On the trail through mountain and valley: Where is the owl treasure hidden?

Written by Lisa Savenberg

Laced up your hiking boots and sharpened your ears? Then follow the call of the owl and set off on an exciting search for our feathered friend. Between October 9th and November 1st, hidden owl nests are waiting to be found by you across different hiking areas once again. We’ve refilled the nests for the autumn break. The owl nest search continues.

How to join:

• Choose your favorite family hike from the overview below. Would you prefer a cozy stroll through an enchanted mountain valley or heading straight for the peaks? There is something for every taste and level.
• Between October 9th and November 1st, head out, follow the described route, and search for the hidden owl nest (see coordinates). A tricky riddle awaits you there – and, of course, a real owl treasure as a reward.

This circular hike begins and ends in Bruzella, right in the heart of the dreamy Muggio Valley. After just 200 meters, an old mule track branches off the main road towards Cabbio – imagine how it sounded when the pack animals trotted leisurely through the valley? The path crosses the splashing Breggia stream, winds up to Casima, and leads to the alpine farms of "Tur dell’Alpe". Past the church of San Giovanni, the route continues through the small villages of Muggio and Cabbio and finally down into the valley floor, where the mysterious, fully functional Bruzella mill awaits. Listening to its clatter feels a bit like traveling back in time. As if the old building were telling stories from back then …

Owl nest hideout: 45.904600, 9.036700

Right from the start, Lake Sils sparkles like a giant magic mirror. An easy path leads from Sils across a wide plain to the Chastè peninsula, which sticks out into the lake like a green raft. Families can explore it via a varied forest trail, taking breaks along the way on cozy benches – and if you're feeling brave, you can even jump into the crystal-clear water. Brrr, that feels good! A mini detour on the northern shore reveals the stone foundations of the castle that gave the peninsula its name – perfect for little knights and curious explorers. Past fishing boats and rare plants, you stroll back into the village.

Owl nest hideout: 46.430124, 9.751718

Lake Schwelli can be reached from Innerarosa via a gravel hiking trail in less than an hour. It’s best to take it easy: That way, there’s plenty of time to admire flower meadows, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and watch cows grazing along the way. Once you reach the lake, it's time to pause, splash around, and walk barefoot. Who can spot a fish in the crystal-clear water? If you want to burn off more energy, take a loop around the shore on the nature trail; otherwise, numerous wooden benches invite you to linger. The return journey follows the same route.

Owl nest hideout: 46.764026, 9.645909

A well-maintained trail begins on Grotzenbüel, winding over alpine meadows and through light forests. When it suddenly mooes, bleats, and grunts, you're in the right place: On Alp Bösbächi, right along the hiking trail, cows, goats, and alpine pigs make their home in the summer. While curious kids make animal friends, parents can treat themselves to a relaxing break at the Bächibeizli mountain hut. Then step by step, you head up to Lake Oberblegi, which suddenly appears before you, glowing turquoise blue and framed by a mighty rock wall. Cozy bathing and picnic spots await here. Fueled up with wonderful memories, you reach the end of the hike, the Luchsingen-Brunnenberg cable car, after less than half an hour downhill.

Owl nest hideout: 46.978069, 9.015561

Lake Golzern can be reached from the Golzern mountain station in about 20 minutes. Wonderfully refreshing, it sits on the northern slope of the Maderaner Valley and makes the hearts of young water lovers beat faster: splash and scramble, skip stones, play on the bathing raft, or practice headfirst jumps with loud cheers … Time flies by here. Then it's downhill: In the valley, you cross the Chärstelenbach stream and soon reach Alp Stössi, a cozy spot with an alpine tavern and cheese dairy that will make your mouth water for a tasty afternoon snack. With bellies full of meringues and sweet cream, you walk back out of the valley towards the Golzern valley station, strolling gently along the bubbling stream.

Owl nest hideout: 46.774806, 8.741528

The easy hike starts at the Madrisa mountain station, leading to the Untersäss alpine dairy, on past the Chalchofen, and finally to the Mässplatte viewpoint. How high and mighty the mountain peaks look from up here! Along the way, streams bubble along the trail, offering plenty of chances to build dams, gather treasures, or carefully dip a big toe into the cold water. On the way back, follow the narrow path below the Mässplatte, following a cheerful rushing sound, and you'll be rewarded with a hidden waterfall. Rest areas with fireplaces invite you to linger – a welcome break for little and big adventurers.

Owl nest hideout: 46.907832, 9.851483

On this loop tour starting from Lantsch/Lenz, swift hikers dive deep into nature. A steep climb leads up to the Val Meltger suspension bridge. It takes a bit of puff, but it's twice as rewarding: The view into the wild ravine is unique – and so is the tingly feeling in your stomach as you cross the gorge. On a narrow path, the short and sweet hike continues towards Vasternos and crosses the mostly dry mountain stream at Runcalatsch. The landscape changes constantly. Sometimes along quiet forest paths – shhh, is that a little owl calling? – sometimes over open alpine meadows with wide views where you'll be tempted to shout an echo into the mountains. In the end, the route winds gently downhill back to the starting point.

Owl nest hideout: 46.693886, 9.567429