Tour des Alpes Vaudoises
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 5 h 30 min
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Ascent 1200 m
Intro
The route wends its way alongside the river Saane before climbing to the L'Etivaz plateau, famous for its cheese L'Etivaz AOP. The rocky nature reserve of La Pierreuse in the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park affords a rich variety of impressions.
Description
The fourth leg sets off from the railway station in Château-d’Oex, the main settlement in the Pays d’Enhaut nature park. The municipality is also well known for its hot air balloon competitions that are held in January. A few minutes later, you will cross the river Saane. The 126-kilometre river rises just a short distance from the south face of the Sanetschhorn. Built in 1883, the Turrian bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in French-speaking Switzerland. A beautiful trail leads along the river Saane to Gérignoz. The one-hour walk to the little ski resort is the perfect way to warm up.
Then comes the climb along a road that is partly surfaced and partly gravel, following the La Gérine stream to its source at La Montagnette. Now you will be in the La Pierreuse nature conservation area, surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Rocher du Midi, the Gummfluh and the Rocher Plat. Remnants of the ice age and the vast screes formed by constant erosion are visible from a long distance (dogs are not allowed in the nature conservation area).
As you continue along a gorgeous path, once you pass the little cabin at La Case, the terrain will become rockier, steeper and, further on, more slippery too. Once you have covered the final 200 metres of elevation, you will reach the Plan de la Douve pass. The fantastic views of the Vaud Alps make this the perfect spot to take a break.
The descent begins with a couple of less exposed, relatively steep passages. After Refuge de la Douve comes a beautiful zig-zagging trail that leads to L’Etivaz. The village is part of the municipality of Château-d’Oex and is known for its L’Etivaz Alpine cheese. This was the first cheese in Switzerland to receive the AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) seal of approval. This is a mark of quality for traditional specialities that have a strong connection to their place of origin.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Château-d'Oex
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|---|---|
| Destination |
L'Etivaz
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
2000 m
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| Ascent |
1200 m
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| Descent |
1000 m
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| Distance |
14 km
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| Duration |
5 h 30 min
|
| Duration back |
5 h 20 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
May - October
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| Theme |
Through a nature conservation area, With panoramic view
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Quick Facts
Route number
