Switzerland

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Day 1: Oeschinen Lake

First day of our Switzerland loop: Oeschinen Lake, an alpine jewel at 1,578 m.

On the road to Kandersteg

We leave Gruyère early; the drive to Kandersteg takes about 1h30, with rolling Swiss scenery: green meadows, majestic mountains, and picturesque villages.

Once there, we park the van in the paid lot near the cable car. Unfortunately the weather does not play along and a veil of cloud hides the summits.

Up to the lake: on foot or by gondola?

Two options: take the gondola, which drops you a few minutes from the lake, or hike from the parking lot on a well-marked 3 km path with roughly 400 m of gain. We choose to walk, to settle into the mood and enjoy the forest and alpine meadows along the way.

On the shore of Oeschinensee

After about 1 h of climbing we reach the lake, but clouds play hide-and-seek with the turquoise water. We settle in for lunch and wait patiently.

From the lake, several hikes lead to viewpoints above. We follow signs and the area map, enjoying nature and… our curious, sometimes noisy cow neighbours! Those who prefer a quieter pace can rent a rowboat when it is open; we would rather keep our legs for hiking.

All in all, between the climb, hiking, lunch, and gawking, we spend 3 to 4 h on this incredible spot. The day ends with a short descent to Kandersteg, where we wander the lanes and soak up the alpine village vibe.

Night in Bönigen

We then drive about 45 minutes toward Interlaken and spend the night in the Bönigen car park, found on Park4Night (25 CHF, no electricity)—simple but ideally placed. Only 20 minutes from Lauterbrunnen, it is the perfect base to start early the next day and make the most of the valley.

Gallery Day 1: Oeschinen Lake

Prices

Day 2: Lauterbrunnen, Stoos & Klöntal

Second day of our Switzerland loop, and we start in scenery worthy of a fantasy film.

Lauterbrunnen – The valley of 72 waterfalls

We arrive early in Lauterbrunnen, which is wise: the valley fills up fast. The setting is striking—tall cliffs on both sides and many waterfalls visible along the valley.

Most of the visit follows one main street of about 1 km. It is pleasant to stroll and there are plenty of photo spots, especially the falls. For us it was a short stop, mostly worthwhile because we were already in the area. The village is mainly a hub for hikes; we did not hike here, so we cannot add much more.

Stoos & Fronalpstock – The steepest funicular in the world

We leave Lauterbrunnen for Schwyz in about 2 h by road. We park at the Stoosbahn funicular lot and board the world’s steepest funicular.

The ticket costs 22 CHF per person and saves nearly 800 m of climbing. At the top we reach the small car-free village of Stoos, ringed by mountains and pastures.

Two chairlifts reach the summits, but we choose to walk everything, despite the heat and the crowds (especially at weekends).

We climb toward Klingenstock, about 1h30 on foot. A quick sandwich break, then we continue on the ridge to Fronalpstock, with long stair sections for another ~2 h.

Between the ridge, peaks, and valleys, this is one of the finest panoramic hikes in the region. The descent takes about 1h30 in total.

Klöntal Lake – Quiet at the end of the day

To finish the day we head to Klöntal Lake near Glarus. We arrive in late afternoon—perfect: few people, soft light, and a very peaceful setting.

We stroll along the shore among forests and steep mountains. You can rent a boat, but we simply enjoy the calm after an intense hike.

Night in Linthal

We drive the van about 1h30 toward Linthal / Tierfehd and park for free at the valley cable car station—super handy, especially if, like us, you sleep there to leave early the next morning.

Gallery Day 2: Lauterbrunnen, Stoos & Klöntal

Prices

Day 3: Limmernsee

This morning the Luftseilbahn Tierfehd–Kalktrittli cable car saves us 3 h of climbing in one go and drops us straight into the alpine mood.

Cable car to the heights

The ride lasts only a few minutes but sets the tone. At the upper Chalchtrittli station, two options:

• The first (left door) leads straight to the heights with a view over Limmernsee from above.
• The second (right door) leads into a service tunnel of about 2.6 km (~30 min walk) to reach the foot of the lake.

