SINGLE DAY
Are you targeting a single day trek and limited travel distance from Zurich canton?
Nothing can be more perfect than a trek in Central Schweiz, roaming around the cantons of Schwyz (SZ), Uri (UR) and Unterwalden (Nidwalden NW / Obwalden OW), at the origins of the Swiss Confederation dated back in 1291.
Time by time some "wildcard" excursions are suggested, such as in the area of Luzern (LU) or North/East cantons of Sankt Gallen (SG) and Appenzell (AI/AA).
I thought to name these treks "Swiss Classics", as per their connection with relevant historical events and locations.
Below an example of suggested hikes. Itineraries are flexible and can be customized on request.
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Note:
N. of participants: typically max. 6-8 pp. In case of larger groups, might be possible to arrange with multiple guides.
In most cases the arrival point is different from the departure point. The goal is to enjoy the most when being outdoors, with the possiblity to customize the trek routes. For these reasons no fixed end time is listed, suggesting to avoid cars and rather relying on Swiss public transportation for a more flexible experience.
In case you are looking for longer hikes with overnight stay in mountain huts, it can be possible to combine some of the suggested single day treks into a two days' experience. For more information, visit the Multi Day page or Custom tours!
Here some suggested experiences
the blue rigi
Date: on request
Meeting point: Immensee Hohle Gasse, bus stop, 8:28AM
Excursion: hike from Kussnacht am Rigi / Seebodenalp (return ticket lift included) exploring the history of Wilhelm Tell. Ascent to Rigi Kulm, source of inspiration for the painting "The blue Rigi, sunrise" by the famous William Turner who visited the country six times between 1802 and 1844. Self brought food or possible stop by at the top. Enjoy the views over the "Four cantons' lake" or even descend to Kussnacht for a lake swim in summer !
Max altitude: 1800m
Ascent & Descent: 900m / 900m
Length & Duration: 15km, 5h30' (excl. breaks)
Tips: alternative routes are possible with different departure point, ascent from the other side of the mountain (Arth Goldau), or even return by panoramic train + lake cruise to Luzern - on request. Reach out for advice!
Season: May/Jun to Sept/Oct
Price: from 95 CHF, per person *
ROSSSTOCK
Date: on request
Meeting point: Riemenstalden Chäppeliberg (SZ), 9:15AM, at car park. Note: 9:13AM local shuttle bus from Sisikon, but very limited capacity.
Excursion: on the edge between canton Schwyz and Uri, next to the old path taken by Suvorov Russian troops in 1799. We will take the lift up to Gitschen/Spilau, hike up to the Rossstock peak, then proceed close to Fulen and Chaiserstock. Self brought food or break at Lidernenhütte. Return ticket lift (last one at 16:30) to Chäppeliberg included, in order to get local bus at 17:38.
Max altitude: 2460m
Ascent & Descent: approx. 920m / 920m
Length & Duration: 10 km, 4h30' (excluding breaks)
Tips: Alternative trek departing from Bürglen/Brügg (lift), home town of Wilhelm Tell, direction Spilausee - on request, or based on current snow conditions. Even stop later by the lake in Sisikon. Reach out for advice!
Season: May/Jun to Sept/Oct
Price: from 95 CHF, per person *
FRONALPSTOCK ridge
Date: on request
Meeting point: Stoosbahn (SZ), 9:00 AM
Excursion: we will take the modern 110% incline funicular railway (= 45°) and head to the village of Stoos. Our trek starts direction Klingenstock & Fronalpstock ridge, with scenery lookouts over the "Four Cantons' lake". Self brought food or possible stop by the hut at top. Return ticket Stoosbahn/Stoos included.
Max altitude: 1930m
Ascent & Descent: approx. 1000m / 1000m
Length & Duration: 13 km, 5h (excluding breaks)
Tips: Enjoy the sun in Stoos, where even the Queen Victoria used to overnight during her 5 weeks' holiday in Switzerland in 1868!
Season: May/Jun to Sept/Oct
Price: from 95 CHF, per person *
BRISEN
Date: on request
Meeting point: Niederrickenbach Talstation (NW), 9:30 AM
Excursion: lift to Niederrickenbach car free village, situated at 1150 m. Trek up to Brisen peak, via Brisenhütte, later continue to Haldigrat. Self brought food or stop by the hut at top. Return lift ticket to Niederrickenbach included.
Max altitude: 2404m
Ascent & Descent: approx. 1260m / 1260m
Length & Duration: 14 km, 6h (excluding breaks)
Tips: stop by Musenalp/Alp Bleiki for cheese taste or descend towards Maria Rickenbach, destination of pilgrimage
Season: May/Jun to Sept/Oct
Price: from 95 CHF, per person *
CHäserrugg
Date: on request
Meeting point: Alt St. Johan Sellamattbahn (SG), 8:40 AM
Excursion: hike all the way up to Hinterrugg peak and later continue towards Chäserrugg to explore the easternmost of the "Seven peaks" of Churfirsten, located over the Walensee. Self brought food or possible stop by the hut at top. Lift from top to Iltios, ticket included. From here the trek will continue with the last stretch to Alt St Johan.
Max altitude: 2306m
Ascent & Descent: approx. 1500m / 450m
Length & Duration: 14km, 6h (excluding breaks)
Tips: Optional "Blumenweg" flower trail at the summit (3km, flat). Alternative route departing from the house of Swiss reformer Zwingli, in Wildhaus - on request. Reach out for advice!
Season: May/Jun to Sept/Oct
Price: from 95 CHF, per person *
* Price in CHF, per person. Assuming a group of min n. 4 adults. Subject to slight changes, according to exact tour scope (start/end point, alternate trek, additional lifts, etc.) and actual n. of participants registered for the hike.
Price includes:
Planning and animation by Mountain Leader, as well as guide's expenses for the specific trek. Price includes train-bus-lift tickets where clearly mentioned for each trek, assuming the participants to be in possession of SBB Half Fare.
Price does not include:
Private or public means of transportation to the trek location/starting point and return. Any meal/beverage such as lunch/snacks which are not part of half pension, unless clearly specified. Travel cancellation or rescue insurance.
Payment:
To be performed at booking, 100%, via TWINT, cash or bank transfer. Payment details will be transmitted to the participants at booking.
In case of cancellation by the participants: 50% fee is due if cancellation within 30 to 15 days prior to the start of agreed trek; 100% fee is due in case of cancellation within 14 days or in case of no show.
Trek Confirmation:
when reaching minimum n. of 4 participants
safe weather conditions
at latest within 48 h before the trek departure time.
Remarks:
Do not buy any train/lift tickets until the trek and specific route are confirmed
Detailed map of the trek will be provided upon request, after trek's confirmation
In case of unfavourable and unsafe weather conditions or disrupted transportation connections, it will be guide's responsibility to propose a different trek location (plan B) or suggest different dates prior agreement between the parties.
By signing up, participants take personal responsibility for her/his knowledge and abilities, alpine skills, fitness level and any health issues. As well confirm for having valid and sufficient health and accident insurance that also covers search, rescue and repatriation costs.
What to bring - specific Equipment List will we provided for each hike:
solid hiking boots
ID card
own snacks & drinks
own medicines (if any)
cash, in case of expenses at the hut or others (e.g. parking, drinks)
battery storage
towel to enjoy the sun, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
rain jacket to protect in case of wind/rain