All about hiking in Switzerland: routes, safety and preparation

Must-knows about hiking in Switzerland

Switzerland has a dense and extremely well-marked network of hiking trails.

There are routes for everyone: town and city walks, easy valley hikes, and all sorts of mountain trails.

Hiking is the best way to feel close to Switzerland’s nature.

It’s important to prepare well, even if a hike seems simple. Plan your route, check weather forecasts, dress appropriately, and take along the essentials.

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Find Swiss town and city walks, plus guided hikes

I’ve collected our favorite Swiss nature hikes in our blog.

Town walk Lucerne

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 2:00

Easy city walk across the Old Town of Lucerne with famous and less-visited spots. See the City Wall, the Chapel Bridge, beautiful churches and ancient town squares. Show more ►

Town walk Zurich

Mühlesteg bridge over river Limmat in Zurich

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 2:00

This free city walk offers a great introduction to the pretty old town of Zurich. You’ll also scroll on the promenades along the river Reuss and Lake Zurich. Show more ►

Town walk Geneva

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:30

Discover Geneva with our varied walk along the river Rhône and the lake, and in the old town center of Geneva. You’ll see the city highlights in less than 2 … Show more ►

Town walk Lausanne

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:00

Discover the architectural highlights of Lausanne on Lake Geneva with this easy 1-hour town walk. Show more ►

Town walk Basel

Mittlere Brücke seen from southern Rhine shore in Basel

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 2:00

We created this free city walk for you to enjoy the historical city center of Basel in Switzerland in just a few hours. You’ll also see the river Rhine. Show more ►

Bürgenstock

Hiking, MountainsMin. time required: 2:30

The Bürgenstock ridge above Lake Lucerne has luxurious hotels, restaurants, fantastic views and the famous Hammetschwand lift. Learn about the routes, views, hikes, and gastronomy. Show more ►

Aletsch Glacier

Hiking, Mountains, NatureMin. time required: 2:00

The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier of Switzerland and even of the Alps. I explain how to get the best views: from mountaintops in the Jungfrau Region and the … Show more ►

Town walk Lugano

Fence with views over Lake Lugano in Ciani Park, Lugano

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:30

Explore the vibrant town center, the lake and the parks of Lugano during this pleasant walk. You’ll get a good impression of the city in just 1h30. Show more ►

Town walk Zermatt

City trip, HikingMin. time required: 1:00

See the lively town center and the beautiful outskirts of Zermatt with this quick and varied walk. Perfect for a one-day trip to Zermatt as well! Show more ►

Lake walk St. Moritz

Footpath along St. Moritz lake in summer

HikingMin. time required: 1:00

Enjoy the beautiful lake of St. Moritz with this easy 1-hour stroll. Show more ►

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What’s the best month for hiking in Switzerland?

July, August and September form the best season to hike in Switzerland. This is when there’s the least snow in the mountains. Nearly all trails, including alpine routes at high altitudes, are accessible.

Other seasons qualify too:

January and February are best to enjoy the specially groomed winter trails in the snow.
Spring (March-June) and fall (October-December) are less suitable for hiking in the mountains. But they’re perfect for city walks, trails in lower Swiss valleys, and paths around Switzerland’s large lakes.

Whether or not hiking trails are open, always depends on the current weather circumstances. You can check the status of trails at your local tourism office in Switzerland.

Winter hikes

January, February and early March are best for winter hiking in Switzerland. Trails at higher altitudes are groomed specifically for hiking in the snow. Snowshoe hikes, which are more demanding, can be made too. And city walks are available year-long.

Winter hiking

Swiss winter hiking trails can be enjoyed with normal hiking boots or with snow shoes. I explain how it works …

Hiking in Switzerland in summer

I prefer July, August and September for Switzerland’s alpine hiking routes. In normal circumstances there isn’t much snow left in the mountains, so even the routes high in the mountains are accessible. Of course, lower routes in valleys and around the lake are beautiful too.

If it’s hot during summer, city hikes are not my favorite option. Arno and I like to hike up in the mountains instead, to cool down a bit.

Spring and autumn hikes

From April to June, and in October and November, there’s usually more snow in the mountains than during summer. This means that certain trails in the mountains are not accessible: there may be too much snow to hike safely, and at the same time too little to groom the routes as winter trails.

Spring and fall are great for hikes in the valleys and around Switzerland’s lakes. City and town walks are recommended too.

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