What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area Support member who documents the trip photographically 5 days of hiking along the Four Springs Trek in Switzerland Overnight stay in quality mountain huts Half board (breakfasts and dinners) Group equipment Carbon offset program (planting 10 trees per participant) What’s not included: Transportation to the starting point of the tour Accommodation before and after the tour — if applicable Snacks between breakfast and dinner Drinks Travel and medical/rescue insurance Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To participate in the Four Springs Trek hiking tour in Switzerland, you should have a very high level of fitness and experience of mountain hiking. You should be able to walk up to 7 hours per day with a daily elevation gain between 2,625 and 3,940 feet (800-1,200 m). You’ll cover a total distance of 50 miles (81 km) with a ascent of 15,090 feet (4,600 m) over the course of 5 days. While the trek does not require advanced technical skills, you should be a confident hiker comfortable with covering exposed sections from time to time. To prepare for the Four Springs Trek, consider incorporating regular cardio and strength training into your fitness routine. Focus on building endurance through long walks or hikes, gradually increasing both duration and elevation gain to simulate the conditions of the trek. Additionally, practice hiking on uneven terrain to improve your balance and stability. It’s important to note that throughout the trek, you’ll have a guide by your side, always providing support, guidance, and assistance, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey. With the right level of fitness and preparation, coupled with the support of a knowledgeable guide, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Four Springs Trek in the Swiss Alps.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack (around a 60-80L bag) Telescopic poles Mountain boots or high hiking boots Gaiters Hard shell jacket Down jacket Moisture-wicking long hiking pants Moisture-wicking long and short hiking shirts Soft shell or fleece jacket Hat and gloves Sunglasses Sun and lip cream Water bottle and thermos flask Camera and power bank Hut sleeping bag Headlamp Toiletries (reduced to a minimum) Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for varying weather conditions. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What will the accommodation and food be like?

During the Four Springs Trek adventure in Switzerland, participants can expect comfortable accommodation and nourishing meals along the route. The huts along the trek boast a very high standard, equipped with all modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. You’ll sleep in dormitory-style rooms with mattresses provided for sleeping bags, offering a cozy and restful environment for a good night’s sleep. The tour includes half board, consisting of breakfast and dinner. Meals provided adhere to a commitment to animal welfare, meaning fish and meat are not offered. However, participants have the flexibility to order their preferred dishes of animal origin at local restaurants if preferred (not included). Additionally, you’re welcome to bring and consume your own food of animal origin at any time. While snacks are not included in the tour package, it’s recommended to bring replenishing snacks to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Suitable options include dried fruit, chocolate, cheese, wholemeal bread, and energy bars.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate, while the maximum number of participants is 10. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Hiking the Four Springs Trek in the Swiss Alps can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

Your tour starts in the Oberalp Pass area. To get there, most people fly into Zürich Airport . From there, the easiest way to get to the starting point is by train. You should first take a train ride to the village of Andermatt and then another short ride to the Oberalp Pass station. Once there, it’s 5 minutes by foot to the trailhead, next to the lighthouse. You can meet your guide in Andermatt in the evening before the tour starts or the morning of Day 1 and take a train ride to Oberalp Pass together. We suggest arriving at least one day before the tour starts, especially if flying for afar. We suggest arranging accommodation either in Zürich or in Andermatt before the tour.

Safety measures in the Swiss Alps

Participants should cover all their bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Switzerland, please refer to Switzerland travel advice . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Guided Four Springs Trek in Central Swiss Alps.

The village of Andermatt in the Swiss Alps.

Hikers navigating rugged, rocky terrain in the Swiss Alps along the Four Springs Trek.

Rhone glacier and the source of the Rhone river.

Two hikers hiking to the Rhone glacier, along the Four Springs Trek in the Swiss Alps.

Hiker admiring the view along the Four Springs Trek in the Swiss Alps.

FOUR SPRINGS TREK | SWITZERLAND

Authentic Alpine Hiking: Four Springs Trek in Switzerland

Season

June through October

Duration

5 days

Difficulty

Accommodation

Quality mountain huts along the way

Guide

Exped Tribe

Book a call

From $1,890 () / 5 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Hiking in the Alps is like peanut butter with jelly—it just feels right. But with so many options, the question is: where to go? As a team of local Swiss guides, we came up with an alternative and unique trail—the 5-day Four Springs Trek. As its name suggests, this trail leads to the sources of four major European rivers: the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhone. This is where the rivers are born, before they grow big and flow through large cities like Lyon or Cologne. With high-quality mountain hut accommodation and local guides like us by your side, this Alpine adventure will run smoother than a Swiss watch. No wonder this trek is a local favorite, with Swiss hikers leading the charge. Ready to uncover the authentic side of the Alps? Let’s hit the trails!