The unusual tunnel

We pick the second, more original route. The tunnel is dark, damp, and sometimes slippery, but the experience is truly unique. Midway, a few stairs lead to a viewpoint over the dam and the lake.

Discovering Limmernsee

Once out, we discover Limmernsee from below, then climb toward the viewpoint with about 700 m of gain. Along the way we spot marmots and chamois, and the lake shifts from deep green to brilliant turquoise.

At the top the view is spectacular: a lake ringed by mountains in a grand setting.

Berglistuber waterfall – a refreshing final stop

Mid-afternoon, after our Limmernsee hike, we still have time for one more sight. We head to the Berglistuber waterfall, very easy to reach. There is a small free car park beside it, then a 5-minute walk to this lovely natural show.

The flow is impressive: water shoots out with force and forms a curtain of white foam. It is fascinating to see the mountain’s power focused in one spot—a refreshing contrast after a day of hiking.

If you want to linger, there is even a small restaurant next to the car park. A simple, pleasant pause—a perfect way to end the day without effort, in the quiet.

Night in Schorüti

After this full day at Limmernsee, we drive about 1h15 toward Ebnat-Kappel. We find a truly unique PlaceToBee spot in Schorüti: a night among animals—cows, ponies, hens, goats, cats—with a beautiful view over the valley.

Gallery Day 3: Limmernsee

Prices

Day 4: Falensee and Saxer Lücke

Today we head for Brülisau, the starting point to reach one of the country’s most breathtaking viewpoints: Saxer Lücke.

Starting from Brülisau

We leave the van in the parking lot at the Hoher Kasten cable car station; then two options open up for us: take the gondola or do everything on foot. True to ourselves, we choose to walk. Follow the signs to the Bollenwees hut.

Sämtisersee, first break

The trail begins on a broad gravel road used by locals. The climb is gradual at first, making for an easy warmup. Around us, green alpine pastures, a few scattered homes, and cowbells ringing set the mood. Quickly, the scenery becomes more alpine. We pass beside peaceful Sämtisersee, ringed by low hills. It’s still quiet at this hour, and we enjoy this first visual pause before things get serious.

Ascent toward Fälensee

Because yes, it gets tougher. The path grows steeper, with several sharply climbing sections. Our legs burn, but the higher we go, the more spectacular the landscapes become.

The hike continues and we also pass Fälensee. The lake is surrounded by towering vertical walls. The water is deep green, and the atmosphere far calmer. It’s the perfect spot for a well-earned rest.

Saxer Lücke, the highlight

After lunch we keep hiking until we finally reach the ridge. The famous jagged rock formations rise before us. On one side, sheer cliffs; on the other, green hills rolling down toward the Rhine valley. We linger to take it in. Clouds play hide-and-seek with the peaks.

Night in Appenzell

After this superb hike at Saxer Lücke, we descend to Brülisau before hitting the road again. In less than 10 minutes we reach Appenzell, where free parking runs from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
A handy way to spend the night at no cost, ideally placed to continue our itinerary the next morning.

Gallery Day 4: Falensee and Saxer Lücke

Day 5: Aescher, Schäfler, Seealpsee

For day five we head for Wasserauen to reach Schäfler.

Aescher Berggasthaus in the rain

It’s raining when we set off, but we’re not giving up. We leave the Wasserauen car park and follow the signs. After about 1h30 walking, we reach the famous Aescher Berggasthaus inn, clinging to the cliff. Even under cloudy skies, the spot is utterly beautiful and full of charm.

Wildkirchli, prehistoric caves

Just 10 minutes further on, we discover Wildkirchli, prehistoric caves you can enter free of charge. A quick visit, then a sandwich break to refuel before continuing.

Climbing toward Schäfler

We then start the climb toward Schäfler, roughly another hour. Strong wind, thick clouds, fickle visibility… We wait it out, and suddenly the landscape opens in fits and starts.

