Confidences of travelers | Hiking for everyone in the Swiss Alps

Traveling is like driving on a mountain road. But among the ups and downs, there will always be those indelible memories that you carry with you throughout your life. The Press tells the adventures, big and small, of travelers who are not afraid of anything. Today: a retired couple in love with Switzerland.

It has become a tradition. Every year in September, Pascale Trottier and her partner go to the Swiss Alps. Their destination: the Bernese Oberland region, more precisely Lauterbrunnen, a small village built in the hollow of a green valley bordered by cliffs. In the surroundings, the decor resembles that of the animated series Heidi. “My favorite childhood show,” says our interlocutor on the phone.

In his eyes, it is impossible to tire of the breathtaking landscapes that this mountainous region offers. And this, even after ten stays.

But if this outdoor enthusiast returns there year after year, it is also because there is an exceptional network of hiking trails.

“It’s hiking paradise,” sums up the young retiree.

And when she talks about hiking, she’s not referring to trips that span several days during which you have to carry your camping equipment and food. “We’re no longer old enough to carry a backpack with a tent and all that,” she jokes. What we like is to settle down in an area where we can have a lot of fun, where there are a lot of hikes to do, but where we can come back in the evening to the same place and have a good food with wine. »

This is exactly what the couple found at the Jungfrau campsite in Lauterbrunnen, where they got into the habit of renting a cottage. Little extra: it is located in front of the Staubbach waterfall, the main attraction of the village, and on the edge of the river which crosses the valley. “We love the place,” confides the traveler.

On foot, by train or by cable car

From there, many options are available to hikers, whether experienced or beginners, says Pascale Trottier.

Trails leave the village, but the majority of them join the cliffs and are made up of very steep climbs.

The regular suggests instead going to the station to take the cable car to Grutschalp in order to take one of the paths which lead to the pedestrian villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald. The latter is also one of Pascale Trottier’s favorite stops, particularly because of the farmers who sell their products on the doorstep and the paragliding enthusiasts gathered on the terraces.

Another option to try from Lauterbrunnen: the rack railway which goes up the opposite cliff, towards Wengen. “We’ve taken it maybe 100 times, we’re still amazed. When you get on that train, it’s extraordinary. The view is absolutely beautiful! », exclaims Pascale Trottier. From this point, many paths are accessible.

And if you get hungry along the way, stop at one of the mountain restaurants that warmly welcome visitors. “Innkeepers, always really fine, serve the best soups in the world. The soups are always extraordinary, I don’t know if it’s because I’m always hungry,” she laughs.

The trails, of varying degrees of difficulty, are so numerous that, despite their regular visits and the kilometers traveled (they walked 280 km in 20 days during their most recent trip), Pascale Trottier and her husband have not yet completed them all. explored.

However, there are “classics” that the couple borrows during each stay. An example ? The Mountain View Trail, a scenic hike that offers views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.

Travel Tips

Along the way, we come across hikers, but also… cows. Lots of cows. “The trails cross meadows which are often occupied by horned (and bell-belled) herds. Rather peaceful, they will generally ignore you,” says Pascale Trottier. However, it is important to close the gates of the fences delimiting the pastures.

“The transport circuit is extraordinary: the mountain trains, the cable cars, the gondolas…” says Pascale Trottier. The service is, however, expensive. “If you want to stay several days in the region, the best option is to buy the Swiss Half Pass, which will give you access to the Berner Oberland Pass at half price. The latter will allow you to use all trains and cable cars in the region without worrying about purchasing tickets. » An easy and economical solution.