Hike to the idyllic high valley Val Frisal

The Val Frisal, with its wide alluvial plain, is considered one of the most beautiful high valleys in Switzerland. Surrounded by striking three-thousand-meter peaks and crossed by the meandering Flem, this protected riparian landscape offers a unique nature experience. The hike into Val Frisal is varied, scenically extremely appealing, and also well-suited for families. The starting point of the scenic circular route is the sun-drenched Breil / Brigels in the Surselva.

Let’s go in Breil/Brigels

On this July morning, the usually sunny Surselva is showing its gray side. After an exceptionally hot hiking weekend in the Lower Valais, however, we are grateful for the welcome cooldown. For us, the circular hike into Val Frisal starts at the Breil/Brigels, Casa communala post bus stop, right in the village center. From here, it’s just under a 15-minute walk to the valley station of the Brigels – Crest Falla 4-seater chairlift.

Alternatively, you can also tackle the ascent into Val Frisal directly on foot from Breil/Brigels. The time difference compared to the chairlift option is minimal – the valley trail along the Flem to the junction of the two routes takes about an hour. For our version with the chairlift, including the walk to the valley station, the ride up, and the hike from Burleun to Alp da Stiarls, you should plan for about 1 hour 15 minutes. The bonus: a magnificent panoramic view over Obersaxen and Brigels.

Up into the protected high valley of Val Frisal

From the starting point at 1,666 meters above sea level, the hiking trail first leads down about 250 vertical meters via forest paths and alpine meadows. Soon the head of the valley comes into view – but Val Frisal itself remains well hidden until the end, cleverly shielded by the surrounding mountain slopes. The mountain hiking trail follows the Flem upstream, accompanied by a variety of blooming alpine flowers. From Chischarolas, the terrain becomes a bit more alpine, but the path remains clearly visible, winding in pleasantly walkable switchbacks up into Val Frisal.

And then, after just under two enjoyable hours, we reach the high valley. The view opens up over the three-kilometer-long Val Frisal, once shaped by glaciers. The mighty three-thousand-meter peaks at its end are swallowed by low-hanging clouds on this day, yet the view is still beautiful.

Scenic section via Alp Nova

However, the ascent isn’t quite over yet. We follow the trail through an alpine meadow lined with blooming alpine roses, climbing another 30 meters to the Crap Cavigliauna viewpoint. Here, you are rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view over the valley you crossed on the way up and the surrounding mountain peaks.

The following section across Alp Nova – aside from Val Frisal itself – was my favorite. The narrow path winds gently up and down across the wide alpine landscape. At the height of the alpine building, the descent begins, at times somewhat steeper, down to the banks of the Flem. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this section. I had expected a tedious descent, but we made faster and more comfortable progress than expected.

Back to Breil/Brigels along the Flem

The last three kilometers back to Breil/Brigels follow the course of the Flem downstream. First, a narrow, sometimes root-covered riverside path leads through a spruce forest that smells pleasantly of earth and resin. After the fire pit at the Chischarolas junction, the trail turns into a wide gravel path that is also suitable for strollers. While you can’t reach Val Frisal with a stroller, the section along the Flem is also wonderfully idyllic on a warm summer day, and thanks to the numerous fire pits, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed family outing.

Key facts about the hike Burleun – Val Frisal – Breil/Brigels

Using the hiking map below, you can see the route of the hike from Burleun into Val Frisal. It is consistently a white-red-white marked mountain hiking trail (T2/T3). The path has no particular technical difficulties and is not exposed. The descent from Alp Nova to the Flem (waypoint 1529) is at times steep and includes some slightly slippery sections. If you normally hike with poles, definitely bring them along. Alternatively, you can also do the hike in the opposite direction. Personally, I found our version very well balanced.

Starting point	Top station of Burleun chairlift (1,665 m a.s.l.)
Accessibility	Accessible by public transport
Length	12.2 kilometers
Elevation gain/loss	↗ 597 m ↘ 948 m
Duration	3:30 h – 4:00 h (without breaks)
Destination	Breil/Brigels, Casa communala post bus stop (1,285 m a.s.l.)
Food & drink options	Various options in the village center of Breil/Brigels / several fire pits along the route

Practical tips for your hike into Val Frisal

• You can reach the starting point of the hike from Zurich main station by public transport in about 2 h 20 min (with two changes in Chur and Tavanasa-Breil/Brigels).
• From the post bus stop to the valley station of the Brigels–Burleun chairlift is about a 15-minute walk. There’s a Volg store directly at the bus stop. If you want to fuel up before the hike, you can also make a stop at the Gabriel Bakery on the way to the valley station for a starter coffee and croissant.
• The Brigels – Crest Falla (Burleun) chairlift operates daily from mid-June to mid-October from 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. A one-way ticket costs CHF 17 for adults. GA/Halbtax are not valid. Current information can be found here: Bergbahnen Brigels
• On the descent from Val Frisal towards Breil/Brigels, we passed three fire pits idyllically located along the Flem. The hike into Val Frisal can therefore easily be combined with an extended break by the riverbank. You can read in detail where exactly these are located and what facilities they offer here: Fire pits in Breil/Brigels
• The best time for a hike into Val Frisal is from mid-June to October. The high valley is especially attractive in late June/early July when the alpine roses are in bloom.