From rugged alps to lush valleys, Switzerland is well known for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Travelers to Switzerland can choose from a variety of hiking trails, from short scenic strolls to multi-day treks. In this guide we’ll tell you our top tips, packing lists, and favorite hikes in Switzerland.
Best Hiking in Switzerland by Region
Jungfrau / Interlaken
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First Gondola to the Bachalpsee - This 4-mile hike is considered one of the best novice hikes in all of Switzerland. Lake Bachalpsee is known for its stunning turquoise water and mountainous backdrop. Hikers can swim in the lake and eat lunch on the shore while enjoying some of the best views that Grindelwald has to offer.
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Lauterbrunnen - A paved, flat trail runs through the valley of Lauterbrunnen, near Interlaken. Waterfalls are scattered around the valley, and there are several smaller trails up through the nearby peaks.
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The Kulm - A steep elevation gain and rocky terrain makes this hike one of the more difficult day hikes in this guide, but the mountain views at the top are well worth the climb.
Lake Geneva
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Les Avants Loop - A well-maintained, flat trail makes this loop the perfect hike for beginners without sacrificing any of Geneva’s beautiful scenery.
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Lake Oeschensee - Accessed by cable car, this is a great option for families looking to spend a day lounging at the lake. Those looking for more of a challenge can forgo the cable car and hike all the way to the lake.
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Lac de Taney - About an hour from Geneva, the Lac de Taney hike is more challenging than the others on this list, but hikers will be rewarded with a swim in the turquoise lake and a picnic on the shore.
Zurich
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Rigi Panoramic Trail - About half an hour from the city center, the Rigi Panoramic Trail’s well-maintained path and 360-degree views makes it very popular with tourists.
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Crest Hike Stoos - The funicular takes hikers up to the village of Stoos. From there, hike along the peak of Klingenstock, from which you can see wildflowers and about a dozen alpine lakes.
Zermatt
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The Gornergrat - On this hike you will see the Matterhorn, the Gorner Glacier, and Hotel Gornergrat Kulm-- the highest-altitude hotel in Europe.
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Five Lakes Trail - As the name suggests, this trail will take you to the shores of five alpine lakes. This is a perfect hike for a hot summer day, with opportunities to picnic and swim in the lakes.
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Zermatt to Trift - This trail offers access to the beautiful Trift Valley. Hikers can sit down for lunch or stay overnight at the Hotel du Trift.
Best Multi-Day Treks in Switzerland
Switzerland offers a variety of long trails for many different skill levels, from experienced backpackers to casual hikers.
Guided treks in Switzerland are a great way to embark on a long trek without worrying about getting lost or booking your own accomodation.
Many long treks in Switzerland are “hut-to-hut” hikes, meaning that trekkers hike during the day and stay in small mountain huts. This eliminates the need to pitch a tent or descend to a nearby village every night.
Camping outdoors is generally a more budget-friendly option, but campsites can be hard to find in the Alps and wild camping (camping outside of a campsite) is prohibited in most places.
Our Favorite Multi-day Treks in Switzerland
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The Via Alpina - The Via Alpina is one of the most famous long trails in the world, with stunning mountain views and challenging inclines. Most people complete this trek in 20 days, but if you’re looking for a shorter trip, there are also options to hike smaller sections of the trail.
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Vier Quellen Veg - This 50-plus mile long route hikes to the source of four rivers (Ruess, Rhine, Rhone, and Tocino) and usually takes about five days to complete. The trail is well-maintained and heavily-trafficked, making it a popular option for first-time trekkers.
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Tour des Muverans - Shorter than most Switzerland treks (about three days), this hike around the Grand Muveran peak is a hidden gem, meaning fewer tourists and cheaper accommodation.
When is the Best Time of Year to Hike in Switzerland?
The most popular time to hike in Switzerland is summer due to the mild temperatures and accessibility of mountain trails. Early fall and late spring offer a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, but higher altitude trails may have snow depending on when and where you go.
Winter might not be the best time to visit for travelers only looking to hike or camp, but skiers and snowshoers will have plenty of options for snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails.
Best Winter Hikes in Switzerland
Summer is the peak tourist season in Switzerland, but winter is a haven for skiers, snowshoers, and anyone who wishes to cozy up with mulled wine in a warm mountain hut.
Switzerland has many snowshoe and ice-climbing trails for adventurous travelers with views that rival those in spring and summer.
Remember, winter conditions can be dangerous even for experienced hikers-- always research weather and avalanche conditions in the days leading up to your hike.
Our top winter hikes in Switzerland
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Zermatt’s Sunnegga Trail - The town of Zermatt is famous for its location right below the Matterhorn peak. This trail offers challenging but rewarding inclines and picturesque winter views.
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Fafleralp Loop - Hike from the village of Blatten to the baroque chapel of Maria Heimsuchung (a UNESCO Heritage Site) and circle around back to Blatten. This is the site of many religious pilgrimages and the region is famously known to be one of Charlie Chaplin’s favorite destinations!
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Chamoix, Mont Blanc - This isn’t one trail, but a ski resort filled with snowshoe and hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties. Chamoix is perfect for winter travelers looking for a mix of outdoor sports and luxurious indoor restaurants, spas, and lodges.
Note that many lowland areas of Switzerland get little to no snow, so many hiking trails in Lake Geneva and Interlaken will be open and accessible for hikers, even in winter.
Packing List for Hiking in Switzerland
Guided hiking trips in Switzerland offer services like booking accomodation and transportation, but you will likely have to bring your own gear.
What you bring will depend on the season and itinerary, but we’ve provided a sample packing list for hiking in Switzerland.
- Good hiking boots/shoes - this is probably the most important item to have before embarking on a hiking or backpacking trip. Make sure to break in your shoes before you go so you don’t end up with blisters and sore feet.
- A backpack - your trip itinerary and length will determine if you just need a day pack or a large backpacking pack with a tent and sleeping bag.
- Comfortable clothing - Pack layers and be prepared for a variety of climates depending on location and altitude.
- A swimsuit (for summer hikers)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Hiking poles
- Camera
- First-aid kit - just in case!
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