Hospental walks

If you want to hike in the high mountains and discover a beautiful Swiss glacial lake, this is for you: Tour of the Göscheneralpsee (lake with dam) and overnight stay at the Dammahütte, a small, friendly refuge with 20 beds at an altitude of 2,440 metres. .

The first stage of this two-day circuit involves climbing up to the Damahütte via a path on the southern shore of the lake.

The second stage of this circuit starts at the Dammahütte and follows a "Panorama" trail through a glacial cirque, then continues along the northern shore of the lake.

This first stage will take you to the St Gotthard Pass. The village of Airolo is located at the foot of two major Swiss passes: the Nufenen Pass and the Gottardo Passo. The climb to St Gotthard is challenging, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 metres over less than seven kilometres. At times, the trail follows the old St Gotthard road, which is entirely paved all the way to the pass.

This loop can be completed in a day, but it is more comfortable to spend the night in the welcoming Windgällenhütte. A beautiful balcony trail once you have crossed the very steep Bockistock corridor. The steep climb is then rewarded. Swimming is possible in the charming little Golzerensee lake.

A magnificent hike in Val Bavona, dotted with typical stone houses. Park at the beautiful spot called Ritorto. Follow the small forest path along the Bavona for about 1 km before arriving at the very picturesque and authentic village of Foroglio, which you cross in the direction of Calneggia. You then climb very quickly up the 100 metres of the waterfall via a path consisting of numerous stone steps. You will then arrive in Val Calneggia, where you will pass a few small stone houses and cross a small bridge. The hike then follows the stream to the alpine village of Calneggia, surrounded by a cirque. Return by the same route, accompanied by the sound of the crystal-clear stream. Magnificent!

This third stage will take you to the Fieschergletcher, which runs parallel to the Aletschgletcher. On the Aspi Titter suspension bridge, you will be impressed by the depth of the Weisswasser river gorges. This fairly technical end of the route ends in the beautiful village of Bellwad, which has preserved its traditional chalets.

Starting from Stansstad railway station, you go straight up above the motorway, thus tackling the steepest part. Then, along the ridge overview of the Alpnachersee lake for a good third of the way, glimpses of views and appreciating the 400-500m ascent: Probably a good time to rest for a lunch break before the Renggpass. The final part is downhill all the way to the village and train station of Hergiswil, passing through fields of cows, farms & green pasture.

Starting in Vitznau, climb to the summit of the Vitznauerstock/Gersauerstock for a superb view of Lake Lucerne.

After a night at the summit of Mount Pilatus and a last look at the Bernese Alps, you will descend towards the Alpenpanorama Weg. Before reaching the Petite Emme valley, you will have several more opportunities to admire the Pilatus massif.