Excursion tips in Switzerland: golden vistas

Excursion tip #1: autumn hiking at its best

Doubs _ A good starting point for a three-day hike along the Doubs is Saint-Ursanne in the canton of Jura. If you want to stay here overnight, consider the family-run B&B Eco-Chalet Bel Oiseau, surrounded by nature. From Saint-Ursanne, the route mostly follows the river for around 15 kilometres through verdant banks, past bright deciduous forests. In autumn, the coloured leaves and the low sun create a very special atmosphere. The village of Soubey is an ideal destination for the first day of this hike.

From here the valley becomes noticeably narrower. On the way to Goumois, the destination for the second leg, the slopes move closer to the water, and mossy rocks, dense vegetation and patches of morning mist characterise the landscape. The Doubs forms the border between France and Switzerland here.

The scenic highlight of the third day is the round trip to La Goule from Goumois. The route runs upstream on the Swiss side, crosses a bridge over the Doubs and returns on the French side. The valley here is rocky, narrow and particularly pristine. Former water mills and sawmills testify to the earlier importance of the Doubs as an energy source. Thus, throughout the different legs, the river remains the central thread running through a varied hike.

Excursion tip #2: XXL e-bike tour in Graubünden, Uri, Valais

St. Moritz – Zermatt _ 370 kilometres, 9,500 metres altitude gain and an unforgettable experience: The Glacier Bike Tour combines Alpine landscapes with enjoyment and culture. Along the famous Glacier Express railway line comes an alternating succession of scenic mountain pass roads, secluded high valleys and quaint mountain villages. Thanks to the e-bike, even longer ascents – like the one over the three Alpine passes Albula, Oberalp and Furka – can be accomplished with ease. This leaves plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular scenery. A worthwhile stopover after day one is the historic Kurhaus Bergün. Here Graubünden hospitality meets regional cuisine – the perfect place to recharge your batteries for the next of a total of ten stages. And if you need more of a break, you can also take a shortcut thanks to the 50 train stations along the route.

Excursion tip #3: bouldering near Bellinzona

Ticino _ Autumn in Ticino: between porcini dishes and sparkling gazosa, you can also find the joy of bouldering here. Close to the canton’s capital, the bouldering areas of Chironico and Cresciano await you with blocks of gneiss offering a range of difficulty levels. Between chestnut forests and the Mediterranean landscape, ice-age glaciers have formed varied routes that demand technical ability and creativity in equal measure. One nearby accommodation option is the Jugi, located in the historic Villa Montebello in Bellinzona, right in front of one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage castles. An overnight stay entitles you to the Ticino Ticket, which includes almost all public transport in the canton. In bad weather, the climbing hall Alpha Boulder offers the opportunity to tweak your technique.

Excursion tip #4: trail running with a view

Canton of Fribourg _ After a relaxed night at the charming Hotel Le Saint Georges in the historic centre of Gruyères, the Moléson peak beckons. After the ascent by funicular railway, sporty travellers can put on their trail running shoes. Steep climbs, flowing trails and wide views make the approximately 18-kilometre run a real highlight. The varied route leads through green alpine meadows and past rustic alpine farms. Once you reach 2,002 metres above sea level, you can enjoy views of Lake Geneva, the Jura, and the Bernese and Valais Alps. Then a grassy ridge leads to the next peak, the Teysachaux, and finally back to the funicular. From there, you can comfortably go back down and take the bus to Gruyères, where you can relax with delicious Gruyère cheese specialities at Le Saint Georges.

Excursion tip #5: hiking in the high moor

Zugerberg _ The Zugerberg above the city of Zug on the eastern shore of Lake Zug is an ideal destination for those looking for nature and peace. Often located above the fog line, the historic funicular railway lifts you right out of the sea of fog. Around 80 kilometres of well-signposted circular trails lead through shady forests, past meadows with great views and past one of the most important moorlands in Switzerland with very special flora and fauna. The three official circular trails ‘Hase’ (hare), ‘Fuchs’ (fox) and ‘Hirsch’ (deer) are not just a highlight for families with kids – the ‘Hasen Route’ is also completely wheelchair-accessible. If you want to do a longer tour, you can hike to the Berggasthaus Wildspitz. At 1,580 metres above sea level – the highest point in the canton of Zug – regional specialities and a magnificent panoramic terrace await you.

Excursion tip #6: Alpine cinema on two wheels

Sargans to St. Gallen _ 120 kilometres and 4,400 metres ascent – divided into three stages – demand fitness, but reward you with the impressive landscapes of eastern Switzerland: the Wildmannli Bike Tour thrives on an accumulation of small highlights. From Sargans, the route leads over scenic mountain ranges, through dense forests and past rustic Alps to St. Gallen. Through the Toggenburg valley, along the Rhine and through the hills of Appenzellerland, steep climbs and varied trails ensure fun riding. Technically, the tour is not too difficult, but you may feel it in your legs. Once you arrive in St. Gallen, the youth hostel offers comfortable and straightforward accommodation. From there you can not only explore the historic town centre and the UNESCO monastery quarter, but also rest your tired legs surrounded by greenery.

Excursion tip #7: walkers only through the wild valley

Canton of Uri _ The Maderanertal is one of the most impressive Alpine valleys in Central Switzerland. Rugged peaks, waterfalls and the autumnal colours of the larch forests characterise the landscape. One special destination is the idyllically situated Golzernsee, whose turquoise water invites you to linger and offers a welcome break for families in particular. More challenging tours lead further into the valley to the Hüfihütte, which occupies a spectacular location between glaciers and 3,000-metre peaks. The rustic SAC hut is not only a popular base for mountaineers, but also a perfect place for hikers to enjoy regional specialities and soak up the impressive high mountain scenery. By the way, to get to the Maderanertal you go either on foot or by Alpentaxi from Bristen – the rear part of the valley is almost completely car-free.