Length: 112 miles. The average elevation along the path is 10,300 feet (3,139 meters) — which means that hikers will have to contend with the difficulties of trekking at high altitude — and the total . The Gossamer Gear Mariposa hits all the checkmarks for a do-it-all thru-hiking pack. Deals are up to 50% off! Cost is low. Ascona-Locarno, Ticino. The 110-mile trail circumnavigating the Mont Blanc massif is a difficult and beautiful trail. Culture and food is limited. Via Alpina Travel Fellowships Picture gallery. Switzerland (22) Thru-hike (40) Tour du Mont Blanc (10) Utah (4) Recent Posts. Lucerne & Central Switzerland, Mythen Region, Schwyz. Follow me on instagram to ask questions about the hike https://www.instagram.com/bear.snack/. The other two times were in 1998 and . 1. . Switzerland. Small groups (6-14 guests) Prices starting at $5,595 per person - double occupancy. Day 2: Mürren - Gimmelwald Trail & The Mürren Flower Trail. For the Kesch-Bergell Trek in 2021 I swapped some of my gear for lighter variants. You'll find wonderful conditions with wildflowers are in their prime and alpine meadows that are lush and green. At 12 ounces, 3.9 R value, and the size of a Nalgene bottle this is the lightest, warmest, and most packable full length mat. At 1 pound and 11 ounces the UL1 does not . Easy walking for families, with lots of places to stop for a picnic and splash in the river. The hike begins from Schynige Platte at 1966 metres and ends at First which covers a distance of 15.6 kms. Premium difficult Multistage route. 2. Hiking in Switzerland - Interactive maps, selected hikes, free App, the most beautiful Swiss journeys, Places of interes, bookable offers, accomodation, travel reports, obstacle-free routes Stein am Rhein is a European town that is so beautiful that it looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. But with our years eventually running out, maybe we don't have all that "someday" time to play with. 13. However, don't be fooled by the views as it's no walk in the park and is not a hike, but a climb. I multi-day hiked and wild camped throughout Switzerland in May to July 2019, hiking 463 kilometers from Bern to Bern on National and Regional Routes. Hiking shoes were our 3rd expense item for this Via Alpina. I first section hiked the 310-mile trail over the course of a year and then went back and broke the Unsupported FKT (Fastest Known Time) in 2018. Country: Switzerland and France. View of Silvaplana Lake and village along the Via Engiadina. But to do 400Kms while passing through stone quarries with 15kgs on your back, we thought it would be better to have proper hiking . Here are the replies to some questions often asked by the walkers…. July I hiked 10 sections of the Via Alpina (National Route 1), Montreux to Grindelwald. Knowing that a thru-hiker needs a light weight, bombproof and versatile shelter the Fly Creek UL1 is the best answer to these requirements. (Photo by Peter Pearson / Flickr) Chocolate is key for getting through discouraging situations, and when you're thru-hiking, you can eat sweets all day long and still lose weight. Contact the tourist office at 011-800/100-200-31 (international toll free), 212/757-5944, or at 608 Fifth . Appenzell to St Moritz. 302.8 km. The Fishermen's Trail; Planning the Alta Via 1; Kesch-Bergell Trek part 4: Bergell; Home; Thru-hikes; Day Hikes; USA; If you have more time, you can even hike to Lauterbrunnen or Wengen (you will have to cross Kleine Scheidegg and hike down) and many other directions, but let's concentrate on these 4. Om nom nom. Powerful combination: the Balfrin high-level trail from Sass-Fee to Grächen and the Europaweg trail from Grächen to Zermatt form the «Swiss Tour Monte Rosa». A trail runner shoe is more flexible and will feel comfortable to wear. The hike is completed in one-way fashion without leaving the trail for an extended period of time. The name translates as the "Hot Spring Route," but Laugavegurinn is so much more. Hiking options for March, when the mountains are still covered in snow, including both winter hikes in the mountains and lowland trails that should be free from snow. Subscribe for more videos.The entire video was shot on a Samsun. 1. 68. The Haute Route starts at Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, and winds through the French and Swiss Alps to finish at the famous Matterhorn. While it's possible to enter and exit the trail at various points, a thru-hike takes about 28 days. The Red Trail joins all eight Alpine countries. gear for YOUR hike! Kesch-Bergell 2021 Gear List. About 25 thru-hikers have been over 70. 