FOUR SPRINGS TREK
guided hut to hut trek in central Switzerland
Trip type: Long distance trek, Hut to Hut trek
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 81 Km, 4600 Hm ascent
Country/Region: Uri, Ticino, Valais, Switzerland
Price: from 1390.- CHF p.P.
Participants: 4-8
Dates
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or on request
Discover the Four Springs Trail in the Gotthard Massif as a guided long-distance hike! This challenging tour takes you along the sources of four of Europe’s most important rivers: Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. Our experienced hiking guides will accompany you on this unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking scenery of the Central Swiss Alps.
Requirements:
Fitness level
Walking time of up to 7 hours/day and 800 to 1200 m difference in altitude
Technique
The long-distance hike follows hiking trails in the red-white and blue-white categories. Sure-footedness is an advantage.
Four Springs Trek long-distance hike: a particularly impressive long-distance hike in the Gotthard massif
The Four Springs Trail in the Gotthard massif is one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Switzerland. This wonderful alpine hike unfolds over a distance of 81 km, a climb of around 4600 m and 5 day stages. The route leads through breathtaking landscapes and past the sources of four of Europe’s most important rivers: Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone.
The Four Springs Trail begins in Andermatt and runs along the banks of the Reuss before reaching the Oberalp Pass. From here, the actual Four Springs Trail begins, which first leads to the source of the Rhine. The source of the Rhine lies in the middle of a beautiful landscape, surrounded by rocks and snowfields.
The route continues along the Rhine to the source of the Reuss, which is located in a wooded area. From here, the route continues over the Lucendro Pass to the source of the Ticino, which is located in the idyllic Bedretto Valley and is surrounded by steep cliffs. The last spring on the route is the source of the Rhone, which can be found in the picturesque mountain landscape of the Furka Pass at an altitude of over 2000 meters.
The Four Springs Trail is a long and challenging tour recommended for keen hikers. The trail offers an unforgettable experience and unparalleled views of the beauty of the Swiss Alps. The tour is best undertaken between July and September, when the weather conditions are at their best.
Four Springs Trail long-distance hike
The Four Sources Trail in the Gotthard Massif covers the areas of the sources of four important European rivers: Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. We guide you through the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps as we cross various landscapes such as valleys, forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Your benefits with Exped Tribe:
Local and multilingual mountain guide
Support member
who will document the trip with professional recordings and look after your well-being. You will receive drone videos, photos and much more as a souvenir of your adventure.
Small groups
of max. 8 participants. Increased flexibility, familiar atmosphere and harmonious get-together. We do our best to ensure that all participants have an incredible adventure! We conduct expectation phone calls and pool participants who have similar expectations and abilities. We are happy to accept special requests!
Vegetarian friendly
We offer Alpine gourmet cuisine, completely without meat/fish!
Co2 compensation
Planting of several trees per participant. You will receive a certificate of your trees and will be able to follow their growth.
Rental materials
Cost-effective rental materials such as sleeping bags, climbing equipment and much more are available.
Planned itinerary for the guided long-distance hike along the four springs trail
Day 1
From the meeting point at the Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) near the lighthouse, we start the hike in the direction of Lake Toma. The trail leads us along hiking boards across alpine meadows in the direction of Badus (2,928 m). The picturesque Lake Toma (Lai da Toma, 2,345 m) awaits us there, glistening in a beautiful landscape and the source of the Rhine. As we continue to the Maighelspass (2,421 m), we pass numerous streams, wetlands and the Urlaunsee (Lai Urlaun), which is surrounded by a rich native flora and fauna. In autumn in particular, hikers can admire the numerous cotton grasses that dance like white snowballs across the wide meadows. Shortly after the Maighelspass, we can discover the picturesque Portgerensee lake, which is a popular destination for anglers and offers us a perfect place to take a break in the midst of the beautiful mountain landscape. After a further hour’s walk, we reach the cozy Vermigelhütte (2,042 m), from where we can round off the day.
