Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Switzerland.
I guess it is naturally suited for hiking because it is Saturday and stores are usually closed in the afternoon and on Sundays in Switzerland.
Table of Contents
Pre-Alps (Prealp)
The main areas of the Pre-Alps include the hills and mountains between the Swiss Plateau and the northern Alps, with the highest peak at 2,500 meters above sea level.
The altitude of the Grand Chamossaire in Villars, where I live, is 2,112 m. The altitude at which I often walk is approximately 1.300 m to 2,900 m.
Mountain hiking in the Pre-Alps usually starts at around 1,000 meters and is usually done by a mountain train or a cable car.
weather
What makes Switzerland unique is the foehn phenomenon (a dry and warmer temperature at the foot of the downwind side where air currents descend over the mountains) and the beads (cold, dry northeasterly winds blowing over the Swiss plateau).
When the beads blow, fog can occur even in summer.
Because of the dry air, during the foehn phenomenon, it is advisable to drink more water while hiking, as you will be more likely to get thirsty.
attireand belongings
Sample: 1-day hiking
Down jacket, windbreaker, hat, umbrella (in case of rain forecast), water bottle, scarf, water bottle, Swiss Army knife, Band-Aids (first aid kit), sunglasses, sunscreen
Shoes: If you will be walking all day, high-cut boots are recommended.
Stock: Necessary if there is a difference in elevation and steep slopes are expected.
Long sleeves are recommended because of the strong sun in the high mountains (you will get sunburned a lot).
Europeans often walk around in tank tops, but they are very tanned. )
Also, there are only a few people who wear hats, as it is not customary to wear them. However, it is recommended to wear a hat because of the high altitude.
They were hiking shoes that I had used on a couple of light hikes, and while climbing an advanced mountain without them, I developed a shoe sore. My guide friend had a band-aid with him, which really helped.
Since then, when I wear high-cut boots, I carry a Band-Aid (specifically for shoe sores).
Once I climbed a mountain with a minimalist and he was talking too,
We go light, and sometimes I catch a cold!"
I know! I knew it 🤣" I couldn't help but agree.
As a choice, it is a bit heavy, but should I bring some things? I reconfirmed this.
Snacks & Meals
In Switzerland, it is common to go hiking by train or cable car,
There are usually places to eat near the boarding and alighting points. During high season, all mountain restaurants are open. Of course, it is advisable to check and make reservations in advance.
Prices in Switzerland are notoriously high. Restaurants are no different. Restaurants, and mountain huts, are often a stop for dessert.
Because basically, restaurants in Switzerland take a long time, so if I can afford to stop for an hour or two, I will use them, but if I don't have much time, I bring a picnic and use the restaurant for dessert.
Many hotels do not have water heaters in their rooms, so if you ask an employee for hot water to make tea for your water bottle, he or she will fill it for you.
Insect repellant and anti-itch
There are many cows grazing in the summer mountains of Switzerland. Cows are very curious, and young cows will often come close to you. They are very reluctant to have people approach them from behind, so the right approach is from the front.
In Switzerland, there are also horseflies (taon in French), and they often appear where cows and horses are grazing.
I don't know if it's because Asians are rare or if I'm just a sucker for bugs, but I really get targeted a lot.
Especially with the sting of an abu, you will feel pain after being stung. If you feel pain after being stung, it is already too late.
I have already been stung 😔 So, I have an insect repellent spray (maybe it works? So I have an insect repellent spray (maybe it works?) and an anti-itch medicine. The ones made in Japan are very useful. In Switzerland, you can find them in pharmacies and supermarkets.
By the way, I use KART Accalmie piqures d'insectes.
Swiss Water
There are often fountains in Swiss cities where you can drink the water.
基本的に何も書いてなければ、大丈夫。飲めない場合は« Eau non portable » と書いています。
But make no mistake, in the mountains, there is a fountain dedicated to cows in the same way.
safety
Switzerland has well-maintained hiking trails, and they are clearly marked with signs.
How to read the signs → white with red marks = advanced path
Although Switzerland is a very small country, glaciers above 3,000 meters are easily accessible by ropeway or other means.
Even when hiking in summer, it is often cold in the mornings and evenings, so it is advisable to prepare a down jacket, fleece, or something that can be easily put on.
Cash and credit card
Recently, credit cards (perhaps even cashless cards with COVID-19) are being used in the mountains, and cards are being accepted more than ever before.
However, the number is only increasing, and some mountain lodges still only accept cash, so it is safer to have cash on you.
summary
I have introduced some information about hiking in Switzerland, including what to wear and what to bring.
Hiking and camping are also popular in Japan, so you may not find much that is particularly different in Switzerland.
However, many places are higher in elevation than in Japan, so if you are going above 3,000 meters, it is recommended that you take a break and have a cup of tea at a café to get accustomed to the altitude.
Drink plenty of water and don't forget to take sunscreen because of the strong sun 😊.