Hiking in Switzerland

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...

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

The hiking trail network in selected regions of Switzerland

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

|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

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.

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 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 in Gantrisch

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

A steady climb starts right at Zollhaus, so you’ll need a very good level of fitness. The hiking trails are well maintained and signposted. You’ll be walking through Gantrisch Nature Park and several protected areas of national importance. A highlight is the Gäggersteg, where wooden boardwalks lead you across the terrain. This is considered one of the most scenic trails in the Bernese Pre-Alps. You can also finish at Gurnigel Berghaus, making the route 5 km shorter.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Fitness: challenging
• Distance: 21 km
• Duration: 7 hr 15 min
• Ascent / descent: 1,300 m (↑) / 1,000 m (↓)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Hiking on Niederhorn

Niederhorn Panorama Trail (342): Niederhorn mountain station (1,939 m above sea level) - Güggisgrat - Chüematte - Waldegg

The trail starts at the mountain station of the Niederhornbahn in Beatenberg. It follows natural paths over Güggisgrat and through pine forests, and is very popular. The Lake Thun and the 4,000-metre peaks of the Jungfrau Region provide a stunning backdrop. You may spot chamois or marmots along the way. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential, even on this easy hike.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Fitness: easy
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 80 m (↑) / 820 m (↓)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: less experienced mountain hikers and families

Hiking on Tschentenalp

Adelboden–Tschentenalp: Adelboden village (1,349 m above sea level) - Fluhweide - Chemisalp - Tschentenalp mountain station

This pleasant hike takes you along meadows dotted with alpine herbs and through a pine forest. Along the way, enjoy impressive views of the mountains around Stiegelschwand. Once you reach Tschentenalp, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Lohner massif, Tschingellochtighorn and Wildstrubel.

• Technical difficulty: easy to moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness: moderate
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 700 m (↑) / 111 m (↓)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: somewhat experienced mountain hikers and families

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

Hiking in Graubünden means taking in some stunning scenery. You’ll find no fewer than 11,000 km of marked hiking trails here, making Graubünden a true hiking paradise.

Hiking in Davos

Davos Panorama Trail: Schatzalp mountain station (1,861 m above sea level) - Strela Pass - Panorama Trail - Parsenn Hut - Stützalp - Wolfgang

Strictly speaking, only part of this hiking trail is actually called the “Panorama Trail”. It connects Strela Pass with Parsenn Hut. The whole trail above Davos is beautiful, though. The Schatzalp funicular takes you from Davos to Schatzalp in four minutes. A bus takes you back from Wolfgang. The trail mostly follows alpine pastures.

• Technical difficulty: easy (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness level: moderate
• Distance: 16.9 km
• Duration: 04:00 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 592 (↑ m) / 817 (↓ m)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Via Jenisberg to Filisur: Wiesen railway station (1,197 m above sea level) - Jenisberg - Schönboden - (detour to Greifenstein Castle ruins) - Knappenweg - Filisur

From Wiesen railway station, hike via Jenisberg to Schönboden. The Knappenweg is a little more challenging. You’ll need climbing equipment to reach Greifenstein Castle ruins. Continue underneath the Rhaetian Railway viaduct to Filisur.

• Technical difficulty: moderate to challenging (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness level: moderate
• 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 Engadine

An unusual guided hike to Val Sinestra near Valsot in the Engadine includes wildlife watching and a fondue get-together.

National Park Panorama Trail (45): Vallun Chafuol (1,693 m a.s.l.) - Murter - Chamanna Cluozza - Prasüra - Zernez

Hiking along paths through the heart of the Swiss National Park gives you a great insight into Switzerland’s wilderness. From the Murter pass, you can look down into the wild Cluozza Gorge. PostBus 262 runs between Zernez and Vallun Chafuol. Please note that you must not light fires or leave the hiking trail in the national park.

• Technical difficulty: moderate (mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness level: hard
• Distance: 15 km
• Duration: 6 h 40 min
• Ascent / descent: 1,300 m (↑) / 1,600 m (↓)
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers

Segantini Hut: Muottas Muragl (2,454 m a.s.l.) - Munt da la Bês-cha - Segantini Hut - Alp Languard

Following in the footsteps of Swiss painter Segantini, you start at Muottas Muragl in the Engadine and head gently downhill. The trail then winds its way up to the Segantini Hut. From here, you get a fantastic view of the Bernina massif and the Engadine lake district. You stay at roughly the same altitude until Alp Languard. From here, a chairlift takes you to Pontresina in just a few minutes.