Adventure highlights

Hidden gem of Alpine hiking

Ditch the crowds of more famous routes and hike along a unique Swiss trail favored by local hikers
Incredible landscapes

Discover gorgeous natural wonders of central Swiss Alps around sources of 4 major European rivers
Swiss mountain huts

Get a proper Alpine experience by staying in mountain huts that combine a rustic appeal and high-quality amenities

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Explore the majestic Swiss Alps on the 5-day Four Springs Trek. We’ll traverse breathtaking Alpine meadows, rugged mountain passes, towering peaks, and pristine glacial landscapes to get to the sources of four major European rivers—the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhone. Nothing compares to the tranquility of crystal-clear mountain lakes and towering peaks. With your expert local guide leading the way, you’ll get to fully experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Switzerland. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in mountain huts, delicious vegetarian breakfasts and dinners provided, group equipment, and the added benefit of a carbon offset program.

We’ll start the hike from the meeting point at the Oberalp Pass (6,706 ft / 2,044 m) near the lighthouse (close to the village of Andermatt), in the direction of Lake Toma. The trail will take us along hiking boards across alpine meadows in the direction of Badus (9,606 ft / 2,928 m). That’s where the picturesque Lake Toma awaits—the source of the Rhine. As we continue to the Maighelspass (7,913 ft / 2,421 m), we’ll pass numerous streams, wetlands and the Urlaunsee (Lai Urlaun), which is surrounded by a rich native flora and fauna. Shortly after the Maighelspass, we’ll discover the picturesque Portgerensee lake, a perfect place to take a break in the midst of the beautiful mountain landscape. After a further hour’s walk, we’ll reach the cozy Vermigelhütte (6,699 ft / 2,042 m), to end the day with a delicious dinner.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Vermigel mountain hut
Today’s hiking stage will take us to one of the highlights of the Four Springs Trail – the Giübin, the highest peak on the route, at an altitude of 9,108 feet / 2,776 meters. The goal for today is to cross the Giübin and reach the Gotthard Pass. After breakfast, our group will set off from the Vermigel hut and hike through a picturesque landscape adorned with Alpine roses. Soon, we’ll be able to see the Giübin in the distance and the path will lead us through an area that has been known since ancient times for its mineral wealth. Finally, we’ll reach the Giübin and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the Gotthard massif. During the descent, we’ll pass Lake Sella (7,401 ft / 2,256 m), which is now on the soil of the Ticino canton, an Italian-speaking Swiss region. Further on we will reach the Gotthard Pass, where our day ends in a relaxed manner with another delicious dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut near the Gotthard Pass
An exciting route awaits us on the third day of the hike, taking us to the Lucendro Pass (8,274 ft / 2,522 m). We’ll cross the Bedretto Valley and admire the Lucendro reservoir, whose dam wall was built during the Second World War. We’ll continue the hike to the Lucendro Alps, where we’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the source of the Reuss. After a break, we’ll cross the pass and follow the Sentiero Alto Bedretto, a breathtaking high-level trail that offers a unique view of the picturesque Bedretto Valley. If lucky, we’ll even pick some blueberries along the way! Finally, we’ll reach the Piansecco hut (6,562 ft / 2,000 m), the final destination for the day.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Piansecco mountain hut
Today, the hike continues to the Nufenen Pass. On the way, we’ll pass the Manio Alps and the Cruina Alps mountain pastures, along with historic traffic routes that illustrate the economic importance of the Gotthard massif in earlier times. The trail leads through varied terrain, such as mountain ranges, meadows, plateaus and wetlands. We’ll then take a break at the Ticino spring and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains reflected in the glistening water. This is also the source of the Ticino, whose path leads down into the valley to Lake Maggiore. We’ll get to see what is probably the oldest tree in Switzerland, a larch that is around 1,500 years old. Finally, we’ll reach our accommodation for the night near Grimsel.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut near Grimsel
The last stage of our 5-day trek brings the highlight of the Rhone glacier and the source of the Rhone await. However, there are still a few meters of altitude to overcome as we hike from the Obergoms to the Furka Pass. The glacier, which was accessible from the village of Gletsch decades ago, has retreated considerably due to climate change, altering the landscape. During the ascent, we’ll admire the high alpine mountains of Switzerland. Once we arrive at the former Hotel Belvédère, it is only a short walk to the starting point of the Rhone Glacier. After congratulating yourselves, we’ll enjoy the view of the glacier and the source of the Rhone and conclude the last day of hiking. Finally, we’ll take the bus to Andermatt, where the trip is rounded off with a delicious meal. Say goodbye to your guide, fellow hikers and to Switzerland—or continue touring on your own!

