Discover Switzerland's Top 10 Hiking Trails.

Nora Jinton

26 Jan, 2024

photo - Lonely Planet

Explore Switzerland's limitless hiking options, from towering peaks to charming valleys. I moved here for accessible mountains, part of the Swiss lifestyle. Within an hour or two by train, you can explore hundreds of well-maintained trail kilometers.

With numerous excellent options, any hike you choose will be great. Based on my experiences, I've compiled "the 10 best hikes in Switzerland" with tips and information to help plan your perfect trip. Covering locations from North to South, and West to East, showcasing the country's incredible scenery.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING IN SWITZERLAND?

Mountain hiking carries inherent risks due to sudden weather shifts. I've encountered days starting sunny but ending in August snowstorms. Be prepared with extra clothing and supplies for hikes lasting more than a few hours.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

Hiking season in Switzerland typically starts in June, continuing until late September or even October after snowmelt. It coincides with peak tourism, so plan ahead for accommodations in popular spots like Lucerne, Interlaken, or Zermatt. Fall, with fewer tourists and changing leaves, is also delightful for hiking, but be prepared for diverse weather, including snow and colder temperatures.

WHAT TO WEAR HIKING?

For optimal hiking attire, my top advice is to layer up! Mountain temperatures can wildly fluctuate, demanding preparedness. Choose clothing that shields you from the elements and aids in temperature regulation. Find more details on what I wear and additional hiking tips in this blog post.

1. PIZOL LAKE (5 LAKE HIKE)

Just an hour from Zurich, the Pizol 5 Lake Hike offers a day-long adventure. Explore vibrant alpine lakes and breathtaking views of the Eastern Swiss Alps.

How to reach: Begin at the Pizol Gondola in Wangs, ride to Pizolhütte at the summit. Start the hike, reaching Wildsee in about an hour. Continue to the other 4 lakes as the trail ascends and descends, concluding at Station Gaffia. Find more details here.

Hike Time: 4 Hours
Distance: 10km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 750m/1100m
Start/End Point: Pizolhütte/Graffia

2. OESCHINENSEE

High in the Bernese Alps, overlooking the charming Kandersteg town, lies the crystal-clear Oeschenin Lake. Numerous trails wind around the lake and into the mountains. For a leisurely experience, unwind at the waterfront restaurant or rent a boat and peacefully paddle on the lake.

Embark on my favored hiking loop: Oeschinensee – Oberbärgli – Heuberg, a 3.5-hour journey without breaks. Experience diverse views of the lake from elevated paths surrounded by the majestic Alps. Be mindful of some steep sections and narrow cliffside trails—recommended for those comfortable with heights.

Getting there: Opt for a steep hike from Kandersteg or take the cable car to the mountain's summit. From the cable car, it's a 30-minute stroll to the lake's edge. Find additional details here.

Hike Time: 3.5 Hours (depending on route you take)
Distance: 8km
Elevation Gain: 480m
Starting point: Kandersteg Cable Car

3. SEEALPSEE (ALPSTEIN)

Seealpsee, a beloved Swiss lake, offers an effortless day trip from Zurich. Nestled in the Alpstein region, a hiking haven, it boasts Switzerland's densest trail network. Novice hikers can reach Seealpsee by a straightforward walk up a service road. Alternatively, opt for a cable car ride to Ebenalp; on your descent to the lake, visit the Äscher Restaurant for an added experience if uphill walking isn't your preference.

Äscher Restaurant, perched on a cliff, is renowned and widely photographed in Switzerland. I recommend visiting early to enjoy both the iconic setting and a meal. Due to high popularity, securing a table can be challenging as it gets crowded.

Getting there: Two options to reach the lake—walk up the service road from Wasserauen or take the Ebenalp cable car to the mountain top, then walk down to the lake, with a visit to Ascher hut on the descent. Find additional hiking details here.

Hike Time: 1 hour from Wasserauen or 1.5 hours from Ebenalp
Distance: 2.5km from Wasserauen or 2.6km from Ebenalp
Elevation Gain: 266m from Wasserauen
Starting point: Wasserauen

4. ALETSCH GLACIER PANORAMA TRAIL

Explore Switzerland's remarkable glaciers, with a special recommendation for the Aletsch Glacier—the country's largest. Nestled in Wallis, southern Switzerland, it's a worthwhile stop en route to Zermatt.

Marvel at the impressive dimensions of the Aletsch Glacier, spanning over 23 km and reaching a depth of almost 900m. Embark on various hikes, with the Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail being a top recommendation. This trail runs along the lower section of the glacier, providing spectacular views of both the glacier and the 32 peaks standing at 4,000m along its length.

To reach the Aletsch Glacier, commence your journey in Riederalp. Take the Musfluh Cable Car to the mountain's summit. There, you'll discover the trail tracing alongside the glacier. Follow it through most of the hike until you reach Märjelenseen. Here, you can pause for refreshments at the hut or proceed to the Fiescheralp cable car station. For detailed information, refer to this guide.

Hike Time: 3.5 hours
Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 510m
Starting Point/End Point: Musfluh Cable Car Station/Fiescheralp Cable Car Station

5. BACHALPSEE

If you're near Interlaken, don't miss exploring Grindelwald. It serves as a gateway to fantastic hikes with panoramic views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains, each towering above 4000m. My preferred trail is from First Gondola to Bachalpsee, ideal for novice hikers seeking breathtaking vistas.

