Gasterental



Wednesday 20.6.18

 Another gloriously sunny day, perfect for a visit to the Gastern Valley.
This relatively untouched valley, bordered by high cliffs, is inhabited only in the summer months.
It is a truly beautiful place, secluded and untamed with an abundance of wild flowers, including the spectacular Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus). This is one of the most magnificent wild orchids in Europe, a rare and endangered species.
The Gastern Valley is best reached by a private bus service or on foot. Access is via a narrow mountain road and it is necessary to reserve a place on the bus. Bus up to Selden and walk down.....best of all options.
Selden is a tiny hamlet with a couple of guest houses and the whole area is classified as being of national importance.
The walk down to Eggeschwand is a delight and displays all of the many charms of this valley.....there are streams, waterfalls, flower meadows, woodlands and high rock faces and finally there is the Klus gorge.
Sadly we were too late for the Lady's Slipper this year, the photographs here are from a trip in 2015. But there were plenty of other delights on the way.
Meadow near Selden
Bridge over the river

Guardian of the bridge


Geranium sylvaticum, Wood cranesbill

Geranium pheum
Phyteuma spicatum, Spiked rampion

Cirsium palustre, Marsh thistle

Cicerbita alpina

Phyteumena betonicifolium

Paris quadrifolia, Herb- Paris


Lilium martagon, Martagon Lily

Platanthera bifolia, Butterfly orchid

Dactylorhiza fuchsii

The Klus
Another rare orchid is Epipogium aphyllum....also known as the Ghost Orchid.
I recently found a photograph that I took  in the early Autumn of 1996.....literally just stumbled across it in the woods below Selden. Have returned many times and never seen it again but I live in hope.
The elusive Ghost Orchid

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