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Hiking in Switzerland - 53 Beautiful Hikes for 2025

You can hike everywhere in Switzerland. Over 65,000 km of marked hiking trails are available to you. About one third of them are mountain hiking trails. Particularly beautiful mountain hikes can be found in the Bernese Oberland, in the Valais and in the Grisons. On high-altitude and ridge hikes you can enjoy the idyll in the Jungfrau region. The lakes shine green and blue against the backdrop of the mountain peaks with the Jungfrau massif in the foreground

Switzerland's highest mountain peaks accompany you in the Valais region. 41 of the country's 48 four-thousand-meter peaks are located here. The largest network of marked hiking trails is in the canton of Graubünden.

I'm sure you'll take lots of great photos of your hiking experiences along the way: Share them with us on Instagram with #swissactivities or @swiss_activies or on Facebook with @Swissactivites.com. That way we can travel with you a little bit...

65'000 km of hiking trails network in Switzerland

The marked hiking trails in the individual hiking regions of Switzerland.

The hiking trail network in selected regions of Switzerland

region	marked hiking trails (km)
Bern	10,000
Wallis	8'000
Graubünden	11'000
Eastern Switzerland	7'900
Ticino	4'400
Central Switzerland	7'600
Jura	1'130
Zurich	3'600
all other regions	11'370
Total hiking trail network Switzerland	65'000

Hiking trails in Switzerland are uniformly marked. Yellow signposts indicate that they are hiking trails. Sometimes a green square with a stylized picture of the destination is shown on them. On well-known hiking trails, the name and number of this trail are also recognizable. Most of the time you will also see on the signposts the altitude of the location as well as the time to reach a certain destination.

Mountain trails are marked white-red-white, alpine trails white-blue-white. You will also find these colors on rocks, stones and trees. They show you that you are still on the right path

Trail Markings and Their Meaning

Trail Category	Hiking Scale SAC	Marking	Trail Condition	Physical Requirements	(Additional) Equipment
Hiking Trail	T1	yellow sign	mostly wide paths, railings at unstable points	average fitness	sneakers
partly marked with a green diamond or number and trail name	Steps on steep sections,
Mountain Hiking Trail	T2 and T3	white-red-white	predominantly steep paths, partly rough terrain	freedom from vertigo, sure-footedness, good to very good fitness	good hiking boots and weatherproof clothing
also indicated on the yellow sign as a directional triangle	secured with ropes and chains

|Alpine Hiking Trail|T4 to T6|white-blue-white|scree, snowfields, glaciers, off-path|special fitness and alpine experience/training or guided tour with a mountain guide|mountaineering boots, rope, ice axe, crampons, compass| || |blue signs with a white-blue tip, white-blue markings|rock with climbing sections without safety| ||

There are currently 76 marked hiking trails accessible for wheelchair users. Like local hiking paths, they have a three-digit number. Additionally, the signs feature a wheelchair symbol.

Since hiking is the No. 1 national sport in Switzerland, there are also facilities everywhere to reach the mountains comfortably. Cogwheel railroads, funiculars and aerial cableways take you to the top.

562 mountain railroads and 350 chairlifts exist in Switzerland. Not all of them are open in summer. But most of them are open in summer and let you start your hikes directly in the beautiful mountain landscape. And where there are valley stations of mountain railroads, there is always a post bus or a train.

7 Swiss Hiking Trail Quality Objectives

quality target	implementation
varied routing	about three sights or diversions every 15 min walking time
connection to public transport	start and destination directly connected to a public transport stop
Consideration of relevant needs/interests in planning	Disconnection with motorized traffic and other non-motorized traffic
Use suitable path surface outside settlements during construction	at least 90% suitable path surface
impeccable path condition	path condition in a condition corresponding to the path category, also artificial structures
uniform signalization	all routes/stages are continuously signalized in both directions; application of uniform regulations
Tourism communication	Information on route, hiking times and altitude differences as well as further details via several channels

Some hikes last only a few hours, others are completed in stages over several days. The choice is yours. Normal hiking trails are often even passable with a stroller

A comprehensive source for national, regional or local hiking routes is Switzerland Mobile. The website lists 362 (7 national, 65 regional and 290 local) routes and includes maps

Our listing shows you three national routes. In the following, however, we concentrate on local and at most one-day hikes.

Hiking Across Switzerland

In Switzerland, you'll find 72 marked hiking trails that allow for multi-day hikes. Of course, you can also select sections of these routes. There are 7 national and 65 regional hiking routes in Switzerland, divided into several stages. A stage usually corresponds to a recommendation for a day of hiking.