The easily accessible trail leads to the lake in under an hour, revealing the sharp peaks of Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn reflecting in the emerald blue waters. Benches around the lake offer perfect spots for a picnic before your descent. For the more adventurous, continue an additional hour to Berghotel Faulhorn atop the mountain.

To get there, start in Grindelwald, head to the Grindelwald First Cable Car Station, and ascend to the top. Follow the signs upon exiting the station to commence the hike. Further details are available here.

Hike Time: 1.45 hours return
Distance: 5.88km return
Elevation Gain/Loss: 188m/188m
Starting Point/End Point: Grindelwald First Gondola

6. ZERMATT 5 LAKES HIKE

If you're in Zermatt, the 5 Lakes Hike, or 5 Seenweg Hike, is a top choice. Revel in stunning views of snow-capped mountains, emerald lakes, green hills, and the iconic Matterhorn in the distance. Passing by five lakes—Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee, three of which reflect the Matterhorn—the hike promises diverse landscapes. Take a refreshing swim in some lakes along the way. Numerous eateries, including the delightful Chez Vrony hut, are available.

To reach the starting point, take the cable car from Zermatt Village to the top of the Blauherd Cable Car Station. Commence the hike by following signs after exiting the station, and your final stop will be the Sunnegga Upper Cable Car Station. For detailed information, refer to this guide.

Hike Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: 241m
Starting Point/End Point: Blauherd/Sunnegga

7. RIGI PANORAMIC TRAIL

Visit Mount Rigi for a great option near Lucerne or a short day trip from Zurich (40 mins). Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and north towards Zurich. Various hikes are available, depending on your preference for duration. Take the cog-railway from Vitznau or Arth Goldau to Rigi Kulm at the top, and explore different stops along the way. Admire the view, then walk down to Rigi First to join the Rigi Panoramic Trail—a 7.5km, over 2-hour hike with shorter versions. Ideal for families or those seeking an easy, accessible hike on a wide, well-groomed trail. Combine this trip with a ferry ride from Luzern for a scenic lake experience.

To get there, take the cog-railway from Vitznau or Arth Goldau to Rigi Kulm at the top. Hike down to Rigi First, where the trail joins the Rigi Panoramic Trail. Follow the trail to Rigi Scheideg station, and take the cog-railway down. Find more information here.

Hike Time: 2 hr 10 minutes from Rigi First
Distance: 6.9km
Elevation Gain: 245m
Starting Point/End Point: Rigi First/Rigi Scheidegg

8. THE HARDERGRAT TRAIL

The Hardergrat trail, arguably one of the most stunning alpine ridges, is a challenge for experienced hikers. Enjoy incredible views of Lake Brienz and the towering Bernese Alps. With a steep path running directly along the ridgeline for 18km of the 27km trail, it's considered one of the most dangerous hikes in Switzerland—unsuitable for those with fear of heights or inexperienced hikers.

Hiking Tip: For this challenging hike, bring hiking poles, wear proper footwear, and avoid wet or muddy trail conditions. Start early to ensure reaching Brienzer Rothorn before the last cable car descends.

To get there, take the funicular to Harder Kulm from the valley to the trail's starting point at the top. Follow the 27km trail along the ridgeline to reach Brienzer Rothorn. Alternatively, start at Brienzer Rothorn and finish at Harder Kulm.

Hike Time: 10 hours
Distance: 27km
Elevation Gain: 3000m
Starting Point/End Point: Harder Kulm/Brienzer Rothorn Station

9. TRIFTBRÜCKE

For a more adventurous experience, imagine walking on a suspension bridge 170m long and 100m high, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and a glacier.

The Trift Bridge, in the Bernese Oberland, is among the longest and highest suspension bridges in the Alps. The hike leads through grassy meadows, glacial rivers, and waterfalls, culminating at the suspension bridge. Cross the turquoise blue glacier lake fed by the glacier tongue. Witnessing this site underscores the rapid glacier melting due to global warming. Just a few years ago, the Trift Hut was accessible on foot via the glacier tongue. The bridge was constructed to maintain hiker access as the glacier receded.

To get there, take the Triftbahn from Nessental (Bus Stop) to the Trift Valley. This cable car, accommodating 8 people, runs every 12 minutes. Book tickets online in advance to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Reserve a return time, allowing ample time to enjoy the scenery. For additional information, refer to this guide.

Hike Time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 6km
Elevation Gain: 695m
Starting Point/End Point: Trift Gondola Upper Station

10. TOUR DU LAC DE MOIRY

Nestled in the Valais region, the Lac de Moiry circuit encircles the captivating turquoise waters of the lake at an elevation of 2500m. Reaching the far end involves crossing the La Gourga river, feeding the reservoir, and passing by Lac de Châteaupré. The hike offers the opportunity to ascend the massive glacial moraine, providing spectacular mountain views. Ideal for those exploring the Zermatt region.

To start the hike, head to the bus stop/car park at the crest of the dam, near the restaurant. The trail can be undertaken in either direction, as the starting and ending points are the same. Find additional information here.

Hike Time: 4:45m
Distance: 13.4km
Elevation Gain: 567m
Starting Point/End Point: Moiry Dam

I trust you find my list of Swiss hikes and hiking tips helpful as you plan your own trip to Switzerland. If you've previously hiked in Switzerland and have tips or enjoyable trail recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Have a Wonderful Day!!!