Switzerland is a hiker's paradise, with the Alps, charming wooden bridges and chalets, snow-capped mountains, and the deepest blue lakes all calling it home. Epic trails wind across the nation, ranging in difficulty from leisurely walks ideal for families and lone hikers to challenging routes that reach the summit of mountains for the greatest views of the Alps.
List of the Best Hikes In Switzerland
Bernese Oberland Day Hike
One of Switzerland's most notable areas is the Bernese Oberland. A day hike here is highly recommended since it encompasses some of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps and offers breathtaking views in all directions.
An amazing Oberland in Bern A ten-kilometer hike that takes three to four hours to finish begins at the Bernese Highlands' Schynige Platte viewpoint. The Schynige Platte railway is the route that gets you to the starting location. From here, the going gets easy and leisurely over lush slopes carpeted with wildflowers until you reach Loucherhorn, when the going gets steep (signposted all along the way). Along the route, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Jungfrau mountain range.
You will have an opportunity to take the Panorama Trail just before Loucherhorn, or you can carry on toward Faulhorn; you should choose the latter. After this, the terrain becomes more rugged with several boulders and slick ledges. The steep terrain can occasionally be very challenging because there may still be snow on the ground in the summer.
You can pause for lunch and refuel at the Männdlenen mountain lodge, five kilometers into the climb, before beginning the arduous second part of the journey. The tight and exhausting climb to the summit of Faulhorn is worth it for the breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain summits.
Hardergrat Trail
Though there are many lovely treks in the nation, the Hardergrat Trail is not short or easy, but it does offer amazing panoramic vistas. This hike is also not recommended for individuals who are easily alarmed or have a phobia of heights. Holding on to cables is necessary since a large portion of the trail is on a small slope with extremely precipitous falls on both sides. In summary, make sure you are physically capable of doing it and avoid trying on wet days.
The whole track travels 23.3 kilometers, with an elevation gain of more than 2,400 meters, from Interlaken to Brienzer Rothorn. Since most of the trail is on narrow ledges with nowhere else to go, it's practically difficult to get lost—signposts are placed along the whole route.
If that seems too difficult, you can hike just a portion of it. For instance, one could ascend to Brienzer Rothorn by cog train, hike in the direction of Harderkulm, and finish the hike by taking the gondola down into the city.
It can take anything from 10 to 13 hours to hike the full trail, depending on how often you stop. Surrounded by some of the most stunning peaks in the Jungfrau region, there are plenty of reasons to pause along the path and take in the sights.
Related article: Gems in Europe for Solo Travelers.
Val Trupchun Hiking Trail, Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is the sole national park in Switzerland; the other protected places are preserves or natural parks. The Swiss National Park is a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Val Trupchun trail in the park is one of Switzerland's most well-traveled routes. The 14-kilometer Val Trupchun hike shouldn't scare you; with moderate terrain and an ascent of just over 600 meters over four hours and twenty minutes, it's a very manageable hike with breathtaking views and the potential to spot rare Swiss bearded vultures and red deer.
Head to the Prasüras parking lot to begin the hike; local and tourist buses stop here, so you don't need a car to get there. You must take the right-side route that begins here to enter the park itself and continue on it until you cross the Punt da Scrins bridge. Not long after, you'll enter the park proper on foot. This is the finest place to watch wildlife, so keep an eye out. You can see the valley ahead, so continue walking toward it.
Embark on the path that leads to Ova da Trupchun. After over a wooden bridge, you'll return to the actual trail and should be able to follow the trail markings to guide you. There are two rest stations on the path; they are easily located by benches and offer some of the most open views across the valley and areas where wildlife gathers. The trail then begins to head back in the direction of the Prasüras parking lot.
Via Engiadina
It is a bit of a stretch to hike the entire 35 kilometers of the Via Engiadina trail, which runs from Maloja to Samedan and passes through alpine pastures, dense Swiss pine woods, and small settlements that appear to have remained unaffected by time.
You can hike 11 kilometers from Maloja to Silvaplana in Stage 1, which is somewhat demanding, to get a taste of what the path has to offer. The journey begins in the heart of the little village of Maloja and descends a trail into the Engadin Valley, passing by traditional mountain cottages and Alpine meadows in bloom.
Following the trail will lead you to the settlement of Grevasalvas, which serves as the backdrop for Heidi by Johanna Spyri. With views of the Upper Engadine Lake and glaciers all around, the trail descends to the medieval Sils-Baselgia church before climbing once more to reach Silvaplana.
Oeschinensee Panorama Hike
The Oeschinensee Panorama Hike is an 8.5-kilometer loop that is around Oeschinensee Lake's rich blue waters.
The trail is steep at first, but it flattens out as it goes. You will still need to negotiate the uneven terrain of the path and frequently turn around sharp turns. This trip requires a good level of athleticism, although there are plenty of lovely places to pause along the way for a rest if needed.
