To complete our Alpine Pass Route notes, Simon visited Switzerland in October. There was a burst of perfect Autumnal weather. Simon writes: On this short trip I stayed in Luzern, Engelberg, St Gallen and Bern, taking the train to the mountains each morning and evening. These 3 stages were in the East, the less well-known areas between Sargans and Engelberg.
 

A first view of the Surenenpass. The APR goes over the minor col to the right of the main one.. on the horizon. What looks very snowy from below.. in fact made for good walking to the col. The route passes under slopes above and this will be a consideration for any groups.

Looking back to the ascent. The path is visible on the Left under snow.

Rolling down the pastures towards Engelberg, a white chapel and three other hikers.

Autumnal colour on the way into Engelberg...

... and again as we walk on the South side of the river.

Meadows into Engelberg.

A typically Swiss stack of signposts, Engelberg.

Having stayed in Engelberg I took the train and bus to Elm. This is a small village in the Glarus area. I walked against the direction of the APR to the Foopass, a grassy col.

From the Foopass my descent was down this ridge and into the valley beyond.

A typical white-red-white waymark.

Walking into Weisstannen, bright orange and brown trees in the Autumn sun.

From Weisstannen the bus goes to Sargans - in this photo - where I changed to a train to St Gallen. Famous for its university and cathedral, St Gallen is one of the cities in the North of Switzerland that are easily reached by train.

My third day, looking back from the Richetlipass (2,261m). It's easy to see where the sun has hit!

This snow is left over from September, when unusually wet and cold weather laid down some snow on higher slopes.

Walking into Linthal, the sun again lights up the Autumnal leaves.

Bright yellow against a blue sky.

In Bern, after a smooth train ride of 3 hours, to celebrate the APR!

Bern is the capitol of Switzerland and makes for a relaxing city stop. It is unusual for its laid-back inner suburbs, streets lined with apartments and occasional bars spilling out onto the pavement.

The Swiss parliament building across the river.

---

Alpine Pass Route - trek the APR self-guided!