Where to Start/Finish

Although you can start the trail where ever you like, the traditional starting point (going east to west) is the ancient town of Sargans, once a Roman outpost. Sargans is easily accessed from most points in Switzerland and if flying into Zurich, take a short train ride from the main train in Zurich  to Sargans. There is also a train station below the Zurich airport that leads to several destinations in Switzerland. Unless on an extended holiday or in on leave from college it's difficult to have the 15-22 days off of work to complete the entire trail. In addition with the APR passing so many lovely villages you want extra days to explore or simply relax and indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine, culture, & regional beer. The eastern/central section from Altdorf to Lenk has the most spectacular and dramatic scenery. The sections from Lauterbrunnen to Gsteig cross some of the highest passes on the trail including Hohturli & Sefinenfurke in between Lauterbrunnen & Kandersteg. The section for Lenk to Montreaux becomes gradually more pastural and the dialect starts to change from Swiss German to French.