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Vier-Quellen-Weg - Stage 3 (SwitzerlandMobility 49)
Vier-Quellen-Weg - Stage 3 (SwitzerlandMobility 49)
Hiking Trail
· Bellinzona and Valleys

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Bellinzona e Valli Turismo Verified partner
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Gotthard PassPhoto: Switzerland Tourism - André Meier, Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
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The Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Headwaters Trail) in the Gotthard Massif leads to the sources of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhône Rivers. A trek through unique alpine landscapes featuring a wide variety of fauna, flora and historical testimonies.
moderate
Distance 20 km
Duration6:30 h
Ascent744 m
Descent855 m
Highest point2,535 m
Lowest point1,926 m
The Four Headwaters Trail leads to the sources of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino and Rhône Rivers through richly contrasting landscapes in the cantons of Uri, Grisons, Ticino and Valais. The trail crosses over six passes: Maighels, Sella, Gotthard, Lucendro, Nufenen and Furka. The trek passes through various wetlands with streams, ponds, small lakes and bogs featuring typical vegetation. Longer stretches lie above the tree line, where mainly dwarf shrubs are found.
Stage 3: Gotthard Pass - Piansecco CAS hut
Stage 3: Gotthard Pass - Piansecco CAS hut
The third stage of the trail starts at the Gotthard Pass. The trail runs along Lake Lucendro to the source of the Reuss River located at the foot of the Lucendro Pass. After a long high-altitude panoramic hike above the Bedretto Valley, reach the Piansecco hut.
Download HERE the flyer
Author’s recommendation
Follow the logo depicted on the green signs: Sentiero delle quattro sorgenti 49

Author
Bellinzona e Valli Turismo
Update: December 16, 2024
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Highest point
2,535 m
Lowest point
1,926 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt 5.63%Dirt road 2.34%Forested/wild trail 45.41%Path 43.25%Road 0.58%Unknown 2.76%
Asphalt
1.1 km
Dirt road
470 m
Forested/wild trail
9.1 km
Path
8.7 km
Road
117 m
Unknown
553 m
Rest stops
Albergo San Gottardo (Bike friendly)Hotel Forni (Bike friendly)
Hotel des Alpes (Bike friendly)
Bed & Bike Tremola San Gottardo (Bike friendly)
Caseificio dimostrativo del Gottardo (Bike friendly)
Chalet Ravina (Bike friendly)
Ristorante All'Acqua (Bike friendly)
Tips and suggestions
Montagnepulite: This project was born to promote an effective management and sustainable use of mountain huts in Ticino, and in particular the litter management. The responsible management of litter in the mountains is a matter of common sense. We can all contribute: www.montagnepulite.ch.
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'686'554E 1'156'761N
DD
46.556535, 8.567362
DMS
46°33'23.5"N 8°34'02.5"E
UTM
32T 466837 5155976
w3w
///baguette.trap.straying
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Equipment
- Waterproof clothing, light and warm
- Hiking boots
- Gloves, sun cap, change of clothes
- Backpack maximum 5-8 kg
- First aid kit with penknife
- Sleeping bag for overnight in alpine hut
- Torch, sunglasses, sun cream, water-bottle
- Hiking map/topographic map
- Compass
- Camera
- Food
- Raincover for backpacks
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
20 km
Duration
6:30 h
Ascent
744 m
Descent
855 m
Highest point
2,535 m
Lowest point
1,926 m
Multi-stage route
Linear route
Scenic
Flora
Fauna
Geological highlights
Weather at the route's trailhead
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Maps and trails
14 Waypoints
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Distance
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