3) Amputee hikers If you do the hike in this direction, it is a mostly downhill walk. This spectacular journey leads past eight lakes, rides through six different cantons (the Swiss version of states), crosses three mountain passes and connects two language regions with each other. I completed the Alpine Pass Route in August, 1997. A thru-hike starts from one destination and ends at another destination, usually over 100+ miles apart in a single trip that can take weeks, one month or several months to complete. July I hiked 10 sections of the Via Alpina (National Route 1), Montreux to Grindelwald. Scenic Alps by Rail - A Switzerland Rail Vacation - Details: 10 days/9 nights. 2 h. 5.7 k. 140m. The view of the many peaks is breathtaking, the hiking trail offers a rich biodiversity. 5) Pizol Lake Hike. Panorama trail with sweeping views of mountains and lakes, suitable for strollers. Graubünden. Reserve this trip Detailed Itinerary. Via Alpina. Valle Verzasca • Hike along Swiss green water trail. What You'll Need For A Hiking Trip In Switzerland. 3) Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail. Therefore, the more our feet get used to long distances, the less they hurt on the big trails. Day 4: Männlichen - Kleine Scheidegg - Wengen. A thru-hike is when you walk the entirety of an established long-distance hiking trail from one end to another. Meet the 14 most famous hikers. Food: 2. How To Get To Wengen. You'll find virtually all hiking trails are open and accessible, with maybe occasional patches of snow above 8000 feet in early July. Usually referred as the TMB, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best hiking trails in Europe. Klettersteig Daubenhorn. Starting in Sargans on the border with Liechtenstein, it passes up and over sixteen mountain passes before reaching its western terminus at Montreux, situated on Lake Geneva. Best Thru-Hiking Gear. 1. Switzerland Tourism in New York can provide more details on hiking throughout the country, as well as the Swisspass from RailEurope which covers rail and postal bus travel throughout Switzerland and also offers discounts on most ski lifts. The reflection of the mountains on the water. 7 Trails For Hiking In Switzerland. The Alpine Pass Route is a 340 kilometre (211 miles) hiking trail that spans the breadth of Switzerland. First to Bachalpsee. Männlichen. 161 stages, or more than one walking season, across eight different countries: Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France and Monaco. Time: 9 to 12 hours. In June 265 kilometers on mountain trails from Interlaken to Sargans on the eastern border. #17 in Best Places to Visit in Switzerland. Here you'll find that the people speak Swiss-German and also Romansh, Switzerland's fourth national language. Hiking Trails. Day 5: Kandersteg - Oeschinensee. Grandma Gatewood. Today's adventure into Switzerland began when we began hiking in the swiss alps!! The easiest hike on the top of Mt Pilatus is the 2.5km round trip to the Tomlishorn peak, with some of the most beautiful views in Central Switzerland for minimal effort. Save money by limiting or sharing town lodging. 130m. Milford Track. Two women mountain biking up to the Bella Tola Hut while on a mountain bike tour from Bella Tola in the Val d . "For hiking, you should focus on lower weight and more . The breakfast counter at the Vignette Hut during a hike of the Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Haute Route. The canton is home to some of the best, and most glamourous, ski resorts like Davos and St. Moritz. It was the third time that "Nimblewill Nomad" had hiked the trail in a thru-hike, which is when someone goes the full distance within a 12-month period. Trek through the awe-inspiring Alps and between three cultures in Italy, France and Switzerland. 7) Uina Gorge. The visitors to the Salbit Hut are treated with a special meal, wine and fireworks for the August 1 Swiss National Day party. 2) Hornliweg. Many dates throughout the year - view the Tour Calendar. The trip usually takes two weeks, and hikers gain 12,000 ft in elevation over 112 miles. Update, March 2021: I wrote this post in 2019 while I was working on our Rick Steves Switzerland guidebook — where you'll find all the details about visiting Gimmelwald, hiking to a remote alp, and even — if you choose — heading up to the Schilthorn (with tips for avoiding the crowds). Day 1: Wengen - Männlichen Trail. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Switzerland, Italy: 110 Miles, 10-14 Days. Scenic Alps by Rail - A Switzerland Rail Vacation - Details: 10 days/9 nights. Zermatt: Spend the day soaking up the crisp mountain air. Recently, a number of trail management organizations have stated that in order for it to be considered a thru-hike, it must be . WHERE: Iceland. Hiking boots. This trail takes you once through the northern Alps of Switzerland in a series of 20 daily stages. How long is a thru-hike? All together Via Alpina spans approximately 5,000 kilometers or about 3,100 miles and has 342 individually numbered and posted stages. 