The travel guide for winter

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Swiss winter hiking routes

1. Toggenburg

Route

In the lap of the Churfirsten, you can enjoy wonderful views up to the seven peaks and over to the Alpstein.
Suitable Hotel:
Berg & Bett Säntis Lodge / Unterwasser ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. Goms – the winter paradise

Route

Where cross-country skiing is at home. Pure relaxation in the winter wonderland of GOMS.
Suitable Hotel:
Hotel Tenne / Gluringen ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3. Titlis Trail on Fürenalp

Route

Feel transported back in time and enjoy the tranquillity of nature away from the hustle and bustle - the Titlis Trail on Fürenalp makes this possible.
Suitable Hotel:
Trail Hotel Engelberg / Engelberg ⭐️⭐️⭐️

4. Breathtaking winter hike

Route

Strenuous but rewarding winter hike from Zermatt via Findeln to Sunnegga with magnificent views of the Matterhorn and the mountain sun.
Suitable Hotels:
Monte Rosa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ or Mont Cervin Palace ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Zermatt

5. Winter philosopher's path

Route

Fresh mountain air, enchanting winter landscapes and Engadine Alpine panorama deluxe as far as the eye can see. For the gourmets, Chez Vrony is the perfect invitation.
Suitable Hotel:
Cresta Palasce / Celerina ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6. Most beautiful winter hike in Europe

Route

1000 metres above everyday life. The hike leads high above Grindelwald and Wengen from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg.
Suitable Hotels:
Hotel Kirchbühl / Grindelwald ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hotel Eiger Selfness / Grindelwald ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

7. Fantastic winter hiking network

Route

A walk in the snowy landscape of the Saas Valley is a must! Explore our 60km winter hiking network.
Suitable Hotels:
Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hotel Garni Feehof ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The travel guide for winter

Switzerland - a winter paradise with many facets. Trees covered in white, glistening ice on frozen mountain lakes and the pleasant crunching sound of fresh snow underfoot: Winter hikes have their own special charm and present nature in an enchanting new light.

Switzerland - a winter paradise with numerous facets, fortunately you don't have to travel far for this experience. But you should be prepared. This is especially important in winter, when temperatures can drop below freezing and you should be prepared for all eventualities. We have put together a few tips on what to take with you on a winter hike.

6 Packing Tips for Winter Hiking

1. outfit: two-layer look
   Hot on the ascent, freezing cold during the break in the shade. When hiking in winter, the range of (perceived) temperatures is enormous. Here we recommend an all-in-one outfit. You can take layers off and put them back on, depending on how you feel. It is important that the clothing is breathable. An example of the different layers would be: tight-fitting functional underwear, longsleeve, fleece pullover, hard or soft shell jacket, down jacket. Windproof and waterproof hiking trousers are suitable for the bottom layer. There should be a change of clothes in your rucksack.
2. Footwear: Sturdy and waterproof
   The right footwear is at least as important in winter as in summer. However, most hiking boots can also be worn in winter, as they are very sturdy and waterproof anyway. To give the foot enough stability, they should be ankle-high and of course suitable for snow. Good gaiters also keep the feet dry.
3. provisions: energy-rich and tasty
   Exercise in the fresh air stimulates the appetite. When hiking, however, it is also important that the provisions not only taste delicious, but are also full of energy. For longer breaks, you can pack a snack with fresh bread, boiled eggs, sausage and cheese. Nuts, fruit or dried fruit are good for in-between meals. A hot cup of tea in a thermos flask will also do you good and warm you from the inside.
4. for emergencies: medicine and first aid
   In the mountains, you should be prepared for anything and at least be able to take care of yourself in case something happens. That's why a well-stocked emergency kit is a must: First aid kit, blister plasters, plasters/bandages, handkerchiefs, personal medicines, painkillers, disinfectant, diarrhoea medicine, emergency blanket, sun cream/lip protection.
5. always have your personal belongings with you
   You usually have these with you anyway, so you should also take them with you on the mountain: Mobile phone, cash, identity card, health insurance card, Alpine Club membership card (if available), photo camera and binoculars if necessary, headlamp.
6. hiking route: well planned and adapted
   In winter, planning the hiking route is particularly important. With temperatures around freezing and uncertain weather conditions, you should be prepared for all situations. It is better to plan more time and not to choose routes that are too demanding. You should also bear in mind that the days are shorter in winter and it gets dark sooner. So it is essential to be generous with the resources of time and fitness. This way you won't get into an emergency situation unnecessarily and can enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Did you know that...

• ... the Swiss cold record was set 34 years ago.
  On 12 January 1987, a frosty -41.8 °C was measured in La Brévine.
• ... the Earth's cold pole is in Antarctica.
  At the cold pole of the inhabited world (Siberia) -67.8 °C have already been measured.
• ... the wind makes the cold worse.
  The so-called wind chill effect occurs when relatively warm air close to the skin is blown away.
• ... women freeze faster than men.
  The reason for this is that their skin is on average 2.8 °C cooler than that of men. Men also have more muscle mass on average.
• ... in extreme cold our skin no longer produces fat.
  Winter is no bed of roses for our largest organ. In heated rooms, the dry air draws moisture from the skin. Outside in the cold air the humidity is usually also low, which promotes dehydration.
• ... the onion principle applies when dressing.
  The onion principle - wearing clothes in several layers on top of each other - makes sense because the warm air is insulated between the layers. The bottom layer should wick away sweat and insulate heat. Cotton is not so good for this, a polyester or merino shirt is better for this purpose.