Hi all,

I'm looking for route suggestions for good mid-length runs in CH (10-15 km). I like to avoid cars and busy roads at all costs, and the abundance of wanderwegs all around seems like it would make this easy here -- though with such an abundance it's hard to know where to begin. Are there any resources out there for this? Like a 'trail running switzerland' guide (I haven't been able to find anything in english, at least...)? Personal suggestions would be great too. I'd be especially interested in beautiful views & not-totally-crazy-elevation gain.

Seems like this would be a great way to explore new places and see more of the country, but like I say I'm just not sure where to start. I'm in Luzern...but would be interested in favorite routes anywhere if easily accessible by public transport.

Cheers,
Katie

Welcome to the Forum.

I bit more Info about you would be interesting. It's quite difficult to give advice when we haven't much to go on.

I've just found this Site which might be what you are after.

On the other hand, perhaps a good start would be for you to look up the Hiking Threads on here. There is a mass of information - if you are new to this country there is basic knowledge about the way the routes are marked as well. Whether you stroll, walk or run the paths is your own choice.

As the Search function might bring up too many posts to go through, I suggest you begin with the Sticky on the subject. There are loads of links for you to follow.

Enjoy the spring.

I think that is actually a nice description of the spirit of wanderwegs here. Other options include snowshoeing, ski-touring, sledding, (some people spontaneously just down on thick pants too ), basically everyone shares the trails, everyone says gruetzi with a smile, and the world feels so different and lovely there . That is why I call it fantasyland.

Katie:
I think altitude gain and great views are often trade-offs. If you get into low lying wanderwegs (even smaller hills like Zugerberg, Zug and Uetliberg, Zurich), you can't really see the Alps except at some viewing points.

Mt Rigi is a great hike/run IMO (1400 m, 5-6 kms one way), unbeatable views of the high mountains all the way up to Jungfaru/Eiger/Monch, but obviously, at 1830 m tall and 1400m difference, it is a bit on the side of totally-crazy-elevation gain.

Been wanting to try Pilatus, but I think it is too snowy at the moment. Anyone seeing the thread and wants company give me a shout.

All of these are less than an hour from Lucerne by train.

thanks for the responses!

I'm looking for route suggestions, not so much races. I'd just like some places to go on weekend training runs, and it's always nice to have a recommendation before starting out. I see there's the sticky on race dates, but it would be great to hear about favorite training run routes from the trail runners out there.

I'm a pretty solid runner, but prefer a fast rolling course to one straight up a mountain...though perhaps I should change my mentality now that I'm living in switzerland!

thanks everyone!

Well, I don't know on lucerne side, but Zugerberg and Uetliberg were in fact route suggestions in my earlier post. They might suit your (current) preference for modest height gains, rolling hills, and they offer umpteen combinations.

I would be running Zugerberg tomorrow morning. If you fancy a 20 mins train ride from Lucern to join me, I will be happy to have company, I can meet you at Zug Bahnof. It should take about an hour and a half out and back for the run.

Tomorrow will be a sentimental run for me becos later in the day I am moving from Zug to Ruti

Any personal recommendations for hilly trails in Ruti area would be welcome .

It's a pity you are moving Niranjan, i was hoping to join you for some trail runs in central Switzerland in the up coming months.

Are you still up for the Inferno half marathon later in the year ?

Katie, if you want some company running around Luzern let me know. I usually do 10 - 25k's on quiet roads but am interested in doing some trail runs too.

A bit out of your way but one of my all time fav runs is the non motorway side of the walensee. It has a longer than most season as it's low and on the sunny side, so is best late spring and autumn. Get a train to one end and run back. It's around 21km on rolling terrain.

Other than that what i tend to do is look on hiking sites (the my switzerland is as good as any) and/or I have the lonely planet hiking guide and a couple of other wanderweg guides and find a route that looks interesting and off i go. The classic walks are a good place to start.

I halve the time suggested for walking, that seems to work out well. The yellow signposted routes will be easy under foot than the red and white ones.

Once the snow clears the Gstaad area will offer some great runs without too much climbing and don't forget the Jura which will clear of snow sooner than the high alps.
Will try and post a couple more specific suggestions when have more time.

You could also try the measured out runs of the Lauftraeffs and Helsana Trails:

http://www.swiss-athletics.ch/index....689&Itemid=443

http://map.maponair.com/Scripts/hsru...200000&lang=de

http://www.swiss-athletics.ch/index....953&Itemid=471

Tip for all readers of this thread - Niranjan is seriously healthy and would run up vertical inclines if faced with one, I should know, I've been there, done that in his company on various occasions. Guess where we were waist deep in snow on Christmas Day....? Mount Rigi of course.

Rabina: I just hope Slyvain74 is not reading this thread he'd probably run overhangs if I can run verticals

Grimmus: yes, I plan to do Rigiberglauf and Inferno HM and will probably post them on the calendar later; my feeling is at least a few folks from the forum will/should be doing either the HM or the triathlon.

I don't plan on any other races though, just not motivated enough to travel far and slog alone

Anyone know if there are specific maps with running routes around Switzerland to download? I'm looking for some 25-30 click trails or lakeside paths, preferably not all road or concrete.

Resurrecting an old thread - but with some new info.

There are a load of running routes on www.alpinrunner.ch - which some guys in Graubunden take great pride in keeping updated.

My advice is:

1) Buy both 1:25000 and 1:50000 maps of the area - the 50,000 has the paths marked in RED and is a lot easier to read.

2) Get an idea of a route you'd like to do. The hiking with full pack calculation reckons on 20min per km and 20min per 150m of vertical climb. I flat run at 12kmh - on 1-in-10 climbs that will drop to 8kmh. Aim for your usual time

3) Either laminate a photocopy of the map route - OR GPS the route - OR either write down - or commit to memory the names of the waypoints.

4) Put on your trainers - go running and follow the signs

5) Be aware of the weather conditions - if you are in the cloud on your own - you are making a mistake (IMHO). Stick to the major paths/trails - and if possible where a bright top.

6) Be careful running down hill - I know one guy who is a demon running downhill - but he has had plenty of experience. YOU will be putting a lot of pressure on joints.

7) Enjoy yourself.

I was looking for new hiking trails in the same distance range. Found this thread in the forum with a lot of additional links.

Hiking in Switzerland