When I hear Uri – the ancient heartland of Switzerland — my heart starts beating differently. My whole body comes alive.

Uri is more than a canton – it is history carved into stone. Geology shaped by unimaginable forces. Water rushing from glaciers, mountains and deep valleys. Tradition carried through generations.

It is the land of Wilhelm Tell, the Gotthard, alpine passes, wild valleys and towering peaks.

A place where ethos meets mythos.
Where history becomes legend.
Where mountains become identity.

For me, Uri is Switzerland in its rawest, deepest, most powerful form.

And every time I return, I feel it again.

This is WHY

URI 101

30.7.2026 – It was a journey through the wild heart of the Glarner Alps.

I started early in the morning in Tierfehd and headed into the wild Sand Valley.

The route led past Hinter Sand, up to the Planurahütte and further to Piz Cazarauls at over 3,000 metres asl. From there, I descended back toward Hinter Sand, climbed again to the Claridenhütte, crossed the Fisetengrat and finally, with the luxury of a cable car, descended to Urnerboden.

It was a long and demanding day, from early morning until late afternoon, with good elevation changes, remote mountain terrain and constantly changing landscapes.

Deep valleys, high-alpine rock, glaciers, two mountain huts and a 3,000-metre summit – where the three cantons meet – The canton of Glarus, Uri and Graubünden – all in a single unforgettable journey across the Glarus Alps!

Thank you Glarner Alps!

More on my youtube-channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@lukasstahli

Just over a year ago, in May 2025, I published Ingredients for a Fulfilling Life.

Looking back, I realize the journey began much earlier. The first ideas date back to 2019, inspired by mountain trails, backpacking adventures, books, meaningful conversations, and quiet moments of reflection. In early 2023, shortly before becoming a dad, I finally started putting those thoughts into writing.

What began as a personal collection of reflections gradually evolved into a book.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has read it, shared it, or reached out with kind words. My hope has always been simple: to inspire curiosity, encourage deeper questions, and remind us that a fulfilling life is often found in the journey itself.

Thank YOU for being part of this journey.

11.7.2026 –The Piz Lischana Trail is a spectacular alpine adventure in the Lower Engadin. Starting in Scuol, the route climbs through beautiful forests and open alpine terrain to the impressive Lischana Pass before descending into the picturesque mountain village of S-Charl.

Surrounded by rugged limestone peaks and pristine wilderness, the trail offers breathtaking views, challenging mountain terrain, and an authentic Swiss Alpine experience. Whether you’re looking for a demanding day hike or an unforgettable trail-running route, the Piz Lischana Trail is a true highlight of Graubünden.

The Haldensteiner Calanda is one of the most rewarding mountain hikes in Eastern Switzerland. Starting in Tamins, the trail climbs steadily through forests and alpine meadows to the scenic Kunkel Pass before continuing to the 2,805-meter summit of Haldensteiner Calanda.

The ascent is demanding, especially with achilles tendinitis, but incredibly rewarding, offering ever-expanding views over the Rhine Valley, the Bündner Herrschaft, and the surrounding Alpine peaks. From the summit, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama awaits, stretching across Graubünden and beyond.

The route finishes with a long descent to Haldenstein, making it a fantastic point-to-point adventure that combines historic mountain landscapes, panoramic ridges, and a true alpine summit experience. For hikers seeking a challenging day in the Swiss Alps, this route is an unforgettable choice.

I was waiting for over two decades to do the Pizol 5-Lakes Hike, one of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine adventures. Winding through breathtaking mountain scenery, the trail passes five crystal-clear lakes – Wangsersee, Wildsee, Schottensee, Schwarzsee, and Baschalvasee – each with its own unique character. Surrounded by rugged peaks and endless panoramic views, the hike offers an unforgettable experience in the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona.

For those looking for an extra challenge, a short detour to the 2,844-meter Pizol Peak is well worth the effort. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views across Eastern Switzerland, the Glarus Alps, Graubünden, the Rhine Valley, and, on clear days, all the way to Lake Constance.

Whether you’re chasing alpine lakes, dramatic mountain landscapes, or a rewarding summit, the Pizol region is a must-visit destination for hikers exploring the Swiss Alps.

Patience, my Friend, patience – every step is worth the wait.

After almost five weeks with hardly any running (just two trail sessions), I decided to line up for the Swiss Irontrail in Val Surses.

With a length of around 56.5 km, 4,200m of ascent, 3,600m of descent, and an average altitude of around 2,200m, it was an extremely demanding course – especially with an Achilles tendon that is still inflamed.

I ended up hiking roughly 75–80% of the race, but that didn’t diminish the experience.

The breathtaking alpine scenery, the challenging terrain, and the outstanding organization made it a truly memorable day.

Sometimes, it’s not about the finish time. It’s about being out there and embracing the journey.

Swiss Irontrail Lukas Stähli
Swiss Irontrail
Swiss Irontrail Puralpina Val Surses

The mountains of the Alps have given me countless unforgettable experiences over the years. Among them, some of the most special moments have been encounters with Alpine ibex.

While trail running and hiking across the region, I have often been fortunate enough to observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. Their ability to move effortlessly across steep cliffs and rugged terrain is truly inspiring. Standing quietly on a mountain ridge and watching an ibex navigate the rocks with confidence is a reminder of how perfectly adapted wildlife can be to its environment.

The photographs featured here were taken during various adventures in Valais. Each image captures a unique moment—whether it was a solitary ibex silhouetted against the sky, a group resting high above the valleys, or a close encounter during an early morning run.

For me, these encounters represent more than wildlife photography. They reflect the beauty, freedom, and sense of discovery that draw me back to the mountains again and again.

Ibex

And one of my favorite GOATs pictures, in front of Mischabel Group…

Goats

I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

Unfortunately, due to Achilles tendon issues, I was not able to take part in the 100 km race at the Biel Running Days. I would like to sincerely thank the organizers for their outstanding work in making this event possible. Thank you for mentioning me as one of the favorites.

2.5.2026 – Last Saturday I ran the three summits Matthorn, Pilatus, and Stanserhorn. Over 3,300 uphill meters marked a new personal one-day record for me. The conditions were perfect, and the views were phenomenal. Below are the details of the tour – EnJOY!

Trail Running