Vier-Quellen-Weg
Overview
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Distance 82 km
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Ascent 4700 m
Intro
The Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail) in the Gotthard Massif leads to the sources of four rivers: the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. A tour through an exceptional Alpine landscape with a wide diversity of fauna, flora and witnesses to a historic past.
Description
The Four Headwaters Trail leads through richly contrasting landscapes in the cantons of Uri, Graubunden, Tessin and the Valais, to the sources of four rivers: the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. It crosses over six passes: the Maighels, Sella, Gotthard, Lucendro, Nufenen and Furka. The hike takes you through many wetlands with streams, pools, lakes and moors with typical vegetation. Longer sections lie above the tree line, where mainly dwarf shrubs are found.
An extremely scenic high-level hike leads along the north slope of the Bedrettotal valley. Following a climb to the Nufenenpass the route leads 1100 m down into Obergoms. Along the way you catch sight of the Griesgletscher (glacier), Europe’s highest-altitude wind turbine, a historic stone bridge dating from 1761 near Ladstafel, a gorge with hanging bridge and typical Walser houses.
On the last stage, the Rhone is your constant companion and the Rhonegletscher (glacier) an impressive experience. You will also see witnesses to a historic past such as the steam train on the Furka mountain section and a military fortification on Alp Galen.
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 |
Andermatt, Oberalppass
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Furkapass, Belvédère
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| Ascent |
4700 m
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| Descent |
4400 m
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| Distance |
82 km
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
Along Water, To an alp, With panoramic view
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.
Quick Facts
Route number
No. 49
Stages: 5
Stages: 5