The Gaisalmsteig — Achensee’s Fjordside Path

The Gaisalmsteig is one of the most scenic lakeside trails in the Alps, often described as 'Tyrolean Fjord walking'. Connecting the villages of Pertisau and Achenkirch along the western shore of Lake Achen (Achensee), the trail is only accessible by foot or by the Achensee boat service. The path alternates between wide forest tracks and narrow, rocky ledges that drop directly into the turquoise water. Halfway through, the Gaisalm mountain inn provides a secluded retreat with no road access, reachable only by those who hike or take the ferry.

The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most unique and famous 'hikes' in the world because there is no trail—the Virgin River itself is the trail. Taking place inside a spectacular slot canyon where sweeping, striated Navajo sandstone walls rise perfectly vertically up to 1,000 feet (300m) above a river sometimes only 20 feet wide, hikers wade, walk, and occasionally swim upstream against the current. The classic 'Bottom-Up' route starts at the Temple of Sinawava, offering a choose-your-own-adventure experience where you can turn back whenever you wish. The visual drama of the deep, twisting canyon, illuminated by reflected golden light bouncing off the water and canyon walls, creates an otherworldly environment.