Location
Nestled in the eastern part of Bern canton, Triftsee offers a breathtaking hiking experience with a mix of rugged terrain and alpine beauty.
Accessing Triftsee by Public Transport
While Triftsee is accessible from Zürich, it requires some time to get there, with a journey of over 3 hours. Here’s the route I took on July 31st, 2024:
🚂 08:10 Zürich HB – 08:51 Luzern
🚂 09:06 Luzern – 10:16 Meiringen
🚂 10:45 Meiringen – 10:52 Innertkirchen
🚌 10:58 B172 Innertkirchen Grimseltor – 11:11 Nessental, Triftbahn
🚠 Optional: Triftbahn
At this point, you have two choices. You can either hike the entire way or take the Triftbahn cable car, which shortens your hike by 2 hours and saves you from climbing 300 meters over 4 kilometers. The Triftbahn costs 26 CHF for a round trip and is quite popular, so it’s a good idea to book in advance online. With only 8 seats and trips every 12 minutes, you’ll want to secure your spot! From the top of the Triftbahn, it’s a 1.5-hour hike to reach Triftsee.
I decided to skip the cable car and hiked the full route. This makes for a 15 km hike with a total elevation gain of just over 1000 meters. Including a break for lunch, it took me about 6 hours to complete, spending about 30 minutes enjoying the views from the famous Trift Bridge. If you plan to linger at the bridge or take extra breaks, consider starting earlier from Zürich.
Don’t Miss the Last Bus! Be sure to check the bus schedule carefully. These are the last two buses of the day from Nessental, Triftbahn:
The trail
Distance: 15.1 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1009 m up, 1009 m down
🚨️Keep in mind! There are no places to refill water or get food along the trail, except at the Trifthütte near the cable car. However, you won’t be able to fill water bottles there—you can only purchase water. Make sure you pack enough food, water, and other essentials for the entire hike.
A Changing Landscape: The Story of the Trift Glacier
Once dominating the valley, the Trift Glacier has been shrinking since the end of the Little Ice Age. The area where Triftsee now lies was covered by ice well into the 20th century. By the 1990s, small meltwater pools started forming at the glacier’s tongue, slowly evolving into the lake we see today. The summer of 2003 was especially harsh on the glacier, causing a rapid retreat of over 136 meters in a single year. From 1861 to 2021, the glacier shrank by a total of 3,941 meters. Visiting Triftsee today not only offers a stunning hike but also provides a glimpse into the profound effects of climate change on the natural world.
Essential Tips for Hikers
Whether you’re a seasoned solo hiker or just beginning, a few key preparations can make a world of difference for a safe and enjoyable day in the mountains.
1. Offline Navigation Tools
When hiking in remote areas like Gotthard Pass, reliable internet access isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why I always plan ahead with offline maps. I download the GPX track from Outdooractive, which I then upload into my GPX Viewer app on my iPhone. This ensures that I have the entire route stored offline. So, I can stay on track even if I lose reception.
Another favorite of mine is Mapy.cz, where I downloaded the full map of Switzerland. What’s great about Mapy is that it shows all marked hiking trails offline. This makes it incredibly easy to re-plan my route mid-hike if needed. This has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion when I’ve needed to adjust my course due to weather or other factors.
2. Keeping an Eye on the Weather
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. I always use multiple sources to monitor it before and during my hike. My go-to sources in Switzerland are the website of SwissMeteo and app of SRF Meteo. SwissMeteo offers detailed forecasts for the entire region, while SRF Meteo gives me real-time updates right on my phone. Checking both ensures I’m prepared for any sudden changes in weather conditions.
3. Pack Smart
Besides my navigation tools, I make sure to carry enough water, snacks, and extra layers. This includes rain gear, as weather and temperatures can shift quickly in higher altitudes. Also, pack a power bank to keep your phone charged. Navigating, tracking apps and photos can drain the battery faster than usual.
When preparing for the Gotthard Pass hike, packing the right essentials can make or break your experience. From ensuring you have the right gear to staying comfortable on the trail, thoughtful preparation is key. To make sure you’re fully prepared, I’ve put together a comprehensive one-day hiking packing checklist that I’ve refined over the years. To see my full list for a one-day hike, check out this post: The Ultimate One-Day Packing Checklist.
By taking these precautions, even hiking in groups feels safer and more enjoyable. I hope these tips will help you feel more confident. Enjoy exploring the beauty of Gotthard Pass or any other Alpine trail!