2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 
Explore regional route 78, the "Fribourg Pre-Alps Trail". Split into five stages, the “Fribourg Pre-AlpsTrail” takes you from the town of Fribourg to Schwarzsee, then through La Gruyère, below the Gastlosen mountain chain to the Pays-d'Enhaut, arriving at the Château d'Oex, the Eldorado of hot-air ballooning.
This 5th and final stage of the trail offers an array of pre-Alpine landscapes that takes you through the Petit Mont and Gros Mont valleys to the Pays d’En Haut. To get the most out of this long stage, an overnight stay is suggested at the Marindes mountain hut, in the heart of the Les Morteys valley and the land of the golden eagle.
As you leave the Chalet du Soldat, take the path towards Stierenritz, along the side of the Wandflue, once you have crossed the fascinating and still well-preserved “magical forest” of Le Lapé. From the Petit Mont, head to the La Gueyre chalet, then walk down to the Gros Mont (Haut du Mont car park). Continue on the high plateau for 2 km, where you will have time to enjoy the panoramic view over the Pucelles, Savigny and other peaks in the Alpine Pre-Alps. On the level of Le Sori chalet and alpine restaurant, take the path to Les Marindes, nestled at the foot of the Vanil Noir. If you decide to spend the night here, you will undoubtedly have the chance to observe ibexes, chamois and marmots and appreciate its protected flora. As you leave the woods, turn left to walk around La Dent des Bimis. Stay up high to go to the Paray Doréna chalet, then follow the path down via Pâquier Gétaz, Ciernes Charbon and the Mont d’Enhaut. From there, it is an easy walk to the station of Château d’Oex.
The natural park was created to maintain traditions, protect the landscape and create synergies between the 13 towns and villages involved. The park is also home to the path that will lead you to your final destination: Château d’Oex. Known all over the world for its hot-air ballooning festival, the town offers a range of cultural and sporting activities.
Accessible by public transport:
Jaun: Public transport TPF (no. 246), stop: Jaun, Dorf. Part of the route, from the Chalet du Soldat to Jaun, can be done using the cableways.
Château d’Oex: yes
Accessible by car: no
Difference in height: + 1050m /- 1850m
Properties of the itinerarie
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 08:15
Distance: 24 km
Ascent/Descent: +905m / -1690m
Altitude min./max.: 965m / 1907m
