Switzerland is home to breathtaking mountain scenes, lakes you can see right through, and villages like something out of a storybook; it’s a dream spot for anyone who loves to hike. This place has paths for everyone, whether you want a chill walk or are up for climbing tough mountains.
You’ve got options for sweeping views, cute country vibes, or full-on hard-core treks. In this article, we’ll show you some of the best hikes in Switzerland and give you the lowdown on what sets them apart and what you’ll come across. Let’s begin!
“The Eiger Trail”: Top-notch Alpine Trekking
The Eiger Trail is a legendary trek in Switzerland that brings you to the daunting north wall of the Eiger. Kicking off at Eigergletscher station, you trek downward for over 6 kilometers to reach Alpiglen. Along the way, the scenery hits you with epic views of ice rivers, craggy mountain tops, and fields full of green.
Trekking this trail offers you a front-row view of Eiger’s high cliffs. You might even catch the echo of far-off snow slides or spot some gutsy climbers tackling the arduous paths. It’s a quick journey, just about a two-hour hike, but the sights you come across make it feel like a venture into a different dimension.
Hiking the Eiger Trail is best between June and October when the snow is gone, and the trail is ready. It’s not too harsh, but you have to be fit and wear the right shoes for the steep bits. If you’re into epic mountain thrills, this hike is a memory-maker.
The Five Lakes Walk: Calm Trek Surrounded by Pure Gorgeousness
The 5-Seenweg, or Five Lakes Walk, is a stunning trek near Zermatt, famed for the best sights of the Matterhorn and one of the best hikes in Switzerland. As you might guess from its name, this path winds by five amazing mountain lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee.
Every single one has its unique vibe, and when the weather’s chill and the water’s still, you can see the Matterhorn mirroring back at you in the super clear lake waters.
The Five Lakes Walk offers a calming hike covering 9 kilometers. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Along the path, you’ll see fields of wildflowers, mooing cows, and loads of spots awesome for chilling with a snack or just to be drowned in serene.
It’s a sweet deal for families and chill hikers who want to soak in fantastic scenery without working themselves out. For the best experience, hit up this trail from June through September, when summer has the trails ready and the lakes looking super pretty.
The Hardergrat Trail: An Exciting Trek for the Adventurous
Hikers who know their stuff and crave an arduous journey, listen up. That Hardergrat Trail near Interlaken? It’s a wild ride in the Alps guaranteed. Starting at Harder Kulm and stretching all the way out to Brienzer Rothorn, this beast spans a whole 24 kilometers. And get this: you’ll climb up a mind-blowing 3,000 meters in total. No wonder it’s one of the best hikes in Switzerland.
Talking about living on the edge, this trail’s razor-thin ridges with drops that’ll make your heart race. The pay-off is these killer wide-open sights of Lake Brienz and the mountains around.
Unmatched in looks, sure, but the Hardergrat needs to play around. That path? It is super narrow and super high up. You better have top-notch balance, not fear heights, and be fit as a fiddle.
The Hardergrat Trail presents some tough challenges, plus the weather can get iffy, so if you’re a pro at hiking and have the right equipment, you should take it on in the peak of summer. Pull it off, and you’ll be in for a massive feeling of triumph and some super epic views that’ll stick in your memory forever.
Strolling by Europe’s Biggest Glacier on the Aletsch Glacier Panorama Path
Europe’s largest glacier, the Aletsch, holds the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site and stuns everyone who sees it. The Panorama Path by the Aletsch Glacier lets walkers go right up close to this giant icy marvel, with killer views of the frosty expanse, the towering mountains around, and the colorful alpine plants.
Kicking off at Bettmerhorn and wrapping up at Riederalp, this chill hike stretches for around 12 kilometers. It’ll take 4 to 5 hours to knock it out, packing in both climbs and descents. On your stroll, you’re going to hit spots that give you a killer look at the glacier, plus you’ll spot signs that break down why this chunk of ice is a big deal, geology-wise.
You should plan your trek on the Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail from June to October. That’s when the tracks are open, and the skies are clear. This trail is a winner for anyone itching to see Switzerland’s icy scenery but wants to avoid the hassle of complex paths.
Lauterbrunnen Valley: A Path Hugging a Bunch of Waterfalls
People often proclaim the Lauterbrunnen Valley the prettiest spot on the planet, and just a walk on its paths shows why that’s no exaggeration. The valley has an epic backdrop of massive cliffs and high mountains and is peppered with 72 waterfalls. You can’t miss the notorious Staubbach Falls and the underground wonder, the Trümmelbach Falls.
