Ultimate Guide To Hiking In Switzerland

Switzerland defines what mountain hiking feels like at its best — crisp air, jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and a network of trails that flow seamlessly between alpine passes and cozy valleys.

From glacier paths to flower-filled meadows and ridge walks high above mountain towns, the country’s landscapes are postcard-perfect yet endlessly varied. Each region — from the Bernese Oberland to Zermatt or the Engadin — brings its own flavor of beauty. For anyone drawn to precision, serenity, and world-class scenery, hiking in Switzerland is where adventure meets harmony.

Why Hike in Switzerland?

Switzerland is easily one of the most picturesque hiking destinations in Europe. With a variety of charming countryside routes and the majestic peaks of the world, the famous Swiss Alps, there’s just nowhere truly like Switzerland anywhere else on the planet.

The Swiss Alps in particular is arguably the crown jewel of hiking in Europe. This is because it has truly iconic destinations like Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, and the Jungfrau Region, which is home to a trio of famous peaks (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau). These hikes are among the most breathtaking and challenging hikes in the entire world.

Hiking trails in Switzerland are noted for their panoramic views of snow-capped, jagged mountains, pristine alpine meadows, and crystal-like glaciers. But if you’d prefer a more leisurely hiking experience, there are still lower altitude trails that will enable you to see truly gorgeous scenery without undergoing such a strenuous ordeal.

For example, regions like the Emmental and Appenzell are known for their gentle, pastoral landscapes and well-marked trails that are easy to follow and navigate. These areas are perfect for family hikes and day hikers who are looking to experience Switzerland’s rural charm.

If you were wondering how to travel within Switzerland and to get to the hiking trails, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s super easy to access even the most remote hiking areas in the country because of the excellent public transportation system. As we’ll soon see, there is no shortage of places to hike in Switzerland.

Best Hikes in Switzerland

Below are some of the great spots to hike, trek, and walk in Switzerland.

The Best Hike For Mountain Views: The Matterhorn Glacier Trail

The Matterhorn Glacier Trail offers excellent views of the iconic Matterhorn and the surrounding alpine landscape. This is a relatively moderate hike that will take you close to the glacier. The trail starts from Trockener Steg and descends to Schwarzsee. There are stunning views all along the way.

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Best Hike For Casual Hikers: The Five Lakes Walk

The Five Lakes Walk is a scenic hike that takes you through five stunning Swiss alpine lakes: the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee and las. Each lake offers unique views of the Matterhorn,which is reflected in their clear waters. The trail is a moderate hike and is a good choice for casual hikers who might be seeking something that’s more of a challenge for them.

Best Hike For Advanced HIkers: The Eiger Trail

The Eiger Trail is a thrilling hike that runs along the base of the Eiger’s north face. It starts out from the Eigergletscher station and then ends in Alpiglen. Along the way, the trail offers incredible views of the towering Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks. There are also a number of meadows off to the sides of the rocky paths. It can be a challenging hike and attracts experienced hikers from all over the world.

Companion Article: Best Hikes in Switzerland

For detailed route planning, see my Best Hikes in Switzerland article, which highlights trail icons like the Eiger Trail, Five Lakes Walk, Aletsch Glacier route, and alpine ridge traverses — each with route info and practical insights.

World Famous Hikes in Switzerland

Perhaps the most famous hiking trails in Switzerland are the following:

The Matterhorn Glacier Trail

The Matterhorn Glacier Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Switzerland. This is because it offers truly stunning views of the Matterhorn, which is one of the world’s most recognizable peaks. This trail starts at Trockener Steg and descends to Schwarzsee. Along the way, it provides hikers with close-up views of the Matterhorn Glacier and the surrounding alpine landscape.

The Eiger Trail

The Eiger Trail is a must-do for adventurous hikers who come to Switzerland, and the name ‘Eiger’ is virtually synonymous with the idea of hiking in the Alps because of how popular and world renowned it is.

The Haute Route

The Haute Route is a legendary long-distance walk that connects Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland. This trail spans approximately 112 miles/180 kilometers and takes about 12 days to complete if you want to do the whole thing. The route passes through high mountain passes, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Take note that it’s a challenging hike that requires good fitness and preparation in order to complete.

