The four Springs Trail in the Gotthard Region The Four Springs Trail is a thrilling hike through the Gotthard massif to the sources of four major rivers that go on to flow through four different countries.
Technical information:
- Begin of tour: Oberalp Pass
- Point of arrival: Furka Pass
- Access starting point: Train
- Access point of arrival: Bus (consider timetable)
- Physical fitness: difficult
- Difficulty: medium
- Hiking time: approx. 29h
- Length: 84.6 km
- Season: June - September
Description:
The Rhine emerges at Lake Toma before flowing on to Germany and the Netherlands; the Reuss, which later flows into the Rhine, rises by the Lucendro Pass; the Ticino, which eventually flows into the Po in Italy, originates at the Nufenen Pass; and the Rhone has its source in the eponymous glacier, before flowing towards France.
The Four Sources Trail leads in five stages through magnificent Alpine scenery, home to marmots and chamois, across moorland and high pastures. Each river source is the focus of a day-hike whose start and finish points are served by public transport. Thanks to a good choice of accommodation, you can comfortably string the hikes together into a five-day tour.
The careful planning of a tour will ensure that you also derive the maximum pleasure and enjoyment from it. Please take the time to contact the local information centre and enquire about route and weather conditions before setting off. Your intended trail may be fully or partially closed, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
