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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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Andermatt, Oberalppass
Destination
Furkapass, Belvédère
Ascent
4600 m
Descent
4400 m
Distance
81 km
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Theme
Along Water, To an alp, With panoramic view
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/route49

All stages

Map

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Quick Facts

Route number

No. 49
Stages: 5

Distance

81 km

Ascent

4600 m