Do any of you have any knowledge of local hiking groups that welcome tourists? I would like to do some day hiking in Switzerland this fall, but don't want to go by myself. Would the local towns have groups that go out on a day trek and also welcome travellers? I looked at a couple of village sites, but did not see any mentioned. I'm interested in the Murren area or near Montreux, or both,
Thanks
Posted by
Everett, WA
1288 posts
I was so excited to see a hiking question...only to discover I don't know the answer. If you need some ideas for hikes, let me know. I have been the Murren area several times and enjoyed hiking there.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
689 posts
I don't know the answer to your question, but I can tell you that unless you make it a point to get WAY off the beaten path, you will never be alone hiking in the Alps! There are plenty of people on the trails, so if you are worried about spraining an ankle, for example, it would not be very long before someone came upon you.
I've sometimes found hiking partners in hostels and mountain huts, though I don't know if you'll be staying in those type of lodgings.
You might try looking at the websites for Switzerland's national parks. Perhaps they have the equivalant of our ranger-led hikes?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
CLICK HERE to see a list with discriptions on hiking trails in the Bernese Oberland.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1437 posts
I have a book that used to be available from this website called "Exploring the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Jungfrau Region Switzerland, The Guide Book" by Donald B. Chmura. It's a relatively small 98 page paperback with great descriptions of 18 hikes, maps and altitudes for all of the Points of interest and villages. It also has lots of misc. info on Switzerland. I don't know why Rick chose to stop selling this on his website except that for most people the info in his Switzerland guide book is sufficient. I don't see any mention of hiking groups, but as others have said, there are always people hiking, however having said that I have been on a few hikes in the BO where we only ran into 1 or 2 other people. I also think that you can have a great time hiking safely on your own in the area! Most of the B & B and hotel operators are great about giving good advice on hiking in the area. Have fun!
Posted by
OP
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
I have looked at some websites where there are hikes plotted out. Also, I have a book listing various hikes. It is not only a saftety thing, I am a little of a clutz, but just having someone to share the experience, views, the trail with....I think I would like that. I do like the Murren village site because it lists a variety of hikes I could do, with or without a group. Thanks everyone for your help.
Posted by
Salem, OR, USA
14 posts
We're thinking of trying to explore the Appenzell region. We'd like to do a three-day, two nights in a hut hike and am looking for recommendation. If anyone has any insight, please share.