Vier-Quellen-Weg
Overview
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Distance 19 km
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Duration 6 h 15 min
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Ascent 820 m
Intro
The route leads to the source area of the River Ticino below the Nufenenpass, home to many marmots. It then continues over the Nufenenpass, crossing magnificent Alpine meadows through the Ägenetal valley, over a hanging bridge and finally along the Rhone to Obergesteln.
Description
The hike starts at the SAC Piansecco Hut, 1,982 metres above sea level. A narrow, varied trail leads gently uphill through barren alpine meadows. The view extends over the Bedretto Valley and the surrounding mountains. You soon leave the last trees behind.
A small, idyllic stream rising a little further up accompanies the hike. It is the Ticino River, which later flows through the Alto Ticino and the Magadino plain before flowing into Lake Maggiore. After crossing the pass road, the trail descends along the southern slope to Alpe di Cruina.
A steep ascent takes you to the Nufenen Pass between Pizzo Nero and Pizzo Gallina in the north and the Nufenenstock in the south. Here, the Gries wind farm produces electricity for up to 800 households. With four wind turbines at 2,500 metres above sea level, it is the highest of its kind in Europe.
The hike's highest point is reached at 2,442 metres above sea level. A little further up are the serpentines of the pass road. Since 1969, it has connected the Valais's Goms with the Ticino's Bedretto Valley. While the flora on the stony ground becomes increasingly sparse, fantastic views of the surrounding mountain peaks open up. A long, initially steep descent now leads into the Ägene Valley.
Shortly before reaching the valley floor, the Four Headwaters Trail, the ViaSbrinz and the pass road join together for a short stretch. A nearby cheese dairy offers alpine cheese and Ziger produced on-site. The hiking trail over the Griespass turns off to the left.
At a beautiful stone bridge with a round arch, you reach the Ägene. The route follows its stony riverbed through the valley. Another highlight is the filigree Kitt Bridge, forty metres long and eleven metres high. Steel cables and a wooden tread add to the charm of this suspension bridge.
Leaving the Ägenetal valley, you reach the sunny Goms high valley in the Upper Valais. The first settlement already features the typical old, sun-darkened wooden houses and stables in Valais style. The trail leads away to the right and along the steep slope of the Schattehalb to Obergesteln. In the flat valley, the hike continues along the icy, white-blue Rhone, which is still called Rotten around here. The route ends at Cholplatz in Obergesteln.
Obergesteln, the stone-built mountain village, lies at 1,355 metres above sea level. It owes its name to earlier fortifications. Since the Upper Goms is on the famous Glacier Express route, which connects Zermatt with St. Moritz or Davos, the village is accessible by train.
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 |
Capanna Piansecco CAS
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Obergesteln
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
820 m
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| Descent |
1450 m
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| Distance |
19 km
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| Duration |
6 h 15 min
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| Duration back |
7 h
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe49... |
Quick Facts
Route number
