Summary

The web content describes a scenic flower-spotting hike from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye in Switzerland's canton Vaud, detailing the changing flora, fauna, and landscape as the altitude increases.

Abstract

The article is part of a series on the natural wonders of Switzerland's canton Vaud and continues from a previous story about a hiking trail that transitions from an easy path to a more challenging mountain trail. As hikers ascend towards Rochers-de-Naye, they encounter a variety of plants and colors, with the dominant species changing as the terrain becomes steeper and rockier. The trail, which is part of the Via Alpina (national hiking route 1), offers sightings of wildflowers, orchids, and interesting insect behavior, such as farmer ants tending to their "sheep." The narrative includes mentions of a cave, spectacular views, and the transformation of flora with altitude, culminating in the summit's alpine garden. The author, a nature and science enthusiast, encourages readers to explore more stories and consider Medium membership for access to a broader range of content.

Opinions

The author finds the changing landscape and the variety of wildflowers, including orchids, particularly noteworthy and beautiful.
The presence of farmer ants managing their "sheep" is described as "so cool," indicating the author's fascination with insect behavior.
The author emphasizes the physical challenge of the hike as it becomes steeper and rockier, suggesting a sense of adventure and accomplishment in reaching the summit.
The spectacular views, especially of the Tour d’AÏ and the Tour de Mayen, are highlighted as a key aspect of the hike's appeal.
The author's enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors is evident throughout the article, as is their expertise in biotechnology and chemistry, which informs their observations and descriptions of the natural surroundings.
The invitation to explore more stories and the suggestion to become a Medium member reflect the author's desire to share their experiences and insights with a wider audience.

Flower-spotting hike up from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye. Part 2.

PART OF MY SERIES Natural wonders of Switzerland’s canton Vaud

My previous story drops at where the easy hiking trail becomes an actual mountain hiking trail. Still rather easy, but steeper and more rocky, which means also with some different varieties of plants and colors.

From this point, a mountain hiking trail starts (see red and white bands in the sign). Not really very tough. By the way, we are hiking here through the Via Alpina (national hiking route 1) as defined by Schweizmobil: https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-01.html

We now gain altitude faster, because the mountain trail is steeper. With altitude and a more rocky landscape, the dominant species slowly begin to change.

In one of the steepest parts of the hike, still before the steepest part at the end, there is a cave. This is not one of the caves named after the mountains (Grottes de Naye) which are on the side of the Col de Jaman and close to the Via Ferrata of these mountains. For more information on the caves see this -in French only.

As the trail becomes steeper the landscape is rockier and a couple of caves show up.

After a quick view of the cave we keep going up and suddenly spot a family of orchids like this one:

And of course more flowers, like these ones I played with using the focus of my camera:

Flowers, trees, rocks, mountains, water… and insects are interesting too. Check out these farmer ants managing their “sheep”:

Getting higher the signs remind us that we are on a mountain trail. In fact, it’s just about to get steeper and full with loose rocks and stones.

With a more rocky landscape and the high altitude, the plants change quite a bit. See these flowers for example:

Wildflowers that like very rocky areas (called “rochers”).

Views are spectacular everywhere:

Quite high already, here we see across the valley the Tour d’AÏ (right) and the Tour de Mayen (left), around the Leysin area in canton Vaud.

We keep going up as the terrain gets more rocky and the last pine trees tell us that we are passing the 1800 m.

Flowers keep changing shapes and colors as we climb more:

…even at the very top (this photo was shot at the summit).

Until we get to the very top, more than 2000 m above see level and around 800 m above our starting point at Haut de Caux.

Thought this was enough? Well check this other story to see a whole alpine garden at the top: La Rambertia

I am a nature, science, technology, programming, and DIY enthusiast. Biotechnologist and chemist, in the wet lab and in computers. I write about everything that lies within my broad sphere of interests. Check out my lists for more stories. Become a Medium member to access all stories by me and other writers, and subscribe to get my new stories by email (original affiliate links of the platform).