The Via Alpina

The Via Alpina is a long-distance hiking trail that traverses the Alps. The section from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen is particularly famous for its breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The trail takes hikers through lush meadows, picturesque villages, and high mountain passes. This moderately challenging hike is perfect for those seeking to experience the best of the Swiss Alps.

The Aletsch Glacier Trail

The Aletsch Glacier Trail attracts hikers from all over the world who want to walk alongside the largest glacier in the Alps. The trail starts at Bettmerhorn and follows the edge of the Aletsch Glacier. Along the way, it has stunning views of the ice field and the surrounding peaks.

Hiking Hubs, Regions, Towns, and Hotspots to Hike To In Switzerland

There are several beautiful hikes in Switzerland, but some of the most popular areas that you can either hike to or start your hike from include:

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Zermatt, located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, is one of Switzerland’s best hiking destinations. The area offers numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine routes, so it’s great for beginners and expert  hikers alike. Zermatt’s well-developed infrastructure, including cable cars and mountain huts where you can get some sleep, also makes it an ideal base for exploring the Swiss Alps.

Jungfrau Region

The Jungfrau Region encompasses towns like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen. It is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse hiking opportunities. Popular trails here include the Eiger Trail, which runs along the base of the Eiger’s north face, and the Panorama Trail, which runs from Mannlichen all the way to Kleine Scheidegg. Both of these offer spectacular views of the Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. 

Engadin Valley and St. Moritz

The Engadin Valley is notable for its picturesque villages and stunning alpine landscapes. It’s another top hiking destination in the country. St. Moritz is a famous resort town in Switzerland and will serve as an excellent starting point for exploring the region. The Muottas Muragl to Alp Languard hike in this area arguably provides the best views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Lake Geneva Region

The Lake Geneva region includes the cities of Montreux and the town of Lausanne. The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces here are a UNESCO World Heritage site and they offer several scenic hikes through terraced vineyards with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Meanwhile, the Montreux Riviera is perfect for a leisurely day time stroll.

Lake Lucerne Region

Lake Lucerne is surrounded by mountains and offers a variety of scenic hiking trails. The Swiss Path around the lake commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation and provides beautiful views of the lake and surrounding peaks. You’ll also want to check out the Rigi Panorama Trail, which is accessible by cogwheel train and offers stunning vistas of Lake Lucerne and the Alps.

Types of Hiking That You Can Expect in Switzerland

Switzerland offers a diverse range of beautiful hiking experiences that can cater to a wide variety of people. These include:

Mountain Hiking

As you’ve no doubt guessed already, mountain type of hiking is a very big deal in Switzerland! The alpine hiking trails of the Swiss Alps are famous all throughout the world for a reason. Many of these hiking routes are very challenging even for the most experienced hikers, but they are also very rewarding due to the breathtaking beauty that they offer.

Glaciers, meadows, and towering peaks are all common things to see in the Swiss Alps. One of the most popular mountain hiking trails in Switzerland is the Haute Route, which attracts experienced hikers and adventurers from across the globe, just as the best hiking trails in Cyprus offer their own unique charm with coastal views and Mediterranean landscapes for those seeking a different kind of adventure.

Lakeside Hiking

It’s a somewhat lesser known fact that Switzerland is also home to a series of absolutely gorgeous lakes, such as Lakes Lucerne, Geneva, and Zurich. These lakes are easy to access and have a variety of leisurely hiking trails around them. You can go for a bite to eat in one of the nearby towns or cities and then spend a nice afternoon for an outdoor stroll enjoying nature.

“First time on the trail? Hiking for Beginners has your back.”

Countryside Hiking

If mountain hiking isn’t really your thing, you may want to explore the rolling countryside and hills of Switzerland instead. The Appenzel and Emmental regions of the country in particular have pastoral landscapes with very easy hikes and lots of villages and farms. For more peaceful countryside adventures, many Poland hiking routes offer equally scenic trails through quiet forests, farmlands, and picturesque villages.

Urban and Historical Hiking

You don’t have to venture far from a Swiss city to go on a nice hike. The big cities of Bern, Geneva, and Zurich all have hiking routes not far out of the city limits, as well as walking trails close to historical sites and parks. For example, you can go for a nice stroll along the Aare River in Bern or for a hike in the Uetliberg Mountain just outside of Zurich.

