Skip to content

European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland

ExpertAargau · Switzerland

GPX
Distance
424 km (263 mi)
Elevation gain
6,393 m (20,974 ft)
Typical time
110 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1,576 m (5,171 ft)

About European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland

European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland is a 424 km hiking route in Aargau, Switzerland. It climbs roughly 6,393 m (20,974 ft) along the way, topping out at 1,576 m (5,171 ft). Most people take around 18 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Only take this on with mountain experience, solid navigation and a realistic view of your own pace.

The higher sections open out completely, with ridgelines stacking into the distance on clear days. It forms part of a long-distance path, so it links cleanly into multi-day itineraries.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Solothurn, about 13.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Dachverband Schweizer Wanderwege.

In short, European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert424 km6,393 m1,576 m

Numbered marks every 50 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+6,393 m
Descent
−5,414 m
High
1,576 m (5,171 ft)
Low
338 m (1,109 ft)
189 m573 m957 m1341 m1725 m0.0 km94 km189 km283 km378 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 24 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • High point of 1,576 m (5,171 ft)
  • Long-distance path
  • Waymarked route
  • Mountain
  • Waymarked and signposted
  • Part of a long-distance path
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Patchy on the upper sections
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
82/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
94/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
19/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
10/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage in the upper sections is patchy at best, so do not count on being able to call for help from the summit. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Real food, not just snacks

Photography

Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland yet. Be the first.

Sign in to review

Trails near European long distance path E4 - part Switzerland

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Keep exploring

All hiking in AargauHiking in SwitzerlandHiking near SolothurnHiking near BurgdorfHiking near OltenHiking near GrenchenMountain trailsWaymarked route trailsLong-distance path trailsExpert trails