Switzerland's dramatic alpine landscape offers some of the world's most spectacular hiking opportunities. From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging high-altitude treks, the Swiss Alps provide an incredible variety of trails that showcase pristine mountain lakes, flower-filled meadows, dramatic glaciers, and iconic peaks. This guide will help you navigate the best hiking options across Switzerland's diverse regions, with practical advice to make your alpine adventure unforgettable.
The Bernese Oberland: Classic Alpine Scenery
The Bernese Oberland region, home to the famous trio of peaks—Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau—offers perhaps the most quintessential Swiss Alpine hiking experience.
Eiger Trail: In the Shadow of Giants
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starting Point: Eigergletscher station (accessible via Jungfrau Railway)
This dramatic path follows the foot of the Eiger's imposing north face, giving hikers an up-close perspective of one of alpinism's most legendary challenges. Though not technically difficult, the trail features some exposed sections with dramatic drops, making it unsuitable for those with a fear of heights.
The path descends from Eigergletscher station to the village of Alpiglen, offering continuous views of the north face, while the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn peaks dominate the eastern horizon. The trail is well-marked and maintained but requires proper hiking boots due to rocky terrain.
Insider Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon clouds that often obscure the Eiger. The trail is typically accessible from June to October, with July and August offering wildflower displays along the path.
Schynige Platte to First: Panoramic Ridge Walk
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 6 hours
Starting Point: Schynige Platte (accessible via cogwheel train from Wilderswil)
Often described as Switzerland's finest one-day hike, this ridge trail combines extraordinary panoramic views with diverse alpine environments. Beginning at the historic Schynige Platte mountain hotel and botanical garden, the path traverses the Faulhorn ridge with continuous views of both the Bernese Alps and the turquoise waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz.
The trail includes a steady climb to the Faulhorn summit (2,681m) before descending to First, where a gondola provides convenient access back to Grindelwald. Though well-marked, this route demands good fitness and hiking experience due to its length and elevation changes.
Planning Note: Check the operating schedule for the Schynige Platte railway and First gondola, as they typically run from June to October. Start early, as this hike requires a full day to complete comfortably.
Zermatt Region: Matterhorn Majesty
The area around Zermatt offers hiking with views of Switzerland's most recognizable peak—the pyramidal Matterhorn—along with numerous other 4,000m+ summits.
Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg)
Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours
Starting Point: Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station in Zermatt
This popular route offers the quintessential Zermatt experience, connecting five alpine lakes—Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee—each reflecting the Matterhorn in its waters. The trail begins with a funicular ride to Sunnegga, followed by a gondola to Blauherd, where the hiking path starts.
The route descends gradually, passing each lake with varying perspectives of the Matterhorn. Stellisee offers the most famous reflection view, while each subsequent lake has its distinct character and setting. The path ends at Sunnegga, where the funicular returns to Zermatt.
Photography Tip: For the best Matterhorn reflections, visit in the early morning when the lakes are typically calm. The most photogenic view is at Stellisee, worth timing for sunrise if possible.
Hörnli Hut Trail
Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 miles) one way
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2-3 hours ascent
Starting Point: Schwarzsee (accessible via gondola from Zermatt)
For those seeking a closer encounter with the Matterhorn, this trail leads to the historic Hörnli Hut (3,260m), the starting point for climbers attempting the mountain's northeast ridge. From Schwarzsee, the well-marked but steep path climbs through increasingly rocky terrain, with the Matterhorn's east face dominating the view.
While not technically difficult, the trail's exposure, altitude, and sections of loose rock demand good fitness and proper hiking boots. The reward is an intimate perspective of the Matterhorn and a chance to see alpinists preparing for their summit attempts.
Safety Note: The trail is susceptible to rapid weather changes; check forecasts carefully and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate. The hut serves refreshments during the summer season.
Engadine: Switzerland's Hidden Gem
The Upper Engadine valley in eastern Switzerland offers a distinctive alpine landscape with wider valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and the rugged Bernina Range, all with fewer crowds than the more famous regions.
Muottas Muragl to Alp Languard
Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Starting Point: Muottas Muragl (accessible via funicular from Punt Muragl)
This panoramic traverse offers exceptional views across the Upper Engadine valley with its string of lakes and surrounding peaks. The trail begins at the mountain restaurant atop Muottas Muragl (2,456m) and follows a high-level path with relatively gentle gradients.
The route passes through alpine meadows, often dotted with edelweiss and other alpine flowers in summer, before descending slightly to Alp Languard, where a chairlift provides a connection back to Pontresina. Throughout the hike, the Bernina Range creates a spectacular backdrop, with Piz Palü and Piz Bernina (the highest peak in the Eastern Alps) particularly prominent.
Cultural Note: The Engadine is known for its distinctive Romansh culture and language. Many mountain huts serve traditional specialties like Engadine nut cake or Capuns (Swiss chard wraps).
