Whether you live in Switzerland or are planning to visit, No Normal Coffee has put together a collection of three outdoor day trips that you won't want to miss. To create this list, we asked members of our community who regularly spend their free time in Switzerlands' stunning nature to share their favorite trails as well as their personal experiences and tips with us.

Details

Length: ~ 6 hours walking time

Elevation: 1000 m of difference in altitude

Difficulty: T2 (medium-level), though the length should not be underestimated

Starting Point

The journey begins comfortably by train to Mörel, where you switch to the cable car towards Riederalp.

Route Description

Once you arrive at Riederalp, the first short stage takes about 30 minutes to reach Riederfurka, where the main hike begins. As you follow the picturesque trail towards Moosfluh, above the Aletsch Forest, you'll have breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier on your left and stunning views of the high Aletsch peaks and Mäjerlen lake on your right. A short detour brings you to the impressive glacier's edge, where you can often observe fascinating ice formations. Further along is the mountain hut "Gletscherstube," an ideal rest stop offering food and lodging. From Gletscherstube, the trail continues towards the Tälligrat Tunnel. After passing through the 1-km-long illuminated tunnel, you'll reach the final stretch of the tour leading to Fiescheralp. From there, you can easily take the cable car back down to the valley.

Note

If this tour isn’t enough, it can be easily extended. Instead of starting at Riederalp, you can begin at Belalp. From there, you'll descend into the valley and cross the 124-meter-long suspension bridge over the Massa Gorge before ascending through the ancient Aletsch Forest with its old-growth Swiss stone pines to Riederfurka. Here, you can spend the night at the picturesque Villa Cassel or in a hotel on Riederalp.

Details

Length: ~ 4 hours walking time

Elevation: 820 m of difference in altitude

Difficulty: T2 (medium-level)

Starting Point

Arrival station by train is at Susch, Abzw. Schwarzhorn. Chris, however, oftentimes opts for his motorcycle to complete his outdoor adventure experience ;)

Route Description

The tour starts with a gentle ascent over the first 60 meters of elevation, allowing for a relaxed climb up to around 2800 meters without much effort. From there, you're rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view that gives you a first taste of the altitude.

Next, there's a slightly steeper section of about 100 meters of elevation gain leading to a pleateau, which is perfect for a snack break to recharfe before the final ascent.

The last 400 meters to the summit are a bit more demanding, with some steeper parts that can be challenging. However, the breathtaking views make up for the effort. This is one of the easier 3000-meter peakes to reach, and standing at 3000 meters offers a real sense of accomplishment – a hight you can rarely reach this comfortably. 

For the descent, a round tour via Fuorcla Radönt is recommended. If you enjoy a refreshing swim, you can make a detour to a small mountain lake at about 2600 meters – ideal for cooling off (especially in summer). After that, the route takes you back to the ascent path and down to the bus station. 

Note

In the higher sections, snow often remains until summer, so during winter, you can expect snow coverage. Especially in the final part of the ascent, good footwear is essential to ensure a secure grip.

Details

lenght: ~ 12 kilometers

elevation: 1200 m of difference in altitude

Difficulty: definitely challenging!

Starting Point

The trail begins and ends at the beautiful Champex Lake, easily accessible by car or public transport. Champex, a renowned hiking destination, is part of the famous “Tour de Mont Blanc.”

Route Description

It’s a round trip: on the way up, hikers pass by Cabane d’Orny, and the descent brings them through the stunning “Val d’Arpette” valley back to Champex. Once at the top, Ramona recommends staying overnight at the mountain hut, Cabane du Trient, to fully experience the magic of the surroundings. The sunset over the beautiful glacier (Glacier du Trient) is a magnificent spectacle of colours, as well as the sunrise.

Note

Ramona suggests enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, wrapping up in a blanket, and soaking in a few peaceful moments of mountain meditation before heading back down.

We hope at least one of those trails made you want to go outdoors and try them out yourself. If so, feel free to send us your personal experience! Or maybe YOU have a favorite trail in the Swiss mountains that you would want to share with us? You can easily reach us via info@nonormal.com or via Instagram @wearenonormal! Looking forward!