The Wildstrubel Traverse

Day One

Your Switzerland Hiking Adventure commences at the Simmenfalle, the splendid little waterfall by the Hotel of the same name. The route follows a path that sits beside the stream. You will turn off on to a vehicle track which then proceeds through some forest and eventually reaches the Rezliberg guesthouse which sits at 1400m. At about 5o metres beyond the guesthouse is a junction where you will have to turn left and there begins a steep ascent. The path cuts through the rock here and after a two hour climb you should reach the Flueseeli, a beautiful emerald green lake which is at a height of 2045 metres above sea level. There is a Mountain Hut here which costs Sfr25 for the night per person.

Day Two

The start of the second day of the walk takes you back over the lake outlet, through some grassy meadows to a small ridge which leads up to the Flueseehori which stands at an elevation of over 2000m. You will continue to follow this rocky path till you get to a fork in the route, where you will turn right and follow the trail up to the Rezligletschersee, a lake which sits high at 2250m. You will have to cross some footbridges here across the glacial streams, and following the path around the lake and over a small stream to the upper valley of Tierberg. After following the northern slopes for a bit you will have to make your way downwards for a bit before turning left and going again up the slopes to a gully below Tierbergsattel. From here you will be able to see several beautiful little lakes and beyond to a historical trans-alpine route. From here you will drop down to the Rawilseeleni, where a clearly marked path heads left past the lakes and then steeply climbs up the western side of the Weisshorn. This is where the Mountain huts are and the price is around Sfr 32 per person per night.

This, the final day of the walk starts by taking you right from the huts to the Weisshornlucke where you will see across to the low snow plains of the Glacier de la plaine morte. Making your way south easterly and crossing the Canton border in to Valais, you will then head east and down some firm slopes to Lac Luton, a strange little lake set amongst barren landscapes. You will then make your way down these barren slopes to a fork in the path around 2km from the lake. Take the signposted path and go down the slopes which are full of wild alpine flowers, you will come across a dirt track on the valley floor.

The walk markings will now follow for a while along the left bank of the stream to a bridge. After crossing this bridge you will descend along a trail which passes an old cottage and takes you in to some pleasant pastures. The dirt track continues here across the stream and after about ten minutes you will find the path you will walk along. The trail follows down below some rocky cliffs (beware of rock fall) and goes around the mountainside beside the Bisse du Ro an aqueduct. This section of the walk can be stunning as part of the route was cut into the rock and goes along some wooden walkways offering great views. After two hours you will come to a road, where the path continues east along some slopes that pass villas and chalets, crossing a few roads to the township of Montana. Montana has quite a few choices for accommodation and is linked to the transport network.

Over 100 routes in the Bernese Alps are described in this fully updated third edition of Kev Reynolds' popular guide. It is an indispensable companion to a region that boasts famous peaks such as the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. But there are lesser-known mountains, too, that are just as scenically dramatic, and in their shadow peaceful villages and seemingly forgotten hamlets are lodged in spectacular locations. Add to that the romantic valleys, lakes, flower-filled meadows and a network of mountain huts and rustic inns for those who want to experience the Alps of the Victorian pioneers, and you'll understand why the Bernese Alps seduce the connoisseur back year after year. All this, and more, is available to the mountain walker, and this indispensable guide will enable you to explore the very best of the Bernese mountain wonderland.

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There are plenty of other walks to consider in the region, but if you would rather spend the rest of your vacation doing other things, you have a good choice.

You could spend your time in Geneva taking strolls around the many gardens and historic buildings, or take in a museum or three. Geneva is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and has a varied nightlife and café scene. Avery enjoyable break is to be had here.

Montreux is another option and is like Geneva set on the shores of Lake Geneva. The most famous landmark of this town is the mighty Chateau de Chillon, set by the lake side this castle is the most visited historic building in the country and is obvious when you first set foot in it why. Montreux is a very pleasant town and a relaxing place to spend a few days.

Length of Walk: 3 days, averaging 4 hours walking a day.

Start point: Simmenfalle

Finish point: Montana

Nearest town to walk: Lenk is the closest town to the start of the walk and buses from there to Simmenfalle run hourly. Lenk is connected with Geneva by rail via Montreux. The finishing point of Montana is linked to Sierre by bus and a funicular railway. Sierre is on the rail route from Geneva to Brig and trains are regular.

Accommodation: Accommodation during the walk will be at Mountain huts along the route, these cost on average about Sfr 22 per night. In the towns there are is a good choice of accommodation including pensions and hotels.

Supplies: Supplies would be better bought in Geneva, though there are some shops catering for walkers in Montana and Lenk.

Best time to walk: June to October is the only possible time to do this walk, but even then you will need to keep a close eye on the weather as it can change quickly. It is impossible to do the walk at any other time due to snowfall.

Difficulty: *****

This walk is rated as a 4. This route is quite difficult as it passes some rock cliffs and trails where the danger of landslides is apparent. While it is not the most difficult in the region, the walk requires fitness and experience in mountain walking.