Switzerland is a hiker's paradise, offering some of the most spectacular mountain trails in the world. From gentle paths winding through flower-filled alpine meadows to challenging routes across dramatic glaciers, the Swiss Alps provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The country's exceptional public transportation system and network of mountain huts make even remote areas accessible, allowing hikers of all abilities to experience the majesty of the Alps.
In this guide, I'll share some of Switzerland's most rewarding hiking trails, organized by difficulty level, along with practical information to help you plan your alpine adventure.
Easy Trails: Perfect for Beginners and Families
1. Hörnlihütte Panorama Trail, Zermatt
Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: 200 meters (656 feet)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Best Time: June to October
This relatively flat trail offers some of the most spectacular views of the Matterhorn with minimal effort. Starting at Schwarzsee, reached via cable car from Zermatt, the path gently winds around the mountain's eastern face toward the Hörnlihütte, the traditional starting point for Matterhorn climbers.
What makes this trail special is the constantly changing perspective of the iconic pyramid-shaped mountain. The path is well-maintained and suitable for children, though you'll want to keep them close as there are some sections with steep drop-offs to one side.
Local tip: Start early in the morning when the Matterhorn is most likely to be free of clouds. By afternoon, its peak is often shrouded in mist.
2. Aletsch Glacier Panoramic Trail, Valais
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters (820 feet)
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Best Time: July to September
The Great Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps, and this trail offers spectacular views of this massive river of ice. Take the cable car from Fiesch to Fiescheralp, then continue to Eggishorn for the starting point. The well-marked trail follows a ridge line with panoramic views of the 23 km-long glacier and surrounding 4,000m+ peaks.
The Great Aletsch Glacier viewed from the panoramic trail
This trail is particularly special because it allows hikers to appreciate the immense scale of the glacier from above without requiring technical skills or exceptional fitness. Interpretive signs along the route explain the glacier's formation and its rapid retreat due to climate change.
Moderate Trails: For Experienced Day Hikers
3. Eiger Trail, Bernese Oberland
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: -800 meters (-2,625 feet) (descent)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time: July to September
The Eiger Trail takes hikers directly beneath the imposing north face of the Eiger, one of the most formidable mountain walls in the Alps. Beginning at Eigergletscher station (accessible via the Jungfrau Railway from Kleine Scheidegg), the trail descends alongside the mountain's base to Alpiglen.
While hiking, you'll pass directly under the famous north face where so many climbing dramas have unfolded. Look up to spot climbers on the face—they appear as tiny specks against the massive rock wall. The trail is mostly downhill but requires sure footing as it crosses scree fields and can be slippery when wet.
Historical note: Watch for the memorial plaque dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives attempting to scale this notorious mountain face.
4. Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg), Zermatt
Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: 165 meters (541 feet)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time: July to October
This picturesque trail in the Zermatt region connects five alpine lakes, each reflecting the Matterhorn from a different angle. Starting from Blauherd (reached via funicular and gondola from Zermatt), the path winds through alpine meadows and rocky landscapes, passing Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee lakes.
What makes this hike unique is the diversity of landscapes and the perfect reflection of the Matterhorn in several of the lakes, particularly Stellisee. The trail involves some ups and downs but is generally moderate in difficulty.
The perfect Matterhorn reflection at Stellisee, the first lake on the Five Lakes Trail
Photography tip: Visit Stellisee at sunrise for the best chance of capturing the perfect Matterhorn reflection before the wind creates ripples on the water's surface.
Challenging Trails: For Experienced Mountain Hikers
5. Via Alpina: Engelberg to Meiringen Stage
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,120 meters (3,675 feet)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Best Time: July to September
The Via Alpina is a network of long-distance hiking trails crossing all eight Alpine countries. This challenging day stage takes you from the monastery town of Engelberg, over the dramatic Jochpass (2,207m), and down to Meiringen, famous as the setting for Sherlock Holmes' "death" at Reichenbach Falls.
