The panorama at Oeschinensee. Photo by Robert Boesch, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism
We rate this trip as strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 6 to 8 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents (averaging 2,000 to 3,500 vertical feet per day) at an elevation up to 9,000 feet above sea level. Sure-footedness is important and a history of severe vertigo may impact your ability to do this tour. We cross two of the most spectacular and challenging hiking passes in the Swiss Alps—the Sefinenfurgge and the Hohtürli. On these passes, there are long staircases, scree slopes, some exposed drop-offs protected by cables or handholds, and short ladder assists of about 2 meters. Trekking poles are highly recommended on this tour.
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Assume 2.5 miles/hour on the flat.
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Assume 1200 feet of up per hour.
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Assume 2000 feet of down per hour.
