Cornelia Mertens

Gallery

Photos. Each links back to the hike it came from.

Snow-capped Alpine peaks across a wide green valley, seen from the limestone cliffs.

Climber on a steep grey rock face high above a green forest valley.

Snow-capped Alpine peaks across a wide green valley, seen from the limestone cliffs.

Helmeted climber on a rocky ridge with dense forest far below.

Climber scrambling up a rocky ridge beside a pointed limestone spire.

Hiker with poles pausing on a steep green meadow beneath grey cliffs.

Lone climber on a vast grey limestone slab high above the treetops.

Green valley and snow-capped peaks framed by a towering limestone cliff.

A hiker sits on a granite boulder in the golden evening light, gazing across hazy mountain ridges.

Albert-Heim Hütte

A red-and-white trail marker painted on a boulder beside a grassy path, with rugged peaks rising under a blue sky.

Albert-Heim Hütte

A craggy grey peak streaked with snow above a small turquoise tarn in a rocky basin, under a clear blue sky.

Albert-Heim Hütte

A meltwater stream winds through a high valley at dawn, with hazy ridges receding behind it.

Albert-Heim Hütte

Mountain silhouettes at dusk with a hut perched on a ridge and an orange afterglow on the horizon.

Albert-Heim Hütte

A top-down view of a cushion of pink moss campion flowering among grey rocks and green moss, a boot toe at the edge.

Albert-Heim Hütte

A bright green fern unfurling between sun-lit grey granite boulders.

Albert-Heim Hütte

A hiker beside a tall dry-stone cairn on a rocky ridge, golden autumn larches falling away to the valley and snow-dusted peaks behind.

A spirit stove burning on a rock slab at dusk, autumn larches and a dry-stone cairn beside it, snow-dusted mountains under a blazing orange sunset behind.

Layered blue mountain ridges fading into haze at dusk, bare larches in the foreground under a soft orange sky.

A hiker with a large backpack crossing a boulder field below snow-streaked crags, framed by glowing autumn larches.

Climber on the east ridge below the towering Altmann summit pyramid, the blue rope running down the grey limestone slab against a blue sky.

Altmann Ostgrat

Climber with a red backpack and white helmet high on the grey ridge, the blue rope hanging into the depth beneath a blue sky.

Altmann Ostgrat

The east face of the Altmann — a massive grey limestone pyramid rising above pale scree.

Altmann Ostgrat

View down from the ridge to the Fälensee and the green Alpstein valleys, distant ranges layered in the haze.

Altmann Ostgrat

Looking straight down the wall to the belayer far below, the blue rope in the rock, a small tarn and green slopes beyond.

Altmann Ostgrat

A narrow ridge line with steep drops and a wide mountain panorama.

The grey limestone south face of the Balmflue with vertical water grooves and pockets, a large Swiss flag hanging in the wall, and autumn-tinged beech forest at its foot.

Balmflue Südwände

Two people stand at a viewpoint railing gazing across hazy mountain ranges toward a low sun, with a bench in the foreground.

Bella Vista / Monte Generoso

Alpenglow on the ridges below the Bortelhorn with the Walliser Alpen on the horizon.

Sunrise from the Bortelhorn summit ridge with hazy mountain layers.

Hiker with a big pack on the approach trail above a deep valley.

Sleeping bags on a meadow with the sun rising over the Alps.

Layered mountain silhouettes in soft early light.

Dawn light spreading across a sea of jagged peaks.

Climber with helmet and rope working up a steep rock face.

Climber on the ridge with a coil of rope and morning light on distant peaks.

Climber moving over exposed rock high above the valley.

View toward glaciated peaks of the Walliser Alpen from near the summit.

Two hikers on the Bortelhorn summit with the Weisshorn group behind.

Descent ridge with a small alpine lake and snowy peaks in the distance.

Cold pool below a small waterfall in folded rock.

A green tent pitched on a narrow ridge with patches of snow, backed by a wide panorama of snow-covered peaks under a blue sky.

Sunset over the mountains, the sun just above a ridge, with lakes shimmering in the haze far below.

A snow-covered peak beneath gathering dark clouds at dusk.

A small wooden shelter with a shingled roof on the hillside, surrounded by thawing grass and lingering patches of snow.

Dawn over a snowy slope, the sky glowing orange on the horizon above layered mountain ranges.

A woman stands on the summit of the Bristen with arms raised next to the cairn, looking out across the Uri and Glarus Alps.

Ice cream at the platform of the train station in Erstfeld with the Bristen rising up the Reuss valley.

Warming up with a cup at dawn on the ridge, alpenglow lighting the opposite peaks.

Standing high above the Reuss valley in the soft light of early morning.

First light on the north-west ridge with the summit build-up of the Bristen still in shadow.

Looking back across the Uri Alps from a viewpoint on the long ascent ridge.

Short scramble on tilted rocky slabs in the pathless summit build-up.

Vertical drop down to the Reuss valley from the rocky summit of the Bristen.

Resting at the summit cairn of the Bristen with a vast all-round panorama across the Uri Alps.

A small herd of ibex perched on a rocky outcrop with snowy peaks behind.

Capanna Cadlimo

Turquoise Lago Ritom with a pale sandy shore and dark forested slopes above.

Capanna Cadlimo

Hiker with a turquoise backpack looking out over a green ridge towards distant snow-capped mountains.

Capanna Cadlimo

Hiker in a blue jacket on the grassy shore of a small alpine lake below jagged peaks.

Capanna Cadlimo

Lago Scuro half-covered in snow and ice floes, ringed by dark, rugged peaks.

Capanna Cadlimo

Two hikers with backpacks grinning at the camera in front of a misty, snow-streaked pass.

Capanna Cadlimo

A cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake on a wooden hut terrace with snowy peaks behind.

Capanna Cadlimo

Sharp peak backlit by the morning sun above a wide snowfield.

Capanna Cadlimo

Hiker breaking trail up a steep snowfield below rocky slabs.

Capanna Cadlimo

Mountain stream cascading under shrinking snow bridges in the Valle Canaria.

Capanna Cadlimo

Hiker on an exposed, chain-secured rock ridge, with a deep-set lake and a wide mountain panorama beyond.

Hiker with an orange pack climbs grassy slopes in the morning light toward the rocky bulk of the Chaiserstock.

Alpine huts on a ridge with the cable car's top station, a sea of clouds over the valley and distant ranges behind.

Scrambling section on pale limestone: a small figure high on the ridge, a chain running up the rock.

The pyramid-shaped Chaiserstock rising above green-grey slopes, with layered mountain ranges behind.

Hiker crosses a scree slope, with Lake Uri and Lake Lucerne far below between the ranges.

High basin with a small tarn and limestone karren, wide Alpine ranges under a blue sky behind.

Three hikers pose on a rocky, larch-covered ridge high above the wide Rhone valley, snow-capped peaks and a patchwork of fields far below.

A hiker secured by a via ferrata cable climbs a steep pale limestone cliff band, trees framing the rock above.

A hiker on a narrow ridge trail with jagged, partly snow-streaked limestone peaks rising in the background.

A gnarled pine on a rocky ridge frames a view of snow-streaked mountains and a hidden valley beyond.

Close-up of sharply folded, weathered schist rock layers.

