Katja Laurien

Inspiring your spiritual journey

Switzerland

Minimum effort, maximum view: Gantrisch Loop Hike

24. November 2021 • Katja Laurien

I guess the title already says it all: This is a pretty short hike of maximum 3 hours, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views! Even better, you don’t need to take an expensive cable car. You can either reach the starting point with the bus or by car. The hike starts at Gurnigel Wasserscheide. From here you first follow the signs to the Leiterepass. The hike starts very easy with some wonderful views over the valley.

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Hiking from Alp to Alp: Bettmeralp to Fiescheralp

12. November 2020 • Katja Laurien

This is just another short post on my favourite hiking country: Switzerland! The hike I want to present to you is a short roundhike (approximately 2.5 hours) starting from Bettmeralp hiking towards Fiescheralp, finishing off with a refreshing dip into the Bettmer Lake/ Bettmersee. Both alps are more or less on the same height, which makes this hike also a relatively easy one. I’d recommend starting at Bettmeralp, since the cable car to Fiescheralp is a lot more expensive.

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Swiss Grand Canyon: Creux du Van

26. July 2020 • Katja Laurien

In terms of nature Switzerland is definitely one of my favourite countries. It’s not only insanely beautiful, but it’s also pretty versatile. Mostly known for the magnificent alpine landscape, it has so much more to offer though. Such as for example the beautiful canyon Creux du Van near to Neuchâtel. Before going I searched the internet for hiking trails. For some reason there was only one hiking trail I consistently kept finding, which is a round trip from Noiraigue to Le Soliat which leads alongside the canyon and seems to take about 4.

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Panoramic Hike at Lake Oeschinen

25. June 2020 • Katja Laurien

I had introduced the Lake Oeschinen (Oeschinensee) briefly in my post about the Jungfrau region, but at that time I had only managed to hike to the lake from Kandersteg and go back again. Since I liked this lake so much, I decided to go back to the lake to discover more of it. With its beautiful blue colour surrounded by a dramatic scenery, this lake is definitely one of my favourite mountain lakes in Switzerland.

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Round Hike with Lake View: Heiligenschwendi

16. June 2020 • Katja Laurien

Are you looking for an easy, accessible hike with a great view over the lake of Thun? Then the round hike at Heiligenschwendi is a great option. The hike starts at an elevation of 1125 m at the Rehazentrum Heiligenschwendi and takes about 2-2.5 hours. The highest point is the view tower Blueme at 1392 m from where you can enjoy a 360 degree view over the area. From the Rehazentrum start following the signs to Niesenbänkli.

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Scenic Circular Hike from Simplon to Spitzhörli

12. September 2019 • Katja Laurien

For many, the Simplon Pass is no more than just a beautiful gateway between Switzerland and Italy, but there’s more to it. The pass actually has many hiking trails to offer. Finding a suitable day hike was not as easy, due to the huge choice. Eventually, I did get to make my decision: The round-way up to Spitzhörli (2737 m) it was going to be! The hike takes about 4.5 hours without breaks and leads up to the top of the Spitzhörli from where you can enjoy a wonderful view.

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Aletsch Glacier: The Greatest Glacier in the Alps

30. August 2019 • Katja Laurien

Most people know the Swiss canton Valais for the Matterhorn, but believe me, there is so much more out there. One of my favourite highlights is the Aletsch Glacier. It’s the largest glacier in the Alps which of course promises some spectacular views! It’s 23 km long, situated partially in the canton of Bern, the other side being in Valais. In Bern you can see the glacier from the Jungfraujoch. I’ve seen the glacier from both sides, but to be honest with you, I much preferred the Valais view.

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Idyllic Switzerland: From Ernen to Mühlebach

17. August 2019 • Katja Laurien

Today I want to introduce to you the hike between Ernen and Mühlebach. In fact, it’s only a short 30 min walk (one way), but it has quite a bit to offer: wonderful mountain views, two charming authentic Swiss villages and a suspension bridge. The suspension bridge between Mühlebach and Fürgangen Ernen and Mühlebach are both two picturesque villages which make you feel like travelling back in time. Take your time to marvel at the rustic, wooden houses which are surrounded by colourful flowers and vegetable gardens against the backdrop of the Swiss mountains.

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Alpine Flower Spectacle at the Oberaar Glacier

10. August 2019 • Katja Laurien

If you ever have to travel between the Swiss cantons Bern and Valais, consider not taking the “quick” car transport at Lötschberg, but the slightly longer, ever so beautiful route over the Grimselpass. Not only can you enjoy the wonderful view, but you might even decide to take a detour and hike around while you’re already there. View from the top of the Grimsel pass I can highly recommend hiking to the Oberaar glacier (Oberaargletscher).

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Lazy Hiking: Easy Loop Hike at Fafleralp

3. August 2019 • Katja Laurien

Who says a beautiful hike with breathtaking views has to be difficult? Sure, in most cases hard work gets rewarded with the best views, but there are some exceptions, such as the loop walk from Fafleralp in the Lötschen valley (Lötschental). The hike takes about 3-4 hours with a minimal elevation of around 300 m. Most parts of the hike are straight and very easily accessible. There is a possibility to continue the hike to the Anenhütte, which we didn’t do as we had a 2-year old hiking along with us (I guess that’s proof enough how easy the hike actually is).

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