David Myers tests his sanity and calf muscles on the Alpenpässe-Weg, a journey of 40 cols and nearly 700kms to discover how the Swiss Alps were lived in and connected together long before the combustion engine.
What: The Alpine Passes Trail is the longest, wildest, and most challenging of the Swiss National Trails (Route 6).
David fastpacked the 695km route in 15 days but the recommended, and more sane approach, is a 39-day itinerary starting at St. Moritz and finishing at St. Gingolph on Lake Geneva.
Although not technically difficult, the 49,000m of ascent and sometimes exposed nature of the trail make it one of the most vertiginous and demanding long-distance trails in Europe.
When: The best time to walk is June-September but keep an eye on potential snowfall at the end of the season and any lingering snow in June. Although fully signed in both directions, navigation aids are essential.
Read David’s trip report:
Alpenpässe-Weg: walking the Swiss Alps wildest trail
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