Gotthard Crystal Trek
Gotthard Crystal Trek
Gotthard Crystal Trek
Gotthard Crystal Trek

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.

What makes the Gotthard Crystal Trek so special? The opportunity to swim in crystal-clear mountain lakes, marvel at sparkling rocks and experience the untouched beauty of the Alps up close.
Miriam Eicher
— Head of Product Management & Media Travel
Banner GKT Etappe 1
Stage 1: From Andermatt to the Gotthard Pass
7 h 10 min | 20.8 km | 1,385 m ↑ | 737 m ↓

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.

The stage in detail

Stage highlights

Banner GKT Etappe 2
Stage 2: From the Gotthard Pass to the Vermigel Hut
6 h 25 min | 14.9 km | 1,127 m ↑ | 1,239 m ↓

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.

The stage in detail

Stage highlights

  • The pass crossing at the Gloggentürmli

  • ‘Im Vorderen Loch’ with three idyllic mountain lakes

  • The famous Vermicelles dessert in the Vermigel hut

Gotthard-Kristall-Trek: Etappe 2
Top
Difficult
Gotthard Crystal Trek: Stage 2
Hiking
14.9 km
6:25 h
1127 m
1239 m
Banner GKT Etappe 3
Stage 3: From the Vermigel hut to Rueras via Piz Cavradi
7 h 40 min | 19.9 km | 1,014 m ↑ | 1,655 m ↓

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.

The stage in detail

Stage highlights

  • The little-travelled Lolen Pass

  • The spectacular view from Piz Cavradi

  • The view of the historic Pontaningen castle ruins

Gotthard-Kristall-Trek: Etappe 3
Top
Difficult
Gotthard Crystal Trek: Stage 3
Hiking
19.9 km
7:40 h
1014 m
1655 m
Banner GKT Etappe 4
Stage 4: From Rueras to the Etzli hut via Hexensee lake
5 h 45 min | 11.2 km | 1,358 m ↑ | 720 m ↓

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.

The stage in detail

Stage highlights

  • The picturesque Hexensee lake

  • The unexpected view of Lake Lucerne

  • Relaxing in the hot tub at the Etzli hut

Platta dil Barlot
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Difficult
Gotthard Crystal Trek: Stage 4
Hiking
11.2 km
5:45 h
1358 m
720 m
Banner GKT Etappe 5
Stage 5: From the Etzlihütte to the Treschhütte
3 h 45 min | 8.1 km | 517 m ↑ | 1,093 m ↓

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.

The stage in detail

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

Spillauisee
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Difficult
Gotthard Crystal Trek: Stage 5
Hiking
8.1 km
3:45 h
517 m
1093 m
Banner GKT Etappe 6
Stage 6: From the Treschhütte to the Oberalp Pass
5 h 10 min | 12.3 km | 1,016 m ↑ | 452 m ↓

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.

The stage in detail

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

Gotthard-Kristall-Trek: Etappe 6
Top
Difficult
Gotthard Crystal Trek: Stage 6
Hiking
12.3 km
5:10 h
1016 m
452 m

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!

Further hiking highlights in the region

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