With two thirds of the population who agrees regularly and a network of 65,000 kilometers of trails, hiking is a real national sport in Switzerland. But climatic vagaries make the maintenance of trails ever more complex and expensive and the network could decrease.
In the canton of Friborg, an injunction is now placarded at the entrance to the Gorges de la Jogne, in the town of Broc: “The path will remain closed throughout 2025.” In question, a landslide that fell on the infrastructure, and which could have had dramatic consequences.
The repair is evaluated at a million francs, an amount that is difficult to support for the four municipalities concerned which could lead them to make a radical decision.
“The risk of final closure has been mentioned,” explains Denis Rime, municipal councilor of Broc. “Currently, the municipalities are trying to have quotes to know where it will lead to financial level. Then there is all that is responsibility [juridique] incumbent on the municipalities [en cas d’accident]and which gives us big worries. “
A heavy load for the municipalities
In the Bernese Jura, the Combe-Grède path which leads to the Chasseral also underwent a recently landslide. Thanks to the work of around thirty volunteers, he should be able to reopen by the end of June. But his future is not assured: in ten years, his interview cost 230,000 francs to the town of Villeret alone.
“It will be necessary to find solutions which make it possible to finance the maintenance of this path,” warns the mayor of the town Richard Habegger. So far, it has always been the responsibility of the town of Villeret, we have done it with pleasure. But with natural events that are getting closer and closer, we get to the end of our capacities. “
Nature “does its job”
Faced with these events which multiply and induce ever higher costs, the rocking point may approach. “Miles of walking roads will disappear,” predicts Marc-André Sprunger, borough manager at Bern Rando.
“We see it with the example of Blatten, where a whole region is affected and an incredible quantity of pedestrian paths must be closed … Inevitably, nature, it does its job, so to speak. We will be forced to close certain trails, that, for sure,” he continues.
The Confederation provides its side a Map of trails that are closed for hikers and hikers.
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Maurice Doucas/Olivier Kurth/JOP