Hiker on a rocky outcrop looking out over layered, hazy pre-alpine ridges.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Waterfall tumbling down a cliff face surrounded by autumn-coloured forest.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Layered Glarner limestone peak topped with snow above a dark rock wall in backlight.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Hiker on a rocky outcrop looking out over layered, hazy pre-alpine ridges.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Steep drop from a cliff face down to Lake Wägital framed by autumn forest.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Jagged limestone ridge with the Mythen and Walensee on the horizon.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Layers of mountain silhouettes fading into hazy evening light.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Steep pale limestone wall with a lone fir and yellow autumn foliage on the ledge.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Spectacularly folded limestone face with clearly visible bedding.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

View through fir trees to the summit ridge above autumn-coloured larches.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Hiker descending a forest path bathed in golden autumn light.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Lake Wägital with autumn shores and steep walls rising behind.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

Evening mood over Lake Wägital with mountain backdrop and wispy clouds.

Chöpfenberg via Brüggler

A runner comes toward the camera along the narrow rocky ridge, with the whole chain of the Urner Alps and a sliver of Lake Lucerne behind.

A runner in a red headband runs up the grassy crest of the ridge, a single wisp of cloud in the deep blue sky above.

A runner stands by the iron summit pole and points across to the Mythen, Lake Lucerne below to the left and a pale moon in the sky.

A runner traverses a narrow path beneath a big rock wall, the jagged ridge running on ahead.

A runner comes toward the camera along the narrow rocky ridge, with the whole chain of the Urner Alps and a sliver of Lake Lucerne behind.

A helmeted climber stands on a grey limestone pinnacle, surrounded by spring-green Jura forest.

A climber traverses the steep grey rock face of the Eulengrat ridge against a blue sky.

A climber holds onto the rock face while belaying, with villages and farmland far below in the Jura.

A climber traverses the steep grey rock face of the Eulengrat ridge against a blue sky.

Pine trees cling to the rock along the ridge, with sweeping valley views behind them.

A hiker with an orange backpack flashes a peace sign in the forest after the climb.

A small wooden mountain hut perched on a rocky ridge, with hazy ridgelines and Lake Maggiore stretching far below under a bright sky.

A hiker with a red backpack climbs a grassy, rocky slope, a sea of clouds filling the valley behind and a town glimpsed far below.

A hiker ascends a steep grassy ridge high above the valley, cloud-capped southern-Alpine peaks and the town of Bellinzona in the distance.

Jagged grey-green rock ridges and a deep couloir drop away toward hazy ranges under a clear blue sky.

Sunrise over layered mountain ridges, the low sun breaking behind a dark peak with clouds drifting through the valleys below.

A forested ridge with rocky outcrops rising into drifting cloud.

Close-up of a red-and-cream bracket fungus growing on a moss-covered tree trunk, beaded with water droplets.

Snow-dusted peak peeking through low clouds above green alpine pastures.

Old wooden barn with a rusty red roof in a meadow of dandelions and buttercups.

White spring crocuses pushing up through moss and grass.

Hiker in a teal jacket and colorful leggings posing on the forested trail.

Two hikers bundled up in thick fog at the Niederhorn station eating chocolate.

Two ibex resting on a misty slope, gazing into the fog.

Red-and-white trail blaze on a wooden post above a steep, deep valley.

The turquoise Engelberger Aa rushes over boulders through a forested valley, with a mighty grey rock wall and patches of snow behind.

A narrow gravel path winds through flowering mountain meadows into the valley, with steep walls and a cloud-shrouded summit behind.

A tall, slender waterfall plunges over a forested rock wall, with a blooming meadow and a gravel path in the foreground.

A valley path leads toward a jagged rock pyramid, with a stone marked in white-red-white trail blazes at the wayside.

A brown cow with a bell stands on a green slope, with a waterfall and a second grazing cow in the background.

A forest trail leads through dense green woods, with a white-red trail blaze painted on a tree trunk in the foreground.

A slice of tart topped with toasted almonds and a dollop of cream on a plate at the hut, with two forks.

A hiker stands at the red summit cross of the Gridone, with hazy mountain ranges and Lake Maggiore far below under a cloudy sky.

A hiker in a headscarf stands smiling on a rocky knoll with a white-and-red waymark, a deep forested valley and hazy southern-Alpine peaks behind.

The jagged rock towers of the Gross Spannort rising above snowfields under a blue sky.

Three brown cows in a lush green meadow on the valley approach, with rocky peaks behind.

A small turquoise alpine lake in a green basin below the jagged Spannort towers.

The sun rising over layered mountain ridges in golden light from high on the route.

Two hikers reaching the edge of a wide snowfield at first light, rocky peaks all around.

Two roped-up mountaineers crossing the glacier at dawn with the sun low on the horizon.

Two tiny figures crossing a snowfield beneath a towering rock wall, green valley far below.

Selfie in helmet and sunglasses on the snow, a roped companion coiling the rope behind.

A climber high-stepping over loose rock on the fixed ropes below the summit.

The dark, crumbling rock towers of the Gross Spannort seen from the moraine below.

Rocky summit ridge with a fixed cable and a hazy panorama of snowy peaks beyond.

A hiker descending a scree path towards a vast panorama of snow-streaked Uri Alps peaks.

Turquoise Klöntalersee under a bright blue sky, rocky peaks and forested slopes framing the calm water.

Hiker in a yellow shirt photographing the turquoise lake from a wildflower meadow.

View from the road over treetops into the hazy Klöntal valley with the lake at the far end.

Wading waist-deep into the clear green lake, forested slopes and blue sky filling the far shore.

A serrated ridge of pale limestone fins dropping into a sea of fog, distant alps on the horizon.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

A helmeted hiker on a narrow white limestone ledge, a deep sea of fog and distant ridges far below.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

An orange quickdraw clipped to a rope on grey rock, jagged limestone towers and a tiny climber beyond under a deep blue sky.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

Looking up a steep rocky gully with a hiker climbing it, blue sky and distant ranges above.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

Jagged limestone fins and pinnacles against a deep blue sky, a tiny climber perched atop a spire.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

A sea of fog spilling over a forested ridge, the Säntis summit emerging beyond, a spruce in the foreground.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

Clouds pouring over a rocky ridge like a slow waterfall, the Säntis behind, pines on a stony foreground.

Kreuzberg /schmales Südrippli

Narrow, partly snow-covered ridge path on the Lägerngrat, hiker in the distance.

Rocky ridge path between bare trees under a blue sky.

Narrow, partly snow-covered ridge path on the Lägerngrat, hiker in the distance.

Frost-covered branches in front of a house in the winter light.

Picnic with an orange and tea above a sea of fog, Alps on the horizon.

A helmeted climber in a T-shirt, rope racked, on the narrow Brotmessergrat, with the white rock blade and the green Prealp slopes of the Pilatus massif behind.

Matthorn / Brotmessergrat

A smiling climber in a helmet on the grey west face of the Chaiserstock, a green valley, a lake and layered mountain ranges far below.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

A hiker with an orange pack climbs alpine pasture toward the foot of the wall in morning light, the rocky mass of the Chaiserstock above.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

A climber crossing the airy summit ridge of the Chaiserstock on fixed cables, a panorama of lakes and the central Swiss ranges beyond.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

Looking down the wall at a climber on the rope, scree slopes, green hillsides and the approach path far beneath.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

A climber in orange near the upper edge of the grey limestone wall, a cable in the rock, a neighbouring peak to the left under a blue sky.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

Selfie of a smiling woman in a climbing helmet and sunglasses against pale limestone rock.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

A wide view over scree slopes to peaks and the deep-set Urnersee under a blue sky.

