The Best Walks

Mount Säntis: At 2,463m (8,209 ft.), Säntis is the northern outpost of the Alps and the most towering peak in the Alpstein massif. The quaint village of Appenzell is a good place to base yourself. The walk itself begins in the village of Wasserrauen, which is linked to Appenzell by hourly trains. After 8.9km (5 1/2 miles) -- 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours, depending on your stamina -- it ends at the village of Schwägalp, from which you can take a cable car to the viewing platform overlooking the summit of Säntis. Schwägalp is the terminus of the roads coming in from Urnäsch and Neu-St-Johann.

Grosse Scheidegg: "The great watershed" in English, this popular walk takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Jungfrau region of central Switzerland, known for stunning white glaciers and soaring summits. One of the highlights of the walk is the awesome beauty of the Wetterhorn's massive gray rock walls. Setting out from the village of Meiringen, the walk ends 21km (13 miles) ctix (6 1/2-9 hr.) in the resort of Grindelwald. If you get tired, take advantage of the bus stops along the way.

The Bürgenstock Felsenweg: In the Lake Lucerne area, this dramatic hike passes through one of the beauty spots of Switzerland, filled with numerous vistas and alpine foothills. From the ritzy resort of Bürgenstock it is a 7km (4 1/2-mile), 2 1/2-hour walk to Ennetbürgen. Along the way you'll come upon spectacular views of Mount Pilatus and serene Lake Lucerne. The walk ends in Ennetbürgen, one of the most scenic resorts along Lake Lucerne.

The Upper Engadine Lakes: The four highland lakes of the Upper Engadine are 1,771m (5,904 ft.) above sea level; but as you walk along, it's like traversing the floor of a valley. Craggy ranges and scenic lake vistas greet you at every turn as you make your way along the 14km (8 1/2-mile), 3- to 3 1/2-hour walk from Maloja to the resort of Silvaplana. You'll pass through the enchanting village of Segl-Maria, one of the most charming of the Romanesch-style villages in eastern Switzerland, eventually arriving at the western edge of Lej da Silvaplana, a lake of unsurpassed beauty.

The Sottoceneri: It takes its name from the 546m (1,820-ft.) watershed of Monte Ceneri, lying about 10km (6 miles) southwest of the town of Bellizona. This is the most southerly part of the Ticino (the Italian-speaking section of Switzerland). Lake Lugano is one of the dominant features of the terrain and presents a panoramic backdrop as you stroll along. The town of Lugano makes an ideal base for walks in the area. The best walk is from Monte Bré, at 1,011m (3,034 ft.), all the way to the village of Soragno, a distance of some 11km (7 miles; 3-3 1/2 hr.).

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