Hiking Switzerland
Summer arrived late this here and has already slipped into fall. Its a shame too because there is nothing better to do in Switzerland than go hiking. Fresh mountain air and a little exercise does wonders for the soul. Bring a picnic and its a great day.
This season, I made a few sampling of hikes but Switzerland has endless opportunities for hiking. Some day I will climb a 4,000m peak. But first - one should try to actually do a hike within the Swiss standard times considering the average Swiss is more like a mountain lion climbing 1,500m in a mere matter of hours.
Bellinzona - Not really a mountain hike but a chance to stretch the legs. Not much to this little town in the Italian part of Switzerland but it is surrounded by an extraordinary number of beautiful grand castles. Great for some sunshine and photography.
Oberalp Pass - An extraordinary day hike. About 700m climb from the Pass to the Peak of 2800m with stunning views of the valley and a picnic stop at the source of the Rheine. Within minutes of leaving the Pass, you can only hear the sounds of the birds, marmutts, and the water gushing from the melting snow.
Hufte Hut - My first overnighter (a must do experience)! Nothing like seeing the sun set and rise from the top of a mountain. Also one of my biggest climbs at 1,500m up. Then an overnight stay in one of the best huts, hanging right on the side of a mountain beside the glacier. This is an easy way to truly feel like you have got away for the weekend...away from EVERYTHING.
Zurich Uetliberg - Uetliberg is more like a hill really. But with the mother in law in town and an easy tram ride up, it makes a Saturday at home a worthwhile experience. Start off with the standard breakfast at famous Sprungli chocolate shop first as it wont take all day, especially if you do use the tram. Views from the top of Uetliberg are great and then its just a meander down through the trees to Fork & Bottle for one of best lazy gastropub lunches in Zurich. A few foodie favorites.
Zermatt - Zermatt is Switzerland and the mother in laws trip would not be complete without a visit. Old Town. Great Views. Stylish Swiss Hotels. A Haven for Delicious Mountain Food. The Matterhorn. The hikes here wont make you feel like you are completely in the middle of nowhere as it is always packed with tourists but the mountain air is still refreshing and the views stunning. And plenty of easy hikes for the novice. Views are great from anywhere but particularly on the 5 lakes hike.
This season, I made a few sampling of hikes but Switzerland has endless opportunities for hiking. Some day I will climb a 4,000m peak. But first - one should try to actually do a hike within the Swiss standard times considering the average Swiss is more like a mountain lion climbing 1,500m in a mere matter of hours.
Bellinzona - Not really a mountain hike but a chance to stretch the legs. Not much to this little town in the Italian part of Switzerland but it is surrounded by an extraordinary number of beautiful grand castles. Great for some sunshine and photography.
Oberalp Pass - An extraordinary day hike. About 700m climb from the Pass to the Peak of 2800m with stunning views of the valley and a picnic stop at the source of the Rheine. Within minutes of leaving the Pass, you can only hear the sounds of the birds, marmutts, and the water gushing from the melting snow.
Hufte Hut - My first overnighter (a must do experience)! Nothing like seeing the sun set and rise from the top of a mountain. Also one of my biggest climbs at 1,500m up. Then an overnight stay in one of the best huts, hanging right on the side of a mountain beside the glacier. This is an easy way to truly feel like you have got away for the weekend...away from EVERYTHING.
Zurich Uetliberg - Uetliberg is more like a hill really. But with the mother in law in town and an easy tram ride up, it makes a Saturday at home a worthwhile experience. Start off with the standard breakfast at famous Sprungli chocolate shop first as it wont take all day, especially if you do use the tram. Views from the top of Uetliberg are great and then its just a meander down through the trees to Fork & Bottle for one of best lazy gastropub lunches in Zurich. A few foodie favorites.
Zermatt - Zermatt is Switzerland and the mother in laws trip would not be complete without a visit. Old Town. Great Views. Stylish Swiss Hotels. A Haven for Delicious Mountain Food. The Matterhorn. The hikes here wont make you feel like you are completely in the middle of nowhere as it is always packed with tourists but the mountain air is still refreshing and the views stunning. And plenty of easy hikes for the novice. Views are great from anywhere but particularly on the 5 lakes hike.
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