Weather Considerations For Day Hikes in Switzerland

Since Switzerland has such a rapidly shifting topography depending on where you go, the weather can change drastically between different regions of the country as well.

Springtime in Switzerland is from March to May. This is a lovely time for hiking in the country thanks to the mild temperatures, especially in the lower altitude trails in the Swiss Plateau or close to Lake Geneva.

Summertime in Switzerland hits in June and lasts until August. This is the peak hiking season in Switzerland and offers the best weather for outdoor activities (in general) at both higher and lower elevations. This is the best time to go hiking in the higher mountains.

Fall is from September to November, and temperatures begin to cool. However, the autumn-time weather in Switzerland is still generally reliable and stable, and there are typically less tourists during this time of the year as well. As a result, this is usually a great time to go hiking if you want to encounter less people on the trails.

Winter is from December to February, and despite the frigid temperatures, winter hiking in Switzerland can truly be a magical experience. Many lower altitude trails remain accessible and are transformed into winter hiking paths or snowshoeing routes.

Popular winter hiking destinations include the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden, and Valais. However, some of the higher altitude areas are likely going to be closed off and not accessible.

Flora and Fauna To Expect in Switzerland

As you can imagine, the lush values and high alpine regions of Switzerland support a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Flora of Switzerland

Switzerland’s flora varies significantly depending on the altitude. In the high alpine areas, the most iconic flowers you will find include the Edelweiss (which is known for its star-shaped white blooms) and Alpine Asters (which are known for the royal purple colors they add to an otherwise rocky landscape).

The subalpine zones of the country are dominated by forests consisting of spruce, fir, and pine trees. In the most lower elevations and valleys of the country, there are primarily mixed forests of beech, oak, and chestnut trees. The meadows and pastures in these regions are lush with grasses and a variety of wildflowers such as buttercups and daisies.

Fauna of Switzerland

The alpine regions of Switzerland are home to animals such as the chamois, which is a member of the goat-family and is very adept at navigating and climbing over rocky terrains with ease, and the ibex, which is also a member of the goat family and is noted for its curved horns that are very impressive to look at.

Marmots, which are the largest members of the squirrel families, also call the mountainsides of Switzerland home. You’ll often hear them whistling to warn other marmots of potential danger in the form of foxes, which are the primary predatory animal in Switzerland. Bears and wolves are absent from Switzerland.

Some of the most impressive birds that you’ll find flying above Switzerland’s mountains and valleys include the majestic golden eagle, and the bearded vulture, which has been reintroduced into the Alps.

Walking Holidays in Switzerland

Switzerland is designed for walking holidays that link mountain passes, valleys, and cultural stops in seamless flow. You can hike hut-to-hut across the Bernese Alps, explore lake circuits around Lucerne or Geneva, or spend relaxed days walking vineyard terraces before descending into medieval towns.

Each day offers a new rhythm — steep ascents one morning, riverside strolls the next — supported by excellent public transport and accommodation networks. A walking holiday in Switzerland lets you move through the landscape without stress, focused on discovery, scenery, and the sheer joy of walking.

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Where to Next?

After exploring Switzerland, here are more destinations to inspire your next hiking trip:

• Bern: A City Guide for Hikers — bridges, riverside trails, and surrounding alpine foothills
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Austria — alpine diversity and ridge traverses
• Walking Holidays in Italy — mountain villages, vineyards, and scenic coasts
• Best Hikes in France — Pyrenean, Provençal, and Alpine classics

Wider European Inspiration

• Best Hikes in Norway — glacier valleys, fjord-side trails, and Arctic light.
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Croatia — coastal ridgelines, islands, and forested interiors.
• Alpe-Adria Trail (Austria–Slovenia–Italy) — a long-distance journey connecting mountains, lakes, and cultures.
• Explore More on the KaydeParker.com Blog — practical hiking tips, preparation guides, and inspiration for your next European adventure.

Conclusion

From the challenging peaks of the Swiss Alps, such as the iconic Matterhorn and the scenic Eiger Trail, to the leisurely lakeside paths around Lake Lucerne and the gentle countryside routes of Emmental and Appenzell, there is something for every hiker who comes to Switzerland. As an added bonus, the country’s well-developed infrastructure and excellent public transportation system make accessing these trails a breeze.