Mehrseillänge Chaiserstock

Two hikers with poles walk down a narrow road high above the turquoise Lake Thun.

A big Bernese farmhouse with a wooden balcony beside the road, a pointed rock peak behind it in the morning light.

A grassy path with a white-red-white waymark on a tree stump, a pasture fence to the right and the snowy Blüemlisalp hazy in the distance.

A gravel track runs through forest and alpine pasture, with the glaciated peaks at the head of the valley behind.

A pale limestone wall rises above dense mountain forest, with maple leaves and the edge of the gravel track in the foreground.

A view across a grassy hollow with a stream bed toward a sharp rock pyramid, cows grazing on the slope to the upper right.

A white-red-white waymark painted on a boulder in the grass, with a wooded valley cleft and hazy mountains beyond.

The pyramid of the Niesen above the valley, framed by spruce tops.

Two hikers on a narrow path running out along a broad grassy ridge, forest and distant peaks all around.

A red-and-white cow looks into the camera against the light, more cows and a rock bastion behind.

A pink pig standing in a churned-up, stony mud run at the edge of a pasture.

Pasta salad in a tin box on a weathered wooden bench, a pocket knife and a slice of salami beside it, orange trail shoes below.

A view from a meadow across Lake Thun to Spiez and the Kander delta, forest all around.

Panoramic view over turquoise Lake Uri toward snow-capped Alps.

Niederbauen Chulm

Two hikers crossing a wooden bridge on a shaded forest trail.

Niederbauen Chulm

Two hikers descending a steep trail high above turquoise Lake Uri.

Niederbauen Chulm

Hiker climbing a flowery alpine meadow with a grazing cow and distant peaks.

Niederbauen Chulm

Smiling hiker with backpack and poles inside a wooden mountain hut.

Niederbauen Chulm

Hiker walking toward the mountains past a hut, kick-scooter parked nearby.

Niederbauen Chulm

Cable car station hut perched above Lake Uri with kick-scooters leaning against it.

Niederbauen Chulm

Three hikers celebrating on the summit trail with the lake far below.

Niederbauen Chulm

The grassy limestone crest of the Nüenchamm above the summer-green alpine pastures near Filzbach, seen from the Fronalpstock.

Hiker with trekking poles on the ridge, mountain lake in the background.

Autumn alpine hamlet with rugged rocky peaks rising through the mist.

Mountain chalet at dusk with fog in the valley and snow-capped peaks.

Jagged rocky summit with patches of snow above a green alpine valley.

Hiker with trekking poles on the ridge, mountain lake in the background.

Turquoise mountain lake nestled between rugged ridges, panoramic view.

Snow-dusted ridge overlooking a mountain lake and the alpine chain.

A group of hikers climbing a narrow grassy path toward the rocky summit ridge of Pilatus, cumulus clouds towering alongside.

The view down to Lake Lucerne on the descent, the Bürgenstock and Rigi rising across the water above forested slopes and lakeside towns.

A steep metal staircase cut into the rock near the summit, a red cable car and the city of Lucerne far below.

A rugged limestone ridge of folded rock strata and scree fans, autumn-brown grass in the foreground.

A narrow path traversing a steep green flank high above Lake Lucerne, hazy peaks beyond.

Two hikers climbing a broad scree slope beneath grey limestone cliffs.

The summit station perched on a rock rib high above a vast face of scree and cliff, two tiny hikers below.

A hiker with a red backpack balancing arms-out across a field of loose scree.

A weathered wooden bench on a grassy viewpoint looking out over Lago Maggiore and the Locarno delta, hazy mountains all around.

A paved stone path with a railing leading down through a Ticino village of stone houses with red shutters, a palm tree and green mountains behind.

A Ticino village with a church tower seen from a dry grassy slope, framed by oak leaves, steep wooded mountains behind.

Three dark brown sheep grazing on a steep dry meadow above village roofs, mountains in the background.

A gravel path running along a wire fence on wooden posts, with Lago Maggiore far below through the scrub.

Lago Maggiore stretching south into the haze, seen from a rocky, grassy slope high above the wooded shore.

A narrow trail along a grassy ridge crest, a rugged rock face falling away on the left under a big cloudy sky.

The stony trail on the ridge crest, looking out over a deep forested valley to a long line of jagged peaks.

A rocky path through dry tussock grass on the ridge, a steep wooded mountainside and jagged summits opposite.

A tall stacked stone cairn standing on the rocky ridge, layers of hazy blue mountains behind.

The remains of an old stone building on a dry grassy hillside, hazy blue ridges and a sliver of the lake beyond.

A smiling runner in a cap and mirrored sunglasses wearing a running vest with soft flasks, the ridge and the lake behind.

A hand holding a small orange paper cup of coffee topped with cream, an old stone ruin and mountains behind.

Looking down into a river gorge with clear green pools, a large pale boulder, and two people swimming.

A narrow wooded river gorge from above, a swimmer in a deep clear pool among big smooth boulders.

Panoramic view from Prabé over the Rhone valley, three hikers standing on the grassy summit.

Yellow signpost 'Prabé par l'arête' among larch trees.

Hiker petting a donkey by the trailside.

Tree stump with bracket fungi that look like a smiling face.

Hikers climbing a rocky ridge.

Picnic break with a panoramic view over the Rhone valley and surrounding peaks.

Panoramic view from Prabé over the Rhone valley, three hikers standing on the grassy summit.

Hiker on the narrow Nordwestrippe trail with the lake far below.

Rigi Kulm Nordwestrippe

Conglomerate rock on the Nordwestrippe with the valley and lake below.

Rigi Kulm Nordwestrippe

The steep grey limestone face of the Schafberg in the Alpstein against a blue sky.

The tower and arête of the Schafberg rising above spruce forest and alpine meadow, blue sky.

The steep grey limestone face of the Schafberg in the Alpstein against a blue sky.

Low sun over the layered ridgelines of the Alpstein, a conifer forest in the hazy foreground.

Two firs framing a sea of fog in the valley, with distant peaks and a half moon beyond.

A hazy valley view through autumn forest towards the peaks of the Alpstein.

A hiker stands silhouetted on a rocky ledge looking into the sunrise over hazy mountain ranges, a snowfield beside her.

The Schlossberg south wall glowing pink in the alpenglow, with a dark scree slope in front and ranks of peaks in the morning haze.

A climber in an orange helmet ascends a snowfield toward the orange-and-grey south wall of the Schlossberg, the red rope hanging below.

A mountaineer at a stance on broken rock, with a wide panorama of green valley, snowfields and peaks behind.

The Schlossberg summit cross on slabby rock, with snowy glaciers and jagged ridges under the clouds beyond.

Brown cows on a mountain road on the descent to Engelberg, surrounded by forested cliffs with a village far below in the valley.

A slice of tart topped with toasted almonds and a dollop of cream on a plate at the hut, with two forks.

Walking up the narrow grass-and-rock summit ridge of the Sichelchamm.