Day 2
Today’s hiking stage takes us to one of the highlights of the Four Springs Trail – the Giübin, the highest peak on the route at an altitude of 2,776 meters. Our goal for today is to cross the Giübin and reach the Gotthard Pass. After a hearty breakfast, we set off from the Vermigel hut and hike through a picturesque landscape adorned with alpine roses. Soon we can see the Giübin in the distance and our path leads us through an area that has been known since ancient times for its mineral wealth. Numerous already developed crystal fissures give us an insight into the history of the area. Finally, we reach the Giübin and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the Gotthard massif. During the descent, we pass Lake Sella (2,256 m), which is now on Ticino soil. We continue our hike and reach the Gotthard Pass, where we end the day in a relaxed manner.
Day 3
Day 4
Today we continue our hike to the Nufenen Pass. We look forward to the unique headwaters of the Ticino that await us there. On the way, we pass the “Alpe di Manio” and “Alpe di Cruina” mountain pastures. Historic traffic routes that illustrate the economic importance of the Gotthard massif in earlier times. The trail leads us through varied terrain, such as mountain ranges, meadows, plateaus and wetlands. We take a break at the Ticino spring and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains reflected in the glistening water. This is also the source of the Ticino, whose path leads down into the valley to Lake Maggiore. On our way, we admire what is probably the oldest tree in Switzerland, a larch that is around 1,500 years old. Finally, we reach our accommodation near Grimsel.
Day 5
On our last stage, the highlight of the Rhone glacier and the source of the Rhone await us. However, we still have a few meters of altitude to overcome as we hike from Obergoms to the Furka Pass. The glacier, which was accessible from the village of Gletsch decades ago, has retreated considerably due to climate change, altering the landscape. During the ascent, we cross impressive areas and can admire the high alpine mountains of Switzerland. Once we arrive at the former Hotel Belvédère, it is only a short walk to the starting point of the Rhone Glacier. We know immediately that the arduous climb was worth every drop of sweat when we admire the beautiful and ephemeral white sea of glaciers nestled in the mountain scenery. After congratulating ourselves, we enjoy the view of the glacier and the source of the Rhone and conclude our last day of hiking. Finally, we take the bus to Andermatt in around 45 minutes, where we round off our last evening with a delicious meal in Andermatt. See you soon for the next adventure together!
Important information about your long-distance hike on the Four Springs Trail
Clothing
- Hard shell jacket
- Down jacket
- Long hiking pants, quick-drying
- Long and short shirts, quick-drying
- Soft shell or fleece jacket
- Hat, gloves
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Sun and lip cream
- Water bottle and thermos flask
- Camera and power bank
- Backpack (60-80l)
Technical equipment
- Telescopic poles
- Mountain boots or high hiking boots
- gaiters
For the overnight
- Hut sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Toiletries (reduced to a minimum)
Included
-
Exped Tribe hiking leader or mountain guide
-
Support member who documents the trip photographically
-
Overnight stay in huts and hotels
-
Half board
-
Group equipment
-
Co2 compensation with the planting of 10 trees/participant
Excluded
- Travel to and from the destination country
- Private insurance with repatriation costs covered
- Beverages
- Everything not listed under “Included”
Catering
- Snack (not included, serves to replenish energy levels): This is eaten between breakfast and dinner and taken with you for the appropriate number of days. Dried fruit, chocolate, cheese, wholemeal bread and energy bars are all suitable. Remember that your rucksack should not be too heavy.
- Half board (included): Out of commitment to animal welfare, we do not offer fish/meat on our tours. Nevertheless, you can of course order what you like best at the local restaurants, whether vegetarian or of animal origin. You are also welcome to bring and eat your own food of animal origin at any time.
Rental material
- Telescopic poles, CHF 35.00
- Expedition backpack (90-110l), CHF 60.00
FOUR SPRINGS TREK
Guided long-distance hike in Central Switzerland to discover the springs of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone rivers Book nowRecent trips
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