Strolling through the valley, you kick off in Lauterbrunnen village and head to Stechelberg. It’s a smooth 10-kilometer anyone can handle, regardless of age or skill level.
You’ll spot cozy Swiss chalets, green fields, and waterfalls that won’t quit tumbling. They’ve put up signs everywhere, so getting lost is tough – super for folks with kiddos or anyone wanting to chill amid the great outdoors.
You can hit the Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk any time of the year, though you’re in for a treat when summer or fall rolls around. The wildflowers go nuts, and the leaves turn this beautiful amber that’s too pretty.
Keen on keeping the fun going? The valley’s paths crank up the challenge, and they’ll whisk you off to places like Mürren or Wengen, having the crown of being one of the best hikes in Switzerland.
The Via Alpina: A Swiss Adventure of Great Length
The Via Alpina is a famous path that extends across the Swiss Alps for 390 kilometers and is divided into 20 parts. If you’re into long walks and jaw-dropping views, this one’s for you. It has it all: green valleys, calm waters, massive mountains, and charming little alpine towns.
Stage 10 grabs lots of folks’ attention as it heads from Kandersteg to Adelboden across Hohtürli Pass. This part has tough bits, like real steep climbs and drops. But getting an eyeful of the Blüemlisalp Glacier and all those high-up peaks makes the push worth it.
Do you want to try the Via Alpina? June to September is an optimal time. Most trekkers pick out sections they dig rather than hitting the whole trail at once.
The Creux du Van
The “Creux du Van” is an epic assembly of rocks in the Jura range, and folks often call it the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. With its 1,400-meter span and 150-meter drop, this sheer limestone bowl lures in wanderers eager to glimpse its unusual earthly formations and captivating vistas.
You’ll start and finish the classic circuit trail in Noiraigue, pacing through 14 kilometers, which takes about 4 to 5 hours to wrap up. Scaling the cirque’s steep sides is challenging, but reaching the crest will give you far-reaching views of valleys and peaks. And if the skies are clear, the Alps will peek at you from afar.
Lots of folks head to the Creux du Van in spring and fall. The weather’s just right, and the scenery pops with the season’s colors. Keep your eyes peeled; you might catch ibex, chamois, or marmots on your outing.
The Path from Schynige Platte to First: Epic Mountain Views
Trekking from Schynige Platte to First, you’re in for a treat with knockout views of big-name mountains like Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It’s a trek of about 16 kilometers, and you’ll need 6 to 7 hours to nail it strolling through the alpine meadows, the rocky bits, and past chill mountain lakes.
The big attraction of this walk is Bachalpsee, a crystal-clear lake that mirrors the nearby peaks on days when the wind doesn’t blow. The path also gives you many places to pause and enjoy the amazing views, making it popular with people who love taking photos and enjoying nature.
You’d want to hit this trail from the end of June to the start of October, as the tracks aren’t buried in snow. You can get on the Schynige Platte to First trail quickly by hopping on the railway at Schynige Platte or catching a ride on the First gondola, so it’s an excellent pick for a one-day trek.
Tips for Trekking in Switzerland
Hiking trails in Switzerland are praised for being top-notch and easy to access. Still, get ready to ensure you have a blast and stay safe. You should look up the weather before you go because mountain weather is known for flipping out of nowhere. Rock some solid boots, layer up, and grab must-haves like water, munchies, a map, and a phone with a full battery.
You can ride many of Switzerland’s trails with public transport. Mountain trains and ski lifts crank up the chill factor when getting to the starting points. To save money, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass or a local transport ticket.
And hey, remember to be respectful and follow the etiquette of Switzerland’s super clean nature. Don’t create any liter, stay on the path, and haul out any trash you bring in.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s walking paths showcase stunning landscapes, giving every type of explorer a treat. You can stroll by Zermatt’s calm waters or tackle Hardergrat’s harsh edges. Each trail provides a fresh way to see the Swiss Alps. These paths have unique attributes that make them one of the best hikes in Switzerland.
Whether you’re a pro hiker or just out for a leisurely walk, the trails in Switzerland offer memories that’ll stick with you way past the time your boots stop hitting the dirt. I hope our blog can help you navigate your future hiking trips. Thank you for reading! Adieu!