Oberwald walks

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.

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 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 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.

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 second stage will take you from Capanna Corno-Gries to Rifugio Margaroli. You’ll cross the Val Corno, which offers views of the Gries Glacier. The Passo del Gries marks the border between Switzerland and Italy. After a fairly steep descent, you’ll reach Lago Morasco. The route continues with the climb to the Passo di Nefelgiù, followed by the descent to the magnificent Lago Vaninno.

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.

A superb route that crosses the famous St Gotthard Pass. You will set off from Airolo, a pretty Italian-speaking village, and arrive at the famous German-speaking resort of Andermatt. You will spend a night at the Ospizio del San Gottardo. This pass, which is very busy during the day with numerous tourists, quickly returns to calm and tranquillity in the evening.

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 first section of the Alpine Passes Trail offers magnificent panoramic views of the peaks of the Ticino and Valais Alps. You’ll enjoy numerous vantage points overlooking peaks such as the Dom and the Mischabel massif, the Weisshorn, the Matterhorn and the Dent Blanche.

This first long stage will take you from Airolo to the Capanna Corno-Gries. The route passes through larch forests and offers numerous panoramic views all the way to the Corno-Gries hut. You’ll look out over the River Ticino and the villages of the Val Bedretto: Ossasco, Villa, Bedretto and Ronco.

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.

A lovely walk in Switzerland with views of the Titlis.