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Description
Those visiting the Swiss National Park primarily for birdwatching will prefer the area around Munt la Schera (see the corresponding entryon Birdingplaces): the east–west orientation of the Ofen Pass favors the thermals needed by the park’s large birds of prey, and for birdwatchers, the special high-altitude habitats (sparse scrub, short grasslands, and rocky fields) are also easier to reach there.
Val Cluozza, by contrast, is remarkable for its remoteness and its distance from the noise of motorbikes on the Ofen Pass. The trail is well frequented by hikers who spend the night at Chamanna Cluozza, a hut run by the National Park and the only place where one can spend the night in the park, apart from the Ofen Pass Hotel. The trail’s forested and shrub-covered slopes are rich in birdlife, though comparatively low in species diversity.
The typical woodland inhabitants of alpine coniferous forests - sýkora lužní, sýkora parukářka, and křivka obecná - are everywhere here, often in large numbers. Most striking and unmistakable is the park’s emblematic bird, the Ořešník kropenatý. Among the somewhat less common species, čečetka tmavá and datlík tříprstý are noteworthy. The latter does not occur in high densities, but if you are lucky enough to encounter one, this fearless bird offers excellent viewing opportunities. Above the treeline, on both sides of the valley (Fops and Murtersattel/Fuorcla da Murter), pěnice pokřovní and, with a bit of luck, zvonohlík citronový may be observed. Down in the gorge, can often be seen hunting on the wing.
In suitable spots, especially where thermal updrafts develop, the orel skalní may also be spotted. A rarer but still regular sight is the reintroduced orlosup bradatý.
Details
Access
The Chamanna Cluozza hut is open from early June to mid-October. All routes are closed from mid-November through May. The hut has no showers and no internet; overnight stays include half-board. Early booking is recommended, Saturday nights are usually fully booked.
The trail from Zernez to the Chamanna (a total of about 600 meters elevation gain) is well signposted from the Zernez train station (3). The north-facing section is fairly steep and requires some stamina. In Val Cluozza, there are two or three slightly exposed spots that demand a minimum of attention. Overall, though, the route is an easy mountain hike (T2 on the Swiss Alpine Club SAC scale). On hot days, the midday hours are best avoided. Alternatively, the trail over the Murtersattel/Fuorcla da Murter can be taken from the P3 bus stop on the Ofen Pass; this option involves about 900 meters of ascent.
In the National Park, leaving the marked trails is strictly forbidden—cooling your feet in the river is not allowed either.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Canyon/cliff , Plateau , Valley , RiverConditions
Mountainous , DryCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Besides birds, ungulates are the main attraction: chamois and red deer are most often seen grazing on the meadows above the treeline in the morning and evening. From Chamanna Cluozza, they can even be observed through a spotting scope installed at the hut. Ibex are also possible with some luck. The park’s only wolf pack, however, was exterminated in 2025 at the urging of local farmers from Zernez, against the will of the National Park.