Randa Volume 10: Boarding School Delegation Conquers Swiss Peaks Once Again

In June, nearly 50 students and teachers took advantage of the holidays and, as is tradition, traveled to the beautiful Valais region. From the Augustinushütte in Randa, the hiking group set out on their treks into the high-alpine regions.

Group start across the suspension bridge on Europaweg

As they do every year, everyone set out together from the cabin. Their first destination was the cross above Randa, which has become a second home for many of the long-time participants.

Anyone who wanted more after that could walk across the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge, which spans nearly 500 meters at a height of 85 meters. “I’m afraid of heights, but I can do this!” student Jan muttered before crossing. Just like last year, Jan managed to overcome his fear thanks to the group’s calm and encouragement, and successfully completed the crossing.

For those who still hadn’t had enough, it was possible to extend their hike on the very first day to a total of 900 meters of elevation gain, hiking directly to the Europahütte at 2,265 meters and returning to the hut via the Europaweg.

“We’ll do everything together!”

The entire trip was centered on a strong sense of community. Every day, the students were offered three different hikes: manageable hikes for beginners, and more challenging hikes for intermediate and experienced hikers, led by the experienced instructors from the Steinmühle boarding school. The goal was not to complete the hike in the fastest time, but rather for everyone to reach their set destination together as a group.

Educator Nils Schwandt, who has been traveling to the Valais for about 30 years himself and organizes the trip anew every year, never fails to express his enthusiasm: “Randa is simply an incredibly beautiful spot. And I’m happy when we can pass on this fascination with nature and hiking to the young students.”

Meals were prepared and eaten together as well. In the rustic parlor, with its old wooden floorboards, tables, and benches, everyone refueled before and after the hikes. A special highlight: the evening dishwashing party. Washing dishes with joy—a unique experience that you’ll probably only find in this form in Randa.

The joy of reaching the summit and cooling off in the lake: Valais has it all for the people of Steinmühle

Top athletic performances, fantastic views, and relaxing together: Everything was possible for the students during the Swiss hiking week. Whether it was the 1,100-meter ascent to the summit of the Wannihorn or the view of the Matterhorn from over 3,000 meters above sea level, whether it was letting off steam at Lake Schalisee after the climb over the Rötiboden, or relaxing together by the cool waters at Jungen. The tunnel tour was a hit once again, with the hike along the water pipes and the visit to the Gletschertor. Slipped into the day off

Athletes know it: You’ve got to take a day off. The tour group spent theirs at the Briggerbad thermal springs. Those who still had enough energy let loose on the slide: Who can slide the fastest? Who can swing the highest? But anyone who wanted to could lean back and relax deeply in the grotto with a salt scrub and a sauna. “I just lay there all day,” reported student Viviana that evening, visibly refreshed. “That felt so good. Now I’ll be able to go hiking again tomorrow, fully recharged!” “Let’s do it again next year!”

That was probably the phrase the six educators heard most often that week. After five days of hiking, the group returned to the Steinmühle grounds. Although they were visibly exhausted from the hikes, their enthusiasm and the memories of their time together far outweighed the physical exertion. Randa 2023—hopefully we’ll see you again!