Daydream on Lake Tomasee, admire the eternal ice of Rhône Glacier, the playful spring at the origin of River Reuss and the Ticino spring. Europes biggest rivers have their sources in the mountains of the Gotthard region and this region is wild and rich in contrasts.
The hike along the Four Headwaters Trail starts up on Oberalp Pass. You will discover the springs of the Reuss, Ticino, Rhine and Rhône rivers as well as the Gotthard massif, Val Bedretto and the high valley of Goms in Valais.
By train up to the Oberalppass. From Oberalppass a steep climb leads to the source of the Rhine at the Tomasee lake. After hiking through the wetlands of Val Maighels you start the climb to the Maighelspass and the idyllic Portgerensee lake. This is followed by the descent to the Vermigel Hut.
The trail climbs steeply up to Alp Summermatten, to the Sellapass and on to the highest point of the Four Springs Trail, the Piz Giübin (2'776 m), from where you can marvel at the panoramic view. The descent leads to the dam at the Sellasee lake and on to the Gotthardpass.
The route leads along the Lago Lucendro lake to the source of the Reuss at the foot of the Lucendropass and on over the pass. After a long and scenic high-level hike above the Bedrettotal valley, you reach your destination – the Piansecco Hut.
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 the village Obergesteln.
We recommend shortening today’s walk by public transport. From Obergesteln the trail leads via Oberwald, Gletsch and Muttbach up to the Furkapass with stunning views of the Valais‘ 4'000-metre mountains. The route then leads down via Alp Galen to a scenic vantage point above the Rhône Glacier source of the Rhone. From here you walk or take the public transport towards Tiefenbach.
Pleasant hike on Urschnen high-level trail along stony south-eastern slopes above Urserental. Views down to Realp and Hospental, pass road and historic Furka steam railway. En route: tiny lakes, Alpine flowers, mountain streams and jagged cliffs.
approx. 5 h
approx. 16 km
540 m
1'225 m
Day
8
Departure or Extension
Tour character
You need good physical condition, surefootedness and a good stamina for this alpine hike. It leads over passes and suspension bridges. Some demanding and long descends. The long stage of the 5th day you can shorten by using the Matterhorn-Gotthard train (MGB).
Category: 3* and 4* hotels, Hospice on the Gotthard Pass, mountain inn with shower/toilet on the corridor in Tiefenbach, 2 x dormitories in SAC-mountain huts
Category: 3* and 4* hotels, Hospice on the Gotthard Pass, mountain inn with shower/toilet on the corridor in Tiefenbach, 2 x dormitories in SAC-mountain huts
Travel documents (1 x per room) incl. SwitzerlandMobility Plus subscription
Service Hotline
Please note:
If the Vermigel Hut is fully booked, the Maighels Hut can be booked as an alternative. The price of the trip remains the same, but the second day is much more demanding (19.5 km, ↑ 1'110 m, ↓ 1'330 m).
Optional journey by public transport on day 5 not included in the price (CHF 4.- with half-fare card)
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Reservation fee of CHF 15 per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Information
Arrival/Parking/Departure:
Parking in Andermatt, costs are payable on site
Other important information:
The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.
Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.
Travel documents
Travel documents "digital”
In future we will reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the SwitzerlandMobility app. We will provide you with further information online. In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:
On the way, you can easily find your way with the SwitzerlandMobility app and other freely accessible aids. Background information and all other documents are delivered electronically and can be downloaded to your mobile phone in advance.
Let us know if you don't want to do without maps. We will send them to you free of charge.