1. Via Alpina is a classic among the long-distance hikes in Switzerland. By the number: The average cost of a thru-hike after purchasing gear: $2/mile. Budget at least $15 per day on food (that's included in total). Hike from First to Lake Bachalpsee to enjoy view of the snow-clad Alpine peaks. Glacier 3000 (Scex Rouge) - Sanetsch - Gsteig. Along the way, the trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, as it winds its way through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and . Via Engiadina. A PCT or CDT thru-hike also entails several months of planning in order to prepare gear and re-supply points. i am planning to thru hike th trail.My 16 yr old son and i are doin it to support my wife and mother of our three sons.she has a very sever case of SLE, or lupus.she just had her spleen removed an now battles blood clots in her lungs and legs.she is tough but after 8yrs now it is taking its toll.we have been married 16yrs.I want to raise support in hopes of finding a cure.we will hike for her . October 9, 2010 Cam. Deals of The Week: Psst. (Photo by Brianna Graves) Wear earrings, or hike in a skirt. It has a smart design with enough pockets to stay organized without adding too much weight, plus the option to add shoulder pockets and really customize the build. Location: Valais Region. Hiking Trails. 8 Day Switzerland Hiking Trip Itinerary. There's a reason the Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most popular hiking trails in Europe, passing through France, Switzerland and Italy through the Alps. The view is amazing and changes every 50m along the loop around the lake. Sep 28, 2021 | , Kesch-Bergell Trek, Switzerland, Thru-hike. Trolltunga Hike. We are thinking of shooting for Pacific Northwest Trail in summer 2019. Length: 34 miles. The 110-mile trail circumnavigating the Mont Blanc massif is a difficult and beautiful trail. In Switzerland, the month of March is more winter than spring. By nuriareyero. Most hikers have a special connection with the first trial they thru-hike; for me, that trail was the Superior Hiking Trail. Read my Dutch Mountain Trail trip report on the Thru-hiking.com platform (text in Dutch). I completed the Alpine Pass Route in August, 1997. 5. According to the ATC, hundreds have thru-hikers have been in their 60s. This does not include the initial investment in gear which can set you back anywhere from $0-$5,000 and up depending on what gear (more on this below) you have/need. The Golden Pass Line. The downside is that they will wear out faster than category B shoes. Switzerland's largest canton, Graubünden is packed full of natural beauty and cultural heritage alike. The Eiger Trail is located in the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Oberland. The Red Trail. Haute Route. for things like hostels, food, drinks, and replacing gear. There are a few sections where the AT breaks above the treeline for significant stretches in the Franconia . Here you'll find that the people speak Swiss-German and also Romansh, Switzerland's fourth national language. Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland. Doing the entire Via Engiadina trail is a bit of a stretch - the hike extends from Maloja to Samedan, covering 35 kilometers of paths that cross mountain pastures, thick Swiss pine forests, and tiny villages that seem untouched by time. TourRadar lists 145 adventures from all the best tour operators. Moderate. Grindelwald: This is one of the most picturesque towns in Switzerland. 116. Although the snow starts to melt in the valleys, the mountains will still be covered with snow until about June. Moderate. The Matterhorn tops the list of best hikes in Switzerland to do and is definitely some of the best hiking in Europe. Day 3: Schynige Platte - First. 14. Many dates throughout the year - view the Tour Calendar. Graubünden. The SHT is a seriously underrated trail with many types of lush forests . News Hiking over the borders Questions / Answers Documentation Over to the Via Alpinists! Expansive glaciers, active volcanoes, emerald green valleys, and technicolor . Its 14 Alpine passes and great variety of Alpine culture, flora and fauna are the fuel of a hiking enthusiast's dreams. Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Switzerland, Italy: 110 Miles, 10-14 Days. The path of the 5 lakes is a wonderful hike in the alpine universe of Zermatt: The Matterhorn is reflected in the mountain lakes such as Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. Find the perfect tour for you visiting Switzerland, a unique country full of European charm. Embrace your feminine side. Stein am Rhein. Emma Rowena Gatewood, aka Grandma Gatewood, was the first woman to solo hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. Hike on France's exquisite Mer de Glace glacier and then explore the charms of elegant Chamonix. Via Alpina - Grüner Weg. Mike Caetano was 86 when he finished the trail in 2009, and he returned to the trail again several years later, aged 89! 