A village church spire below the Churfirsten in soft early-morning light, with the Walensee in the distance.

The steep limestone cliffs of the Churfirsten rising directly above the meadows at the start of the climb.

A slow worm sunning itself on the forest path during the ascent.

A hiker pauses on an open spring meadow with the turquoise Walensee stretching far below.

A hiker with a yellow backpack descends a grassy slope high above the Walensee, with snow-streaked Glarus peaks across the valley.

A small figure standing on the airy rocky pinnacle of the summit ridge.

A break near the summit, lying on dry grass and looking out over the length of the Walensee.

Hiker on a green grassy slope looks out across valleys to a wide chain of Alpine peaks.

Spilauer Grätli

Narrow mountain path with a red-and-white waymark painted on rock, a sunlit ridge beyond.

Spilauer Grätli

Hiker with an orange pack climbs a grassy slope below steep grey cliffs in backlight.

Spilauer Grätli

Jagged rock peaks with a small glacier above forested slopes and a deep valley.

Spilauer Grätli

View over scree and ridges down to Lake Uri, with layered mountain ranges behind.

Spilauer Grätli

A deep-set lake beneath a sea of clouds, framed by grey rock walls.

Spilauer Grätli

Hiker on a green grassy slope looks out across valleys to a wide chain of Alpine peaks.

Spilauer Grätli

Alpenglow on the snowy Sustenhorn massif at dawn, with a sharp rock pinnacle on the right.

Mountain panorama at dawn with an orange glow on the horizon above dark ridges.

Alpenglow on glaciated peaks with a small frozen tarn below.

Hiker drinking from a bottle, pink-lit peaks and a snowfield behind her.

Two hikers silhouetted as they climb reddish scree in the early dawn light.

Hiker with a coiled red rope on his pack beside a marked cairn.

Hiker on a rocky shoulder in front of a big snow-covered mountain face.

Close-up of a red-and-grey rock wall with snowy peaks behind in the dawn light.

Red rock pinnacle with a patch of snow against a pale blue morning sky.

Two roped climbers crossing a snowfield toward a rock band under a blue sky.

Climber scrambling up a steep rock step on the rope.

Hiker on a snowy ridge looking across toward a snow pinnacle.

Two roped climbers on the glacier below a striking rock fin.

Two tiny figures on a vast glacier slope before a sea of peaks.

Hiker turning around on a steep snow slope, ice axe in hand.

Hiker on the snowy summit dome raising an ice axe against a blue sky.

Sweeping glacier panorama from high up with distant ranges on the horizon.

Two climbers embracing at the wooden summit cross of the Sustenhorn.

Turquoise alpine lake below rust-coloured slopes with leftover snow and jagged ridges.

Valle Leventina

Brilliant turquoise mountain lake tucked between steep, jagged rock walls.

Valle Leventina

Sharp rocky spire mirrored in a perfectly still alpine lake.

Valle Leventina

Last warm evening light on a rocky summit above a dark scree slope.

Valle Leventina

Cornelia in a beanie and harness laughing at the camera, carabiners and ropes in hand.

Valle Leventina

Bivouac with a green tent at the edge of a high plateau looking out over wild ridges.

Valle Leventina

White-red-white trail blaze on lichen-covered rock with a turquoise backpack behind.

Valle Leventina

Rounded stones in shallow water with golden evening light glowing between them.

Valle Leventina

Hiker on a narrow path through an open larch forest high above the valley.

Valle Leventina

Two curious Swiss brown calves right up against the camera.

Valle Leventina

Hiker with an orange backpack standing on a rocky ridge above an endless panorama of Ticino peaks.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Sunrise over layered, misty mountain ridges with a small cloud rising from the slope.

Via Alta della Verzasca

A stone hut with a red roof tucked beneath grassy slopes and rocky knolls in the early light.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Jagged grey rock peaks and ridges under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Sharp rocky ridgelines dropping into deep valleys with distant blue mountains beyond.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Hiker with a red backpack posing under a large layered rock overhang, rugged peaks behind.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Hiker downclimbing a steep rock face on metal rungs and a fixed chain.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Two hikers scrambling up a steep grassy flank below craggy rock towers.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Two hikers taking a selfie beside a painted blue Via Alta trail marker on the rock.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Hiker posing beside a tall cairn on a broad rocky summit under a blue sky.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Hiker in sunglasses sitting on a rocky summit next to a cairn, mountains all around.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Hiker with an orange backpack looking out over a sea of green-and-grey ridges from a rocky crest.

Via Alta della Verzasca

Vintage wood-fired hut stove with a big pot and hanging ladles, jackets drying above.

Via Alta della Verzasca

A hiker looks down from a grassy ridge onto the deep blue waters of Lake Lucerne, with snow-capped peaks and a farmhouse on the slope below.

Vitznauer Stock

A narrow trail secured with a steel cable runs along a pale rock face through dense leaf litter on the slope.

Vitznauer Stock

A hiker climbs a small metal ladder across a steep, grassy passage beneath a rock face.

Vitznauer Stock

A grassy ridge path with patches of snow leads down toward the lake, a distinctive peak rising in the background.

Vitznauer Stock

A view over green slopes to the lake, with snow-capped Alpine peaks on the horizon under a heavy cloud cover.

Vitznauer Stock

A wide view from a forested slope over the lake to a chain of snow-capped mountains under a dramatic sky.

Vitznauer Stock

A hiker in a red cap climbs a grassy meadow, a snow-capped peak and the lake behind him.

Vitznauer Stock

A cow with a bell grazes in a green meadow full of dandelions.

Vitznauer Stock

Two hikers with poles walk a grassy path, a forested slope with a rock band behind them.

Vitznauer Stock

A smiling hiker with a yellow backpack, sunglasses, and a cap stands in a meadow high above the lake.

Vitznauer Stock

Three hikers pose together on a trail, with a snow-capped peak and glacier behind them.

Overhead view of a pan with rösti and two fried eggs, a fork and plate ready on a wooden table.

A hiker walks along a narrow trail on a steep mountain flank, with a river valley and fog-covered peaks below.

A snow-streaked mountain peak rises above a rocky valley with a stream, under a blue sky.

Close-up of a hand next to a round, disc-shaped lichen growing on a rock.

Two glowing lanterns cast shadows on a stone staircase at dusk.

Three hikers pose together on a trail, with a snow-capped peak and glacier behind them.

Smooth white boulders line a clear mountain stream.

A hiker stands on a large boulder, looking into a forested gorge.

A brown-and-white cow with long horns rests in a grassy meadow.

The moon glows behind a jagged mountain silhouette under a starry sky.

A close-up of two bare feet dangling above a rushing stream.

Clear turquoise water flows between smooth white boulders in a mountain stream.

Mountaineer resting on a rocky ledge on the Glärnisch, the Klöntalersee far below.

Vrenelisgärtli

View from a boathouse over the turquoise Walensee, with several people swimming and mountains in the background.

Weesen-Quinten-Walenstadt

View from a boathouse over the turquoise Walensee, with several people swimming and mountains in the background.

Weesen-Quinten-Walenstadt

A hiker with a yellow backpack stands on a boardwalk in front of a waterfall in the forest.

Weesen-Quinten-Walenstadt

View across a green meadow to the turquoise Walensee, with rugged mountain peaks behind it.

