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Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail)

Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail) — the trail guide

The Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail) is a 81.6 km trek in Switzerland, typically walked in 3-5 days, with 4471 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (55 m of gain per km, topping out at 2747 m).

The Vier-Quellen-Weg connects the sources of four of Europe's great rivers: the Rhine, Rhône, Reuss, and Ticino, all originating in the Gotthard massif. The high alpine terrain and historical significance of this crossroads region make for a meaningful journey.

Quick facts

Distance81.6 km
Total ascent4471 m
Typical duration3-5 days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness55 m gain per km
High point2747 m
CountrySwitzerland
RegionSwitzerland

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 1350 m · high point 2747 m · 4471 m total ascent over 81.6 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 2030 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-5°-11°131 mm
Feb-2°-10°94 mm
Mar-8°129 mm
Apr-5°128 mm
May-1°146 mm
Jun13°145 mm
Jul16°148 mm
Aug16°163 mm
Sep11°114 mm
Oct-1°162 mm
Nov-7°130 mm
Dec-3°-10°135 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail)?

The Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail) is 81.6 km, and most hikers complete it in 3-5 days. Total elevation gain is 4471 m.

How difficult is the Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail)?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 55 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2747 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail) is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Vier-Quellen-Weg (Four Springs Trail)?

In Switzerland. The route starts near 46.660, 8.670 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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