at our starting point GLETSCH
arrival on Friday the 16th July
We arrived on a Friday evening without knowing exactly what to expect at this unknown location. We wanted to explore a different area of Switzerland, as we tend to visit and hike around Suisse Romande. We were excited to find out that we were close to the Rhone Glacier and we found the perfect spot to spend the first night next to the historical Glacier du Rhône hotel (built 1830-1870). This hotel was one of the first tourist lodges in Switzerland!
Gletsch, the historical settlement
Gletsch lies where the Furka and the Grimsel passes cross. Since the opening of road over Furka pass in the 1860s, Gletsch has become an important transit station. The high society of the European nobility arrived in their carriages and dined in tailcoats and evening gowns with the sublime Rhône Glacier spreading out before them. The period of glory ended with the beginning of the First World War. By the end of the 1930s, the number of guest beds offered decreased by more than a half. The loss of service function, the impossibility of a winter season and the retreat of the glacier resulted in abandonment of the Seiler family business in 1984. For more than 30 years the hotel has now been operated by the canton of Valais.
We did not plan anything before arriving at this destination, we were just looking for a good spot to spend the night and start hiking the following day, so we did stay at the parking of the hotel and found it very convenient. You have to pay 10CHF for the night, but you can use the public toilets ( super clean! )
Surrounded by nature
The best thing about travelling and spending a few days in camping car is being surrounded by nature and that, obviously is up to you. I mean that you have to make sure to find the best spot where you can legally spend the night and stay a few days if you want to! It is not that difficult, although it requires a bit of research and you can use the help of several apps out there where other people with vans or tent or camping cars have shared with the rest of the world. The app I know is Park 4 night and...a little advice: read all the reviews and comments before heading off to the spot!