Weesen-Quinten-Walenstadt

Evening light on a granite summit, crowned by an old stone fortification.

Dawn at a rocky bivouac camp with a red tent, scattered gear, a hiker standing, and the summit hut silhouetted on the peak behind.

A scrambler in shorts climbs a steep light-grey granite slab beneath a deep blue sky.

A rugged grey peak streaked with snow patches above a small turquoise tarn in a rocky basin.

A dark rock pinnacle silhouetted against a sunlit snowfield and glacier.

Jagged granite pinnacles rising into a clear blue sky.

Evening light on a granite summit crowned by an old stone fortification.

A couple stands among the boulders at sunset, the summit and its hut silhouetted behind them.

A cushion of pink moss campion flowering among grey rocks and moss.

A bright green fern unfurling between sun-lit granite boulders.

A snowshoe trail runs through deep snow at the forest edge, with snow-capped peaks and a deep-blue lake emerging from the clouds beyond.

A weathered wooden barn on a steep green meadow above the lake, a bare tree beside it under a heavy grey sky.

Beckenried – Risletenschlucht – Rütli

A small black-and-tan dog standing on a rocky outcrop high above the grey-green Vierwaldstättersee, fir trees and misty peaks beyond.

Beckenried – Risletenschlucht – Rütli

The dog on a red leash walking a forest trail past a tall wooden post, the cloud-wrapped lake below.

Beckenried – Risletenschlucht – Rütli

A three-toed dinosaur footprint pressed into a grey slab of rock in the Risletenschlucht.

Beckenried – Risletenschlucht – Rütli

Selfie of the hiker in a knit headband with her curly dog beside a red Kursschiffe boat-stop sign.

Beckenried – Risletenschlucht – Rütli

The same dog giving the hiker a lick on the chin under the Kursschiffe sign — a happy end to the day.

Beckenried – Risletenschlucht – Rütli

A hiker stands on the grassy ridge looking out over the turquoise Lake Brienz to the snow-capped Bernese Alps beyond.

A narrow trail runs along the grassy Brienzergrat toward a green pyramid peak, a hiker pausing on the crest with the lake far below.

Looking steeply down from the ridge to Lake Brienz, the low sun glinting silver off the water between hazy ranges.

A sharp peak on the ridge silhouetted against the first light of dawn, ridge upon ridge fading into the haze.

A hiker stands on a narrow rocky summit point, surrounded by a vast panorama of snow-capped Alpine peaks under a deep blue sky.

Chli Windgällen

A hiker with an orange backpack scrambles up a steep, slabby rock step.

Chli Windgällen

A smiling hiker climbs a rocky ridge, snowfields and distant peaks visible behind her.

Chli Windgällen

Shot from below, a hiker climbs over jagged rock slabs against a bright blue sky.

Chli Windgällen

A calm mountain lake surrounded by conifer forest, with snow-capped peaks in the background.

Chli Windgällen

A hiker with trekking poles crosses a scree field, a striking rock tower with patches of snow behind her.

Chli Windgällen

A small beetle sits on a boulder along the summit ridge, snow-capped mountains in the background.

Chli Windgällen

A hiker with an orange backpack crosses a scree field toward a striking rocky summit.

Chli Windgällen

A hiker climbs carefully across an exposed rock passage, a valley with snowfields below.

Chli Windgällen

A mountaineer with a red pack climbs the last rocky ridge towards the Clariden summit cross.

A mountaineer with a yellow pack and sunglasses laughs while climbing up the pale scree slope.

A mountaineer on the scree path to the ridge, nothing above her but blue sky and a cairn.

A view over pale limestone slabs to a sharp rock tooth, with distant glaciated peaks behind.

The bare glacier runs diagonally across the frame, a dark rock spire to the left under building clouds.

The glacier edge cuts a white line beneath the dark rock rib, crevasse patterns in the blank ice.

A wide view across the glacier plateau to black rock ridges and the ranges of the central Alps beyond.

Open crevasses and icefalls on the glacier slope, neighbouring peaks hazy under cloud behind.

Close-up of a maze of crevasses: layered ice walls with reddish dust in the bands.

The broken icefall below a dark, layered rock wall.

Portrait of a rust-brown silkie chicken with a ruffled crest of feathers.

Evening light over layered mountain ranges, a dark rock shoulder in the foreground.

Blue mountain silhouettes in the haze, with the soft grassy backs of the alpine pastures in front.

A herd of cattle follows the herdsman along the alp track, the green valley slope dropping away below.

The jagged rock towers of Denti della Vecchia, with a hiker and tent visible near the summit.

Denti della vecchia

Hiker relaxing beside a jagged rock tooth of the Denti della Vecchia in golden evening light.

Denti della vecchia

Portrait of a hiker in a blue hooded jacket, pausing on the trail with a drink in hand.

Denti della vecchia

A slender rock pinnacle rising against layered mountain ridges at golden hour.

Denti della vecchia

Hiker walking through a sunlit forest trail with dappled light on the leaves.

Denti della vecchia

Hiker approaching the jagged rock towers of Denti della Vecchia along a ridge trail.

Denti della vecchia

Hiker squeezing through a narrow rock crevice, red-and-white trail marker on the wall.

Denti della vecchia

Two hikers with backpacks arriving in a quiet village alley to start the trail.

Denti della vecchia

Pancakes cooking in a camping pot over a trail stove.

Denti della vecchia

Panoramic view over forested ridges with a touch of autumn color.

Denti della vecchia

Aerial view over Lake Lugano and the city, framed by tree branches.

Denti della vecchia

Sunset over the mountains with rock pinnacles in silhouette and a lake in the distance.

Denti della vecchia

Two hikers with backpacks standing on a grassy ridge, mountains in the background.

Denti della vecchia

Portrait of a hiker bundled up in a green beanie, earmuffs, and pink scarf at camp.

Denti della vecchia

The jagged rock towers of Denti della Vecchia, with a hiker and tent visible near the summit.

Denti della vecchia

A hiker with a yellow backpack climbs over boulders and scree toward a jagged rock ridge, blue-and-white trail blazes on the blocks.

A raclette break among the rocks: melted cheese in a pan on a small stove, with bread, olives and pickles, and the Aletsch Glacier visible through a gap in the rocks behind.

Coarse, lichen-covered granite blocks with blue-and-white trail markers, the jagged summit rising above under an overcast sky.

View across snow-covered Lake Zurich to the Alps on the horizon.

Thickly snow-capped bush with a view over the wintery Zürcher Oberland.

Felsenegg lookout tower with a snowy terrace and mountain hut.

View across snow-covered Lake Zurich to the Alps on the horizon.

Snowy forest path lined with bare, snow-dusted trees.

Sun over a wintery panorama with Lake Zurich and the Alps.

Backlit ice sculpture in front of a snow-covered railing.

Tarp tent pitched on a grassy ridge at sunset, a hiker gazing over Lake Lucerne far below with the sun setting behind distant peaks.

A hiker as a small silhouette on a narrow grassy path, layered ridges and the hazy, glinting lake spread out ahead in the morning backlight.

A hiker with a red backpack spreads her arms on a flower-strewn alpine meadow, facing the snow-dusted spikes of the Mythen range.

