My excitement grows as I watch the landscape roll past the train window. Green pastures meet rugged peaks. Every now and then, a waterfall plunges into the depths, and elsewhere I pass idyllic mountain villages. Typical Switzerland, I think to myself. But what exactly is “typical” of Switzerland? And how would I know, anyway? So far, I’ve only been here to ski. I don’t know the country or its hiking regions at all in summer. But that’s about to change. Over the next few days, I’ll be getting to know Graubünden and the destinations of Davos-Klosters, Arosa and Lenzerheide better.
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Hiking into the Sertigtal in Davos-Klosters
I arrive in Davos-Klosters just in time for dinner. Perfect. I’ve been looking forward to a big Swiss rösti all day. It tastes completely different from the triangular rösti I know from German taverns. And here, it’s not just a side dish, either: it fills the entire plate. I struggle with the last few bites. But I need my strength for the week. My first hike is already coming up the next day.
After breakfast, we set off at 8:00. The Rinerhorn-Bahn takes me up the mountain. This time, I’ll be hiking mostly downhill rather than uphill. Given that temperatures have passed the 30-degree mark even at this altitude, I don’t mind that at all. Quite the opposite. Even so, every step takes more effort than usual.
There’s buzzing and humming all around me. Nature has only just woken from its winter sleep here. Until recently, there was still snow on the ground. Now the leaves and grasses glow a fresh light green, with flowers blooming among them. Alpine roses, lady’s slippers, gentians, red clover … a real spectacle of color! The lush flower meadows compete for my attention with the magnificent mountain panorama all around, with views of Jakobshorn, Weißfluhgipfel and Amselfluh. Which is more beautiful? I have no idea! I enjoy both, along with the warm sun on my skin and the chance to move in the fresh air. The trail continues downhill toward the Sertigtal. The descent is supposed to take about three hours. That sounds about right, and the route through forests, more colorful meadows and past little streams never gets boring.
But my personal highlight comes right at the very end. At the end of the Sertigtal, where the trail has long since leveled out, an impressive waterfall awaits. The water thunders down in three sections with an enormous roar before being carried away by the Sertigbach. Mist hangs in the air, reflecting the sunlight. Little rainbows dance all around me. It’s pleasantly cool here, too.
| Facts & figures about the Sertigtal hike | |
| Duration | approx. 2 h |
| Elevation gain | ↑100 ↓350 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Recommended refreshment stop | Walserhuus Sertig, |
A scenic ridge hike in Lenzerheide
The next day, it’s on to Lenzerheide. It’s just under 30 minutes by car. I keep my eyes on the road. With all those bends, I have to make sure I don’t get carsick. But soon enough, the stuffy car gives way to a mountain lift and a fresh breeze. The chairlift takes me farther up to Piz Scalottas. I’ve never ridden a chairlift in summer before, but in this weather it’s really lovely. I let the wind blow in my face, swing my legs above the bike trails winding their way beneath the lift, and enjoy the view. Behind me, I can see the famous Parpaner Rothorn and Lenzerhorn. I’d love to climb them someday, too. But this time there’s still too much snow.
Instead, I set off on a scenic ridge hike from Piz to Piz. A grassy ridge connects Piz Scalottas with Piz Danis. The views are wonderful right from the start. To my left, Heidsee lies in the sun beside Lenzerheide. Beyond it, the distinctive mountain peaks are visible once again. I put one foot in front of the other and march through fields full of blue gentians. On other hikes, I have to keep my eyes peeled just to spot a single gentian, but here they’re blooming in abundance.
Shortly before the finish, it gets steeper. The steps are tiring. I’m sweating and breathing hard. Despite the short length of the hike, every step is an effort in the heat. At least the air is never completely still up here on the ridge. There’s always a light breeze. That makes the final climb a little more pleasant. At the top, I stretch out my arms and feel happy to be here. We haven’t passed a single person. We have this mountain world all to ourselves today. That may also be because we’re running late. We miss the last lift down. Instead, we have to walk down. That works too.
| Facts and figures for the hike from Piz Scalottas to Piz Danis | |
| Duration | approx. 3,5 h |
| Elevation gain | ↑200 ↓1.000 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Recommended refreshment stop | June Hütte |
Hiking to the most beautiful mountain lake in Arosa
The next morning, public transportation takes us to the neighboring valley. Although the neighboring town of Arosa is separated from Lenzerheide “only” by the Parpaner Rothorn and the surrounding mountains, the journey takes just under 2 hours. But just as on the way here, I’m practically glued to the window throughout the journey. The landscape flies past. Waterfalls alternate with mountain lakes. Every now and then, a tunnel blocks the view. And then I’m already there. I step off the train and find myself right in front of Obersee, in the middle of town. Houses surround it.
I’m still admiring the lake as the mountain lift takes us farther up, toward Arosa Bärenland. Three brown bears rescued from captivity now live in a large enclosure there. The three animals were previously kept as living attractions in cages so small they could barely move. After a short visit to Bärenland, where only Napa the bear has come out to enjoy the sun, we continue on foot. This time, we’re heading to Älplisee, one of the most beautiful lakes in the region.
The climb first follows a broad forest road uphill, turning into a narrow path about 30 minutes later. From here on, the scenery gets more beautiful with every step. Eventually, I round a bend and can hardly believe my eyes when I see Schwellisee glowing in the sun below me. The water is so turquoise it almost looks unreal. It’s as if someone has poured paint into the lake. If Schwellisee looks like this, what must Älplisee be like?
The question is answered after we’ve climbed a little higher. First, we have to tackle a steeper ascent. Beside me, a rushing river roars down into the valley. The snowmelt is still in full swing here, so the waterways all around carry much more water than usual. The higher peaks surrounding us are also still covered in snow. This combination makes nature feel not only vibrant and blooming, but also wild and untamed. There’s still snow on the shore of Älplisee, too. At least on the left-hand side. It’s easy to imagine that just a few days ago, sheets of ice were still floating on the water. On the right, though, the lake is framed by a lush green flower meadow. And in the background, rugged rock walls rise up. It’s this contrast that really makes the lake unique. It lives up to everything we were promised. A trip up here is definitely worth it.
| Facts and figures for the hike to Älplisee | |
| Duration | approx. 3,5 h |
| Elevation gain | ↑300 ↓400 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Recommended refreshment stop | Arosa Bärenland |
In search of the best hikes in Switzerland
So I’ve now had the chance to see three beautiful places in Switzerland. I’d love to come back and discover even more. Explore more trails, see more beautiful mountain lakes and hike along remote paths. Oh, and of course treat myself to the regional delights of Swiss cuisine again. 🙂 🙂 I’ve already received a few suggestions on YouTube for things I absolutely have to see on a future trip to the Swiss mountains. But perhaps you have more tips for me here?! What other regions, villages and mountains are worth seeing in Switzerland? I look forward to your comments and feedback! 🙂