July 2026 – Crossing the Alps – Day 5: Down from the Timmelsjoch to St. Leonhard

There are moments so impressive that you don't even think of pulling out your phone. That's exactly how it was this morning at the Timmelsjoch. A taxi took us up to almost 2,500 metres, and suddenly we stood before a panorama I simply wanted to take in. No photo could have truly captured that moment.

Jasper, the young hiker I mentioned yesterday, joined my hike today. He adjusted his pace to mine, so we walked the entire route together. While we talked almost the whole time, we even missed the right path at one point. Luckily, we quickly found our way back onto the route and could continue on.

Today's stage led almost exclusively downhill. That sounds more relaxed than the past few days, but it was anything but. The constant downhill walking and the longer stretches on asphalt took a real toll on knees and feet. It was simply a different kind of exertion. At the same time, beautiful views down into the valley kept opening up, and I noticed how good it felt not to be on the trail alone today.

We arrived in St. Leonhard by early afternoon. That left enough time to swim a few laps in the hotel pool and give the legs some recovery. And that's exactly where I'm sitting now, writing these lines, listening to the soft murmur of the water and enjoying the view of the mountains. A lovely end to a day that was physically demanding, but at the same time showed how pleasant good conversation can be on a long hiking trail.