Aim high and dive in: A 6-day trek in a mountain lake paradise
Long-distance hiking means freedom, minimalism and pure closeness to nature. Whether it's a warm slice of cake in a mountain hut or a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear mountain lake after a challenging ascent - it's precisely these little moments that make the experience unforgettable.
Discover the new long-distance hiking route ‘Gotthard Crystal Trek’ in the Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis region, which delights with breathtaking views, numerous mountain lakes and varied stages. Perfect for escaping the summer heat and enjoying the nature of the Swiss Alps to the full.
The first stage of the Gotthard Crystal Trek leads from Andermatt along the Reuss to Hospental and on to the Gatschola Gap at 2,528 metres above sea level. The pleasant ascent offers spectacular views of the Furka Pass and the Damma and Galenstock glaciers. Behind the pass, the Valetta and Orsirora lakes invite you to take a break and refresh yourself before continuing on to the turquoise-coloured Lucendro reservoir. The stage ends at the Gotthard Pass.
Stage highlights
The view from the Gatschola Gap
Swimming in Lake Valetta or Lake Orsirora
A visit to the Museo Nazionale del San Gottardo or Sasso San Gottardo
The second stage of the Gotthard Crystal Trek starts on the Gotthard Pass and first leads to the picturesque Sella reservoir. The route then follows a little-used path up to the striking Gloggentürmli towers. The more challenging, blue and white marked alpine hiking trail continues to the ‘Im Vorderen Loch’ plateau with three idyllic mountain lakes - ideal for a break or a refreshing swim. After the final ascent to the Gfallenenlücke, a spectacular view of up to nine more mountain lakes opens up. The varied descent finally ends at the cosy Vermigelhütte.
Stage highlights
The pass crossing at the Gloggentürmli
‘Im Vorderen Loch’ with three idyllic mountain lakes
The famous Vermicelles dessert in the Vermigel hut
The stage starts with a descent from the Vermigelhütte and leads to the Lolenpass, an insider tip with 47 hairpin bends and a moderate gradient. After a break at the Maighelshütte, the route continues to Piz Cavradi, which rewards you with a spectacular view. The descent to the Lai da Curnera side is varied and leads to the idyllic village of Tschamut. The route continues along the golf course in Selva, the first golf course on the Rhine. The final section to Rueras is relaxed and leisurely.
Stage highlights
The little-travelled Lolen Pass
The spectacular view from Piz Cavradi
The view of the historic Pontaningen castle ruins
The fourth day of hiking starts in Rueras and leads through the shady Uaul Flurin before the ascent to Alp Caschlé begins. After 1,000 metres in altitude, you reach the ‘Platta dil Barlot’, where, according to legend, witches once danced. The trail continues to the Hexensee, a picturesque mountain lake. After the lake, there is a short descent before the final ascent to the Mittelplatten. Once at the top, a spectacular view opens up as far as Lake Lucerne. The descent leads to the Etzli hut, where you can end the day relaxing in the warm hot tub.
Stage highlights
The picturesque Hexensee lake
The unexpected view of Lake Lucerne
Relaxing in the hot tub at the Etzli hut
Stage five of the Gotthard Crystal Trek begins directly behind the Etzli hut and offers impressive views of the Witenalpstock and Oberalpstock. After a short ascent, you reach Lake Spillaui at 2,300 metres above sea level, a real highlight of the day. Here you have the option of descending to the lake. The route continues to the Pörtlilücke, from where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain landscape. The descent to the Tresch hut is challenging, but after less than four hours you reach the day's destination, the lowest SAC hut in the Alps.
Stage highlights
The idyllic Spillauisee with a rock in the middle of the water
The breathtaking view at the Pörtlilücke
The Tresch hut, the lowest SAC hut in the Alps
The last day of hiking starts at the Treschhütte and leads to the Fellilücke, with an ascent of two to three hours. There are always great views and small crystals to discover along the way. From Fellilücke, you can already see the Oberalp Pass with its iconic lighthouse. A relaxed high-level trail leads to Lake Luter, where you can refresh yourself before the descent to the Oberalp Pass and a leisurely walk along the Oberalpsee to the final destination.
Stage highlights
The crystal finds on the way to Fellilücke
The iconic lighthouse on the Oberalp Pass
The reward after six days of hiking in the Alpsu restaurant
Packing list for your long-distance hike
Well prepared for the Gotthard Crystal Trek or another long-distance hike around Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis? Our practical packing list will help you not to forget anything - for unforgettable days in the breathtaking mountain world of the Alps. Simply save or print it out and off you go!
