Obergestein walks

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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).

If you’re looking to hike in the high mountains and discover a beautiful Swiss glacial lake, here’s what you need: a walk around the Göscheneralpsee (a lake with a dam) and an overnight stay at the “Dammahütte”, a small, friendly mountain hut 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.

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.

A return walk along the access route to the CAS Dossenhütte hut. Please note that, although this is a signposted path, - this route requires a minimum level of experience in navigating rough or exposed terrain, and you must not be afraid of heights. - Whilst a number of tricky or exposed sections are equipped with cables, ladders or crampons, this is not always the case, and some sections leave no room for a misstep. - To be avoided at all costs in wet weather...

This stage is common to both the Mineralien Tour and the Walser Tour. The Geisspfadpass marks the border between Switzerland and Italy. In Binn, cross the small bridge over the Binna, follow the road to Fäld for about 1 km, and a sign on the right indicates the path to Geisspfadsee and Mässersee. This path joins the one coming from Fäld at the Mässerchäller chalet (1,879 m). Follow the signs for Maniboden. The climb to the Geisspfadpass is then very easy. The descent to Piano della Rossa is through large scree, with passages equipped with chains and ladders, but no particular difficulty. The descent to Crampiolo is very pleasant.Markings: White-Red-White]. Via Alpina Blue D3 and D2

This hike is inspired by the Walser Tour and the Mineralien Tour. This magnificent route crosses numerous mountain pastures, where the dwellings are very varied: from wooden chalets to stone chalets. The hamlet of Salecchio Superiore consists of magnificent wooden chalets, several centuries old, all very well preserved. The chalet that houses the dormitories of the Rifugio "Zum Gora" dates back to the 17th century. In Italy, the route at the foot of the peaks bordering Switzerland, including Monte Leone, takes us through two regional parks: the Parco Naturale dell'Alpe Veglia and the Parco Naturale dell'Alpe Devero.

This stage is common to both the Walser Tour and the Valrando Mineral Tour. A few houses line this path in Freichi and then in Blatt. The Ofenhorn can be admired all the way to the Binntal Hütte. Although this is German-speaking territory, French is surprisingly the dominant language in this hut. The Binntal Hütte belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club: Delémont section.

A superb alpine hike taking you from the village of Fiescheralp to the summit of the Eggishorn. You’ll go through the Tälli Tunnel and walk along the north face of the Tälligrat. At the summit of the Eggishorn, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Aletsch Glacier. As the route takes you through a tunnel beneath the Tälligrat rather than climbing to the summit and then descending, the elevation gain is overestimated: allow for around 250 m less for the actual elevation gain, both ways.

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!