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Eastern Switzerland 5-Day Self-Guided Hiking Tour (Level 3)
Oh, how beautiful Eastern Switzerland is. Vaduz Castle at your back, the Rhine Valley at your feet and one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails of Switzerland in front of you. The perfect start for a hike along the Via Alpina.
Once you have crossed the Sarganserland, the vineyards give way to high peaks. You cross the Foopass and the Richetlipass and finally reach the Glarnerland. After a challenging hike past the Hausstock, the first section of the Via Alpina ends in the dreamy little village of Linthal.
Cozy start, demanding finish. The Via Alpina slowly picks up speed. While at the beginning you are still travelling on easy forest paths, you hike in the Glarnerland on alpine paths. The stages between Weisstannen and Linthal in particular require good basic physical condition and sure-footedness.
Slow Tours offers a range of Walking Tours Europe
Arrival to Vaduz | Vaduz – Sargans
Luggage drop-off in Vaduz. The hike starts in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. The River Rhine and the border to Switzerland is crossed at Sevelen. The trail then leads along the foot of the mountain Gonzen through woodlands and meadows, with views over the Rhine Valley.
approx. 4.5 h, approx. 18 km 495 m/465 m
Sargans – Weisstannen
The wide, steep and remote Weisstannental valley awaits with lovely hamlets such as Vermol and the wonderful Champersee lake. You climb high-level trails on the west flank of the valley towards the stage destination Weisstannen.
approx. 4 h, approx. 13 km 760 m/240 m
Weisstannen – Elm
Milk from neighbouring alps is piped to Alp Siez. On Alpine pastures are followed by a narrow ridge of black slate. The terraced alp huts on the other side of the Foopass are an architectural rarity.
approx. 7.5 h, approx. 22 km 1'240 m/1'265 m
Elm – Linthal
By cable car up to Aempächli. Elm lies in the GeoPark Sardona (UNESCO World-Heritage) where the Glarner main thrust fault clearly reveals the creation of the Alps. Surrounded by rock bastions, the silted-up Wichlensee lake, resembles an amphitheatre. After the steep Richetlipass, the lonely Durnachtal awaits.
approx. 7.5 h approx. 24 km 1'450 m/ 1'780 m
Departure or extension
If you prefer to drive yourself but would like to follow our itineraries and hotel choices we can help you with a brand new Renault vehicle - minimum 21 days - and have your itineraries and hotels ready for you.
Please email [email protected] for your choice of vehicle and pick-up and drop-off points in European countries.
The very best way to see Switzerland is to buy a Swiss Travel Pass that covers all trains including the scenic train services. Email [email protected] for more details
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