A stony path across a flowering grass flank, with the Grosser and Kleiner Mythen rising in the clear morning light behind.

The Grosser and Kleiner Mythen stand as a striking pair of rock peaks above a green pre-alpine valley dotted with farms.

A tall, pale banded limestone cliff studded with lone pines, green alpine pastures far below.

Looking down a steep green flank dotted with pines to meadows, farms and the lake deep in the valley.

A person leans on the railing of a viewing platform at a grassy cliff edge, the Urnersee and snow-capped peaks across the valley.

A view down through vegetated crags to the lake, its water flaring silver in the low sunlight.

The Urnersee winds between dark mountain ranges in golden backlight, the water glittering under the low sun.

Sunset over layered, dark-silhouetted peaks, the sun sinking into an orange-red sky above the lake.

Dusk over the lake and mountain ranges, a thin crescent moon above the last orange band on the horizon.

A hiker with a large backpack and sunglasses stands smiling in warm morning light among mountain pines and pale rock.

A hiker runs down a winding path through a sunlit green alp, lens flares scattered across the backlight.

Close-up of sharply furrowed, karstic limestone rock, a pointed peak blurred behind.

Grassy summit ridge of the Gandstock above the summery Sernf valley near Elm.

Two hikers at the summit cross with cloud-wrapped mountain ranges behind.

Gemsfairenstock

Two mountaineers cross a broad snowfield, the woman turning back with a smile, rope coiled on her pack.

Gemsfairenstock

A mountaineer climbs a snow-dusted rocky ridge toward the summit under a blue sky.

Gemsfairenstock

A helmeted hiker stands on a rock slab looking out over a snow-filled cirque.

Gemsfairenstock

A hiker crosses a snowfield toward the dark, snow-streaked rock pyramid of the Gemsfairenstock.

Gemsfairenstock

A sheep peers curiously over a rock, with turquoise Lake Uri far below in the valley.

A hiker holds onto a chain along a steep, exposed rock section.

View from a bridge onto a roaring turquoise mountain stream squeezed through a narrow gorge.

A hiker stands on a narrow, exposed rock ridge high above turquoise Lake Uri.

A sheep peers curiously over a rock, with turquoise Lake Uri far below in the valley.

Two friends sit with arms around each other on the summit, taking in the view over Lake Uri.

A hiker looks through binoculars on a rocky ridge.

A sheep peeks out between rocks, with wide mountain ranges in the background.

A Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys a belly rub.

A hiker with a backpack climbs a steep, grassy mountain path, with a valley and mountain ranges behind.

A hiker with a yellow backpack climbs up a sun-lit rock face.

A tiny figure stands before a tall, multi-tiered waterfall cascading down a rock face.

A hiker jumps for joy along a rocky ridge, with snow-capped peaks in the background.

A hiker with a yellow backpack walks a path through a wide scree field, surrounded by rugged mountain ranges.

The turquoise-green Golzerensee sits nestled between forest and rugged mountain peaks, with a small jetty reaching into the calm water.

A hiker walks along a narrow gravel path through a green, rocky alpine valley, with snow-capped peaks in the background.

A sunlit mountain trail passes blooming meadows and rustic alpine huts, with rugged peaks in the backlight.

A view across a green meadow toward Golzerensee, framed by dense forest and a snow-flecked mountain massif.

The turquoise-green Golzerensee sits nestled between forest and rugged mountain peaks, with a small jetty reaching into the calm water.

Two women relax on a picnic blanket in the grass, surrounded by wraps, watermelon and other treats.

A woman in a red knit hat stands smiling next to a wooden sledge on the snowy road back to Braunwald.

Climbing the snowy track with a sledge and backpack toward the Glarus peaks.

Low sun behind snow-laden trees above the Linth valley.

Clouds breaking up over a small cabin on a deeply snowed-in slope.

A woman sits on a wooden sledge in the snow, looking up at a striking snow-covered peak under a deep blue sky.

A break on the porch of a small wooden cabin beneath snowy firs.

Walking up the snowy sledge track pulling a sledge by its rope, the Glarus peaks ahead under a clear blue sky.

Two hikers silhouetted on the summit ridge against an orange sunset over a sea of peaks.

A hiker in a teal jacket stepping across a pale limestone ridge, a steep rocky peak and hazy distant ranges rising behind under a cloudy sky.

A hiker standing on a grassy ridge at dawn, gazing over a sea of cloud filling the valley with the sun rising low over the peaks.

A lead climber high on the steep grey wall of the Gwächten, a red rope in the rock, blue sky and a snow-capped peak beyond.

Gwächten – Super Schneehun

A climber on the lichen-green rock ridge, the pointed, partly snow-covered summit of the Gwächten behind under a blue sky.

Gwächten – Super Schneehun

Looking down the wall at the second climbing up in a white helmet, scree slopes and old snowfields far below.

Gwächten – Super Schneehun

The steep, rugged rock face of the Gwächten rising above scree and an old snowfield, a sharp rock spire to the left.

Gwächten – Super Schneehun

A hiker rests beside the summit cross of the Haggenspitz, with the snow-streaked Urner Alps and the Lake Lucerne basin spread out behind.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

A hiker in helmet and harness scrambles up a steep, loose forest gully early in the tour.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

A picnic break on scree: hard-boiled eggs in a carton and bread on a red-checked cloth.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

A single blue gentian flower clings to the limestone on an exposed section of the ridge, the rope visible below.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

A climber works up the short rock step onto the Chli Mythe, pack on and helmet clipped.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

The dark, sheer pyramid of the Grosse Mythen rises across the saddle, with the Glarus Alps behind.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

An Alpine chough perches on the summit rocks above the Muotathal and Lake Lucerne.

Haggenspitz & Chli Mythe

Snow-covered timber huts beside a lone larch in a wintry valley, a snow-laden larch forest rising on the slope behind.

A smiling hiker in a mustard jacket with a red knit hat and scarf walks a snowy forest path through falling snow.

A weathered timber chalet with closed shutters half-buried in deep snow, a snow-laden conifer beside it.

A dark timber chalet's carved wooden door, numbered 151A and topped with a small heart-shaped window, framed by whitewashed walls and deep snow.

Looking out from inside a dark covered wooden bridge onto a snow-covered streambed.

A rock face draped in snow and long blue-white icicles during a snowfall.

A misty winter valley with a snowed-over track, frosted larches, and a rocky peak half-hidden by low cloud and falling snow.

Looking out beneath a striking rock overhang onto a narrow trail hugging the cliff face, clouds drifting over a wide Alpine panorama below.

A hiker stands beneath a bare, sprawling tree on a grassy hilltop, a sea of fog rolling over the valleys below.

A lizard basks between the weathered timber beams of an old hut.

A hiker scrambles over scree beneath an overhanging rock roof, surrounded by larches with distant peaks in view.

A hiker with a yellow backpack stands beneath a gnarled bare tree on a steep grassy slope, a rugged ridge behind him.

A hiker with a yellow backpack bends to inspect a small stone cairn on a rocky ridge.

A stone cairn among slender trees, a snow-capped peak rising behind it under a blue sky.

Hiker in a green tank top standing on a grassy outcrop, snow-streaked peaks rising in the distance.

Twin rocky summits draped in bright pink alpenrose against a pale sky.

Scrambling up a steep rocky gully, smiling at the camera with snow patches above.