Three of the total 7 national hiking routes in Switzerland are listed here:

Alpine Panorama Trail (3): Rorschach - Trogen - Appenzell - Schwägalp - Amden - Einsiedeln - Unterägeri - Zug - Lucerne - Wolhusen - Napf-Lüderenalp - Moosegg - Münsingen - Rüeggisberg - Guggisberg - Schwarzsee - Jaun - Bogis - Bossey - Geneva

The Alpine Panorama Trail takes you right through the Prealps across Switzerland. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional dairy farms and cheese dairies. It’s not just the Emmental and Appenzell region that are famous for this. Further towards the western part of Switzerland, wine growing becomes more prominent. The hiking trails are also well-suited for families.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 510 km
• Duration: per stage between 4:30 and 6:30 hours
• Number of stages: 29
• Ascent / Descent: 17,800 (↑ m) / 17,900 (↓ m)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: families, long-distance hikers

Via Gottardo (7): Basel - Liestal - Läufelfingen - Olten - Sursee - Lucerne - Altdorf - Wassen - Andermatt - Gotthard Pass - Airolo - Lavorgo - Biasca - Bellinzona - Lugano - Morcote - Mendrisio - Chiasso

The Via Gottardo starts in Basel and initially follows the Rhine toward Ticino. The main route then continues along the historic path over the Gotthard Pass into the Swiss Alps. At Hospental, an old customs station, the Gotthardreuss and Furkareuss rivers converge. The route along the plateau from Gamssteg is particularly beautiful.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain path)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 320 km
• Duration: 110 hours, per stage between 4:00 and 7:00 hours
• Number of stages: 20
• Ascent / Descent: 10,400 (↑ m) / 10,200 (↓ m)
• Season: June to September
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Via Alpina (1): Vaduz - Sargans - Weisstannen - Elm - Linthal - Urner Boden - Altdorf - Engelberg - Engstlenalp - Meiringen - Grindelwald - Lauterbrunnen - Kandersteg - Adelboden - Lenk - Gstaad - L’Etivaz - Rossiniére - Rochers de Naye - Montreux

The Via Alpina takes you through seven cantons of Switzerland, starting in Vaduz in the Principality of Liechtenstein, even outside of Switzerland. You'll cross 14 of the most beautiful alpine passes on this stunning mountain hiking trail. Along the way, you'll encounter cultural sites as well as idyllic pastures with cows and goats. Finally, you'll reach Lake Geneva, surrounded by vineyards.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain path)
• Fitness: hard
• Distance: 390 km
• Duration: per stage between 4:00 and 9:00 hours
• Number of stages: 20
• Ascent / Descent: 23,600 (↑ m) / 24,800 (↓ m)
• Season: June to September
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Hiking in Bern

Hiking in the Bernese Alps is especially captivating due to the 4,000-meter peaks. Finsteraarhorn, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau accompany you on your journey. The North Face of the Eiger has an almost mystical allure. A quarter of the nearly 10,000 km of hiking trails in the region are mountain hiking routes.

Hiking in Grindelwald

Eiger Trail: Cable car station Grindelwald Eigergletscher (2321 m a.s.l.) - Cable car station Grindelwald Alpiglen

The trail marker is a green square on a yellow sign. The square features the Eiger underneath the text “Eiger Trail.” The starting and ending points are cable car stations to and from Grindelwald. You’ll tackle scree slopes and steep alpine meadows on your way to the Eiger North Face. You’ll be rewarded with views of climbers attempting to conquer the infamous wall. The view down into the valley is stunning as well. There’s a roaring waterfall along the way.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 02:00 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 100 (↑ m) / 800 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: somewhat experienced mountain hikers, including families

From Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg: Cable car station Männlichen (2222 m a.s.l.) - Honegg - Cogwheel train station Kleine Scheidegg (2061 m a.s.l.)

This high-altitude trail is very easy to walk. It leads almost flat through a wonderful mountain landscape. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are in close proximity, and on sunny days, you'll find many hikers around here.

• Difficulty: easy (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 4.40 km
• Duration: 01:30 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 54 (↑ m) / 161 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: families

Schynige Platte Hike

Panorama Trail Schynige Platte: Mountain station Schynige Platte (1968 m a.s.l.) - Louchera - Oberberghorn - Tuba - Schynige Platte

The circular route starts at the mountain restaurant on Schynige Platte and takes you to the viewpoint Tuba. You can hike well over alpine paths, meadows, and trails. A short metal staircase leads you to the ridge. Along the way, you’ll have particularly stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. From Tuba, you can see Lake Thun and Lake Brienz as well as the Brienzer Ridge.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 02:00 hrs.
• Ascent / Descent: 370 (↑ m) / 370 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: moderately experienced hikers, also families

High-altitude Hike Schynige Platte: Cogwheel train station Schynige Platte (1968 m a.s.l.) - Oberberg - Loucherhorn - Egg - Faulhorn - Bachalpsee - First

This mountain hike begins at the cogwheel train station on Schynige Platte. From Oberberg, you reach the west slope of Loucherhorn. Along the way, you'll experience the contrast of a barren karst landscape against the deep blue Lake Brienz. Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau provide a stunning backdrop. The view from Faulhorn is particularly beautiful, and you can reach its peak without any climbing skills. From First, you can take the cable car down to the valley towards Grindelwald.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: hard
• Distance: 16 km
• Duration: 05:20 hrs.
• Ascent / Descent: 985 (↑ m) / 788 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: experienced hikers

Hiking in Mürren

Mürren Grauseeli Loop: Mürren - Allmendhubel - Schilthornhütte - Birg - Grauseeli - Schiltalp - Suppenalp - Mürren

From Mürren, you'll hike over the Allmendhubel to the Schilthornhütte. The path is steep and rocky in places. Through the Engetal, you'll reach Grauseeli. The remaining route to Schiltalp is very challenging. The way back to Mürren over Suppenalp becomes easier. If you take the Schilthorn cable car to and from Birg, you can shorten the route to Grauseeli rapidly to about 2 hours.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: difficult
• Distance: 11.1 km
• Duration: 07:30 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: 967 (↑ m) / 964 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: very experienced mountain hikers

