we were there in Oct 2021, there was a short detour around some construction. Just pay attention to the signs.
Follow signs to Tarzana, which will eventually lead you to Lake Saoseo.
Here we leave the road and head off onto a dirt path.
Hiking into the forest.
Then joining a road that leads to a few farms.
Passing through Tarzana.
The trees were so perfect.
Passing a small pretty pond, just a teaser of what’s to come.
Now follow signs to Lagh da Saoseo.
The terrain is uneven but not particularly difficult.
Lake Saoseo
Here’s your first look at Lake Saoseo. When we were there in late October, half of the lake was slightly frozen.
Such amazing reflections on the blue water.
View from the opposite of the lake.
Hike up to Lake Viola
Now leave the lake and head to Lagh da Val Viola. The trail to your right is shorter and easier, about 30 mins. We took the trail to the left, which hikes up the mountain then down the lake. Then we looped back on the easier trail.
Lumpy trail up the mountain.
View down the valley.
View up the trail, almost to the highest point.
Now traversing over to the lake.
Close to the lake, the trail narrows, with some steep slopes to the side. Normally this wouldn’t be a big problem. But there was slippery ice when we were there. So it was a little tricky to walk on and around it.
Lake Viola
Arriving at Lagh da Viola, a gorgeous lake with a different character than Saoseo. Definitely worth it to visit both lakes.
We were lucky to have a calm sunny day, perfect to capture reflections.
Lots of mountain peaks surrounding the lake.
Before you get to the water, the trail heads back up into the hills. Don’t worry, you’ll get to the water soon.
A beautiful section through the forest, the floor covered in larch needles.
Now we reach the water’s edge.
This lakeshore is a great place for a picnic.
More mountain views from this side of the lake.
Can you think of prettier place?
Looking away from the water.
Hike down to Camp
After you’ve enjoyed the lake, hike down the mountain, following signs to Camp.
The trail continues through the forest.
So much yellow!
The trail is pretty easy on this side, but still a little lumpy.
Still very pretty inside the forest with this golden larches.
View of another valley.
Arriving at Camp, where you’ll find the mountain hut Alpe Campo with a restaurant. Near the hut, there is a small picnic area with tables. The bus shuttle picks up here, but you must have a reservation.
View from the restaurant terrace.
Road back to Sfazù
Now walk on the road back down to Sfazù.
You’ll pass Rigugio Saoseo, which also has a restaurant.
We were hiking quite late in the afternoon, so we got really beautiful light on the trees.
Looking across the valley to where we hiked up earlier in the day.
Let’s enjoy just a few more pretty pics before we finish.
The sun has set behind the mountains and we’re almost done with the hike.
I hope you have a chance to do this hike next fall!
2 Responses
The PostAuto from Sfazù to Alp Camp can now also be booked online (up to one hour before departure, free of charge): http://www.postbus.ch/90.703
Special fares apply, General Abonnement and Halb Tax are not valid. CHF12 one way for adults, CHF6 one way for children, children under 6 travel free (but you must still reserve a seat for them).
Tickets can be bought directly with the driver, cash or Twint, credit cards not accepted.
See also: https://www.postauto.ch/en/travel-and-services/travel-advice-and-reservations/mandatory-reservations/r-v (Look for “Sfazù”).
Thanks for this very helpful update! Can’t wait for my next visit to this gorgeous place.