Finish of the Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland in one month

Interview with Lauréna Marie (Instagram @laurena.mariie)

Switzerland is known as the "moated castle of Europe" and has not only beautiful lakes to offer, but also very large ones. Over 600 kilometers of shoreline have to be covered to circumnavigate the ten largest lakes in Switzerland, and that on foot! In addition, there are numerous meters in altitude, because Switzerland is (as is well known) quite "hilly". That's why the Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland definitely belongs to the premier class of the Iron Lake Challenges.

One of the first people to complete this challenge is Lauréna Marie. As if this wasn't achievement enough, Lauréna has circumnavigated the ten largest lakes in Switzerland in just one month! We looked it up and documented the date of registration as 22.10.2023. Lauréna received the proof that she had circumnavigated the last lake on November 30.

Your eyes are wide and you ask yourself the question "How do you manage that?". We were also extremely amazed by this performance and wanted to get to know Lauréna better. We are therefore very grateful for the interview with the likeable athlete.

Dear Lauréna, thank you very much for your time for this interview and thank you for the wonderful pictures you have provided us with.

Dear Lauréna, First of all, I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations on completing the Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland by circumnavigating the ten largest lakes in Switzerland!

Interview with Lauréna Marie

Who are you and what do you do in your free time?

My name is Lauréna and in my free time, mountaineering is my greatest passion.

You completed the Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland in just one month. Was that your goal from the start?

Yes, I don't like November at all. So 3 years ago I decided to find a challenge for the month every year to help me get through it.

Some participants hike, others run around the lakes. What do you prefer?

A mixture of both.

Which of the ten huge Swiss lakes did you find the most difficult?

It rained cats and dogs all day on Lake Brienz. So after 30 km, my motivation was already pretty low 😀

Which lake did you like best?

The circumnavigation of Lake Lucerne was really beautiful. I also recommend taking Lake Uri with you. The lake is reminiscent of a fjord and the views of the Rigi or Pilatus are wonderful. I also really enjoyed doing the Lake Thun Panorama Trail in one day instead of four.

How many hours was your longest session on foot and by which lake?

Exactly 100 km by Lake Neuchâtel. I hiked it because I can't walk very well at the moment due to an injury. I think it was around 19 hours.

At the Iron Lake Challenge, we attach great importance to "enjoyment". Is it still possible to enjoy your great performance and if so, what is your favorite moment?

Sure. I don't necessarily have to sit there to enjoy it. Being on the move and looking are just as enjoyable. There were many beautiful moments. But the day I walked from Küssnacht am Rigi to Alpnachstad. The weather was finally nice again after weeks. The sky was blue and the view beautiful. First I went through a forest and then up towards Pilatus where I saw the sun disappear behind the mountains. I then descended at dusk. A perfect day.

With so many kilometers on foot, everything has to be just right. Equipment, food, route planning, etc. I love learning from people who have already done what I want to do. Do you have any tips for me/us?

Unfortunately no. I'm a huge slob. I just go for it in the hope that it will turn out all right 😀 What I have done is searched out the routes on Swiss Mobile. Most of the time it's a signposted hiking trail, so you just have to follow the sign. I didn't pack too much food. There is usually a store on the route. So you can save yourself the hassle of lugging around. Except on Sundays. 🙂

Did you manage it all on your own or did someone else accompany you from time to time?

My boyfriend came with me to Lake Sempach. Otherwise I was on my own.

What sporting goals have you set yourself for 2024?

As I'm going to study for another year and work 80% on the side, I don't have that much time. I'm going to finish all the projects I've started. I'm still missing Grossglockner from the / Summits Europe. I'll do that in June. I still have a project to climb the highest point of every canton in Switzerland, I'm still missing 5 (there are 26) Matterhorn and Obergabelhorn are still planned. Then we'll see what November brings 😀

Can you recommend the Iron Lake Challenge to others?

Yes, it's a lot of fun and you get around a lot 😀

What can we do better in the future?

I can't think of anything. I was very satisfied with the ILC CH

Dear Lauréna, thank you very much for this interview, have a wonderful pre-Christmas season and stay with us! We are very proud of your achievements and hope we will stay in regular contact!

Uwe and the ILC – Team

Thank you!

Thank you dear Loréna for your trust in the Iron Lake Challenge, for the great photos and the interview. You are an incredibly great athlete and it was an honor for us that you took part in the Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland and supported our campaign to reforest one million trees!

Many thanks also to the company NORTHERNBREEZE for their support with the Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland. The Northernbreeze team financed the tree seedlings from June 2023. Thank you very much!

Iron Lake Challenge Switzerland