• Technical difficulty: easy to moderate
• Fitness level: moderate
• Distance: 6.5 km
• Duration: 2 h 30 min
• Ascent / descent: 389 m (↑) / 516 m (↓)
• Season: April to October
• Suitable for: mountain hikers

Scuol - Sent circular walk: Scuol PostBus stop Clozza - Chauennas - Sent - Tuffaloras - Scuol PostBus stop Clozza

This circular walk offers lovely views and is easy to walk. Sent’s distinctive church spire can be seen from afar and is well worth a detour. Sent has numerous village fountains and beautiful Engadine houses with sgraffito façades.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Fitness level: easy
• Distance: 6.2 km
• Duration: 1 h 45 min
• Ascent / descent: 241 m (↑) / 241 m (↓)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: families and hikers with an average level of fitness

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 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

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

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 up Pilatus starts by following the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Later, you’ll walk through shady forest. There are countless hairpin bends to tackle, as well as a scree slope before the summit.

• Technical difficulty: moderate (T2 mountain hiking trail)
• Fitness level: strenuous
• Distance: 7.4 km
• Duration: 5:00 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 1,627 m / 13 m
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: very experienced mountain hikers with no fear of heights, sure footing and excellent fitness

Rigi hike

Trail of Natural Treasures: Rigi Kaltbad (1,423 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 first, you’ll follow an old railway line. The stretch between Rigi First and Unterstetten follows a rocky path. Twelve information boards tell you about the natural treasures along the route from Rigi First. Overall, the hike is manageable, and there are plenty of places to sit along the way. From Hinterbergen, take a small cable car back to Vitznau. It runs 24 hours a day on request.

• Technical difficulty: moderate
• Fitness level: moderate
• Distance: 5.7 km
• Duration: 2:30 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 94 m / 469 m
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: families

Rigi Flower Trail: Rigi Staffel (1,603 m above sea level) - Rigi Staffelhöhe - Rigi Känzeli - Rigi Kaltbad - Rigi First - Felsenweg

You can reach Rigi Staffel by cogwheel railway from Vitznau or Goldau. The hike is very easy and doesn’t require any particular level of fitness. You’ll find places to sit all along the route. For the return journey, you can take the mountain railway again from Rigi Wölfertschen First.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Fitness level: easy
• Distance: 5.1 km
• Duration: 1:30 hrs
• Ascent / descent: 3 m / 175 m
• Season: May to October
• Suitable for: families with pushchairs; wheelchair accessible

Hiking with the Rigi mountain railways is a relaxing experience. Nine mountain railways run regularly up to Rigi, including two cogwheel railways.

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 Circular Walk: Trübsee mountain station (1,797 m above sea level) - Trübsee - Trübsee mountain station

From Engelberg, take the Xpress gondola lift to Trübsee. The walk around the lake is ideal for families with young children. In summer, you can enjoy the Smugglers & Muleteers adventure world, with 6 stations around the lake. There are also barbecue areas here.

• Technical difficulty: easy hiking trail
• Fitness level: easy
• Distance: 3.4 km
• Duration: 1 hr
• Ascent / descent: 37 m (↑) / 36 m (↓)
• Season: year-round
• Suitable for: the whole family

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

The circular route from Engelberg is considered a classic among the high-altitude hikes around Engelberg, at the foot of Titlis. The four lakes along the way are:

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

This hike is very popular.

• Technical difficulty: moderate
• Fitness level: hard
• Distance: 24.8 km
• Duration: 8 hr 30 min
• Ascent / descent: 1,377 m (↑) / 1,298 m (↓)
• Season: June to October
• Suitable for: experienced mountain hikers with excellent fitness

With the Engelberg–Trübsee mountain railway ticket, you can take the Xpress gondola lift. This lets you skip the first section of both hikes, up to Trübsee.

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

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.

Hiking in Wildhaus

The Water Trail in Upper Toggenburg: Gamplüt - Stein - Älpli - Chüeboden - Thur Falls - Unterwasser - Alt St. Johann

You can easily get to Wildhaus Dorf by PostBus, then take the gondola lift up to Gamplüt. The hike starts in an area of raised bogs and fens and takes you past the impressive Thur Falls. From the end point at Alt St. Johann (Unterwasser), the PostBus takes you back to Wildhaus.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Fitness level: moderate
• Distance: 10 km
• Duration: 2 hrs 44 mins
• Ascent / descent: 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

The pleasant route follows the shore of Lake Walen through a linden forest. Along the way, you’ll also cross a few sunny terraces. You can reach Amden-Lehni by PostBus from Ziegelbrücke. From Quinten, it’s best to take the boat to Murg.

• Technical difficulty: easy
• Fitness level: moderate
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Ascent / descent: 383 m (↑) / 597 m (↓)
• Season: April to November
• Suitable for: families