Summit hikes in Heidiland

The holiday region of Heidiland in eastern Switzerland has much to offer: Crystal clear mountain lakes, breathtaking mountains and of course the Heidi myth, which is all too present on hikes among cows on lush green alpine meadows.

What’s also special here is that the starting point for some of the summit hikes is easily reached by gondola. And not the big ones used in most ski resorts, but small cable cars, some of them privately or club-operated, which run according to a fixed timetable or only by reservation. This gets you a little closer to the summit while affording an adventurous experience.

Saskia, a nature lover with a soft spot for mountain peaks and views, explored the region between the two cantons of St. Gallen and Graubünden on four different hikes. The starting point of the hikes was always by cable car, and the summits were then reached on foot:

"The four hikes in Heidiland were all simply wonderful! I love it when I'm out and about in the mountains above the tree line and can look far into the distance – and that's exactly what the cable cars make possible! By taking the gondola, you start each of the four hikes relatively high up. Unless you’re already above the tree line, it doesn't take long before you can enjoy wonderful views. For me, there’s almost no better feeling than standing on a mountain peak, high above the valley and the hustle and bustle of the cities, surrounded by silence, nature and, in the best case, people who are important to me. That's exactly what I was able to experience in Heidiland!

Although all four hikes are summit Tours and all start with the cable car ride, they are totally different:

The sunset hike up the Guscha ridge was my personal highlight! The ascent in the late afternoon was peaceful and the golden light at sunset on the ridge was unforgettable. A very special experience!

The scramble up the Alvier was exhausting and also a bit adventurous! The steep hiking trail leads over rocks and ladders until you have a great view of Lake Walen at the top.

I particularly enjoyed the morning loop over the Vilan peak because of the lush green alpine meadows. This is how I imagined Heidiland!

The hike to the Muntaluna peak was super idyllic and especially the mountain village at the beginning totally enchanted me. I wouldn't have been surprised if Heidi and Peter had met us across an alpine meadow. The rocky peak is much more rugged than the other three peaks and therefore makes it special.

I definitely want to go to the region again in autumn. Even though there isn't often fog in the area in the valley, I might catch one of those days when the mountain peaks rise above the sea of fog and are in the sun. It must look spectacular standing above the clouds with just the peaks rising out of the mist in the distance!"