Choose the right route: 7 tips
- The distance of a route doesn’t tell you much about how difficult it is, or how long it takes. The difference in height is far more important. So are the type of trail (wide paved road versus a narrow rocky path) and the terrain (valley floor versus high-alpine terrain). This is why Swiss signposts display hiking times, not distances.
- Signposts, and route details on this website too, show the pure hiking time for the average hiker. Depending on your pace and the breaks you take, hikes may take (much) longer. Start in time to reach the endpoint well before sunset or the last ride back to a town.
- You may not be used to walking in the mountains, or trails with a lot of difference in height. In that case, you’d best start with a route below 2000 m (6500 ft). This will prevent altitude sickness. We also advise picking a trail with a moderate ascent and/or descent. If all goes well a few times, you can try more challenging routes.
- Avoid exposed trails if you do not feel safe or if you are not prepared for this. In all cases, avoid trails crossing glaciers and trails that are in line with dangerous glacier tongues, unless you are accompanied by a mountain guide.
- Avoid trails covered with snow. Trails at high altitudes can be covered with so much snow that hiking is nearly impossible, even in summer. The risk of avalanches is not restricted to winter and spring. The local tourist agency or rail station can provide information about trail conditions.
- Most summer trails in the mountains are not accessible in winter. Depending on height and location, winter spans from December to March, or from October to June. There are special, groomed snow trails instead.
- Don’t choose a high-altitude route on overcast days. You will risk missing out on the good views, and navigating is difficult in the mist.
Check your transportation options
Consider how to travel. Public transport is recommended. It’s a safe way to travel and you’ll help preserving nature. Also, you don’t have to return to where your car is parked, which makes your overall schedule more flexible. If you depend on transportation down the mountain at the endpoint, check the timetable for the last ride.
Prepare your hiking route
Route details can be obtained from the maps on each of our hiking route pages. You can switch between street view, satellite view, and topographic view (with contour lines). You can also download a kml file with coordinates to use in any program you prefer.
Apart from this, there are paper hiking maps and leaflets offered by local tourist agencies. Note that parts of routes may be different from the descriptions for various reasons. For example: storms can cause damage in the mountains and routes can be changed, closed or diverted because of that.
Be prepared for differently spelled location names on maps and signposts. Even several signposts along the same route may use a different spelling for the same location. Some examples are “Eggeschwand” versus “Eggenschwand”, “Usser Üschene” versus “Aeusser Üschene” and “Bussalp” versus “Büössalp”.
Pack the right items
These are 6 essentials to pack when hiking in the Swiss Alps:
- a detailed paper map;
- a first-aid kit, including a rescue blanket to prevent fatal cooling;
- your mobile phone, even though some deserted areas may have no mobile coverage. Also have important phone numbers at hand.
- a sufficient amount of water or other drinks (at least 1 liter);
- enough food, plus spare food in case your journey takes longer than expected. I often take along muesli bars: they’re lightweight, compact, can be kept for a long time, and are available in any Swiss supermarket. Nuts and dried fruit come in handy too.
- an alarm (e.g. a whistle) to warn people in the area if you are in trouble. The emergency signal to use if you need help is 6 signals per minute followed by a 1-minute break. You should repeat this until help arrives or until you get an answer of 3 signals per minute followed by a 1-minute break. In case you don’t have a whistle, you can use the flashlight of your camera, a mirror, or any other signal available.
Find all of my packing lists and tips for hiking gear here.
Keep an eye on the weather
Watch the short-term local weather forecasts. Avoid high-altitude hiking in case of (possibly) bad weather. There are plenty of trails in the valleys, that allow you to reach a village quickly if bad weather sets in.
Weather forecast
Wear the right clothes
Wear solid hiking boots and clothes that protect you from the sun, cold, rain, sharp rocks and insects. Find all details below.
Clothing and gear
Prepare for winter hikes
Hiking in the Swiss snow requires additional preparation. Learn all about groomed hiking trails and snowshoe hiking.
Winter hiking
Other websites of interest
- www.sicher-bergwandern.ch: quick test to find out if you're ready for mountain hiking
- www.nextpicnic.org: resting places for hikers
- www.schweizmobil.ch: find all Swiss hiking routes