Have you ever decided against doing a hike based on the numbers? Maybe it was too long—15 or 20 miles. And you were looking for a more leisurely 5-mile day hike. Or maybe the deal …
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No doubt—I had to return and do this hike again. In July 2019, when I first hiked the Planplatten Ridge from Engstlenalp to Planplatten, I came expecting to hike what many describe as a highlight …
Continue reading “Best of the Via Alpina: Engstlenalp to Planplatten”
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Highlights on the Via Alpina There are so many highlights I can’t possibly do justice to them in one blog post. Here are my standout moments and undiscovered gems. I’m sure yours will be different: …
Continue reading “The Via Alpina 1 in Retrospect”
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L’Etivaz to Montreux The final two stages, (Stage 18 and 19) of the Via Alpina pose some logistical challenges for most hikers. The designated route leaves something to be desired, and there are no accommodations …
Continue reading “Stage 18 & 19 – L’Etivaz to Montreux”
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Gstaad and L’Etivaz—Worlds apart You couldn’t find two towns in all of Switzerland more different from each other than of Gstaad, our starting point, and L’Etivaz at day’s end. One is German, the other French-speaking. …
Continue reading “Stage 17 – Gstaad to L’Etivaz – Via Alpina 1”
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Leaving Lenk and cruising over the Trüttlisbergpass This stage, and the remaining stages, could be more properly classified as “mountain walks” than “alpine hikes.” They’re more relaxing than demanding. More energizing than exhausting. Leaving Lenk …
Continue reading “Stage 16 – Lenk to Gstaad – Via Alpina 1”
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Over the Hahnenmoospass On the Via Alpina 1, Stage 15 from Adelboden to Lenk, I breathe deep knowing all the high passes are behind us. The Hohtürli and Sefinenfurgge are fading memories. Gone are the …
Continue reading “Stage 15 – Adelboden to Lenk – Via Alpina 1”
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Via Alpina Hikers: A New Breed of Stamp Collectors As I’m hiking the Via Alpina, a 230-mile trek through the Swiss Alps, I’ve picked up a new hobby—stamp collecting. No, I’m not collecting postage stamps. …
Continue reading “Via Alpina Hiking Passbook: Stamp it up!”
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