Hiking in Switzerland

Hiking in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its incredible hiking scene, offering some of the most stunning hiking trails in the world. The country's diverse landscapes, ranging from snow-capped peaks to rolling hills and picturesque lakes, provide endless opportunities for hikers of all levels of experience.

Spring, summer, and autumn are the best times to hike in Switzerland, as the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best. During the spring, hikers should check the snow conditions, particularly at higher altitudes, before setting out on a hike. In early spring, some of the higher altitude trails may still be snow-covered, so it is important to bring appropriate gear such as snowshoes if needed.

Summer is an excellent time to hike in Switzerland, with long daylight hours and moderate temperatures making it ideal for a full day of hiking. During this time, hikers can enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes, including lush meadows, stunning glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.

Autumn is also a great time to hike in Switzerland, with cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage creating a beautiful backdrop for hiking. During this season, hikers can enjoy the stunning colors of the Swiss forests and take in the crisp mountain air.

If you are interested in winter hiking, be sure to bring the necessary gear with you, particularly if there is heavy snow. Hiking in the snow can be challenging, so it is essential to have the right equipment, such as snowshoes or crampons. Skitouring is also a popular winter activity in Switzerland, where hikers can explore the snow-covered mountainsides with the help of skis and skins. You can find more about these activities in the section about winter activities. 

Overall, Switzerland offers hikers a wealth of stunning landscapes and hiking trails to explore throughout the year. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there is always a trail to suit your level of experience, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a hiking adventure.


South-west region

The Alps

Tour de l'Argentine

This hike goes around the mountain Mirroir d'Argentine. Start your day off by reaching Solalex and walking up towards Cabane Barraud (approx 500m elevation gain). You can take it easy and stay here for the night, which is what we did. If you stay, I would recommend waking up early and bringing your binoculars. The place is so secluded, that in autumn we could enjoy the early presence of marmots and chamois! In the morning or directly on the same day, you can finish the circular route with breathtaking views of the Alps and go back to the parking in Solalex. 

Cabane de Baraud

November 2021

October 2020

Lac Bleu

Hiking to Lac Bleu in Valais (approx 1h40 by car and 3h by public transport from Lausanne) is a popular activity that takes visitors through beautiful alpine forests and rocky terrain. The 4.5km trail is moderately challenging and leads to a stunning turquoise-blue lake surrounded by mountains and greenery. 

The trail is well-marked with resting spots, and you can swim and picnic at the lake. Bring water with you as there are no services around the lake.

Other hikes in the Alps - Click on the picture for more details

Lac Taney

St Luc

Half day trip from Lausanne

Dent de Jaman

Dent de Jaman is a popular hiking destination in the Swiss Alps offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The moderate-level hike starts at the Col de Jaman parking lot, with 240 meters elevation gain and taking approximately 2 hours to complete. The trail winds up through the forest and finally on a steep terrain towards the summit requiring scrambling over rocks and boulders. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing and carry plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. At the top, you will be rewarded of this views on the right of Montreaux and, a bit further away, of Lausanne.

June 2022

Autumn 2022

Paccots - Corbetta

Start the hike at Les Paccots and hike up to Corbetta. The hike is a moderate trail with a 400-meter elevation gain. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding valley, the mountains, and the lake. From Lausanne, Paccots is only 30 mins by car. We like coming here sometimes to enjoy the sunset.

Jura Mountains

Gimel

To start your day, go to the Parking du Col du Marchairuz near the Hôtel du Marchairuz (hotel) and begin hiking towards Mont Tendre. It's an easy hike with an elevation gain of around 200m that will take you through forests and ultimately to a stunning esplanade with views of the Alps. During the hike, your kids can play educational games about the ant species found in the area. This is a great option for a relaxing day out.

November 2022

Walks through forest with visit to a historic town

October 2020

Romainmôtier

The Romontier circle hiking trail (30 min away from Lausanne) is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The trail takes hikers through forests and rocky terrain, with cascades offering stunning views. Visitors can also explore the charming town of Romontier, with its medieval architecture and landmarks like the Church of Saint Nicholas, Castle of Romont, and Abbey of the Order of St. John. The hike is suitable for all levels, making it a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Switzerland.

Central region

August 2018

Oschinensee

To reach the beautiful Oschinensee in the Swiss Alps, you can either hike a 3km trail with an elevation gain of approx. 400m, or take the cable car from Kandersteg for a few minutes.

Once at the lake, you can enjoy activities such as swimming (glacier water, always cold!), fishing, boating, and hiking, with plenty of picturesque views of the surrounding scenery of mountains, and the beautiful light blue of the lake. There is also a restaurant next to the lake if you want to enjoy a meal next to the lake.

September 2018

Glattalp

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June 2018

October 2018

Lobhornhütte

Alp Tschilgla


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August 2018

October 2018

Rigi

Hike up Rigi mountain from Rigi Kulm for a scenic walk through alpine meadows and forests, passing Swiss villages and historic landmarks. The 2-3 hour hike rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne. Mountain huts and restaurants line the trail, leading to the ultimate reward of a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape from the summit. Suitable for hikers of all levels, it's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Switzerland.

April 2020

Eastern region

Autumn 2018

Silvretta Glacier

To reach the Silvretta glacier, I recommend a two-day trip with an overnight stay at the Silvretta hut. Begin your journey in the picturesque town of Klosters-Monbiel and hike up to the hut, with an elevation gain of around 1000 meters (so be ready for this, I recommend packing band-aids just in case). The trail starts off flat and gradually ascends after passing a farm. The hut itself is cozy with excellent food, and we even enjoyed playing cards there. On the second day, we continued our ascent to the glacier, passing through stunning alpine landscapes full of rocks and informative placards explaining how glaciers are formed. If you plan to visit the glacier, it's crucial to go with someone experienced and the necessary equipment, including ropes, pikes, crampons, and sturdy shoes.

Southern region