Kandersteg, the starting point of the trail, is 2.5 hours from Zurich. To begin, locate the Kandersteg cable car and ride it up the mountain; once you're at the top, follow the signs to the Ober Bergli route. The trail's steepest stretch has some hard footing in places, but the vistas of the snow-covered cliffs, blossoming meadows, and thundering waterfalls will distract you enough to make the hike more than feasible.
Along the trip, a plethora of cute cows with bells will be contentedly feeding in the valley. There's no chance of getting lost or winding up on a separate track because the way is clearly defined. You will have covered half of the hike once you pass the Ober Bärgli mountain chalet.
Take a break for the final peaceful photo ops before you arrive, as the area will be bustling with eateries, kid-friendly areas, and souvenir shops. You can jump into the lake and take a cool swim in the summer. Take a rest, then descend the mountain by returning to the cable car.
Parc Ela
Nestled in the easternmost section of Switzerland, the canton of Graubünden lies a vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness known as Parc Ela. The Hängebrücke Val Meltger path is a fantastic place to start, even if there are numerous treks in this area. This eight-kilometer climb gives fantastic open views over the Oberhalbstein valley. The path is primarily gravel and rises to a total elevation of over 400 meters.
The trail begins in the town of Lantsch and climbs steeply through dense, picturesque woodlands. Eventually, the path leads to the Val Meltger hanging bridge, which was constructed to replace an earlier structure that was destroyed by an avalanche. Once you cross the bridge and keep going, you will eventually come to a lone Alpine cabin. This is a popular location for photos since it offers stunning views of the Engadin Alpine Valley and Julier Pass, a mountain pass known for its winding route.
From here, you can begin your descent past a small, gorgeous lake and lush green woodland, passing through springs. You'll return to Lantsch village, which is not far from the trailhead.
Mount Titlis
If trekking the Matterhorn sounds too difficult, Mount Titlis in the Uri Alps is a far more manageable alternative. Better yet, the mountain has several routes that lead through breathtaking Alpine flower fields and sloping, verdant meadows, ranging from moderate one-hour walks to strenuous excursions that reach the summit of the 3,000-meter mountain.
Try the one-hour Trubsee Circular Trail for an easy hike without compromising views; it takes less than an hour to complete and has multiple fire pits along the route (bring a picnic), as well as a lakeside rest spot.
The Marmot Trail is an additional short trip that is considerably longer. It begins at the Trübsee mountain station and requires a chairlift to ascend a hill to the trailhead. The five-hour hike offers a direct view of the deep blue waters of Engstlensee Lake.
An excellent choice for a winter hike is the Lake Trüb trail, which is located at the base of Mount Titlis. It involves a three-kilometer round around the Trübsee Lake on well-maintained paths—even when they are covered with snow. The scenery comprises gently sloping hills and rugged mountains, making for a leisurely and comfortable trip.
Höhbalmen Alpine Meadows
Situated a short distance from Zermatt, a renowned alpine resort town in southern Switzerland, lies the Höhbalmen Alpine meadow - a balcony blanketed in wildflowers that offers a direct view of the Valais Alps. If you're prepared for the task, the Höhbalmen-Höhenweg trip is possibly one of the most magnificent hikes in the area. It passes directly by the massive Matterhorn's northern face.
This challenging 18-kilometer climb passes through scarce forests, meadows with sheep grazing, a water reservoir, and views down over Zermatt. It begins at an elevation of 1,605 meters and reaches a peak of 2,740 meters.
The trail winds through valleys and slopes before beginning its drop towards Schwarzlager. It passes by a thunderous waterfall and a restaurant just in front of you, where you may stop for lunch or early dinner before making the final 45-minute descent to Zermatt.
Lauterbrunnental Glacial Valley
Whatever direction you go in, the Lauterbrunnental, also known as the Valley of the Twelve Waterfalls, offers breathtaking vistas. The valley slopes gently, the verdant meadows provide good grip, and the terrain is ideal for treks, making this a great place for short, simple climbs.
At the Lauterbrunnental train station, begin your hike. Signs will direct you to the trails; simply turn onto the cement path and head south. The paved road ends after about fifteen minutes, and you'll be walking on a sandy, nearly flat path. For the following forty-five minutes, numerous waterfalls cascaded down precipitous cliffs blanketed in snow, rivers, and streams, as well as numerous cows grazing far off.
After an hour or so from the train station, you will come to a split in the road. Ignore the sign pointing to the town of Stechelberg and take the second path. This will lead you to a track that is marginally steeper and toward Gimmelwald. The journey begins largely through riverside forests and shady areas, then opens up across meadows in bloom, encircled by mountains and some of the valley's most breathtaking waterfalls.
Depending on how frequently you pause to snap photos or dip your toes in the river, Gimmelwald can be reached in one to two hours by following the indications. Eventually, the tiny mountain village of Gimmelwald will come into view among the snow-capped peaks; here you'll find a few eateries, a hostel, and some more sheltered areas to take a break.
