This weekend we've been hiking around Bivio/GR.

The village is located on the roads to the Julier and Septimer pass. It is the only traditionally Italian language village north of the continental divide. However, the German-speaking population is now in the majority, with large Romansh- and Italian-speaking minorities. It consists of the village of Bivio and the hamlets of Stalveder, Mott, Cavreccia and Valetta da Beiva. Until 1902 Bivio was known as by its Italian name Stalla. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bivio)

Bivio and the Julier

(c) „Bivio4“. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 for Wikimedia Commons

Here is what we learned:

Bivio lies inside the of Parc Ela (http://www.parc-ela.ch/) the largest nature park in Switzerland: the diverse countryside around the Alpine passes of Albula, Julier and Septimer, are enchanting thanks to their original character, unspoiled villages and lively culture, encompassing Romansh, German and Italian. In Parc Ela, the 19 park communes ensure that nature and countryside are preserved and they strengthen the sustainable regional economy.

Hiking in Parc Ela is great. The valleys are wide, mountains range from easy going to hard climbing. In July there is flowers everywhere. The nature park is still "uncrowded" and you can take the bus to get everywhere. There is enough free beds even during the summer holiday season. It will not stay this way... All the tracks are signaled and you can buy hiking maps in almost every village. There is also an excellent online portal for tour planning: http://www.parc-ela.ch/entdecken-erleben/wandern/wandervorschlaege.html

Just look at those pictures:

Sunset on the way to Bivio

Panorama from the Leg Grevasalvas

Lägh dal Lunghin

View from the Pass Lunghin towards Pass Septimer

We stayed at the Hotel Post in Bivio. They took really care of us. Food was excellent, we got a free "upgrade" to the junior suite. The suite is situated on two floors and has plenty of space. It even has has a small balcony you can sit on and relax. When we went to the bus for the Julier they told us, that if we would have mentioned erlier, they would have taken us. So, if you stay there, talk with them about your hiking plans, maybe they can take you to your starting point. Also the food was excellent. There is a buffet in the morning with excellent cheese and plenty of everything.

We will be back to Bivio!