Discover 6 mysterious trail walks in the footsteps of Swiss legends

Every mountain, river or gorge in Switzerland holds not only natural beauty, but also secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation. Legends filled with magic and drama make these places really unusual and attractive for any tourist. We suggest that you join us on a journey along the traces of the most mysterious stories, where nature and myths create fascinating itineraries.

1. The Wrath of the Dwarfs and the mysteries of the Black Lake

Once upon a time, harmony between humans and dwarves reigned in the mountain pastures of Riggisalp, but the cruelty of one man changed that harmony forever. Bernard Riggi, a wealthy and generous rancher, lived in peace with the dwarves who cared for his herds. But after his death, his son Ubald, obsessed with ambition, chased the dwarves away, depriving the herds of their patronage. This led to the death of the animals, and the mountains responded with a devastating storm. The mighty element collapsed Ubalda's castle and the debris blocked the rivers, forming the dark and deep Black Lake - Lac Noir. 

Today you can walk through those very pastures and remember the legend of Bernard Riggi. An easy walk through Riggisalp, starting from the chairlift from Lac Noir, takes you to a two kilometre trail with nine interactive totems. Here you can learn about renewable energy and feel connected to nature. End your journey with a delicious lunch at the Bärghuus Riggisalp restaurant, which is open until November and reopens from mid-December.

2. A tragedy of love on the Morteratsch Glacier

The shepherd Aratsch, who fell in love with Annette from a wealthy Engadin family, faced the cruelty of fate. Her parents would not allow the lovers to be united, and Aratsh set out in search of wealth, to gain greater appeal in the eyes of the head of the family. While he was away, Annette died of longing. When he returned and learnt of her death, Aratsh threw himself into the icy abyss in despair. Since then, the locals say that the spirits of the lovers wander among the mountain pastures, and the echo of their misfortune is echoed in the name of the glacier - Morteratsh. 

You can discover this sad legend on an hour-long hike to the largest glacier in the Bernina massif. An educational trail leads from the Morteratsch railway station, where sixteen information panels explain the process of the glacier's melting and retreat. Along the way you will see crevasses, newborn nature on newly exposed land and enjoy views of ice giants surrounded by arolla trees.

3. Fairy treasures and the mystery of the Vallorbe Caves

Sometimes the secrets we seek to uncover can turn out to be a lesson about trust and humility. Once upon a time, a blacksmith from Vallorbe named Donat dared to enter the mysterious caves where legends say fairies dwelled. There he met Valda, a beautiful fairy who offered him riches - a gold coin and a replenishment of pearls daily - if he accepted one condition: not to enter her private chambers. Curiosity got the better of him, however, and Donat broke the prohibition. When he entered the chamber, he saw that Valda had crow's feet instead of legs. The enraged fairy banished him and all the treasures turned into dry leaves. In the end, the humiliated Donat left his native land, leaving behind only this legend. 

Nowadays, the Vallorbe Caves are open to everyone and their magical atmosphere continues to enchant visitors. Here you can enjoy an impressive sound and light show that transforms the natural halls into a majestic cathedral. At the pinnacle of the magic is the Fairy Treasure, a collection of over 250 unique minerals from around the world displayed under domes carved into the rock.

4. Devil's Pins and the mysteries of Mt Diableret

The summit of Diableré has long been considered a place of unclean powers. The locals believed that the rumbling of falling rocks on the Tsanfleron glacier was nothing more than a bowling game organised by demons. They nicknamed the strange rocky spire overlooking the Col de Cheville Pass the ‘Quille du Diable’ (Devil's Pin). In fear for their flocks, shepherds turned to a higher power for protection, trying to stay away from the cursed place. 

Today, you can climb up to the famous Quille du Diable and enjoy its atmosphere at any time of the year. Start your journey from Col du Pillon by taking the Glacier 3000 cable car. A safe trail then awaits you, winding through the Tsanfleron glacier, leading you to the Quille du Diable in less than an hour. Here you can take a break in the cosy Refuge de l'Espace, enjoy spectacular views of the Derborens and Valais, and sample local treats.

5. Devil's Bridge: Secrets of the Schöllenen Gorge

According to legends, the locals, in an attempt to build a bridge over a steep gorge, asked the devil for help. In return, he demanded the first soul to cross the bridge, but the cunning peasants sent a goat ahead, tricking Satan. The enraged devil threw a huge stone to destroy the bridge, but a woman with a simple wooden cross deflected the blow. The stone, weighing 200 tonnes, still lies near Göschenen as a reminder of this event.

The Devil's Bridge, rebuilt from stone in the 16th century, has become a symbol of the harmony between engineering and nature. It is accessed by a convenient path that offers views of the gorge and the turbulent River Royse. Walks through the gorge are particularly good from April to October. Next to the bridge is the Teufelsbrücke restaurant, where you can take a break and enjoy the atmosphere.

6. Mount Pilatus and the secrets of Pontius Pilate

After the trial of Jesus, Pontius Pilate tried to wash the blood off his hands, but his efforts were in vain. Driven by guilt, he wandered the earth, washing his hands in rivers and seas until he reached the top of a mountain near Lucerne. Here he disappeared, leaving the mountain cursed. The storms that struck Pilatus instilled fear in the locals. People believed that climbing to the summit could anger Pilatus' spirit and cause a storm.

Despite the disappearance of Pontius Pilate's lake, Mount Pilatus is still impressive in its grandeur. The steepest cog railway in the world, with a 48% incline, leads to its summit. Here, views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains await. For those who love mysticism, Dragon World offers films and interactive games that immerse you in the atmosphere of ancient legends.

Conclusion

In each legend lies the key to understanding the soul of Switzerland - its connection to nature, tradition and mysticism. These walks allow you not just to savour the beauty of the scenery, but to touch the heritage of this country. Perhaps it is here that you will feel the magic that brings ancient myths to life in the heart of the modern traveller.