Route to the Charles Kuonen footbridge

After passing through Swiss stone pine forests, this circular hike leads to an impressive record-breaker: the Charles Kuonen Footbridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.

Details

1500633
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.40 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 675 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 674 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,086 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,411 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the underground car park at Randa station or in the outdoor car park at the Tourist Office (paying).

(S/E) Take the stairs in front of the Tourist Office to reach the street leading up to the village church.

(1) Turn left. The fairly steep road winds its way through the charming village, revealing picturesque chalets.

(2) At the signpost marked "Europabrücke" (with a picture of the footbridge), take the path on your right and follow the signs through the Swiss stone pine forests until you reach the "Hohtschugga" viewpoint.

(3) Continue to the Charles Kuonen Bridge, which holds the world record as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world at 494 metres.

(4) After crossing the bridge, descend via the path on your left that passes under the footbridge.
The path descends rapidly.

(5) Cross the Dorfbächji stream and then the fields at the entrance to the village and join the street above the church.

(2) Continue straight ahead, passing in front of the church.

(1) Continue straight ahead, then turn right to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,411 m - Underground car park at the station
  2. 1 : km 0.16 - alt. 1,427 m - Village street
  3. 2 : km 0.5 - alt. 1,490 m - Path, Europabrücke sign
  4. 3 : km 3.08 - alt. 2,058 m - Charles Kuonen Bridge
  5. 4 : km 3.55 - alt. 2,086 m - Downhill trail
  6. 5 : km 5.44 - alt. 1,538 m - Stream
  7. S/E : km 6.4 - alt. 1,412 m - Underground car park at the station

Notes

(4) Alternatively, you can take a detour to the Europahütte hut by taking the path on the right.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Jean Michel GARNIER
Jean Michel GARNIER

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

!!

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Jean Michel GARNIER
Jean Michel GARNIER

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike on a path, most of it through forest. The ascent and descent are strenuous: the gradient is constantly steep, with few flat areas where you can take a breather (except at the finish).
Crossing the bridge is easy and well protected, even for those sensitive to pitching.
Magnificent views on the way up and, of course, from the footbridge.

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MAURIN CLAUDE
MAURIN CLAUDE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Super 4-hour hike,
700m ascent-descent on stony path
impressive length of footbridge, well worth the hike

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Robert75
Robert75

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful circuit, climbing from the south (gentler path) and crossing the suspension bridge (+ a return trip for the sake of the photos...). Descent along the northern path, which is steeper at times. A very pleasant experience.

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matamix
matamix

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A bit complicated though

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Isa et Xav
Isa et Xav

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

SOME IMPORTANT GOOD NEWS

Since 2017, the footbridge is once again accessible and it is the longest pedestrian footbridge in the world, and yes, just that!

Enjoy your walk!

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