The Val Müstair experience already begins with the Post bus ride from Zuoz. The yellow bus winds dynamically up the road built into the rock face. We pass through the Swiss National Park, where the beauty of the untouched nature distracts the eyes of the passengers from the grey concrete road. At the top of the Ofen pass, we see in front of us the wonderful landscape of the Val Müstair, which reminds me strongly of Canada. Our adventurous journey continues down the winding road, where green fir forests and steep slopes alternate.
We reach our destination just before the Italian border. In Müstair, the largest village of the valley, we are warmly welcomed by our host family with a lovely "Allegra". With delicious food and a good drop of wine, the father tells us enthusiastically about the smugglers during the Second World War. This valley has recently gained national fame thanks to the bear that immigrated to Switzerland from South Tyrol in 2005 and the dramatic merger of the six villages into one municipality in 2008. But the problems of the valley, the departure of the younger generation, the strength of the Swiss franc, and the suffering tourism industry are also vigorously discussed at the table.
To counteract this, the idea of the Biosphera was born. Since 2009 the Biosphera Val Müstair has been the first high alpine UNESCO biosphere reserve in Switzerland.
The next day, after a rich breakfast with local cheese and meat and some remaining alcohol in my veins, we set off on a sightseeing tour. Me and my colleague stroll through the narrow streets. The traditional stone houses give the villages their unique charm. Tradition is not only conveyed here but also lived. Afterward we go to the Convent of St. John Müstair, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983, and freeze in awe before the Mighty Altar.
After the following walkthrough through small woods and across pastures populated with sheep, we sit on a bench near the river and enjoy the sounds of nature. Here I notice that this environment has a decelerating and calming effect on me.