Climbing a metal ladder bolted into a vertical limestone face with a big purple pack.

Looking down on a hiker clinging to grassy ledges between slabs of grey rock.

Hiker traversing a cracked limestone slab with tufts of grass clinging to the rock.

Hazy view down to Lake Lucerne with snow patches in the foreground ridges.

Small tent pitched on a narrow grass ridge beside a snow patch at golden hour.

Pyramid-shaped peak silhouetted against a soft orange sunset sky.

Sun setting over Lake Lucerne, the water glowing copper between dark ridges.

Tiny figure beside a summit cross with layered hazy ridges receding into dusk.

A black dome-shaped hut on a snowy ridge with the sun rising over distant peaks.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs

The dark dome hut above the rocky basin at dawn.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs

A hiker scrambling over grippy slabs on the rocky final section.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs

A person on the snowy ridge in cloud-covered terrain.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs

A group ascending a long scree slope under clouds.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs

Making coffee on the gas stove in the hut kitchen.

Igloo des Pantalons Blancs

A helmeted climber stands on a narrow rock spur high above a forested valley, a massive, rocky mountain ridge opposite under a blue sky.

Klettersteig Tres Signori

A climber with a red pack stands on metal rungs on a steep rock face, reaching for the steel cable, forested slopes far below.

Klettersteig Tres Signori

Looking down at a grinning climber on a sunny granite slab, dense autumn forest below.

Klettersteig Tres Signori

A climber looks up at the camera with a grin, carabiners and a via ferrata set on the steel cable in the foreground, a forested valley behind.

Klettersteig Tres Signori

A climber crouches on a pale rock ridge that drops steeply into a deep, forested valley.

Klettersteig Tres Signori

A helmeted climber stands at the exit on a rock ridge, a wide, sunny mountain crest behind her under a blue sky.

Klettersteig Tres Signori

Glowing orange alpenglow over the glacier with a silhouetted rock spire.

Silhouette of a person next to a tent against a pink-orange evening sky over the valley.

Thin crescent moon between two silhouetted rocky summits at dusk.

Mountaineer in crampons crossing a steep snowfield with an ice axe.

Mountaineer with helmet and ice axe carefully descending a snowy slope.

Climber in helmet and harness balancing on a narrow rocky ridge.

Climber on a rope working up a steep rock face with a backpack.

Smiling climber in a harness with the glacier and rocky peaks behind her.

Wide panorama over the glacier with jagged peaks and drifting clouds.

Close-up of a crevasse with turquoise meltwater between dirty ice ridges.

Dramatic rock spire between backlit clouds above the glacier.

The rocky summit of the Mattstock rising above the summer-green forests near Amden.

Evening light over the wooded ridges around Monte Boglia, a band of colour in the sunset above Lake Lugano.

Aerial view over Lake Lucerne with drifting fog and mountain peaks.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Aerial view over Lake Lucerne with drifting fog and mountain peaks.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Picnic at a trailside table overlooking the lake, bundled up in warm layers.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Deep blue alpine lake framed by snow-dusted peaks and green slopes.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Trail snacks laid out at a rest stop, fence and lake in the background.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

View from inside the cable car over the lake, cables in the foreground.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Rocky ridge overlooking snow-capped mountains and forested valleys.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Portrait of a hiker in an orange beanie, lake in the background.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Hiker descending a grassy slope with a valley view ahead.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Hiker crossing a steep scree slope with patches of snow, wide valley below.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Hiker climbing a steep slope beside a dramatic gorge.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Hiker crossing scree and snow patches in a wide mountain basin.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

Summit view over layered mountain ridges and clouds in the valley.

Niederbauen Chulm (Leiterli)

A person sits on a grassy slope watching the sun set over layered mountain silhouettes, a patch of snow below.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A smiling hiker in sunglasses on the summit, with distant snow-capped peaks under a deep blue sky.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker striding down a wide snowfield high on the ridge, with mountains in the hazy distance.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker in a pink beanie and patterned fleece sits on a grassy slope in the evening light, jagged snow-streaked peaks rising behind.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker silhouetted against a bright sun setting behind layered mountain ridges.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker in a purple backpack scrambles up a narrow rocky gully, hands and feet on the rock.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A sharply folded rock peak with dramatic layered strata rises against a clear blue sky.

Oberbauenstock Grat

Two small tents pitched among snow patches on the ridge, glowing orange at dusk with mountains fading into the distance.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A butterfly-shaped waffle, a well-earned summit snack.

Oberbauenstock Grat

Layered rock folds streaked with snow lead up to a rugged summit block.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A bird soars over snow-capped peaks under a deep blue sky.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A green valley opens onto a turquoise lake, with snow-capped peaks lining the horizon.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker in a red beanie stands on a rocky outcrop at dusk, camera in hand, facing a horizon of snow-capped peaks.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker with an orange backpack pauses on a grassy ridge, mountains rolling out behind her.

Oberbauenstock Grat

A hiker looks out over a lake framed by mountains from a high ridge, orange backpack and all.

Oberbauenstock Grat

Looking steeply down the grey limestone of a Galtigen tower as a climber leads on the blue rope, the wall dropping away into fog below.

Pilatus / Galtigentürme

A hiker in red trousers stands among trees in front of a snow-covered peak emerging from the fog.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A hiker in red trousers stands among trees in front of a snow-covered peak emerging from the fog.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A hiker in red walks along a snowy trail beneath bare branches, mist lingering in the background.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

Frost-covered trees on a snowy slope, sunbeams breaking through the mist.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A hiker walks through snow along a ridge as sunbeams break through the fog.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A hiker in red walks along a snowy ridge beneath bare branches, fog settled in the valley below.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A snow-capped peak rises above a sea of fog, framed by pine branches.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A climber holds onto a fixed rope on a steep rock face, with a wide valley view behind.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A climber descends an exposed rock ledge high above the Rhine valley, fields and river far below.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A climber ascends the 'Leiterli' — a metal ladder fixed to the rock face — surrounded by forest.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

Looking up a rock face along an iron ladder, framed by a gnarled pine tree.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A group rests on wooden logs at the summit, looking over the fence at snow-capped mountains in the sun.

Regitzer Spitz (Leiterli)

A hiker with poles and a red cap stands on a grassy ridge, a snow-dusted peak and the Rhine valley spread out far below.

A hiker with a yellow backpack walks a grassy ridge path toward snow-streaked rocky peaks under a clear blue sky.

A hiker and a dog follow a narrow trail past pines, with a steep snow-capped massif rising behind.

A lone weathered pine clinging to a dry grassy slope, rugged snow-flecked mountains behind.

A gravel track curving uphill past a large pine tree, a wooded hillside beyond under a blue sky.

A small figure stands in a wide brown spring meadow, distant mountains hazy beneath a bright sun.

A hiker silhouetted at a railing viewpoint, watching the sun over snowy ridges beside a lone pine.

Two smiling hikers take a selfie on a sunny grassy slope, snowy peaks behind them.

A hiker with a large pack walks an exposed grassy traverse below a rock wall, hazy ridges and a lake far below in the low sun.

A smiling hiker with a big backpack pauses on the climb, the arms of Lake Lucerne and snow-flecked peaks spread out behind.

