From Stels to St.Antönien via the High Moors

Saturday July 9, 2016 -- The hills in the Prättigau region of Switzerland (near the border to Austria) are full of soft moor (peat bog) landscapes including a very pretty lake called the Stelsersee (left-over from glacial retreat) which, according to the owners of the wonderful country inn where we overnighted, is the highest located water-lily lake in Europe.

We had never before hiked in this region and wanted to see the peat-bog landscape, but unfortunately we had all kinds of not-so-ideal conditions for this weekend which had promised sunny weather with few clouds. First a canceled train made us have to rethink our weekend plan, then thick clouds and heavy humid air filled with horseflies greeted our arrival, and our trail was muddy and wet, most likely due to the rain that never gives the land a chance to dry out.

But the little water-lily lake was pretty, and the walk through the moors (total 10km) was interesting just the same, and the clouds finally lifted at the end of the day when we had to catch the bus back to the hotel/Gasthaus. The hotel was the most successful part of the day: comfortable and quiet and right next to the railway line.

Oh, and the van-bus rides up into these hills is always the best experience in themselves! I am always fascinated how the vehicles maneuver to get past each other on the tightly winding roads, only wide enough for one vehicle!

First a great winding bus ride to Gasthaus Mottis, then a 10km hike that took us 4 hours.

On the way up to our starting point by Van-Bus on the narrow single-lane winding roads

Before starting the hike, we ate a great home-cooked meal at the Gasthaus Mottis in Stels.

The trail from Mottis to the Peat Bog Lake was very wet and muddy but lush with vegetation.

The trail from Mottis to the Peat Bog Lake was very wet and muddy but lush with vegetation.

The little Peat Bog Lake (Stelsersee) with its lovely water lilies was pretty despite the humid weather.

According to our Hotel Owners, this is the highest Water-Lily pond in Europe.

The Stelsersee Water-Lily Pond is a left-over from glacier melt.

From the waterlily pond, we have another big uphill hike to do.

From the waterlily pond, we have another big uphill hike to do.

Reaching the highest point of our hike means we need to celebrate with a Selfie.

The trail through the high-altitude bogs is well-prepared for walking and protection of the landscape.

The high-altitude peat bogs have their own unique flora and bushy grasses (I'm not sitting, it's too wet)

Heading down to our destination of St.Antönien from where we will catch the bus to the valley for an overnight in this area.

Our destination: St.Antönien from where we will catch the bus to the valley for an overnight in this area.

The clouds have finally lifted and we have the promised blue skies as we descend by bus AFTER the hike!

Our hotel (Gasthof Sommerfeld) was a good experience at least. Quiet and nice location near the railway line.

This guy was at least 5 cm long (Stag Beetle).