Aim high and dive in: A 6-day trek in a mountain lake paradise

Long-distance hiking means freedom, minimalism and pure closeness to nature. Whether it's a slice of cake in a mountain hut or a dip in a crystal-clear mountain lake after a steep climb – moments like these make the experience unforgettable. The Gotthard Crystal Trek combines all these facets in a six-day route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It's the perfect way to escape the summer heat and discover the mountains in a new and intense way.

The Gotthard Crystal Trek lives up to its name.

How it all began

When we received the request that Christina Ragettli (if you don't know her yet, be sure to check her out) was planning a multi-day hiking project in our region, I was immediately excited. It quickly became clear that we would implement the project together with Sedrun Disentis Tourism.

The idea:

• A six-day long-distance hike with a difficulty rating of T3,

• connecting both destinations

• and clearly different from the Four Headwaters Trail – both in terms of route selection and target group.

What came of it

This idea gave rise to a tour away from the hustle and bustle. It leads through quiet landscapes, over easy, scenic blue-and-white sections to secluded mountain lakes and impressive passes. Overnight stays are in mountain huts or small mountain hotels – well catered for with a fine hut dinner and a view of the starry sky.

Blue and white route with a view of one of the many glacial lakes along the Gotthard Crystal Trek.

Step by step towards a picture-postcard view.

Facts:

• Duration: 35 hours 55 minutes

• Distance: 87.2 km

• Ascent: 6,417 metres

• Descent: 5,896 metres

The name of the long-distance hike, Gotthard Crystal Trek, says it all: on almost every stage, you will encounter sparkling crystals along the way. The route leads through the heart of the Gotthard massif and is considered a real gem among alpine long-distance hiking trails.

The trek takes shape

At 6.30 a.m., I met Christina and her brother Gian, who was responsible for the photo and video material, in Rueras. Together we drove to Andermatt, where they started the first stage.

Ready to go in Andermatt – it is still quiet in the streets.

Over the following days, I received regular updates from them and gained initial insights into how our careful planning worked in practice. I was familiar with some sections, which made it particularly easy for me to empathise with their experiences.

Encounter at the Tresch Hut On the fifth day, I met Christina and Gian at the Tresch Hut, the lowest-lying SAC hut in Switzerland. They had lots to tell me: about harsh weather, magical moments by the water and quiet paths far away from civilisation. We ended the day comfortably with a dinner of Ukrainian borscht and lentil soup. The next morning, we set off together for the Fellilücke. The trail led steadily uphill, past an alp with cows and chickens. The last few metres of elevation were dotted with rough boulders, and small crystals sparkled in the light.

Welcome to the charming Tresch hut at 1,475 metres above sea level.

Ascent through the scree landscape to the Fellilücke.

The grand finale

From the Fellilücke, we could already see our destination: the Oberalp Pass with its red lighthouse. We reached Lake Luter via a scenic high-altitude trail, where a dip in the cold water was of course a must. After the descent to Lake Oberalp, we covered the last few metres to the lighthouse, the official destination of the trek.

Regeneration Gotthard Crystal Trek style: cold, clear, unforgettable.

We made it, we reached our goal!

We celebrated the finale with a delicious lunch and homemade cream slices at the Alpsu restaurant. Afterwards, I took Christina and Gian back to Rueras – filled with the shared experience and full of anticipation for the first season of the Gotthard Crystal Trek.

A plate of pasta, good company and lots of memories.