Mürren Allmendhubel: Mürren - Blumental - Allmendhubel

The path is suitable for strollers along the entire route. At the beginning, you'll face an incline. At Allmendhubel, there’s the Flower-Child playground. On the Flower Trail, you'll find more than 150 species of alpine flowers. The return trip to Mürren can be easily done with the funicular.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 2.1 km
• Duration: 01:30 hrs
• Elevation gain/loss: 260 (↑ m) / 3 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: families

Oeschinensee Hike

Heuberg: Mountain Station Oeschinensee - Oeschinensee - Kandersteg

From Kandersteg, you take the gondola up to the mountain station near Oeschinensee. Here, the panoramic trail begins above Switzerland's largest mountain lake, offering stunning views of the deep blue Oeschinensee. Along the way, you'll pass by waterfalls and streams before arriving at the lakeshore. From here, you'll hike back to Kandersteg.

• Difficulty: moderate
• Endurance: moderate to challenging
• Distance: 11 km
• Duration: 03:40 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 440 (↑ m) / 950 (↓ m)
• Season: June to September
• Suitable for: experienced hikers without a fear of heights and sure-footed

Hiking Gantrisch

Gantrisch Panorama Trail (379): Plaffeien Zollhaus near Plaffeien - Hällstett - Horbüelpass - Pfyffe - Gägger - Gurnigelbad

Right at the Zollhaus, the trail begins with a steady climb, requiring very good fitness. The hiking paths are well-developed and marked. You’ll be moving through the Gantrisch Nature Park and several nationally significant protected areas. A highlight is the Gägger Bridge, where you’re guided over wooden walkways. The panorama trail is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the Bernese Pre-Alps and can also end at Gurnigel Berghaus (5 km shorter).

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: hard
• Distance: 21 km
• Duration: 07:15 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 1300 (↑ m) / 1000 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Hiking Niederhorn

Niederhorn Panorama Trail (342): Niederhorn Mountain Station (1939 m a.s.l.) - Güggisgrat - Chüematte - Waldegg

The hiking trail starts at the Niederhornbahn mountain station in Beatenberg. It leads over natural paths across the Güggisgrat and through pine forests and is very popular. The Lake Thun and the 4000m peaks of the Jungfrau region form the backdrop. Along the way, you might spot chamois or marmots. Good footing and a head for heights are essential for this easy hike.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 03:00 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 80 (↑ m) / 820 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: less experienced hikers and families

Hiking Tschentenalp

Adelboden Tschentenalp: Adelboden Village (1349 m a.s.l.) - Fluhweide - Chemisalp - Tschentenalp Mountain Station

This pleasant hike goes over meadows with alpine herbs and through a pine forest. Along the way, you can admire the impressive mountain scenery of the Stiegel Swand. Upon reaching the Tschentenalp, you'll enjoy a view of the Lohner Massif, Tschingellochtighorn, and Wildstrubel.

• Difficulty: easy to moderate (mountain trail)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 03:00 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 700 (↑ m) / 111 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: somewhat experienced hikers and families

Hiking in Valais

When you hike in Valais, you're constantly surrounded by towering mountains. The iconic Matterhorn, the Breithorn, and the Allalinhorn are among the most famous of the total 41 peaks over 4000 meters in Valais. The massive Aletsch Glacier and the Rhône Valley with its vineyards also offer beautiful hiking opportunities.

Hiking in Zermatt

5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt (186): Mountain Station Blauherd (2571 m a.s.l.) - Stellisee - Grindjisee - Grünsee - Moosjisee - Leisee - Mountain Station Sunnegga

Take the cable car from Zermatt to the Mountain Station Sunnegga, and from there continue by gondola to the Mountain Station Blauherd. This is where your hike begins. Along the way, the Matterhorn is reflected in the three lakes Stellisee, Grindjisee, and Leisee. You can swim at Leisee, and there's also a playground for the kids. For the last stretch from Leisee to the Mountain Station Sunnegga, you can also take the Leisee Shuttle.

• Difficulty: easy to medium (mountain trail)
• Condition: medium
• Distance: 9 km
• Duration: 2:35 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 260 (↑ m) / 540 (↓ m)
• Season: June to September
• Suitable for: inexperienced hikers and families

Riffelsee Trail from Rotenboden to Riffelberg: Mountain Station Rotenboden (2815 m a.s.l.) - Gagenhaupt - Chapel of Brother Klaus - Riffelberg Station (2563 m a.s.l.)

With the Gornergrat Railway, you reach the Mountain Station Rotenboden. This is where the popular hiking trail starts. Climbers begin their tours to the Monte Rosa Hut or the Gorner Glacier from here. The hike to Riffelberg leads you past the Riffelsee and another smaller lake. The Matterhorn is reflected in both lakes.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain trail)
• Condition: medium
• Distance: 3.1 km
• Duration: 1:00 hr
• Ascent / Descent: 42 (↑ m) / 276 (↓ m)
• Season: May to November
• Suitable for: somewhat experienced hikers and families

Hiking in Saas Fee

Gemsweg Saas Fee (183): Hannig Saas Fee Mountain Station (2339 m a.s.l.) - Saas Fee Bus Terminal

The hike starts at the mountain railway station to Hannigalp. It leads along the spectacular glacier landscape and the glacier lake to the Gletschergrotte restaurant. From here, you follow a historic irrigation canal (Suone) to the bus terminal in Saas Fee.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Ascent / Descent: 180 (↑ m) / 720 (↓ m)
• Season: May to November
• Suitable for: somewhat experienced hikers and families

Almagelleralp (159): Saas Grund Kreuzboden (2400 m a.s.l.) - Triftgrätji - Almagell Valley - Saas Almagell (2194 m a.s.l.)

