Capanna Corno-Gries – Rifugio Margaroli

This fourth stage of the Vier Quellen Weg will take you from Cappana Piansecco to Obergesteln. During the day, you’ll discover the source of the Ticino (Tessin). An engraved marker indicates this source. You’ll cross the Nufenen Pass, which will take you to Obergesteln, a charming little village on the banks of the Rhône.

This fifth stage of the Vier Quellen Weg will take you from Obergesteln to the source of the Rhône. This magnificent route will have the Rhône as your constant companion. Right from the start, it will be by your side; you’ll follow it upstream to its source via the Furka Pass, then descend towards the historic Hotel Belvédère at the foot of the glacier. As with the other sources, you’ll find an engraved marker indicating the Rhône.

This third stage will take you from Rifugio Margaroli to Binn. The route begins with an ascent across scree to the Scatto Minoia Pass, then continues with a descent to the Forno mountain pasture, renowned for its cheese. You will then climb the Albrun Pass, which marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. You’ll pass the Binntalhütte before following the River Binna to Binn.

This third stage is very wild and not very busy. After Lago Vannino and Passo Busin, you will discover another lake, Lago Busin Inferiore. During the descent to Salecchio, you will notice the Walser habitat as you pass through hamlets such as Case Francoli and Salecchio Superiore. The dormitory at Rifugio Zum Gora dates back to the 17th century.

Starting from the Grimsel Pass in the Bernese Alps, this mountain hike ascends to the summit of the Sidelhorn before descending through the valley of the high-altitude lakes. The route first climbs above the Totensee and its mountain-pass hotel, along a stony path that soon overlooks the Rhône Valley and the surrounding glacial peaks. The final ascent involves scrambling up a rocky ridge to a wide viewpoint overlooking the High Bernese Alps and their glaciers. The return route runs alongside the Jostsee, a small mountain lake, before following a balcony-like path back towards the pass. A true alpine ascent, to be attempted only in the height of summer, in fine, dry weather, and reserved for seasoned walkers wishing to experience the Swiss high mountains.

This second stage crosses the Italian-Swiss border at the Albrunpass. You will enter the Val Formazza. The highest point of the day is at Scatta Minoïa. After the Ettore Conti bivouac, the descent to Lake Vannino is very pleasant and easy. The Rifugio Margaroli is located at the end of the lake. This relatively short stage gives you the opportunity to climb up to Lake Sruer at 2,351 m. (Absolute tranquillity guaranteed and magnificent views of Lake Vannino).

This second stage will take you to the charming village of Andermatt. Descending from the Passo Gottardo, you will follow the Gotthardreuss to Hospental, which joins the Furkareuss to form the Reuss. You will quickly leave theItalian-speaking canton of Ticinoand enter the German-speaking canton of Uri. Andermatt is a renowned winter sports resort.

This third stage of the Vier Quellen Weg will take you from the Hospice da Saint Gothard to Capanna Piansecco. During the day, you’ll walk alongside the stunning Lake Lucendro. As you approach the Col de Lucendro, you’ll discover one of the sources of the Reuss (Gothardreuss). The final stretch of the route leading to Capanna Piansecco overlooks the Ticino.