Tour des Alpes Vaudoises, Stage 4/8

Setting off from the hot air balloon Mecca of Château-d’Oex, you will walk along the river Saane to Gérignoz. There is a steep climb up to the nature conservation area of La Pierreuse. Surrounded by eroded mountain peaks, you will walk to the highest point at 2,000 metres. After that comes a steep descent to L’Etivaz.

The roughly 14-kilometre traverse to L’Etivaz begins directly at Château-d’Oex railway station. The trail leaves the village and initially heads down the valley before entering the forest. After the first series of ups and downs, the Cascade du Ramaclé lies directly on the route, its waters providing a striking feature in the shady valley.

The long ascent then begins. Forested slopes gradually give way to open meadows and pastures. Just over halfway, the broader hiking trail becomes a white-red-white-marked mountain trail that climbs more determinedly towards the heights. Near Plan de la Douve, the route reaches its highest point at just over 2,000 metres.

From there, a steep descent leads to L’Etivaz. Forest and open terrain alternate once more before the first houses appear. After a good five and a half hours, the hike ends in the village; the L’Etivaz, Maison de L’Etivaz stop is only around 100 metres away. With approximately 1,200 metres of ascent, the tour requires a solid level of fitness.