Taking the gondola from Saas Grund, you reach the Kreuzboden mountain station via Trift. Here, at a picturesque mountain lake, the hike begins to the Triftgrätji viewpoint. Along the way, you can admire 240 alpine flowers. A high-altitude hike leads to Almagell Valley and then to Almagelleralp. After that, you walk along the creek to Saas Almagell.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: challenging
• Distance: 11 km
• Duration: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Ascent / Descent: 300 (↑ m) / 1050 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: highly experienced hikers with excellent balance

Hiking in Riederalp

Aletsch Panorama Trail (39): Riederalp - Riederfurka - Märjelensee

You start the trail in the Aletsch Arena at Riederfurka by Villa Cassel. Following the moraine path, you walk along the edge of the Aletsch forest with a stunning view of the impressive Aletsch Glacier. The Aletsch Glacier is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The path to Hohbalm is especially steep. Before reaching Märjelensee, you may catch a glimpse of the Mönch and the Jungfraujoch.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail)
• Condition: moderate
• Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 04:00 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 820 (↑ m) / 520 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: very experienced hill walkers

For hiking in the Aletsch Arena, the Aletsch Arena Discovery Pass is your best option.

Hiking in Binntal

Binntal Schaplersee Trail (192): Fäld - Mässerchäller - Schaplersee - Binn

This circular trail takes you through the Binntal landscape park, which is known for its minerals and unspoiled nature. The tour to Schaplersee starts at the village of Fäld, in Binn, or at Heiligkreuz. The challenging part of the trail winds in a zigzag through Nackewald from Haufenweiler. Schaplersee is situated at an altitude of 2237 m above sea level in a basin.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail)
• Condition: moderate
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 03:35 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 740 (↑ m) / 860 (↓ m)
• Season: July to October
• Suitable for: experienced hill walkers

Graubünden Hiking

Hiking in Graubünden is all about stunning landscapes. Here, you’ll find no less than 11,000 km of marked trails, making the region a true paradise for hikers.

Hiking in Davos

Panorama Trail Davos: Cable car station Schatzalp (1861 m above sea level) - Strelapass - Panorama Trail - Parsennhütte - Stützalp - Wolfgang

Technically, only a section of this trail is actually called the “Panorama Trail”. It connects Strelapass with Parsennhütte. But the entire route above Davos is simply beautiful. You can reach Schatzalp in just four minutes from Davos using the Schatzalp cable car. From Wolfgang, a bus will take you back. The path mostly leads through alpine pastures.

• Difficulty: easy (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 16.9 km
• Duration: 04:00 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 592 (↑ m) / 817 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: good mountain hikers

From Jenisberg to Filisur: Wiesen Station (1197 m above sea level) - Jenisberg - Schönboden - (detour to the Ruins of Greifenstein) - Knappenweg - Filisur

Starting from Wiesen station, you’ll hike across Jenisberg to Schönboden. The Knappenweg is a bit more challenging. However, you can only reach the Greifenstein ruins with climbing gear. You’ll pass under the railway viaduct of the Rhaetian Railway to get to Filisur.

• Difficulty: medium to challenging (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 9.1 km
• Duration: 03:15 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 510 (↑ m) / 625 (↓ m)
• Season: April to October
• Suitable for: very experienced mountain hikers and climbers (for the detour to the castle ruins)

Hiking Lenzerheide

Globi Hiking Trail: Talstation Val Sporz - Lenzerheide - Talstation Val Sporz

The Globi hiking trail starts and ends at the mountain station of the Tgantieni chairlift, which departs from Val Sporz. It's primarily designed for families with kids. At 13 stations, signs playfully explain topics related to nature and technology. A part of this trail (towards Speichersee) is accessible with an all-terrain stroller.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Endurance: medium
• Distance: 7.2 km
• Duration: 03:30 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 417 (↑ m) / 187 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: Families

Parpaner Rothorn: Valbella/Lenzerheide near the valley station of Rothornbahn (1479 m a.s.l.) - Scharmoin - Parpaner Rothorn (2854 m a.s.l.) - Valbella/Lenzerheide

This circular hike is a mountain tour with particularly beautiful views above the Heidsee. The long route can be shortened by taking the mountain railway (mid-station Scharmoin) or the summit station (Rothorn).

