49 Vier Quellen Weg ( Four Springs Trail )

The Four Springs Trail leads through richly contrasting landscapes in the cantons of Uri, Graubunden, Tessin and the Valais, to the sources of four rivers: the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhone. It crosses over six passes: the Maighels, Sella, Gotthard, Lucendro, Nufenen and Furka. The hike takes you through many wetlands with streams, pools, lakes and moors with typical vegetation. Longer sections lie above the tree line, where mainly dwarf shrubs are found.

An extremely scenic high-level hike leads along the north slope of the Bedrettotal valley. Following a climb to the Nufenenpass the route leads 1100 m down into Obergoms. Along the way you catch sight of the Griesgletscher (glacier), Europe’s highest-altitude wind turbine, a historic stone bridge dating from 1761 near Ladstafel, a gorge with hanging bridge and typical Walser houses.

On the last stage, the Rhone is your constant companion and the Rhonegletscher (glacier) an impressive experience. You will also see witnesses to a historic past such as the steam train on the Furka mountain section and a military fortification on Alp Galen.