Hiking & taking a deep breath: my favorite hut tours in Switzerland
Between sunrise, constant rain, snow and views that stay with you
For me, hiking is more than just covering distance. It's a break from everyday life, a bit of distance and often just a good feeling. I particularly like tours with an overnight stay - somewhere high up where it gets quieter in the evening and I set off at first light in the morning.
The three tours I am sharing here are some of the most memorable. Not because everything went perfectly, but precisely because it didn't. It was cold, wet, exhausting, beautiful. And that's exactly why it was special.
1. Snow and sunrise on the Schäfler - via Wildkirchli and Äscher to the Seealpsee lake
Start: Ebenalp | Overnight stay: Berggasthaus Schäfler | Finish: Wasserauen
This tour in the Alpstein is one of my absolute favorites. I start at the Ebenalp cable car mountain station. The trail first leads through the Wildkirchli, an impressive cave trail, and then on to the Äscher, the famous mountain inn that juts out spectacularly from the rock face.
After a short coffee stop, the path becomes steeper. I follow the ridge path, which takes me over open terrain and a narrower path to the Schäfler mountain inn. Shortly before my destination, there is suddenly snow. And that's in September.
At the top of the Schäfler, simple, cozy accommodation awaits with warm food, a thick blanket and a view over the entire Alpstein region. The next morning, the sky is clear. I go out early and experience a sunrise that I have rarely seen before.
The descent takes me down to Seealpsee - a steep but beautiful path. At the bottom of the lake, I take my time. The water is clear, cold and perfect for cooling off. I then continue on to Wasserauen, where I take the train back.
2. Panoramic view and mountain lake on the Schynigen Platte - over the Faulhorn to Grindelwald
Start: Schynige Platte | Overnight stay: Berghotel Faulhorn | Finish: Grindelwald First
This tour is like a postcard classic and is therefore very well known. In my opinion: quite rightly so. It starts with the nostalgic cog railroad to the Schynigen Platte. Even the journey there feels special. Once at the top, the trail begins with a sweeping panorama. The Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau accompany me almost all the way.
The trail first leads over gentle grassy hills, then through rockier terrain to the Faulhorn. The final ascent to the hut is more strenuous, but well worth it. I spend the night at the Faulhorn mountain hotel. It's simple, charming and right on the ridge. The wood creaks, the wind blows through and that's what makes it so appealing.
The next morning I continue on to Bachalpsee. The mountains are reflected in the water and there is almost no wind. From there I hike to the Firstbahn and take a leisurely ride back to Grindelwald. It's one of those tours where everything just fits.
Discover our hiking rucksacks
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Wizard 18+4 - Hiking backpack€137.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free deliveryWith recycled PET bottles
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Brenta 24 liters hiking backpack€147.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
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Jura 18 liters hiking backpack€116.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
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Skomer Tour 34+ liters hiking backpack women's€179.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
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Wizard 24+4 hiking backpack€158.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
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3. Tents, rain and silence on the Stanserhorn - via Alp Laucheren to Engelberg
Start: Stanserhorn | Overnight stay: Alp Laucheren | Finish: Engelberg
This tour is quieter and less well-known. I start on the Stanserhorn - arriving at the top in the open convertible train: the ride alone is an experience. The route takes me across wide alpine meadows, along gentle hilltops, through small sections of forest and over the Arvigrat to Alp Laucheren.
The plan is actually to camp. I can either rent a tent there or pitch my own. But then the rain comes, and not just a little, but a lot. I'm completely soaked in no time at all. I am incredibly grateful that I can spontaneously stay in the hut. Inside, it's warm, simple and cozy. It smells of wood and wet clothes, but the atmosphere is good.
The next morning, the sky is clear again. I start early, walk past cows and sheep, through a short stretch of forest and then along a long, open path towards Engelberg.
The descent is quiet and steep. I hardly meet anyone. This tour starts rather inconspicuously but stays in my head for a long time.
Conclusion - or: why tours like this do so much good
Hiking doesn't always have to be spectacular or particularly challenging to trigger something. For me, it's often the tours with an overnight stay that are particularly memorable. Because I take more time. Because I don't have to go back down straight away. Because I don't get in the car or on the train in the evening, but simply stay where I am.
And because something almost always happens along the way that I don't expect. Snow in late summer, a spectacular sunrise or an evening in a hut with people I didn't know before. That's what makes these tours special for me.
Maybe there's a tour for you. Have fun!
Lisa / @lisi.wldo