0 Posts Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Switz Thru Hike. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Do also check our country specific pages and for more information feel free to contact our National Secretariats! Table of Contents. 100m. Lee Barry was 81 in 2004 when completing his second thru-hike. The Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt takes the hiker on a visually stunning journey between Europe's two most iconic mountains - Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Standard advice for aspiring thru-hikers of any age is to start with easier trails and ramp it up as desired. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Julian Alps and Slovenia's tallest peak, Mt. Three-day panoramic hike with stunning views of the icy 4000-m mountains of Saastal and Mattertal. This well maintained path is cut into the cliffs, leading to the highest point on the Pilatus range at 2129m. Tags. Femininity conquering all. It's an excellent trail for fast-and-light hikers, but if you're visiting, consider an overnight or multi-day trip to allow exploration to the various tarns, including the aptly named Perfection and Crystal Lakes. Or, once it's safe to travel again, consider joining us on a Rick Steves' Europe tour. You can have a bath in the middle of the route in one of. Switzerland's rural, folksy heart beats loudest in the Appenzell region, snuggling up to Liechtenstein in the country's northeast. 60 liters is a safe size for a thru-hike without going overboard, and the 30-ounce (average) weight is very reasonable for such a comfortable pack. Tent: BIG AGNES FLY CREEK UL1. 6) Creux du Van. The Alpine Pass Route is a 340 kilometre (211 miles) hiking trail that spans the breadth of Switzerland. Hi All, I'm just coming off an Appalachian Trail thru hike, it runs 2200 miles along the eastern seaboard of North America, map below. Length: 486 miles (782 kilometers) In addition to being the longest trail on this list, the Colorado Trail is by far the most strenuous for a thru-hike. Price includes accommodations, meals, excursions and transportation. But I also carried some heavier items than last year. The Matterhorn. Length: 6.8 mi • Est. The green tunnel: The Appalachian Trail is nearly 2,200 mi / 3,500 km and spends the vast majority of this distance below treeline in what can only be described as a green tunnel.Sure, it's nice to hang out in the trees occasionally, but high alpine environments are far more exciting. When possible, we try to do one hike a week which is at least 10 miles. These two trails also take 4-6 months to complete. The Via Alpina is made up of five color-coded sub-sections: the Violet (also known as Purple), Yellow, Green, Blue, and Red trails; covering the whole of the Alps mountain range and more. 9. Most thru-hiking purists say a "real" thru-hike should be an end-to-end continuous footpath that's completed within a twelve-month period. Hike easy to do with kids, very beautiful and well indicated. 1) The Eiger Trail. 106:48 h. 17,475 m. 17,811 m. Der Grüne Weg führt von Ost nach West durch fünf Kantone im Herzen der Schweiz - über grüne Alpwiesen, durch geschichtsträchtige Ortschaften und vorbei an majestätischen Gipfeln. Small groups (6-14 guests) Prices starting at $5,595 per person - double occupancy. Engadin: A long high Alpine valley region in the eastern Swiss Alps. 3h 42m. We find that these longer hikes help to prepare our feet for the increased use they will endure on the trail. Switzerland's largest canton, Graubünden is packed full of natural beauty and cultural heritage alike. Triglav (9,395 feet), and then descends to the Adriatic coastline. 3. Exercises like lunges, squats, and planks will prepare your muscles, bones, and connective tissues to handle the stresses of the trail. Most thru-hikers opt to start at the Stuart Lake trailhead instead of at Snow Lake, which cuts elevation gain by over 2,600 feet. TOUR DU MONT BLANC - FRANCE, ITALY & SWITZERLAND. Return to First on a gigantic zip line that travels . Heading to . The canton is home to some of the best, and most glamourous, ski resorts like Davos and St. Moritz. Questions / Answers. Big play area at the end with trampolines, bouncy castles and summer toboggan. There's a reason the Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most popular hiking trails in Europe, passing through France, Switzerland and Italy through the Alps. This trail is very close to Interlaken in Bern, Switzerland and is one of the best considering the variety of landscapes that it offers.The hike starts at the Platte which has grand views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (the triplet peaks meaning "ogre", "mink" and the "virgin"). Scenery: 10. Start - Appenzell; end - St Moritz; distance - approx 124 miles/200km. Grosse Scheidegg. Location: Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo Length: 119 miles (192 km) By GiuliaTraveller. There are cows, sheep, and goats on the pastures . Gaze over the dramatic escarpments and snowfields of Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest mountain. Lauterbrunnen: Home to 72 cascading waterfalls and beautiful alpine meadows. Whilst the charming towns and villages offer every form of accommodation, from simple hostels to world-class spas, perhaps the richest experiences are found amongst the myriad stylings of Switzerland's . The Via Alpina is a challenging mountain . Mt Pilatus hiking • Tomlishorn cliff walk. 6. Of course, you can start in Alpiglen and walk uphill to Eigergletscher, but if you do so, add . It crosses the main Alpine range several times, connecting Trieste to Monaco via Bavaria and Liechtenstein. Christmas edition. 4) Burgenstock Felsenweg. The average thru-hiker spends $2-$3 per mile during a hike on the AT (between $4,400 & $6,600!) She completed the feat in 1955 at age of 67. 5 Lakes Walk. Ultimate hike to Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, and back to Grindelwald. In June 265 kilometers on mountain trails from Interlaken to Sargans on the eastern border. It's a terrifically unsung region for a road trip, with rolling dairy country giving way to lavishly . Simply select the gear that is the most important for you to find below . Starting in Sargans on the border with Liechtenstein, it passes up and over sixteen mountain passes before reaching its western terminus at Montreux, situated on Lake Geneva. I would never have started this trip if I had known how tough it was, but I couldn't and wouldn't quit. July is a great time for hiking in the Alps. Christmas edition. Difficulty: Hard climb. Mürren: Stay at the foot of the Schilthorn peak. But go ahead and give it 5 bonus points if you like hikes with total self-reliance—that's what you'll get with this 220-mile hike through the Sierra Nevada. Finding the highest quality gear setup for your thru-hike can be incredibly fun but also very daunting, there are so many gear choices available making the best choice can become overly stressful. English Forum Switzerland > Activities > Travel/day trips/free time : Switz Thru Hike Thread Tools: Display Modes #1 08.01.2013, 02:06 . The well-marked trek from Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland) is a spectacular hike suited for those who like exposed alpine passes and conditions, and are wanting to immerse themselves in both cultures. For multi-day hikes in Switzerland, you will need somewhere to rest and refuel after a great day on the trails. This resulted in a base weight just below 7 kg (15.4 pounds), not bad for a 12 day hike in the Swiss Alps. Along the way . Let's find the BEST thru-hiking. Hike along a beautiful river in the Verzasca valley, ending at the famous bridge and swimming area at Laverterzzo. The approach shoes are in most cases more firm and less prone to wear compared to trail runners. I multi-day hiked and wild camped throughout Switzerland in May to July 2019, hiking 463 kilometers from Bern to Bern on National and Regional Routes. I have to say it was the most scenic hike i have ever been on!! Long Trail. Sentier Panoramique de Tracouet. It traverses 170km (110 mi) passing through the countries of France, Italy and Switzerland to circumnavigate the entire Mount Blanc Massif in the Western Alps. Usually, we always go on a trip with trail running shoes because they are very versatile and can be used for jogging or hiking for 2-3 days. 17. Engelstock Loop Trail • Panorama hike at Sattel-Hochstuckli. One of the best hikes in Norway, the challenging trail covers 16 miles (27 km) long and about 3,000 feet (900 meters) ascent. Peaks of the Balkans. When choosing to hike in trail runners, you need to make sure that your ankles are strong enough. . This is a point-to-point hike, starting at Eigergletscher (Eiger Glacier Station) and ending in Alpiglen. 4. Situated right along the stretch . The character of Swiss hiking. Walking all day is just plain hard on a person's feet. 2 h. 4 k. 30m. . Three reasons: the Himalaya, Andes, and Alps. The Golden Pass Line connects the centre of Switzerland with the shores of Lake Geneva. Price includes accommodations, meals, excursions and transportation. The trail passes beneath 10 of 12 of the highest peaks in the Alps, over 11 mountain passes, and feels like a mountain paradise. Thru-hiking a trail is a long and difficult journey: an AT thru-hike, for example, takes five months on average, covering 2,189.2 miles (3,523.2 km). Most trekkers take 10 hours to reach the top, and many camp around, which make a good overnight trek to one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in Norway.