Vier-Quellen-Weg

The Vier-Quellen-Weg is a multi-day alpine hiking route in the Gotthard region of Switzerland that links the headwaters of four major rivers: the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhone. The full route is about 79.15 km on this itinerary, with 3,713 m of elevation gain, and it is typically completed over five stages.

The four sources visited on the Vier-Quellen-Weg are the headwaters of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhone. The route passes through the Gotthard massif and is built around these four river origins, which is why the trail is known in English as the Four Headwaters Trail.

The Vier-Quellen-Weg is a difficult multi-day hike with 79.15 km of distance and 3,713 m of total ascent. It is an alpine route in the high Gotthard region, so the challenge comes from sustained climbing, mountain terrain, and the need to manage several long days rather than from a single short summit push.

The Vier-Quellen-Weg is generally divided into five daily stages. Official tourism and route descriptions present it as a five-day hike, with stages that connect major points in the Oberalp, Gotthard, Bedretto, and Furka areas while visiting the four river sources along the way.

The Vier-Quellen-Weg stays in high alpine terrain and crosses major passes in the Gotthard region. One published stage description notes the route crossing the Maighels area via the Maighels Pass, and another route description highlights the Martschalllücke at 2,684 m, so hikers should expect long sections well above tree line.

Yes. The Vier-Quellen-Weg is commonly walked as a hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn trek over five days, with overnight options including mountain huts and lodging in nearby villages. Route descriptions specifically mention places such as Vermigel Hut and Capanna Piansecco, and some stages finish near settlements like Ulrichen.

The Vier-Quellen-Weg can be done either as one continuous multi-day trek or as separate day stages. Official route information describes it as a five-day hike, but it is also set up so individual stages can be walked on their own, which makes it easier to shorten the commitment or plan around weather and lodging.