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The Four Headwaters Trail: Andermatt in the Heart of the Swiss Alps

Discover Europe's water tower

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Europe's most important rivers have their source in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Gotthard massif, which divides Switzerland and Europe into its northern and southern parts. Discover the wild and contrasting water castle of Europe on this multi-day trekking tour. The landscape is so varied, the history of the rivers on their way so different and their importance as a lifeline for people, animals and plants so central.

The Highlights along the Four Headwaters Trail

  • The Four Head Water Trail connects the source of the Rhine, the Reuss, the Ticino and the Rhone through the four cantons of Graubünden, Uri, Ticino and Valais
  • The Gotthard massif forms the highest triple continental divide in Europe
  • Discover the culture, tradition and history that have settled along the streams ever since
  • Enjoy a thrilling e-bike ride from the Furka Pass to Andermatt at the end of the tour
Condition
active

For outdoor enthusiasts who like to be on the go all day! Bring experience from day trips and prepare well with regular fitness training. Walking time without rests up to 6 hours.

Accommodation
  • Andermatt offers a good selection of hotels in various categories.
  • Along the way, you can usually stay in cozy, family-run hotels.
Season

From end of June to end of September

Price (private guiding)

From CHF 2900 per person (for 2 guests)

The price varies depending on the services provided.

Note

We offer this tour as a guided or semi-guided tour. On semi-guided tours, a private guide accompanies you on selected days and also discusses the stages with you that you will be traveling on your own.

We can tailor the program of this tour to your wishes, from the route to the hotels, the guiding, and the transfers.

We look forward to receiving your request and will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Termine | Preise | Onlinebuchung

Are you interested in this offer?

We are happy to advise you. Please send us an inquiry, or use our customer service: Tel: +41 (0) 5252 0 6242

Tag 1 Welcome to Andermatt, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. From Vermigelboden and leads up to the Maighels pass. The imposing, glaciated 3000-metre Piz Ravetsch rises at your back while you look out through the wide Val Maighels towards the Surselva. Then the path climbs gently and, hidden behind rocks, you suddenly discover the crystal-clear Lai da Tuma, the source of the River Rhine. Enjoy this quiet, special place before the last part of today's stage leads you to the Oberalp Pass, from where the Furka-Oberalp railway takes you back to Andermatt.

Day 2 A bit more comfortable than travelers 200 years ago in the stagecoach, the post bus chauffeurs you up to the Gotthard Pass. Along Lake Lucendro, the path leads to the alp of the same name and a short time later to a small, glassy mountain lake, the source of the Reuss. Over the Lucendropass the Leventina with its southern charm greets you. Now follows the way down with an impressive view of the wide firn surface of the Basodino and the Ticino mountains into the idyllic Val Bedretto.

Day 3 Gently leads the trail towards the Alpe die Cruina to the headwaters of the Ticino. Through the wide, alpine mountain landscape you hike to the Nufenen Pass, which offers a breathtaking view of the imposing Gries glacier and the Blinnenhorn. In the background you can see the mighty peaks of the Bernese Alps. Then you descent along the Äegne stream into the direction of the Goms valley.

Day 4 On foot or by post bus the way leads up to Gletsch. Here, where the glacier tongue of the Rhone glacier was located about 150 years ago, tourism flourished at that time. And there is still a hint of the Belle Epoque. It is only a few more turns in the post bus to the venerable Hotel Belvédère and the Rhone Glacier. From a vantage point just above the glacier, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the source of the Rhone and the surrounding mountains. Then the trail climbs slightly to the Furka Pass, where the e-bike is already waiting for you and invites you to a thrilling ride to Realp and through the Urseren Valley out to Andermatt.

Included
  • Guiding and support from a certified, local hiking guide
  • Overnight stay with breakfast and taxes
  • Transfers and luggage transfer (where possible)
Take
  • Comfortable, broken-in, and waterproof hiking boots are essential for this tour. We recommend at least ankle-high hiking boots with sturdy soles for good grip.
  • We also recommend hiking poles, which offer additional safety and support on steeper sections.
  • A comfortable hiking backpack is important for carrying water, snacks, weatherproof clothing, sun protection, and, if necessary, a camera and other personal belongings.
  • It is important to bring a refillable water bottle. This can be refilled repeatedly along the way.

A complete packing list will be provided after booking.

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