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Authentic Alpine Hiking: Four Springs Trek in Switzerland

Adventure Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guide

5.00

Exped Tribe

Formerly known as the Afterbang Squad, Exped Tribe was founded in the picturesque mountains of central Switzerland in January 2020. With roots dating back to 2009, when they specialized in crafting unique marketing content for the outdoor industry, the team evolved their expertise in planning and executing expeditions into a mission to provide authentic experiences to adventurous souls and mountain enthusiasts. Their journey encompasses faraway lands, lonely peaks, and the exploration of hard-to-reach areas, alongside exhilarating courses and tours within Switzerland. Committed to leaving only footprints behind, Exped Tribe invites fellow adventurers to join them in shaping the future of remote exploration and experiencing the unparalleled freedom that nature bestows.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Support member who documents the trip photographically
  - 5 days of hiking along the Four Springs Trek in Switzerland
  - Overnight stay in quality mountain huts
  - Half board (breakfasts and dinners)
  - Group equipment
  - Carbon offset program (planting 10 trees per participant)
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to the starting point of the tour
  - Accommodation before and after the tour — if applicable
  - Snacks between breakfast and dinner
  - Drinks
  - Travel and medical/rescue insurance
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To participate in the Four Springs Trek hiking tour in Switzerland, you should have a very high level of fitness and experience of mountain hiking. You should be able to walk up to 7 hours per day with a daily elevation gain between 2,625 and 3,940 feet (800-1,200 m). You’ll cover a total distance of 50 miles (81 km) with a ascent of 15,090 feet (4,600 m) over the course of 5 days.
While the trek does not require advanced technical skills, you should be a confident hiker comfortable with covering exposed sections from time to time.

To prepare for the Four Springs Trek, consider incorporating regular cardio and strength training into your fitness routine. Focus on building endurance through long walks or hikes, gradually increasing both duration and elevation gain to simulate the conditions of the trek. Additionally, practice hiking on uneven terrain to improve your balance and stability.

It’s important to note that throughout the trek, you’ll have a guide by your side, always providing support, guidance, and assistance, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

With the right level of fitness and preparation, coupled with the support of a knowledgeable guide, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Four Springs Trek in the Swiss Alps.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack (around a 60-80L bag)
  - Telescopic poles
  - Mountain boots or high hiking boots
  - Gaiters
  - Hard shell jacket
  - Down jacket
  - Moisture-wicking long hiking pants
  - Moisture-wicking long and short hiking shirts
  - Soft shell or fleece jacket
  - Hat and gloves
  - Sunglasses
  - Sun and lip cream
  - Water bottle and thermos flask
  - Camera and power bank
  - Hut sleeping bag
  - Headlamp
  - Toiletries (reduced to a minimum)
Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for varying weather conditions. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
During the Four Springs Trek adventure in Switzerland, participants can expect comfortable accommodation and nourishing meals along the route. The huts along the trek boast a very high standard, equipped with all modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. You’ll sleep in dormitory-style rooms with mattresses provided for sleeping bags, offering a cozy and restful environment for a good night’s sleep.

The tour includes half board, consisting of breakfast and dinner. Meals provided adhere to a commitment to animal welfare, meaning fish and meat are not offered. However, participants have the flexibility to order their preferred dishes of animal origin at local restaurants if preferred (not included). Additionally, you’re welcome to bring and consume your own food of animal origin at any time. While snacks are not included in the tour package, it’s recommended to bring replenishing snacks to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Suitable options include dried fruit, chocolate, cheese, wholemeal bread, and energy bars.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate, while the maximum number of participants is 10.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Hiking the Four Springs Trek in the Swiss Alps can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your tour starts in the Oberalp Pass area. To get there, most people fly into Zürich Airport. From there, the easiest way to get to the starting point is by train. You should first take a train ride to the village of Andermatt and then another short ride to the Oberalp Pass station. Once there, it’s 5 minutes by foot to the trailhead, next to the lighthouse. You can meet your guide in Andermatt in the evening before the tour starts or the morning of Day 1 and take a train ride to Oberalp Pass together.

We suggest arriving at least one day before the tour starts, especially if flying for afar. We suggest arranging accommodation either in Zürich or in Andermatt before the tour.
Participants should cover all their bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Switzerland, please refer to Switzerland travel advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 1 month (30 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - For cancellations twenty (20) to thirty (30) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - For cancellations ten (10) to nineteen (19) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. An additional administrative fee of approximately $70 will also be charged in case of cancellation.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.