One of Switzerland’s most abundant resources is elevation. With over 60% of its surface covered in mountains and more than 40 peaks reaching over 4000m, our country has no shortage of high altitude, and many of these mountains offer the perfect antidote to a hectic week in front of the screen. So if you’d like to get out, get some fresh air, and get some real perspective, here are some of Switzerland’s most impressive walks in the clouds.
First Cliff Walk, Grindelwald
Sponsored by legendary Swiss watchmaker Tissot, the First Cliff Walk is a metal catwalk and single-rope suspension bridge along 2,000m First Mountain, in the Bernese Oberland. The walk ends in a metal and glass viewing platform jutting out from the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the valley, surrounding mountains, and First Gliders zooming by. Opened in 2015, sunny days are best for taking pictures, of course, but go on a grey day and you could have the one-of-a-kind experience of walking with your head literally in the clouds.
Titlis Cliff Walk
If peak elevation is your thing, the Titlis pedestrian bridge holds the record for being the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Opened during a blinding snowstorm in 2012, the bridge hangs at 3,041m above sea level, and 500m from the ground below, and is built to withstand 190km winds. The walk is free of charge, and you can also visit an illuminated glacier cave.
Peak Walk
Another Tissot-sponsored attraction, the 107m-long Peak Walk suspension bridge claims to be the first connecting two mountain peaks, the 2,971m Scex Rouge and the View Point lookout, a subsidiary peak. Located in the Canton Vaud and operated by Glacier 3000, Peak Walk offers incredible views of some of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, including the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Jungfrau.
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge
A few hours’ walk from the village of Randa, the almost 500m-long Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge connects Grächen and Zermatt at an altitude of about 2,000m. Only 65cm wide (and the narrowest of the bridges mentioned here), the steel construction was put up in 10 weeks to replace an older damaged bridge. It offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and the Bernese Alps.
Carasc Tibetan Bridge
And yes, while the more northerly Swiss Cantons do boast some amazing high-altitude bridges, Canton Ticino is not to be forgotten with its spectacular Tibetan Bridge. While only 700m above sea level, the bridge is uniquely made of larch wood and still offers a dizzying view to 130m below. Located near Bellinzona and connecting Sementina with Mt. Carasso, you can reach it on foot or by a cable car from Curzutt.
Imagining these possibilities and more, we wouldn’t be surprised if your head is in the clouds right now. But, of course, that’s right where it should be, and will be when you take one of these stunning walks in the mountains of Switzerland.
Photo credits:
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge – © Valentin Flauraud