Snakes in Switzerland while hiking?
A traveler named Cindy is planning a hike from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg and is worried about encountering snakes on the trail. She wants to know the chances of seeing a snake and how to deter them if they are present. Tourists reassure her that snakes in Switzerland are shy and rarely cause issues, encouraging her to enjoy the hike without fear.
- Snakes in Switzerland are generally timid and often flee before you can see them.
- Only two types of snakes are poisonous, and they're unlikely to attack unless provoked.
- For hiking safety, wear high shoes and long pants to reduce any risks, including those from ticks.
- If you encounter a snake, remain calm and give it space—snakes usually avoid humans.
AI-generated summary-
Hi,
I was wondering about the chances of seeing a snake in Switzerland during hiking trails. I am terrified of snakes and would rather not risk seeing one if the chances are high. Are there any ways to deter snakes from attacking if I were to see one?
A trail I was interested in was the walk from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg
http://www.myswissalps.com/hi king/lauterbrunnen-stechelberg
Any tips would be appreciated!
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Cindy,
I have hiked in Switzerland for the last 55 years and never seen any snake.
Hi Cindy,
I’ve never seen one either on numerous hikes since 1997. There are snakes in Switzerland but they’re timid and flee before you would even notice them. So you would be ”lucky” to see one. There are only two poisonous kinds, and even those are only potentially dangerous if you’re allergic. If you can’t read German, then run a translator on the following page for more details: naturschutz.ch/tipps/g iftschlangen-der-schweiz-mythen-und-fakten.
For most animals, cows included, completely ignoring them is best. But snakes will make sure you won’t even notice them 🙂
Cindy, are you Australian? We have the deadliest snakes in the world and caring parents who teach us to be terrified of them ( for good reason).
You are going to Switzerland! One of the most beautiful countries in the world. Worry more about stepping off a cliff! Look up,not down. Arno is right they are more afraid of you – snakes don’t attack and even in Australia, the two ways to get bitten are to attack it (try to kill it) or step on one that is sleeping/sunning itself. And the Swiss ones are not the poisonous type. Don’t let that fear disuade you from getting out on a fabulous walk in Switzerland!
There is a dangerous “biter”, though: the tick. Be informed of the risks ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Tick ), and the prevention methods. Be careful if you hike in the woods, wear pants, a hat, and, if the climate allows for it, a scarf. Check your entire body after each hike.
I was bitten myself two months ago, probably while gardening (in Switzerland), Noticed only when a “full” tick fell on the floor of the shower cabin. Two visits to the doctor, and antibiotics for 10 days…
Ticks are terrible here too – will kill a dog or cat by muscle paralysis!
Hi everyone,
I reopened this thread because I recently heard from someone who encountered a snake in Switzerland in 2019. It was a viper on a hiking trail in the canton of Ticino. The hiker wore low shoes and was bitten in her ankle. She probably did not notice the viper and stepped on it by accident. As a result, she was hospitalized for 3 days unfortunately.
For me, it was a reminder that hiking should always by done wearing high hiking shoes and long pants – no shorts. Further hiking tips are here: http://www.myswissalps.com/hiking.
Sorry Arno I just can’t give up my hiking shorts. Besides one look at my legs will scare 99% of all critters away. Luckily my wife is very myopic.
Mark
I surely understand Mark 🙂
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