Alpine marmots are large, cute rodents that thrive in alpine habitats and can be found in the alpine regions of Switzerland, France, and Italy. If you want to see marmots in Switzerland, Avers is a good place to go, as there is a large population there. I have been to the Marmot Hiking Trail in Avers and can confirm — there are many playful yet cautious marmots in this secluded region.
Marmots in Switzerland
The main species of marmot found in Avers is the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota). In Avers, the marmots are called Murmata, while in other German dialects, they are known as Mungg, Murmeli, and Mankei. Marmots are essentially ground squirrels with short, stout bodies, short legs, and bushy tails. Their greyish-brown color helps them blend in well with their environment, aiding in camouflage. Sometimes, you can also see a dark stripe along their backs.
Alpine marmots typically thrive in alpine mountainous regions, making Avers an ideal location due to its elevation of almost 2,000 meters above sea level.
They are concentrated in microhabitats near rock outcrops, meadows, and alpine grasslands. The rocky environment where they live is crucial because these areas provide essential burrowing sites. Marmots build complex burrow systems up to seven meters deep, expanding them each year. These burrows resemble a maze with multiple entrances and escape routes. You will often see many marmots gazing from atop their rocky burrows. In winter, the burrows become essential for hibernation.
Best Time to See Marmots in Avers, Switzerland
The best time to see marmots in Avers is between July and September.
Marmots emerge during the warmer months after winter hibernation, which lasts from October until mid-April. They also tend to come out of their burrows whenever it is not too hot, so it is best to come in earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
According to the hiking trail information shown in Avers, the annual cycle of the marmots is as follows:
- Mating: From 20 April until 6 May
- Gestation Period: From 30 April to 8 June
- Birth: From 22 May to 8 June
- Suckling Period: From 22 May to 22 July
- First appearance of the baby marmots: 5 July to 22 July
- Accumulation of fat reserves: From July to October
- Hibernation: From October to mid-April
You have a very high chance of seeing Alpine marmots in the wild on the Marmot Hiking Trail in Avers.
Marmot Hiking Trail in Avers
| Hiking Trail: | 3 kilometers one way |
| Trail Head: | Near Loretschhus |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The hiking trail is an easy, nearly flat path with eleven information boards along the way, providing details about the marmots. It is accessible to people of all ages, including those with children’s strollers, and the trail is wide enough for three people to walk side-by-side. The best time to visit is in the summer for a higher chance of seeing marmots, especially the young ones, but it can also be done in spring or autumn.
While on the trail, it is best to stay on the official path rather than approaching the marmot burrows to get closer. Marmots are social animals, and a typical community can have up to twenty members. Once they sense people approaching, they remain cautious and start whistling at each other to signal potential threats, which then prompts them to escape to their burrows.
Our Experience: Seeing Marmots in Avers
Although we arrived in the mid-morning and the sun was already scorching, we managed to see many marmots along the way. Most of them scooted out of our way or hid as soon as we passed, but some were curious and just watched us as we walked. We counted around 40 marmots in total during our walk to the mountain hut at the end of the trail and back.
The information posts along the way were particularly interesting. The graphs and statistics were engaging, and they were even presented in English.
Overall, the hiking trail was easy, the views of the secluded valley were peaceful and beautiful, and we would love to return one day, maybe a bit earlier in July when the babies are smaller.
How to Get to the Marmot Trail in Avers
The easiest way is to drive to Avers and park your car near Loretschhus. There is also a bus stop called Avers, Juppa that you can reach from Andeer.
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Darla is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country. Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.