Morteratsch Glacier Trail
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) one way
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1.5 hours one way
Starting Point: Morteratsch station (on the Bernina Railway line)
This educational path follows the retreat of Switzerland's largest glacier in the eastern Alps. Information panels along the route mark where the glacier's edge stood in previous decades, providing a sobering visualization of climate change's impact on alpine environments.
The well-maintained path leads through a pine forest before opening into the glacial valley, with the massive Morteratsch Glacier and its surrounding peaks visible ahead. The trail ends near the current glacier terminus, though visitors should maintain a safe distance as falling ice can be hazardous.
Family-Friendly: This relatively gentle path makes an excellent introduction to alpine hiking for families, combining natural beauty with educational content about glaciology and climate science.
The Walker's Haute Route: The Ultimate Alpine Trek
For experienced hikers seeking a multi-day adventure, the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt represents the ultimate alpine challenge, traversing some of the highest and most beautiful terrain in the Alps.
Distance: Approximately 180 km (112 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 12-14 days
Starting Point: Chamonix, France
This legendary trek connects Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn through a series of high mountain passes (cols) and remote valleys. Unlike the more famous Tour du Mont Blanc, the Haute Route maintains a higher average elevation and crosses more challenging terrain, with several passes exceeding 2,900 meters.
Hikers typically stay in a combination of mountain huts, small hotels, and alpine villages along the route. While no technical climbing skills are required, the route demands good fitness, hiking experience, and comfort with exposed sections and variable weather conditions.
Planning Essentials: The full route requires advance booking for accommodations, especially in July and August. Many hikers opt for luggage transfer services between major stages. The season typically runs from mid-July to mid-September when mountain passes are snow-free.
Practical Tips for Hiking in Switzerland
When to Hike
The primary hiking season in the Swiss Alps runs from mid-June to mid-September, with variations depending on elevation:
- June: Lower trails open, but higher routes may still have snow. Wildflowers begin blooming at middle elevations.
- July-August: Peak season with all trails typically accessible. Alpine flowers at their best, but more crowds and higher accommodation prices.
- September: Excellent hiking conditions with fewer crowds. Mountain huts begin closing in mid-September.
- October: Lower elevation hikes can be spectacular with fall colors, but higher trails may see early snowfall. Many mountain facilities close.
Essential Gear
Even for day hikes in summer, Alpine weather demands proper preparation:
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and good traction
- Clothing: Layering system including moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof/windproof outer shell
- Protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen (UV intensity increases with altitude)
- Navigation: Detailed topographic maps, compass, and/or GPS device
- Safety: First aid kit, emergency whistle, headlamp, and sufficient water
- Communication: Fully charged mobile phone (though coverage may be limited in remote areas)
Transportation and Logistics
Switzerland's excellent public transportation system makes accessing trailheads straightforward:
- The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, and many mountain lifts, often providing good value for hikers
- Many trails can be done one-way thanks to the integrated transport network
- Most mountain railway and lift operations are seasonal, so check schedules in advance
- For multi-day hikes, luggage transfer services are available in major hiking regions
Accommodation Options
Switzerland offers various overnight options for hikers:
- Mountain Huts (Hütten/Cabanes): Basic but comfortable accommodation in remote locations, typically offering half-board meals. Advance booking is essential in summer.
- Alpine Hotels: More comfortable options in mountain pass locations or small villages
- Agritourism: Farm stays in alpine valleys, often offering authentic local experiences
Safety Considerations
Mountain safety should never be taken lightly, even on well-marked trails:
- Check weather forecasts before starting; mountain conditions can change rapidly
- Inform someone of your planned route and expected return time
- The Swiss Alpine Club emergency number is 1414
- Consider travel insurance that covers mountain rescue, which can be extremely expensive
- Respect wildlife and follow all posted trail regulations
Regional Hiking Passes and Tours
Several regions offer specialized hiking passes that combine transportation and experiences:
- Jungfrau Region: The "Top of Europe Pass" includes mountain railways and main hiking areas
- Zermatt: The "Peak Pass" covers all lifts and mountain transport
- Engadine: The "Engadin Card" provides access to all mountain lifts in summer
For those preferring guided experiences, various tour operators offer supported hiking trips ranging from moderate day walks to challenging multi-day treks, with expert guides providing cultural and natural history insights along the way.
The Swiss Alpine Experience: Beyond the Trails
A hiking trip in Switzerland offers more than just scenic walks—it's an immersion into Alpine culture, cuisine, and traditions:
- Experience traditional Swiss hospitality in mountain huts, where communal dining often leads to connections with fellow hikers
- Sample regional Alpine specialties like raclette, rösti, and mountain cheeses
- Listen for the distinctive sound of alphorns or witness traditional Alpine festivals in summer months
- Visit Alpine botanical gardens to learn about unique mountain flora
Whether you're seeking a gentle day hike with spectacular views or a challenging multi-day adventure, Switzerland's network of over 65,000 kilometers of marked trails offers something for every level of hiker. The combination of world-class scenery, excellent infrastructure, and Swiss precision in trail maintenance makes this alpine nation a hiker's paradise.