You may either turn around and find your way back to Lauterbrunnental from here, or you can continue to Murren to catch the train back.
Matterhorn
One of the highest peaks in the Alps is the Matterhorn. There isn't much more difficult hiking for adventure seekers than ascending a portion of the 4,478-meter peak that sits directly on the Italian-Swiss border.
A moderate hike in theory, climbing the Matterhorn will take eight to twelve hours, depending on fitness, rest stops, and minor route modifications.
For Matterhorn hikes, Zermatt is the ideal starting location. If you wish to limit this climb to a single day, identify the cable car line and begin hiking up following it as soon as the sun rises. You will reach Schwarzsee Paradise, a hotel/restaurant where you may pause for a bite to eat before carrying on, after three hours of walking over a very high and straight trail with breathtaking views over blue mountains. Although you are not officially on the Matterhorn yet, this is the quickest route to ascend to a height where you can link up with the next path.
From here, the hour-long climb around the Matterhorn side is remarkably flat. At this altitude, the weather begins to change, but it's also the last stretch of "easy" trekking, so take the opportunity to take in the scenery. If you don't take any breaks, the terrain becomes challenging once more after approximately an hour. You should expect lots of slick rocks, very steep boulders that demand some maneuvering, and lots of solid balance.
This will take you 90 minutes to the Hörnli Hut, which is the sleeping hut for the Matterhorn Base Camp. Here is where hikers who plan to stay overnight rest before continuing their journey. Take a break here to get a close-up look at the Matterhorn and the cloud-covered summits; on clear days, the summit seems practically reachable.
The trail descends from this point for a pleasant break until it meets the Glacier track, which offers a direct, unobstructed view of the Matterhorn dusted with snow as well as the surrounding mountains. This trail is flat, rocky, and slippery; if you go at a steady pace, it should take you two hours to reach the cable car station at the finish.
This is the conclusion of the hike; unless you wish to spend the night on the mountain, take the cable car back to Zermatt.
Remember that the Matterhorn may get chilly even in the summer. You will need to pack layers and a jacket for a hike this length to be comfortable the entire time.
Engelberg Valley
There are so many paths in the Engelberg Valley that you could hike through them for weeks and yet find new places to discover. With its expansive trail, the Brunni Trail is a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals of the valley and the flower-filled pastures encircled by majestic peaks. With a total elevation gain of just under 300 meters, this seven-kilometer trip shouldn't take longer than two and a half hours to do.
Taking the Brunni cable car to the Ristis station is the easiest way to begin this trek. Following your exit from the station, look for signs pointing towards the Brunni Trail; follow them to begin your hike into Rigidalalp. Since this is an educational route, the meadows are covered in panels that provide information about the local plant species.
Follow the path till it ends at the Brunnihütte sanctuary. With its breathtaking views of Lake Härzli and Mount Titlis, this is the ideal place to take a vacation. A modest restaurant serving Swiss specialties, such as regional cheeses and desserts, is also housed in the shelter.
The BrunniTickle walk is a unique trail that encircles the entire lake and is best enjoyed barefoot for an enjoyable experience. There are several different textures on the trail: sand, gravel, and wood chips. There's the moist ground, then the spiky ground, and finally the soft earth.
Use the same route to descend to Ristis, then return to the hamlet by cable car.
Mount Rigi Panorama Trail
The Rigi Panorama Trail is a seven-kilometer, simple climb that is generally level with a few short, steep sections. It provides some of the best views in Switzerland for hiking enthusiasts. The track is primarily made of gravel and dirt, but it is kept up nicely such that it is easy to navigate throughout the year.
At the line of the mountain train station, at the summit of Rigi Kulm, the trail begins at an altitude already rather high. Already breathtaking vistas stretch out over green and blue valleys and clouds from this location. Take a seat, get a cup of coffee, or just take some pictures till you feel like heading out.
To begin, take the directions to Rigi on the signs. For a while, you'll be going close to the railroad tracks. When the route splits, continue walking on the left path. Choosing between the gorgeous views of the blue-tinged peaks in the distance, the Goldau mountain in the background, and the verdant valleys filled with flowers is difficult. You may notice smaller trails branching out to the sides as you continue to walk. Since most of these are brief, you can stray from the main road for a little while, explore, and then head back.
When you get to the Felsenweg region, keep going after the signs to Rigi Scheidegg and look for an unoccupied seat. The view of the distant peaks and the river is breathtaking, making it the ideal place for a quick break or lunch.
The trail splits in two as you approach Scheidegg, with one being a little steeper and bumpier than the other. Take the higher elevation trail if you can because the views are more open and clear there. Both trails eventually lead to the same location.
Just before the Rigi Scheidegg cable car, the trail comes to an end. Before taking the cable car back down to the valley, where you may catch a train to your next destination, you can spend some time at the station exploring the restaurant.
