Category: ridge walk

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Harder Ridge – Switzerland’s BEST Day Hike

In fact, we rank Harder Ridge our #1 day hike in the world.

Xander is a Swiss hiking expert.

This is his favourite hike in Switzerland.

They did not make it all the way. Too slow. So had to scramble down to the lake.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Campuhan Ridge Trail, Ubud, Bali

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

The Bukit Campuhan Ridge Trail is super popular with Ubud tourists as you can walk there from almost any accommodation in the city.

I went early and saw very few, other than morning trail runners.

You can continue to the end — but I turned back after about 2km when the paved-block track ended — at buildings and roadway.

The trail starts at the evocative Gunung Lebah Temple as you’ll see in the video.

The word “Campuhan” itself means “where two rivers meet”. You’ll be on a ridge between those rivers. Vistas are mostly overgrown so you don’t actually get to see much water. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Northover Ridge Loop Trail, Canadian Rockies

Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles

This is the cool Canadian Rockies hike these days. BUT it’s more of a route than a trail.

As evidence, I bumped into two of the top hiking YouTubers below the ridge — Eric Hanson and Justin Outdoors. We were heading opposite directions. Surprised and excited, I got a bit tongue twisted while chatting with them.

Slightly dangerous, Northover is not promoted by the Parks people.

I followed the route on AllTrails offline. No navigation problems.

My first tip is to WAIT for good weather. You don’t want to be on this narrow ridge in high wind and poor visibility.

Northover Ridge Loop Trail is 34km, 2290m in elevation gain. Most people do it in 2 or 3 days.

Foolishly, I did it in a day and a half. 😀

On the drive up to the trailhead in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, I had a good look at momma bear and 2 young ones. I saw another juvenile bear on the drive out. None on the trail.

I booked at Aster Lake Campground before driving up. By doing this I’d decided to hike it clockwise looking down at the map. But you can do the loop in either direction.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park NOW requires a Conservation Pass if you have a vehicle. In 2025:

  • Daily Pass: $15 per vehicle
  • Yearly Pass: $90 per vehicle

My campsite pass was checked by Rangers. They do a great job here.

Click PLAY or watch my Northover on YouTube.

A great adventure. I highly recommend Northover IF you have good weather.

Here’s how the same 2 days went for Eric Hanson and Justin Outdoors. Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Related – trip report by HikeBikeTravel

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TOP 10 day hikes ➙ Besseggen Ridge, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

A stunning and unique walk in Norway’s most popular National Park – Jotunheimen.

  • Jotunheimen National Park has most of the highest mountains in Norway
  • Besseggen … or Besseggi … in Jotunheimen, is a thrilling ridge walk with alpine lakes on either side:  Gjende and Bessvatnet.
  • recommended from the end of June to mid-September
  • 13.3km (8.25mi) plus one-way ferry
  • 6-9 hours
  • 950m elevation gain
  • highest point, Veslfjellet (1743m)
  • dogs on leash allowed
  • trail runners enjoy it

World → Europe →  Norway → Besseggen Ridge

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

For details click over to our Besseggen Ridge information page.

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Great Hikes in Switzerland

– Hörnli Hut: A challenging ascent to the base of the iconic Matterhorn, where I soaked in the majestic views.

– Limmernsee: A hidden gem with stunning turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs.

– Lauterbrunnen Valley: A picturesque valley with cascading waterfalls and charming alpine villages.

– Oeschinensee: A serene mountain lake with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a peaceful hike.

– Schynige Platte: A classic Swiss trail offering sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau and a botanical alpine garden featuring the edelweiss flower. (It’s close to the fantastic Harder Ridge / Hardergrat)

– Schäfler Hut: Perched high above the clouds, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Here are 5 more.

  1. Hardergrat
  2. Via Alpina
  3. Tour du Mont Blanc
  4. Santis Peak / Schafler Ridge
  5. Glecksteinhutte

    Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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    Our #1 Day Hike ➙ Harder Ridge, Switzerland

    One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

    photo – AlpsInsight

    Why?

    24km total … about 18km on a sharp ridge! Wow!

    • Yes, this is our pick for the very best day hike on Earth
    • Brienz to Interlaken Brienz Rothorn Railway up to the start
    • take the funicular from Harderkulm (Harder Kulm)  down to Harderkulm Station in Interlaken
    • logistics are much more difficult in the opposite direction. We highly recommend hikers start in Brienz
    • 10+ hours. Physically and psychologically challenging.
    • no water available. Carry all you need.
    • not an official trail, but it’s easy to follow in good visibility
    • about 1500m above the lake
    • permits not required
    • it’s popular with trail runners who do about 35km entirely on foot. They start at either end.
    • also known as Hardergrat (… grat is ridge in German)

    World → Europe → Alps → Switzerland → Harder Ridge

    Click PLAY or watch Jackson Groves on YouTube.

    For details click over to our Harder Ridge information page.

    related – The GoPro: ’22 Creator Summit was held in Interlaken. Some of this footage is shot on the ridge.

    Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.