Gotthard Crystal Trek: Stage 4

The fourth day of hiking starts in Rueras and initially leads in the shadow of Uaul Flurin before the strenuous ascent to Alp Caschlé begins. After 1,000 meters in altitude, you reach the "Platta dil Barlot", a rock where, according to legend, witches used to dance. The trail leads over a mountain ridge to the Lai dalla Stria, also known as the Witches' Lake. The blue and white markings are difficult to see at first, but a GPS helps with orientation. The fantastic view of the lake and a refreshing swim in the ice-cold water reward the effort. After a short descent, it's back up to the Mittelplatten, where most of the ascent is done. The view stretches as far as Lake Lucerne - a surprising highlight. The descent requires concentration, but the Etzlihütte awaits at the end, where you can round off the day in the heated, bubbling hot tub.