Three Weeks in the Swiss Alps: Couple Hikes 280 Kilometres on 500 Euros Each

Jēkabs Janovs and his girlfriend Renāte Lejiete recently completed a 280-kilometre hike across the Swiss Alps. The journey lasted three weeks, and their daily routine consisted of climbing up and down mountains, cooking outdoors, and washing clothes and themselves in nearby rivers.

According to the couple, the aim was to leave work behind for a while and enjoy what the world has to offer.

A budget trip

Renāte describes it as a budget hike. The couple bought their flight tickets six months in advance, and three weeks in Switzerland cost each of them 500 euros. Jēkabs believes this was possible because they stayed in no hotels and ate in no restaurants, sleeping instead in tents or with acquaintances.

Renāte stresses that the key question is how ready a person is to adapt and put up with discomfort. She adds that they chose one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Had they done the Via Alpine hike in Slovakia, it would have cost many times less.

Rules for camping

Spending nights in tents in Switzerland is not straightforward, as the country has strict rules on where camping is and is not allowed. Renāte explains that Switzerland has nature reserves, and locals carefully protect their territory.

The couple pitched tents either above the tree line, where weather has to be monitored so conditions do not become dangerous, or in valleys and towns, where they relied on people's goodwill. According to Renāte, pitching a tent in a meadow could lead to a fine of 200–300 euros.