This page was last updated by Annika on 9 July 2023.
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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.

Find Swiss hikes

The Palais de Rumine in Lausanne
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.
Mühlesteg bridge over river Limmat in Zurich
Town walk 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 …
Spreuer Bridge and town wall in Lucerne
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 …
Quai du Mont-Blanc in Geneva
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 …
Mittlere Brücke seen from southern Rhine shore in Basel
Town walk 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 …
Aletsch Glacier seen from Bettmerhorn
Aletsch Glacier
Hiking, Mountains, NatureMin. time required: 2:00
The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier of Switzerland and even of the Alps. We explain how to get the best views from mountaintops in …
View over Lake Lucerne and Rigi from Bürgenstock
Bürgenstock
Hiking, MountainsMin. time required: 2:30
The Bürgenstock ridge above Lake Lucerne has luxurious hotels, restaurants, fantastic views and the famous Hammetschwand lift. We share our tips to help you plan.
Chalets along main square in Zermatt
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 …
Footpath along St. Moritz lake in summer
Lake walk St. Moritz
HikingMin. time required: 1:00
Enjoy the beautiful lake of St. Moritz with this easy 1-hour stroll.
Harbor of Ascona with flags and rowing boats
Town walk Ascona
City trip, HikingMin. time required: 0:35
The town center of Ascona is tiny but stunning. This self-guided walk leads you through all the pretty streets and to the lakefront.
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Our favorite trails described

We’ve collected our favorite Swiss hikes in our blog. Find route descriptions for each of them.

Practical hiking information and tips

Hiking in the Swiss Alps should not be underestimated. Casualties do occur. Learn how to prepare and how to safely enjoy the Swiss trails.

Rockfall warning at Swiss hiking sign

Safety

Hiking in Switzerland is available for all, but it requires caution. Weather and the alpine environment can cause dangers. Learn …
Yellow hiking sign on house in Valle Verzasca

Preparation

How to prepare for hiking in the Swiss Alps: how to pick a route that suits your capabilities, what to …
Paper hiking maps Switzerland in several scales

Maps and apps

SwissTopo and Switzerland Mobility are great navigation apps for your hikes in Switzerland. But paper maps are important too: your …
Hiking boots in snow at Rochers-de-Naye

Clothing and gear

How to dress and what to pack for your Swiss holidays, with tips for all sorts of activities: from summer …
Hiking path in the Gastern valley in spring

Seasons

High-altitude hiking in Switzerland can best be done in summer: from July to August. But there are beautiful trails for …

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.