Kesch Trek in Switzerland: Ultimate Hut-to-Hut Guide

Hidden in the heart of Graubünden, you will find the Kesch Trek, one of the most beautiful options for your walking holidays in Switzerland. This 4-day trek leads you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, including wide valleys, glaciers, steep rock formations, lakes and the peace that only the mountains can offer. The Kesch Trek is also suitable for the less experienced mountain goats, due to its well maintained and marked trails. After the reconstruction of the Grialetsch Hütte, the Kesch Trek will be back in its original form in 2022. Below you will find everything you need to know about this trek, including the route, accommodation, a map and much more!

While walking on the Kesch Trek, you will cross the Flüela and the Albula Passes and you will spend your nights in cozy mountain huts. On your last day, you will visit Lai da Palpuogna, described by the locals as the most beautiful lake in Switzerland. Get your hiking boots ready and discover this Swiss gem in the canton of the Grisons!

When Is the Best Season To Do the Kesch Trek?
The Kesch Trek for Beginners? Can I Do It?
Kesch Trek Map
How Do I Get To the Starting Point of the Kesch Trek?
Kesch Trek Day-to-Day
What is the Accommodation like on the Kesch Trek?
Packing List for the Kesch Trek
Safe hiking tips for the Kesch Trek
Where Can I Book the Kesch Trek?

When Is the Best Season To Do the Kesch Trek?

The Grisons (Graubünden) region is known for its enchanting winter season: romantic snow-covered mountains, chic ski chalets and adventurous slopes. Few people, however, know the charm of the region in spring and summer. From June to October, the thick snow melts and beautiful hut tours, including the famous Kesch Trek, emerge. The huts on the Kesch Trek are open from mid-June to the end of September and welcome their visitors with delicious local food! July and August are the most popular months for this region. Make sure you pack well, it can be warm during the day, but temperatures in the mountains are usually very low when the sun goes down.

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The Kesch Trek for Beginners? Can I Do It?

Yes, the Kesch Trek is also suitable for someone who has never done a hut trek before. But like any mountain trek, you should not take it too lightly. The Kesch Trek is a self-guided walk, and therefore despite the terrain it is clearly marked and easy to follow. However, there are some tough days, including the crossing of the Fuorcla Pischa pass at over 2,800 meters on day 3. In case of bad weather, therefore, this hut trip can suddenly become dangerous. Make sure you prepare for your hut trip well in advance. That means that you have a map and a compass and you take care of the right equipment. You should also check the weather forecast beforehand and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. The owners of the mountain huts can also give you good advice along the way.

At Bookatrekking.com, we not only book your huts, we also send you on your way with a comprehensive hiking guide with the most important information for your Kesch Trek, including interactive Komoot maps. Browse all our options here and turn your dreams into reality.

Kesch Trek Map

The Kesch Trek starts from the bus stop at Flüela Pass, or alternatively, from Dürrboden in the Dischma Valley. The ending point of the trek is in Bergün. In total, the Kesch trek encompasses 59 km of mountain trails, 3 mountain huts, and countless stunning views.

Komoot is a very useful app when it comes to planning trekking adventures. Download here our map for the Kesch Trek.

How Do I Get To the Starting Point of the Kesch Trek?

To get to the starting point of the Kesch Trek, you must first travel to Davos. The journey to Davos is best made by train. The nearest international airport is Zurich, only 150 km away from Davos and well connected by train. The train journey through the Alps is a very special experience and the best way to start your Kesch Trek adventure!

Of course, you can also go to the Kesch Trek by car. You can park (paid) at the Jakobshorn car park in Davos Platz. The Kesch Trek starts near Davos from the bus stop at Flüelapass (2263m), or alternatively from Dürrboden (2007m) in the Dischma valley. Both starting points are easy to reach by public transport.

The Kesch Trek ends in Bergün. From Bergün you can easily return to Davos by train or tram. The train from Bergün to Davos takes 1.5 hours and the tram ride takes 45 minutes.

Kesch Trek Day-to-Day

In the summer of 2021 the Kesch Trek was forced to change due to the renovation of the Grialetsch-Hütte and was moved to the Waalserhuus. For the summer of 2022 the reconstruction will be finished and the Kesch Trek will be back in its original form! Check out our packages here.

