10 Best Hikes in Switzerland (for All Skill Levels) – Ultimate Summer Trails Guide
- Stefan
- Mar 26
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 28
If you’re searching for the best hikes in Switzerland, this is a good place to start. From easy lakeside walks to long alpine ridge trails, there’s something here for everyone. Over the past few summers I’ve tried many of these hikes myself. I’ve chosen trails that stand out for their views, how easy they are to reach, and the kind of memories they leave you with. Whether you’re just getting into hiking or already spend every weekend on the trails, these are some of the hikes that show Switzerland at its very best.
Best Hikes in Switzerland – My Top Picks
Panorama Trail – Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (Easy, Bernese Oberland)
Location: Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland
Distance: ~4.5–5 km one-way
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy (downhill walk)
Highlights: Panoramic vistas of Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau peaks, family-friendly gravel path, alpine meadows, and cow pastures
Where to Start: Männlichen summit station (via cable car from Wengen or Grindelwald)
Trail Map: Panorama hike jungfrau.ch
This classic high-alpine walk is often considered one of the best hikes in Switzerland for beginners—and for good reason! Starting from Männlichen, accessible by cable car, the Panorama Trail gently descends to the mountain hub of Kleine Scheidegg. Along the way, it offers spectacular views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the famous peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
This well-groomed path is suitable for all ages, making it perfect for families or travelers short on time. You’re rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, from wildflowers to distant waterfalls. It’s also among the best hikes in Grindelwald, ideal for first-timers.
Eiger Trail (Moderate, Bernese Oberland)
Location: Grindelwald area, Bernese Oberland
Distance: ~7 km point-to-point
Duration: ~2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, mostly downhill if done northbound)
Highlights: Close-up views of the Eiger North Face, sweeping vistas, alpine wildlife, and waterfalls
Where to Start: Eigergletscher station (reachable via train from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen)
Trail Map: Eiger Trail jungfrau.ch
For a moderate hike with legendary status, head to the Eiger Trail in the Jungfrau region. This route runs from Eigergletscher station down to Alpiglen. Picture yourself hiking directly beneath the massive Eiger wall. You'll feel the scale of this Alpine giant looming over you.
Treat yourself to visually stunning views across the Lauterbrunnen Valley toward Mürren. Although the trail is mostly downhill, it does feature some rocky and steep sections. Plan for around 2.5 hours of hiking through alpine meadows. The Eiger Trail complements trips to Jungfraujoch and Kleine Scheidegg. It's a fantastic way to experience the Eiger without technical climbing.
Hardergrat Ridge (Advanced, Bernese Oberland)
Location: Interlaken to Brienz, Bernese Oberland
Distance: ~24 km
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Advanced (very strenuous and exposed)
Highlights: Knife-edge ridge, views of Lake Brienz, high alpine challenge
Where to Start: Harder Kulm (via funicular from Interlaken); finish at Brienzer Rothorn
Trail Map: AllTrails – Hardergrat Trail
The Hardergrat Ridge offers thrilling and challenging hikes. With 360° views, Lake Brienz shimmers far below. This trail is physically demanding but well worth the effort. The payoff is extraordinary.
Five Lakes Walk – Zermatt (Easy/Moderate, Valais)
Location: Zermatt, Valais
Distance: ~9.8 km
Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Five alpine lakes, Matterhorn reflections, family-friendly
Where to Start: Blauherd station (access via funicular to Sunnegga + gondola to Blauherd from Zermatt)
Trail Map: Zermatt Tourism – Five Lakes Walk
This was one of my most photogenic hikes. Three lakes here offer perfect reflections of the Matterhorn, especially early in the morning. This hike is a must-do if you’re in Zermatt during the summer.
Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail (Moderate, Valais)
Location: Bettmeralp to Fiescheralp
Distance: ~12 km
Duration: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Views of the Aletsch Glacier, 4,000-meter peaks, high alpine meadows
Where to Start: Bettmerhorn station (via cable car from Bettmeralp)
Trail Map: SchweizMobil – Aletsch Panoramaweg
Walking above the largest glacier in the Alps is unforgettable. The path constantly reveals new glacier perspectives. You’ll feel surprisingly remote despite being lift-accessible.
Caumasee & Il Spir Trail (Easy, Graubünden)
Location: Flims, Surselva region
Distance: ~10 km loop
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Turquoise lakes, Rhine Gorge lookout, forest trails
Where to Start: Flims Waldhaus (Caumasee lift or trailhead by the lake)
Trail Map: Flims Laax Falera – Il Spir Tour
This loop is ideal for a relaxed summer day. Swimming in Caumasee after hiking to the Il Spir lookout is pure bliss. I always recommend this route for travelers exploring Graubünden for the first time. Here is my summary of this amazing hike.
Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail (Moderate, Graubünden – Engadin)
Location: Pontresina/St. Moritz area
Distance: ~6–7 km
Duration: ~2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Upper Engadine lakes, Bernina range views, funicular and chairlift access
Where to Start: Muottas Muragl (via funicular from Punt Muragl station)
Trail Map: Engadin Tourismus – Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail
This is my go-to trail for panoramic Engadine scenery. The light in this region is magical. The sweeping lake views taken in the fresh alpine air are truly breathtaking. If you're around for the weekend, here are some things to do in the Engadine valley.
Pizol Five Lakes Trail (Moderate, Eastern Switzerland)
Location: Pizol, St. Gallen region
Distance: ~10–11 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Five vibrant alpine lakes, glacial terrain, views over the Rhine Valley
Where to Start: Pizolhütte (via gondola/chairlift from Wangs or Bad Ragaz)
Trail Map: Pizol – 5-Lake Hike
An underrated gem in Eastern Switzerland, the contrast between rocky ridges and aquamarine lakes is striking. I’ve hiked this trail in mid-July when snow still lingered in the shadows.
Stoos Ridge Hike (Moderate, Central Switzerland)
Location: Stoos, Canton Schwyz
Distance: ~4.5 km ridge trail (10–13 km total)
Duration: ~2 hours (ridge only), ~5 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: 360° views, Lake Lucerne, accessible funicular and lifts
Where to Start: Klingenstock summit (via chairlift from Stoos, reachable by funicular from Schlattli)
Trail Map: Stoos – Ridge Hike Klingenstock-Fronalpstock
This ridge is short but spectacular. I recommend starting early and celebrating with a meal at the Fronalpstock restaurant afterward. The views from here are extraordinary for such a manageable hike. Here is a summary of our trip to Stoos.
Valle Verzasca River Trail (Easy, Ticino)
Location: Sonogno to Lavertezzo
Distance: ~13 km
Duration: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Emerald river pools, medieval bridges, Ticinese villages and culture
Where to Start: Sonogno (reachable by PostBus from Locarno)
Trail Map: SchweizMobil – Sentiero Verzasca
Every time I visit Ticino, I make time for this peaceful river trail. The blend of clear water, rustic stone houses, and Mediterranean forest provides a perfect summer escape.
Quick Tips for Hiking in Switzerland
Trail Signage: Color-coded markings indicate difficulty. Yellow for easy, red-white-red for mountain trails, and blue-white-blue for alpine routes.
Utilize Public Transport: The Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card offers discounts.
Watch the Weather: Conditions can change quickly. Check updates the night before and again in the morning.
Essential Gear: Always pack sunscreen, water, snacks, layers, and a rain jacket.
Download Offline Maps: Use apps like SchweizMobil or AllTrails.
Start Early: Beat the crowds and afternoon storms.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Hikes in Switzerland
The ten hikes mentioned above are just a glimpse of what Switzerland offers. Each route showcases a different region and level of difficulty, from easy walks to challenging alpine traverses. As you plan your Swiss adventures, consider your fitness level and always pack the essentials—good shoes, adequate layers, sun protection, and plenty of water.
Switzerland Mobility (SchweizMobil) is an excellent resource for trail maps and route info, while local tourism offices can provide tips on weather and terrain.
One of the great things about hiking in Switzerland is accessibility. Many trailheads can be reached by the country’s robust public transport system. Mountain lifts frequently whisk you to the start of hikes, enabling you to soak in the stunning vistas above.
As you revel in the breathtaking views, you’ll discover why these are considered the best hikes in Switzerland. The experiences extend beyond this list. There are paths leading to waterfalls like the scenic Seerenbach Falls hike in St. Gallen, or urban-friendly adventures like Zurich’s Uetliberg Mountain Hike. Each hike rewards you with a unique slice of Swiss beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Hikes in Switzerland
When is the best time to hike in Switzerland?
The safest and most popular season is summer, from mid-June to early September, when most alpine trails are snow-free and mountain lifts are running. Early autumn (September to early October) is also beautiful, with golden larches and fewer crowds, though some lifts may be closed.
What is the closest hike to Zurich?
Uetliberg is Zurich’s “local mountain” and makes for a great short hike with views over the city, lake, and Alps. For a more alpine feel, Flumserberg and Rigi are only about an hour away.
Do I need hiking boots or are sneakers enough?
For easier, well-groomed trails (like the Panorama Trail or Valle Verzasca), sturdy sneakers are fine in good weather. For anything with steep sections, rocky paths, or longer distances, I highly recommend proper hiking shoes or boots.
Can I do these hikes using public transport?
Yes. One of the best things about hiking in Switzerland is the accessibility. Almost every trail on this list connects directly with trains, buses, gondolas, or funiculars. This makes it easy to reach trailheads without a car.
Are short hikes worthwhile?
Definitely. Some of the most rewarding hikes in Switzerland are short — from one to three hours — yet still offer unforgettable alpine views. Not every adventure has to be a full day on the trail.
What if the weather turns bad?
Always check forecasts the evening before and again in the morning. If storms or heavy rain are expected, postpone or pick a lower-altitude hike. In the mountains, safety always comes first.
