Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Guggisberg

Arrive in Guggisberg which lies approximately midway between Bern and Lausanne.

Day 2:
Guggisberg to Schwarzsee, 9 miles (15 km) - 4 hours 45 mins

In Switzerland Guggisberg has an almost legendary reputation due to a popular Folksong named "S Vreneli ab em Guggisberg" (Little Verena from Guggisberg). The itinerary into the land of cheese and milk is quite vigourous and shows a lively up and down over hills and accross forests and meadows. From Zollhaus a new hiking trail leads along the Sense river to the Schwarzsee (Black Lake), which is your overnight stopover.

Day 3:
Schwarzsee to Charmey, 12.5 miles (20 km) - 3 hours 45 mins

Schwarzsee is a jewel in the alpine crown - and that is where the hike through La Gruyère (the area) begins. The inviting alpine taverns on the way up to La Balisa mountain pass make the climb pure joy. Further along the way you encounter the enigmatic La Valisainte Carthusian monastery, and finally you reach Charmey, a charming little winter and summer resort.

Day 4:
Charmey to Gruyères, 8 miles (13 km) - 2 hours 30 mins

The fascinating hiking trail along the shores of Lake Montsalvens and through the Jogne gorge was opened only a few years ago. Now you can enjoy the interesting connecting route between Jaun valley and Gruyères (the village). This captivating medieval village with its castle is enthroned on a hill and beckons you from afar. It is subsequently one of the most visited scenic sights in Switzerland. Overnight in Gruyères.

Day 5:
Gruyères to Les Paccots, 16 miles (26 km) - 5 hours 10 mins

The trail inclines gently in the direction of La Gruyère's landmark - Moléson. You can take a mountain train up to the peak with its characteristic shape, or you can climb up. For our purposes the middle station of Plan Francey will suffice and from there the Trans Swiss Trail continues past alpine huts, which in summer are often open for refreshments, on its way to Les Paccots. Overnight in Les Paccots.

Day 6:
Les Paccots to Vevey, 8 miles (13 km) - 5 hours

This is the crowning stage of the trail! The morning begins in the delightful alpine holiday world of Les Paccots. Over lush pastures and through scented forests Les Pléiades is reached, where in spring the masses of blooming jonquils overwhelm the senses. From its vantage point Les Pléiades enjoys a stunning view over Lake Geneva and the French Savoy Alps the whole year round. From here you can take the easy way down to Blonay and Vevey by rack railway. Overnight in Vevey.

Day 7:
Vevey to Lausanne, 11 miles (18 km) - 5 hours

This last section of the Trans Swiss Trail offers nothing but superlatives: the mildest climate of Switzerland along the warm south-facing slopes of Lake Geneva; the prettiest sounding names of the winegrowing villages - complete the list yourself as you follow the wine trail right through the vineyards of Lavaux - a memorable conclusion to the walk. Overnight in Lausanne.

Day 8:
Departure from Lausanne

Departure from Lausanne after breakfast.