• Technical difficulty: easy to medium (mountain hiking trail)
• Endurance: hard
• Distance: 21.1 km
• Duration: 07:51 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 1378 (↑ m) / 1378 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: very experienced mountain hikers with absolute sure-footedness

Hiking in Arosa

Aroser Weisshorn Trail (766): Arosa middle station Weisshornbahn (2010 m a.s.l.) - Sattelhütte - Weisshorn - Carmennahütte - Arosa

The ascent starts at the middle station of the cable car and takes you over pleasant meadows and moorland past the Brüggerhorn to the Weisshorn summit. You will enjoy the view into the Schanfigg valley. Between Sattelhütte and Weisshorn, you have to cross some rocky terrain. Once at the top, you can take in a panoramic view. The further route leads you back down to Arosa.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 10.0 km
• Duration: 03:45 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 700 (↑ m) / 860 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: experienced and sure-footed mountain hikers

Ochsenalm Loop: Sunstar Hotel Arosa (1736 m a.s.l.) - Ochsenalm - Cow pasture - Weisshornbahn / Arosa Bear Land - Sunstar Hotel Arosa

The trail begins towards the Eichhörnliweg, where you can see the Ochsensee below you. The path alternates between gravel roads, paved roads, and mountain trails. This hike requires good fitness. Be careful with the free-roaming cows along the way; it could be dangerous to pet them. Arosa Bear Land is also on the route. You can choose to shorten your hike and take the cable car back to Arosa from here. This would save you about an hour of hiking time.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 16.3 km
• Duration: 05:30 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 525 (↑ m) / 525 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Rheinschlucht Hike

Auenweg (656.2): Ilanz - Castrisch - Valendas-Sagogn - Ilanz

Starting from a large parking lot in Ilanz, you hike along the Vorderrhein through the Rheinschlucht. The “Ruinaulta”, as the gorge is called in Romansh, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On this hike, you'll pass through numerous nature reserves and lovely riverine forests. Trails, gravel paths, and natural paths alternate throughout the hike. You can shorten the route by taking a ride on the Rhaetian Railway.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 16.7 km
• Duration: 05:00 hrs
• Elevation gain / loss: 278 (↑ m) / 278 (↓ m)
• Season: April to October
• Suitable for: hikers with average fitness

Tuora (656.3): Flims Waldhaus - Salums - Conn - Caumasee - Flims Waldhaus

The circular route offers a view into the gorge below you at the observation platform “Il Spir” toward Conn. You can swim at the Caumasee if the weather permits. The nature paths and trails are interrupted by a stretch of road and a gravel path toward Conn.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 13.3 km
• Duration: 04:00 hrs
• Elevation gain / loss: 460 (↑ m) / 460 (↓ m)
• Season: April to October
• Suitable for: hikers with average fitness

Hiking in the Engadin

Including wildlife observation and fondue fun, an unusual guided hike in Val Sinestra near Valsot will take you into the Engadin.

National Park Panorama Trail (45): Vallun Chafuol (1693 m above sea level) - Murter - Chamanna Cluozza - Prasüra - Zernez

Hiking along paths through the Swiss National Park, you’ll get a great insight into the wilderness of Switzerland. The pass height of Murter allows you to look down into the wild gorge of Cluozza. Between Zernez and Vallun Chafuol, you can take the Postbus 262. Please note that you aren’t allowed to have fires or leave the trail in the national park.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking path)
• Fitness: difficult
• Distance: 15 km
• Duration: 6 hours 40 minutes
• Ascent / Descent: 1300 (↑ m) / 1600 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Segantini Hut: Muottas Muragl (2454 m above sea level) - Munt da la Bês-cha - Segantini Hut - Alp Languard

Following in the footsteps of the Swiss painter Segantini, you’ll hike from Muottas Muragl in the Engadin initially downhill. The path then leads in switchbacks to the Segantini Hut. From here, you have an excellent view of the Bernina massif and the Engadin lake district. After that, you’ll remain at a similar altitude until you reach Alp Languard, where you can take the chairlift down to Pontresina in just a few minutes.

• Difficulty: easy to medium
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 6.5 km
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Ascent / Descent: 389 (↑ m) / 516 (↓ m)
• Season: April to October
• Suitable for: mountain hikers

Loop Trail Scuol - Sent: Scuol Postbus stop Clozza - Chauennas - Sent - Tuffaloras - Scuol Postbus stop Clozza

The loop offers beautiful views and is easy to navigate. The distinctive spire of the church tower in the village of Sent is already clearly visible and invites a detour. Sent is home to numerous village fountains and lovely Engadin houses with sgraffito façades.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 6.2 km
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Ascent / Descent: 241 (↑ m) / 241 (↓ m)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: families, hikers with average fitness

Hiking in Eastern Switzerland

In Eastern Switzerland, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails in the hiking areas of Alpstein (Appenzellerland/Toggenburg) and Churfirsten (Toggenburg). Charming hills with mountain inns, as well as gorges with steep rock walls and deep ravines, characterize the region in Appenzellerland.

Hiking Säntis

You can reach Säntis, the “King of Alpstein,” via three different hiking trails taking between 3 and 6.5 hours. All three routes are challenging mountain hikes that require sure footing. We’ll introduce you to the shortest one.

Schwägalp - Säntis: Schwägalp (1344 m a.s.l.) - Gmeinenwisen - Musfallen - Tierwis - Girensattel - Säntis (2473 m a.s.l.)

The trail starts at the valley station of the Säntis cable car in Schwägalp, where you can park for free. You can also take the postbus to Schwägalp. The path ascends steeply right from the start. Between the rock bastion Musfallen and the mountain inn Tierwis, you’ll hike directly along a rock wall. Steps and footholds make the route easier. To reach the summit, you’ll navigate through dips and crevasses and climb over the so-called Heavenly Ladder. For the return trip, you can use the cable car.