Day

1

Davos to Grialetsch Hütte

Duration: 02:45 h

Distance: 6.4 km / 4 mi

Ascent: 450 m / 1476 ft

Descent: 300 m / 984 ft

You start the Kesch Trek at the Flüela Pass at 2263m where the first stage takes you to the Grialetsch Hut. The Grialetsch hut at 2542 meters is not much more than 2.5 hours walk from the Flüela pass. Time to spare? The Flüela Scharzhorn (3147m) is a relatively easy summit to climb on the way to the Grialetsch-Hut.

Grialetsch Hütte

Info

Day

2

Grialetsch-Hütte to Kesch Hütte

Duration: 04:45 h

Distance: 12.8 km / 8 mi

Ascent: 590 m / 1936 ft

Descent: 520 m / 1706 ft

Today's path to the Kesch Hut leads over the Scaletta Pass and along the Panorama Road, which is on the route of the annual "Swiss Alpine Marathon". Today you will spend the night in the Kesch Hut, which was newly built in 2001 and is a model in terms of energy supply and concept in the Alpine region. The Kesch Hütte has also been awarded the European Union eco-label and is the winner of the Swiss Solar Award.

Kesch Hütte

Info

Day

3

Kesch Hut via Plazbi to the Escha Hut

Duration: 06:30 h

Distance: 14.1 km / 8.8 mi

Ascent: 920 m / 3018 ft

Descent: 960 m / 3150 ft

The third stage is the most adventurous and promising section of the Kesch Trek. From the Kesch hut, you first descend to the Alp digl Chant. Here you can taste and buy homemade products such as yogurt, mountain cheese, and milk. After the steep ascent to the Fuorcla Pischa Pass at over 2,800 meters, and the highest point of the Kesch Trek, another descent will take you to the Es-cha hut.

Chamanna d'Es-cha

Info

Day

4

Chamanna d'Es-cha over the Albula pass to Preda/Bergün

Duration: 07:35 h

Distance: 23.8 km / 14.8 mi

Ascent: 250 m / 820 ft

Descent: 1450 m / 4757 ft

On the last day of the Kesch trek, a particularly beautiful spot awaits you. Shortly before Preda is the Lai da Palpuogna, which was named "the most beautiful spot in Switzerland" in a survey by Swiss television. The Palpuognasee Lake shimmers in different shades of blue and, in autumn, the contrast with the yellow larches is particularly beautiful. Take the time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and take a break at the barbecue areas around the lake. Then follow the trek down to Preda. You can either spend the night in Preda or continue to Bergün.

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Did you know that we can book all huts and refuges for the Kesch Trek for you? Check out all our options here.

What is the Accommodation like on the Kesch Trek?

On this hut tour in Switzerland, there are 3 huts where you can spend the night. These 3 huts are managed by the Swiss Alpine Club, but are leased by local families. As already mentioned, in the summer of 2021 the Waalserhuus was used. But for the season of 2022 the renovation of Grialetsch Hütte is finished and it returns in our program. Swiss hospitality awaits you!

Packing List for the Kesch Trek

It doesn't matter where you are going trekking or for how long: Carrying the right equipment with you is paramount. For a hiking trip in the mountains, you will need, first and foremost, a good backpack. Its size will depend on how many days you will be spending in the mountains, the season, and the clothes you will be taking with you. We have prepared a packing list with some essential clothing that you should include and some extras that you may find useful:

Essentials
Extras

Not sure yet or want to discuss your plans for the Kesch Trek with one of our trekking experts? Get in touch today and turn your dreams into memories!

Safe hiking tips for the Kesch Trek

When you go on walking holidays it is wise to be aware of a few points. Even if this is not your first time, you should never underestimate the mountains. Good tour planning and compliance with the regulations on the mountains will significantly increase safety. To ensure that your hiking holiday is a safe and enjoyable experience, here below you can find a list of 8 recommendations for safe hiking in the mountains:

Know your limits

Hiking the Kesch Trek is the perfect outlet to escape from daily life. It is an endurance sport along with a beautiful nature experience with a positive effect on body and mind —as long as one is in good shape and has a realistic picture of one's possibilities and limits—. Never overestimate yourself or underestimate the route. Don't overdo it! Always choose the slower variant and take more time for your plans. Hiking under time pressure is not fun and at too fast a pace it can be dangerous. Be wise!
Plan carefully