Loop via Seealpsee

For the descent we choose a loop. After about two hours downhill, we reach stunning Seealpsee. The lake is gorgeous, surrounded by lush mountains. You can swim there… but the water is freezing, so we preferred to admire. Another 30 minutes’ walk and we’re back at the van after an intense but incredible day.

Night in the forest

After this loop around Seealpsee, we find a spot deep in the woods 10 minutes down the road via Park4Night, ideal for a free, quiet overnight.

Gallery Day 5: Aescher, Schäfler, Seealpsee

Prices

Day 6: Silsersee

For day six we had initially planned to go to Lake Palpuogna… but fate decided otherwise.

Plan B: heading for Silsersee

Good to know: depending on your van’s size, accessing Lake Palpuogna can be tricky or even impossible. That was our situation… so we had to turn around.

We then decide to reach Silsersee, at the edge of Sils village and easily accessible by car. No big hike needed here: the lake sits right beside the road.

Walk above the lake

The weather still isn’t cooperating, so we start by having lunch calmly in the van facing the lake. Then we try a walk on the heights. And then… surprise: the sky finally clears to deep blue.

We walk for about 1h15, among pastures, small traditional houses, and cows as ever-present company. The path could continue farther and climb more, but we decide to stay sensible so we can drive toward Italy that same evening.

Heading for Italy

Along the way we stop before beautiful Lago Bianco, then Lago di Poschiavo for a few photos.

Night on the Italian side

We eventually find parking in Italy — simple but practical: electricity included, no shower or toilets, but perfect for one night ahead of tomorrow’s hike.

Gallery Day 6: Silsersee

Prices

Day 7: Saoseo / Foroglio

For this second-to-last day we get up very early: we leave at 5 a.m. to make the most of the day and reach Lagh da Saoseo as early as possible.

Saoseo

5 a.m. start and arrival in Sfazù

It’s still dark, but the sky is clear and the forecast looks perfect.

We reach the Sfazù car park at 5:30 a.m., still almost alone. The hiking trail crosses larch forests, meadows, and small wooden bridges. The climb takes about 1h30. To reach the lake, simply follow the signs toward Lagh da Saoseo, then the Saoseo hut.

Lagh da Saoseo and Lagh da Val Viola

We continue on to Lagh da Val Viola, about 30 minutes’ walk from the main lake. After a few photos and a moment enjoying the tranquillity, we turn back toward Lake Saoseo to capture its shifting hues before descending.

Gallery Day 7: Saoseo

Foroglio

The village at the foot of the waterfall

After the hike we drive (~4h) to Foroglio, a typical village deep in the Maggia Valley. Old stone houses and the waterfall looming above the village make the place feel magical. We park a little before the village to avoid the paid car park and spend about an hour on site. The setting is perfect for a stroll and photos, and we soak up the village’s very restorative atmosphere. You can buy Foroglio honey on the honour system. Several hikes also start from the village for anyone who wants to extend the experience.

Night in Italy

After our stop in Foroglio, we hit the road toward Italy. About 1h30 later we find a spot on Via Paolo Ferraris, listed on Park4Night for a free overnight.
A no-services pitch but well placed to break the journey before reaching the Blue Lake of Arolla the next day.

Gallery Day 7: Foroglio

Day 8: Arolla Blue Lake

On our last day in Switzerland we set out to discover the Blue Lake, a small gem of emerald-blue water.

A short, easy hike

The hike is short and accessible: about 1h round trip, plus 1h on site to enjoy the place, for 2h total.

We park at the La Gouille car park, then take the path behind the hotel of the same name. The climb is gentle but pleasant, with 180 m of gain over 1,8 km. In about 30 minutes we reach the lake and discover this little magical spot, perfect for settling in, taking photos, and enjoying the quiet. Along the way we spot marmots in the distance.

On the shore of the Blue Lake

Night at Domaine Bon Boccard

After the Arolla Blue Lake we drive for about 2h to get closer to Geneva and return the van the next day. We spend our last night at Domaine Bon Boccard, found through PlaceToBee, in the heart of the vineyards. A gorgeous setting to wrap up the road trip.

Gallery Day 8: Arolla Blue Lake

Prices

So how much did all of this cost ?

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