PEAKS

A selection of iconic peaks in the Alps, for those who have a fetish for reaching the top.

Characterized by a lunar atmosphere, this is the summit pyramid of Piz Lunghin in Engadine, Switzerland, just above the Maloja Pass. A summit as easy as it is spectacular, offering a unique view of Lake Lej and the white peaks of the Bernina group.

If the charm of a mountain hut lies in finding comfort in the warmth and chatter of a home amidst otherwise untouched and potentially hostile nature, the allure of a summit is that of conquest, of reaching a peak. It's the satisfaction of having reached the highest point, knowing that we couldn't have done more. It's no wonder, then, that so many summits are "adorned" with crosses, obelisks, or statues, signaling their symbolic importance. And while these symbols may begin to seem too religious and branded for a secular and natural place like a mountain peak, these Christian symbols have become the very symbol of the summit, and we'd almost miss them if they were absent.

Religious discussions aside, the hikes in this section are an ode to the (more or less sharp) peaks of the Alps, to their crosses, and to the incredible views they offer.

It's best to dedicate clear and crisp days to these hikes, with low humidity and swept by the cold winds from the north, to fully enjoy good visibility and to be able to admire peaks tens or hundreds of kilometers away.

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THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Via Ferrata / Klettersteig of the Zugspitze

10 hours of walking, of which 4 on via ferrata, and over 2200 meters of altitude difference, to reach the highest peak in Germany.

7:30 h

11km

2180

The Road of 52 Tunnels in Pasubio

A visit to Rifugio Achille Papa and the Sacred Area of Pasubio, passing through the spectacular Strada delle 52 Gallerie

7:00 h

17km

1130

From the Alpe di Siusi to the Bolzano allo Sciliar refuge

Walking on the Alpe di Siusi and Sciliar plateaus, among the most famous in the Dolomites.

7:00 h

21km

1000

Monte Fortin and Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini in Val Veny

A sensational panoramic terrace overlooking Mont Blanc and the Himalayan Miage Glacier.

7:30 h

21km

1190

At the Rochers de Naye, balcony overlooking Lake Geneva

The 2000 closest to Lake Geneva, half green plateau, half pinnacle of vertical rock.

4:00 h

10km

550

Rifugio Bertone and Testa della Tronche, balcony on Mont Blanc

In Val Ferret, on a grassy ridge in front of the colossal views of the Mont Blanc.

6:30 h

16km

1010

Cima di Morissolo and fortifications of the Cadorna Line

A peak overlooking Lake Maggiore, with just a 30-minute walk, and with a maze of tunnels of the Cadorna Line.

1.30 h

3.5km

170

Lake Lunghin and Piz Lunghin

A lake, a peak, and a pass, all sharing a breathtaking view of the Bernina group and Lake Sils.

6:30 h

16km

1030

Bertacchi Refuge at Lake Emet

At Lake Emet, an almost perfectly circular lake, overlooking the Spluga Valley.

5:00 h

11km

990

Ring of Monte San Primo and Rifugio Martina

On the most panoramic ridges of the Lariano Triangle, with lunch at the historic Martina Refuge.

3:00 h

7 km

550

Monte Grona and Monte Bregagno

On the grassy ridge between Monte Grona and Bregagno, face to face with Lake Como.

6:00 h

13km

1120

Via delle Creste Orientali del Resegone

A fun ridge path that runs along the dolomitic towers of Resegone.

5:00 h

12km

920

Equipped trail of Monte Barro

A slightly more fun alternative to the normal climb to Monte Barro.

2:00 h

3.5km

310

Alpe Giumello and Monte Croce di Muggio

Short and easy excursion to a panoramic peak overlooking Lake Como

1.30 h

3.5km

220

Herzogstand and Heimgarten ring

Two mountain lookouts overlooking the German plain and Walchensee.

4.30h

10km

360

At the bivouac-igloo of Monte Due Mani

Easy summit facing the Grigne, ideal for a quick sunset from Lecco or Milan.

2.30h

5km

500

To Monte Cornizzolo via San Pietro al Monte

One of the most panoramic peaks of the Lariano Triangle, passing through a Romanesque rectory.

5:00 h

11km

1110

Loop hike of Boletto and Bolettone

A loop hike on the grassy ridges of the Boletto and Bolettone, squeezed between the plain and Lake Como

5:00 h

15km

740

At Monte Moregallo via Sant'Isidoro

Excursion to Monte Moregallo, a fun hilltop close to Lecco and the Corni di Canzo.

4.30 h

8.5km

920

Alp and Munt La schera, lookouts on Lake Livigno

North American views, with the turquoise Lake Livigno and wide valleys cloaked in fir and larch trees.

4:30 h

13 km

810

PEAKS

A selection of iconic peaks in the Alps, for those who have a fetish for reaching the top.

THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Via Ferrata / Klettersteig of the Zugspitze

10 hours of walking, of which 4 on via ferrata, and over 2200 meters of altitude difference, to reach the highest peak in Germany.

The Road of 52 Tunnels in Pasubio

A visit to Rifugio Achille Papa and the Sacred Area of Pasubio, passing through the spectacular Strada delle 52 Gallerie

From the Alpe di Siusi to the Bolzano allo Sciliar refuge

Walking on the Alpe di Siusi and Sciliar plateaus, among the most famous in the Dolomites.

Monte Fortin and Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini in Val Veny

A sensational panoramic terrace overlooking Mont Blanc and the Himalayan Miage Glacier.

At the Rochers de Naye, balcony overlooking Lake Geneva

The 2000 closest to Lake Geneva, half green plateau, half pinnacle of vertical rock.

Rifugio Bertone and Testa della Tronche, balcony on Mont Blanc

In Val Ferret, on a grassy ridge in front of the colossal views of the Mont Blanc.

Cima di Morissolo and fortifications of the Cadorna Line

A peak overlooking Lake Maggiore, with just a 30-minute walk, and with a maze of tunnels of the Cadorna Line.

Lake Lunghin and Piz Lunghin

A lake, a peak, and a pass, all sharing a breathtaking view of the Bernina group and Lake Sils.

Bertacchi Refuge at Lake Emet

At Lake Emet, an almost perfectly circular lake, overlooking the Spluga Valley.

Ring of Monte San Primo and Rifugio Martina

On the most panoramic ridges of the Lariano Triangle, with lunch at the historic Martina Refuge.

Monte Grona and Monte Bregagno

On the grassy ridge between Monte Grona and Bregagno, face to face with Lake Como.

Via delle Creste Orientali del Resegone

A fun ridge path that runs along the dolomitic towers of Resegone.

Equipped trail of Monte Barro

A slightly more fun alternative to the normal climb to Monte Barro.

Alpe Giumello and Monte Croce di Muggio

Short and easy excursion to a panoramic peak overlooking Lake Como

Herzogstand and Heimgarten ring

Two mountain lookouts overlooking the German plain and Walchensee.

At the bivouac-igloo of Monte Due Mani

Easy summit facing the Grigne, ideal for a quick sunset from Lecco or Milan.

To Monte Cornizzolo via San Pietro al Monte

One of the most panoramic peaks of the Lariano Triangle, passing through a Romanesque rectory.

Loop hike of Boletto and Bolettone

A loop hike on the grassy ridges of the Boletto and Bolettone, squeezed between the plain and Lake Como

At Monte Moregallo via Sant'Isidoro

Excursion to Monte Moregallo, a fun hilltop close to Lecco and the Corni di Canzo.

Alp and Munt La schera, lookouts on Lake Livigno

North American views, with the turquoise Lake Livigno and wide valleys cloaked in fir and larch trees.

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