• Difficulty: hard
• Fitness: hard
• Distance: 4.4 km
• Duration: 03:10 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 1186 (↑ m) / 64 (↓ m)
• Season: May to September
• Suitable for: very experienced and surefooted hikers with absolute stability on their feet

Hiking Kronberg

Schwägalp - Kronberg: Schwägalp - Chammhaldenhütte - Langälpli - Kronberg - Schwägalp

Kronberg may seem small next to Säntis, but the mountain hike is still a panoramic experience. The section from Langälpli to the viewpoint is particularly steep. At the valley station of the Säntis cable car (Schwägalp), you can park for free. The postbus also comes here. You can shorten the tour by taking the cable car from Kronberg down to Jakobsbad. From there, a train will take you to Appenzell or Gossau. From November to March, this hiking path is accessible with snowshoes.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail T2)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 11 km
• Duration: 03:45 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 666 (↑ m) / 666 (↓ m)
• Season: May to September
• Suitable for: good hikers

Hiking in Wildhaus

Water Path in Obertoggenburg: Gamplüt - Stein - Älpli - Chüeboden - Thurfälle - Unterwasser - Alt St. Johann

You can easily reach Wildhaus village by postbus and take the gondola up to Gamplüt. The hike starts in a high and low moor area, taking you past the impressive Thur waterfalls. After reaching the endpoint at Alt St. Johann (Unterwasser), the postbus will bring you back to Wildhaus.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness level: medium
• Distance: 10 km
• Duration: 2h 44m
• Elevation gain / loss: 95 (↑ m) / 557 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: families

Hiking at Lake Walen

Through the Linden Forest by Lake Walen: Amden-Lehni (638 m above sea level) - Betlis - Seerenwald - Quinten

This hike goes pleasantly through a linden forest along Lake Walen. Along the way, you will also cross some sunny terraces. You can reach Amden-Lehni by postbus from Ziegelbrücke. From Quinten, it's best to take the boat to Murg.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness level: medium
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3h 30m
• Elevation gain / loss: 383 (↑ m) / 597 (↓ m)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: families

Hiking Flumserberg

Gourmet route: Flumserberg Tannenboden (1392 m a.s.l.) - Molseralp - Chrüz - Alp Tannenboden - Molseralp

From Flums, you can easily take bus 441 to Tannenboden. The hike starts at Molseralp next to the valley station of the gondola. If you're up for a culinary hike, you can start that in Molseralp. You’ll have the main course in Chrüz and dessert at the Sennenstube on Alp Tannenboden. The walk to the mountain station Chrüz takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can take the summer bobsled ride down from Chrüz.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 6.3 km
• Duration: 02:00 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 240 (↑ m) / 240 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: families

Hiking in Ticino

In Ticino, there are breathtaking lake landscapes and impressive mountain valleys. In the northwest, you’ll find particularly interesting and varied hiking opportunities in the Maggiatal and Verzascatal. There are routes through wild rivers or hiking trails that take you up to 3000 m a.s.l. Along the way, you’ll pass magnificent stone bridges, old villages, and pathways carved into the rock.

Hiking in the Verzascatal

Verzasca Trail (74) Stage 1: Sonogno - Lavertezzo

Hiking through the stony landscape of the Verzascatal is a fantastic experience. The Ponte dei Salti (Stone Bridge) in Lavertezzo is famous, picturesque, and particularly crowded in the summer and on weekends. The commonly used name "Roman Bridge" is actually incorrect. This bridge with its two curved stone arches was only built in the 17th century. A postbus connects both Sonogno and Lavertezzo.

• Difficulty: easy (hiking trail)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 03:40 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 260 (↑ m) / 640 (↓ m)
• Season: May to November
• Suitable for: families

Hike in the Maggiatal

Giro Della Valle del Salto (611): Piazza in Maggia - Piazza in Maggia

The Valle del Salto is a shady valley lined with chestnut and birch trees. You’ll hike along the Maggia River, passing beautiful houses, vineyard terraces, and small churches. The village of Maggia lies in an almost untouched mountain landscape. This circular hike starts and ends in Maggia, which you can reach by bus 315 from Locarno.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain trail)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 9 km
• Duration: 03:35 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 740 (↑ m) / 740 (↓ m)
• Season: May to November
• Suitable for: families

Monte Tamaro Hike

Monte Tamaro - Monte Lema: Monte Tamaro (1530 m a.s.l.) - Capanna Tamaro - Monte Lema

This high-altitude trail is a very popular mountain hike. It begins at the mountain station of the cable car at Alpe Foppa. You can reach this starting point from Rivera at Monte Tamaro. From Capanna Tamaro, you hike over the saddle to Monte Lema. Here, the cable car will take you down to Miglieglia. In the late afternoon, a shuttle service connects the two valley stations.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain trail)
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 13.1 km
• Duration: 05:00 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 830 (↑ m) / 800 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: mountain hikers with average fitness

Hiking Monte Generoso

Monte Generoso: Monte Generoso - Alp Nadigh - Alp Génor - Monte Generoso

This circular hike starts at the mountain station of Monte Generoso and first takes you to its summit. From there, you'll head to the Alp Nadigh and Alp Génor. Along the way, you'll have the chance to see eleven of the Nevère (ice pits). Be sure to catch the last train of the cogwheel railway, which departs about 40 minutes down to Capolago on Lake Lugano.

• Difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 5 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 425 (↑ m) / 425 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: hikers with average fitness

Hiking Central Switzerland

Mountain hiking in Central Switzerland offers stunning views of the lake landscape with the Lake Lucerne. The mountains are well-connected by cable cars, and many hikes can be combined with a boat trip.

Pilatus Hike

From Alpnachstad to Pilatus: Alpnachstad valley station - Amsigen - Pilatus Kulm

The hike to Pilatus starts along the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Later, you'll walk through shady forests. You'll need to tackle numerous switchbacks and a scree slope before reaching the summit.

• Difficulty: medium (mountain hiking trail T2)
• Fitness: hard
• Distance: 7.4 km
• Duration: 5:00 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 1627 (↑ m) / 13 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: experienced and sure-footed hikers with excellent stamina

Rigi Hike

Path of Natural Treasures: Rigi Kaltbad (1423 m above sea level) - Rigi First - Unterstetten - Glettialp - Hinterbergen

You can reach Rigi Kaltbad from Weggis by cable car or from Vitznau by cogwheel railway. At the start, you'll walk along an old railway line. Between Rigi First and Unterstetten, there's a rocky path to conquer. A total of 12 information boards share insights about the natural treasures around Rigi First. Overall, the hike is manageable, and there are plenty of places to sit along the way. From Hinterbergen, you can take a small cable car back to Vitznau. The cable car operates 24 hours a day as needed.

• Difficulty: medium
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 5.7 km
• Duration: 02:30 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 94 (↑ m) / 469 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: families

Rigi Flower Path: Rigi Staffel (1603 m above sea level) - Rigi Staffelhöhe - Rigi Känzeli - Rigi Kaltbad - Rigi First - Rocky Path

You can reach Rigi Staffel via the cogwheel railway from Vitznau or Goldau. This hike is very easy and doesn't require any special fitness. You'll find seating areas everywhere. For the return trip, you can take the cable car from Rigi Wölfertschen First again.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 5.1 km
• Duration: 01:30 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 3 (↑ m) / 175 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: families with strollers, wheelchair accessible

Hiking with the Rigi cable cars is very relaxing. Nine cable cars regularly run to the Rigi.

Hiking Klewenalp

Culinary hike on Klewenalp: Klewenalp (1603 m a.s.l.) - Power spot Niederrickenbach

From Beckenried, you take the cable car up to Klewenalp. A leisurely hike will lead you to culinary delights at the Brisenhaus SAC and later to the Pilgrim House Niederrickenbach. From there, you can ride the cable car down to Dallenwil (connection to bus/train).

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 9.5 km
• Duration: 03:04 hrs
• Ascent/Descent: 297 (↑ m) / 740 (↓ m)
• Season: March to October
• Suitable for: families

Hiking Stoos

From Stoos to Muotatal: Stoos mountain station (1603 m a.s.l.) - Metzg - Wannentritt - Höch Weidli - Muotatal

You can reach the mountain station of the Stoosbahn by an unusual funicular from Schwyz. Hiking through the forest with karst rocks and over alpine pastures, you will discover trails with changing views. The Höch Weidli, for example, is a natural viewing balcony offering a glimpse into Muotatal.

• Difficulty: medium
• Fitness: medium
• Distance: 14.3 km
• Duration: 04:50 hrs
• Ascent/Descent: 715 (↑ m) / 1375 (↓ m)
• Season: April to October
• Suitable for: mountain hikers with good fitness

Hiking Bürgenstock

Round trip on Bürgenstock: Cable car station Kehrsiten - Bürgenstock (864 m a.s.l.) - Taverna - Bürgenstock - Chänzeli - Hotel Villa Honegg - Bürgenstock cable car station

The round trip starts and ends at the cable car station that takes you from Kehrsiten up to Bürgenstock. A combination with a boat trip from Lucerne is perfect for a day out.

• Difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 5.8 km
• Duration: 2 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 253 (↑ m) / 253 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: hikers with average fitness

Hiking Stanserhorn

Stanserhorn: Stans - Chälti - Bluematt - Stanserhorn

There are several routes from Stans to the Stanserhorn. The slightly more challenging ascent goes via Chälti and Bluematt, where you take a particularly steep path up. The ascent via Luegeren is less strenuous. Once you reach the top, you're greeted by a spectacular panorama featuring a total of ten lakes and numerous mountain peaks across Switzerland. To the south, you can see the Glarus, Uri, and Obwalden Alps. You've also got a view of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. To the north, you can look across the central plateau all the way to the Jura mountains. Even the Black Forest and the Vosges are often visible. To descend, you take the Stanserhornbahn with its unique CabriO gondola.

• Difficulty: difficult mountain hike (T3)
• Fitness: hard
• Distance: 10.2 km
• Duration: 5 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 1504 (↑ m) / 30 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: mountain hikers with very good technique and fitness

Hiking in Engelberg

Trübsee Loop: Trübsee Mountain Station (1797 m a.s.l.) - Trübsee - Trübsee Mountain Station

From Engelberg, you take the Xpress gondola to Trübsee. The path around the lake is perfect for families with young kids. In summer, the Schmuggler & Säumer adventure world awaits you with 6 stations around the lake. There are also barbecue spots available.