Good planning is half the work! Hiking maps, literature, the Internet and expert advice are invaluable when planning the route in the Kesch Trek and enable you to determine the length, altitude difference, difficulty and conditions of the hike. When planning group treks, the itinerary should always be planned for the weakest member of the group! The weather in the mountains can change incredibly quickly and rain, wind and cold all increase the risk factor. For this reason, always check the weather forecast beforehand and contact our trekking experts to find your way around before you start.
Be fully equipped

Equipment is everything. In the most extreme case, it makes the difference between life and death, and in any case, it definitely makes the difference between having fun and having a bad time. Food and water, sunscreen and waterproof and warm clothes must always be in your backpack, as well as a first aid kit and a mobile phone with a full battery (in case there is an emergency). However, packing light makes walking easier, so don't take too much extra luggage with you. Your equipment should always be suitable for the terrain you'll be hiking on in the Kesch Trek.
Wear suitable footwear

Good walking shoes protect your feet and provide a better fit. Shoes with a good fit, with non-slip soles, water-resistant and lightweight are a must for additional walking pleasure during the Kesch Trek. Trail running shoes are great for a weekend in the mountains, but on longer hikes or more technical trails, you'll want at least A/B hiking boots. That means it is recommended wearing high mountain shoes that are water-repellent with extra ankle support to prevent sprains.
Stay on marked trails

Kesch Trek has endless marked hiking trails, which are controlled and maintained and should not be deviated from. It may be tempting, but it's not a good idea to take shortcuts or alternative routes through unmarked terrain. It increases the risk of disorientation and you're more likely to get lost and have accidents or fall in the mountains. Even steep slopes of packed old snow are often underestimated and dangerous. Are you in doubt? Better don't do it. For easy navigation we work with our trusted partner Komoot, whose interactive maps, also available offline, provide you with the necessary digital means to get from A to B. As a backup, make sure to bring a hiking guide or a paper map with you. FYI, 75% of stumbles occur due to carelessness on marked paths or roads, not in open terrain!
Take regular breaks

Remember you're on a hiking holiday. Timely and regular breaks not only provide welcome relaxation but also make it possible to enjoy the Kesch Trek. The body needs a regular food and drink intake to maintain performance and concentration. Our advice is that if you have little time, it's better to follow the short itinerary than to speed up the long one.
Stay reachable

If you are hiking solo or in small groups it is advisable to inform people back home about your plans, what route you are taking and when you plan to return. Even small incidents can lead to unpleasant emergencies so make sure you are available at all times. Bring a charged phone containing at least the phone numbers of immediate family members, your accommodations en route and the emergency phone numbers operating in the Kesch Trek.
Respect nature

Leave no rubbish behind, prevent noise, stay on the marked trails, do not disturb wildlife or grazing animals, and respect protected areas.

Where Can I Book the Kesch Trek?

At Bookatrekking.com you can book the self-guided Kesch Trek and many other treks. We take care of all the details for you, including arranging accommodations and providing you with relevant information well in advance of your trek. Find our offers here. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of trekking experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is the Kesch Trek not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our following blog posts:

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France
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Albania
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Greece
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- Laugavegur Trail
- Fimmvörðuháls Hike

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Destinations

Trekking Type

Kesch Trek: Switzerland's Most Fun Hut-to-Hut Trek

By Rintsje Bosch

Contents

When Is the Best Season To Do the Kesch Trek?

Book Now

Kesch Trek in Graubünden

Kesch Trek - Including accommodation before and after

The Kesch Trek for Beginners? Can I Do It?

Kesch Trek Map

How Do I Get To the Starting Point of the Kesch Trek?

Kesch Trek Day-to-Day

Davos to Grialetsch Hütte

Grialetsch Hütte

Grialetsch-Hütte to Kesch Hütte

Kesch Hütte

Kesch Hut via Plazbi to the Escha Hut

Chamanna d'Es-cha

Chamanna d'Es-cha over the Albula pass to Preda/Bergün

What is the Accommodation like on the Kesch Trek?

Packing List for the Kesch Trek

Essentials

Extras

Safe hiking tips for the Kesch Trek

Know your limits

Plan carefully

Be fully equipped

Wear suitable footwear

Stay on marked trails

Take regular breaks

Stay reachable

Respect nature

Where Can I Book the Kesch Trek?

Austria

Switzerland

Slovenia

Italy

France

Spain

Albania

Greece

Iceland

Comments

About Us

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