A small green tent pitched on a grassy shoulder among mountain pines, distant snowy peaks catching the first light of dawn.

A campfire blazing on the rocky summit at dusk, Lake Lucerne glinting far below under a broken, glowing sky.

A figure in a fleece stands at blue hour looking out to shadowed peaks, the moon rising through cloud above the valley.

Deep, narrow gorge with a dark pool of water surrounded by steep rock walls and trees.

View down into the gorge with a turquoise pool and gravel bank.

Hiker petting a black lamb on a village road with a flock of sheep by an old wooden barn.

Deep, narrow gorge with a dark pool of water surrounded by steep rock walls and trees.

View from the grassy slopes of the Rophaien past a few mountain pines down to the Urnersee, with the snow-streaked Uri peaks behind.

Limestone crag of the Sasso Grande in warm evening light, with a bivouac tent on a ledge high above the forest.

Sunset over forested ridges, a peak silhouetted against an orange evening sky.

Limestone crag of the Sasso Grande in warm evening light, with a bivouac tent on a ledge high above the forest.

Green bivouac tent on a narrow ledge high on the limestone wall, cloudy evening sky.

Sunlit limestone pinnacle framed by dark tree silhouettes against a blue sky.

Wide view over the Lugano valley to forested ranges and the snow-capped Alps on the horizon.

A jagged panorama of snow-streaked peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

A roped climber on a lichen-covered slab, a snow-patched valley far below.

Snow-streaked peaks framed by rock, with a green valley floor visible below.

A wooden mountain hut with its door open, a cat on the threshold and snowy peaks behind.

A ginger cat perched by a stacked woodpile, snow-capped peaks visible through the shed's open side.

A jagged panorama of snow-streaked peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

Two hikers with large packs watch a herd of cows on an alpine pasture, with the jagged rock spires and snowfields of the Surenenpass peaks beyond under a blue sky.

A narrow gravel path winds through a green flower meadow toward a striking rock peak streaked with residual snow.

Two hikers climb a steep alpine meadow below a pyramid-shaped rock peak, with a few alp huts in the middle distance.

A hiker with a backpack stands on an alp track beside a grazing cow, with glaciated peaks behind.

A mountain stream runs through a green high valley framed by snow-capped peaks and a prominent rock horn.

View from a hut across a deep green valley toward a glaciated mountain cirque laced with waterfalls.

Wide view over gentle green alpine pastures down into a valley, ringed by rugged ranges with patches of snow.

Hikers cross a summer snowfield over scree near the pass, with hazy mountain ranges in the distance.

The sun sits low over layered mountain ranges, bathing a high valley with a small mountain lake in warm light.

Two tents on an alpine meadow at sunrise, the sun rising beside a jagged rock ridge.

Two hikers at a trail junction with a waymark stone, looking out over layered ridges far down into the valley.

Two hikers follow a narrow path lined with yellow alpine flowers along a ridge with a sweeping view into the mountains.

The Urnersee seen through wind-bent pines from the Stockflue, a town on the shore far below and snow-dusted peaks in the distance.

Timpel über Stockflue

The Urnersee seen through wind-bent pines from the Stockflue, a town on the shore far below and snow-dusted peaks in the distance.

Timpel über Stockflue

A hiker stands on a rocky outcrop among gnarled pines, high above the Urnersee with snowy summits behind.

Timpel über Stockflue

A weathered dead tree trunk with mossy burls in the forest, its shapes suggesting a face.

Timpel über Stockflue

Pink spring heather in bloom among grey limestone rocks along the trail.

Timpel über Stockflue

A hiker with a red backpack picks a way along the rocky, pine-studded ridge high above the lake.

Timpel über Stockflue

A mountaineer crosses a rocky shoulder backlit by the sun rising over the ridge, with a sea of clouds and the glacier far below.

Rugged rock flanks with green slopes and wisps of cloud, snow-capped peaks behind.

Dark peak silhouettes above a sea of clouds at dawn, an orange band along the horizon.

Blue glacier tongue with crevasses beside a brown rock wall in the early morning light.

Broken seracs along the top of a massive brown rock face in blue twilight.

Close-up of a blue glacier wall riddled with crevasses, framed by snow and dark rock.

A lone mountaineer crosses a vast snowfield toward a snowy peak under a deep blue sky.

A mountaineer with an ice axe climbs a snow slope, a large glaciated mountain flank behind.

Two roped mountaineers climb a snowy ridge under a deep blue sky.

Summit panorama with a broad snow dome and endless mountain ranges to the horizon.

Two mountaineers stand with a rope at the snowy summit cross before clouds and distant peaks.

A black alpine salamander on a stone amid a tuft of grass at the trail's edge.

A small tent pitched on a grassy ridge at golden hour, a hiker sitting on a rock nearby as the sun sinks behind hazy Ticino peaks.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A hiker walks along a broad granite summit ridge with peaks spread out in every direction.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A hiker scrambles up steep granite slabs with a backpack on — the T5− crux below the Madom da Sgiof.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

Looking down over a small alpine lake and scattered larches toward the hazy valley beyond.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A cluster of old Ticino dry-stone huts on a rocky plateau, mountains behind.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A rocky knoll topped with a small summit cross, glowing in warm dawn light.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A smiling hiker in a beanie and fleece at golden hour, hazy Ticino peaks fading into the light behind her.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A hiker with poles crosses a small snowfield on a rocky slope under a clear sky.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

An old Ticino stone hut with "ALPE CUASCA" carved into the lintel above the door.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

A clear mountain river cascading through boulders into turquoise pools.

Via Alta Valle Maggia

Open ridge path with a wide alpine panorama.

Weg der Schweiz – Stage 1: Treib to Isleten

Through bare branches, a view across the turquoise Urnersee to snow-capped mountains, with a lakeside village and church tower below.

Weg der Schweiz – Stage 1: Treib to Isleten

Selfie of the hiker in sunglasses and a bucket hat on a spring meadow full of dandelions, the lake and snowy peaks behind her.

Weg der Schweiz – Stage 1: Treib to Isleten

A wide view from lake level across Lake Lucerne to a long chain of snow-capped mountains under a blue sky.

Weg der Schweiz – Stage 1: Treib to Isleten

View over the deep-blue Urnersee between steep slopes toward snow-capped peaks and the broad Reuss valley.

Weg der Schweiz – Stage 1: Treib to Isleten

An old hay barn and farmhouse on a steep green meadow high above the lake, with forested slopes and snow-capped peaks behind.

Weg der Schweiz – Stage 1: Treib to Isleten

A pine branch frames the turquoise lake as it curves toward a striking snow-capped pyramid peak.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon

Two wooden benches and a fire pit on a gravel lakeshore, with the turquoise lake and snow-capped mountains behind — the grill spot before Tellskapelle.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon

View across the blue lake to a snow-capped pyramid peak, with a village and church tower on the far shore and bare branches in the foreground.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon

A tall lone pine beside the lakeside path, turquoise water and a snowy peak, with a covered viewing structure on the cliff to the right.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon

A small boat dock with sailboat masts, snow-capped mountains rising across the lake.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon

A village with a white church tower below a steep rocky mountain, green spring slopes in between.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon

A narrow forest trail with a wooden railing descending through bare spring trees.

Weg der Schweiz Etappe 3: Flüelen – Sisikon