• Technical Level: easy hiking trail
• Fitness Level: easy
• Distance: 3.4 km
• Duration: 1:00 hour
• Ascent / Descent: 37 (↑ m) / 36 (↓ m)
• Season: year-round
• Suitable for: the whole family

4 Lakes Hike: Engelberg - Trübsee - Jochpass - Engstlen - Tannalp - Melchsee Frutt - Stöck

The loop starting from Engelberg is a classic among high-altitude hikes around Engelberg at the foot of the Titlis. The four lakes along your hike are:

• Trübsee
• Engstlensee (deep blue)
• Tannensee (turquoise)
• Melchsee

This hike is very popular.

• Technical Level: moderate
• Fitness Level: difficult
• Distance: 24.8 km
• Duration: 8:30 hours
• Ascent / Descent: 1377 (↑ m) / 1298 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers with very good fitness

With the ticket of the Engelberg Trübsee mountain railway, you can use the Xpress gondola, which shortens the first section up to Trübsee for both hikes.

Hiking Jura

Hiking in the Jura is characterized by vast and dreamy landscapes with large horse pastures. There are fewer surface waters here and many dry valleys only carry water after intensive precipitation.

Hiking Weissenstein

From Weissenstein via Chamben to Balsthal: Weissenstein - Chamben - Hellchöpfli - Balsthal

The hike leads from the Weissenstein, which you reach by cable car from Oberdorf, first over roads and through the forest. It is very varied, but strenuous. At a difficult rocky spot you will find safety chains. If the path becomes too long at the end, you can shorten it by about 20 min. At the station Thalbrücke - Balsthal you can already catch the train to Oensingen.

• Technique: difficult
• Condition: difficult
• Distance: 20.6 km
• Duration: 06:15 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 452 (↑ hm) / 481 (↓ hm)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: good mountain hikers

Creux du Van hike

Noiraigue to Creux du Van: Noiraigue (728 m) - Vers-chez-Joly - Ferme Robert - Grand Vy - Ferme du Soliat - Les Oeillons - Noiraigue

This panoramic circular hike starts with a steep ascent.The Creux du Van is a mighty rock. The rock walls drop steeply down about 160 meters. The entire naturally formed semicircular rock massif is 1200 meters wide and 500 meters deep. Noiraigue is accessible by train and post bus.

• Technique: medium
• Condition: medium
• Distance: 12.4 km
• Duration: 04:15 hrs
• Ascent / Descent: 738 (↑ hm) / 738 (↓ hm)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: good mountain hikers

Hiking Chasseral

Chasseral-Crete: Chasseral Hotel (1,548 m) - Les Coulisses du Haut - Zentralplatz - Les Prés-d'Orvin

You can reach the starting point via Biel - St-Imier by post bus. The hiking trail largely follows the Jura high trail 5 and runs over natural paths. Already at the hotel, you'll have a unique view over the three lakes landscape and the central plateau all the way to the Alps. The path gradually ascends and lightly climbs to the summit of Chasseral. At the SAC Jurahaus, you leave the high trail and hike to the bus stop Les Prés-d'Orvin Bellevue.

• Difficulty: easy (hiking trails)
• Condition: easy
• Distance: 11.9 km
• Duration: 03:10 hrs.
• Elevation gain/loss: 150 (↑ m) / 700 (↓ m)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: inexperienced hikers

Hiking Zurich

A hiking network of 3,600 km (including the Canton of Zug) awaits you in the Zurich region. Are you aware of the diverse and sometimes spectacular hiking areas surrounding the metropolis?

Hiking Uetliberg

Panorama Path Uetliberg with Planet Trail Uetliberg (870 m above sea level) - Uto Staffel - Folenweid - Falletsche - Mädikon - Balderen - Felsenegg - Adliswil

The local mountain of Zurich is quickly reached by the S10 from Zurich main station. The Uetliberg railway takes you up in 20 minutes. At the top, you start your hike under the sun of the Planet Trail. The end is reached at Pluto, where the mountain station of the Adliswil-Felsenegg cable car LAF awaits. From Adliswil, you can take the S4 back to the main station.

• Difficulty: easy (hiking trails)
• Condition: easy
• Distance: 6.5 km
• Duration: 01:30 to 2:00 hrs.
• Elevation gain/loss: 200 (↑ m) / 200 (↓ m)
• Season: year-round
• Suitable for: inexperienced hikers

Hiking Zugerberg

Zugerberg Zugerberg(1,039 m above sea level) - Wildspitz - Unterägeri

You can reach the Zug local mountain from Zug in just 8 minutes by funicular. The ascent to Wildspitz requires some effort. The reward is a stunning view of the Schwyz valley. You can clearly see Lake Lauerz, and from here, you can also spot Lake Ägeri and Lake Zug nestled within the Alpine world. The end point of the hike is the bus stop in Unterägeri.

• Difficulty: hard
• Condition: hard
• Distance: 23 km
• Duration: 7:00 hrs.
• Elevation gain/loss: 795 (↑ m) / 1,003 (↓ m)
• Season: year-round
• Suitable for: very experienced mountain hikers with great stamina, especially in winter, snowshoes are a must

With all these options, it's no wonder that hiking is Switzerland's number one national sport. You'll always find the right hike, no matter where you are.