The trail begins with a steep ascent through forests before opening up to alpine meadows and finally the rocky terrain around Jochpass. From the pass, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Bernese Oberland before descending through the beautiful Engstlenalp with its historic mountain hotel and lake.
Planning tip: This is a point-to-point hike, but excellent public transportation connects both ends. Start early, as this is a full day's hike.
6. Hardergrat Trail (Brienz Ridge Trail)
Distance: 24 km (15 miles)
Elevation Gain: 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)
Duration: 10-12 hours
Best Time: July to September (only in completely dry conditions)
Often described as Switzerland's most scenic and challenging day hike, the Hardergrat follows a knife-edge ridge high above Lake Brienz. Starting from Interlaken's Harder Kulm (reached by funicular) and ending in Brienzer Rothorn (with a cog railway descent to Brienz), this trail demands excellent fitness, mountain experience, and a head for heights.
The narrow trail often has steep drop-offs on both sides, sometimes plunging over 1,500 meters down to the lake. There are few escape routes, making this a serious commitment. However, the panoramic views of Lake Brienz's turquoise waters, the surrounding Alps, and even as far as Lake Thun on clear days make it an unforgettable experience for those prepared for the challenge.
The knife-edge Hardergrat ridge with Lake Brienz far below
Safety note: Do not attempt this hike in wet conditions, fog, or if there's any chance of thunderstorms. The exposed ridge becomes extremely dangerous when slippery.
Multi-Day Adventures: Alpine Hut-to-Hut Treks
7. Tour du Mont Blanc (Swiss Section)
Distance: 170 km (106 miles) total, with the Swiss section covering approximately 45 km (28 miles)
Duration: 7-11 days for the full circuit, 2-3 days for the Swiss section
Best Time: Mid-June to mid-September
The complete Tour du Mont Blanc circles Western Europe's highest mountain through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The Swiss section, from Champex to Les Houches (in France), includes some of the tour's most spectacular scenery, including the dramatic Fenêtre d'Arpette pass and views of the Trient Glacier.
While the full tour is a significant undertaking, the Swiss section can be hiked in 2-3 days, staying in mountain huts or small hotels in places like La Fouly and Trient. The trail combines high alpine passes, lush valleys, and charming villages.
Planning tip: Mountain huts (refuges) on the route require advance booking, especially in July and August. The Swiss Alpine Club operates many huts with comfortable dormitory accommodations.
8. Alpine Pass Route (Via Alpina 1)
Distance: 390 km (242 miles)
Elevation Gain: 23,600 meters (77,427 feet) cumulative
Duration: 20 days (can be done in sections)
Best Time: July to September
The Alpine Pass Route traverses Switzerland from east to west, crossing 16 mountain passes. This classic long-distance trek showcases the diversity of Swiss landscapes, from the eastern Alps near Liechtenstein to the French-influenced west near Lake Geneva.
Highlights include the dramatic Hohtürli Pass above Kandersteg, the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls, and the spectacular Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the Bernese Oberland. The trail can be divided into manageable sections of 3-5 days, making it accessible to those who can't commit to the full three weeks.
Practical Information for Hiking in Switzerland
The Swiss Trail Marking System
Switzerland has one of the world's best trail marking systems:
- Yellow signs and markers: Standard hiking trails (easy to moderate)
- White-red-white markings: Mountain trails (more difficult, requiring sure footing)
- White-blue-white markings: Alpine routes (challenging, sometimes requiring climbing equipment)
Signposts at trail junctions indicate destinations with hiking times (not distances), calculated based on a standard pace that includes elevation gain.
Transportation and Accessibility
Switzerland's public transportation system is perfectly integrated with hiking trails:
- The Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, boats, and many mountain lifts
- Most trailheads are accessible by public transport
- Many hikes can be done one-way thanks to excellent connections
- The SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) mobile app is essential for planning connections
Mountain Huts and Accommodation
Switzerland has an extensive network of mountain huts (Berghütten or cabanes):
- Most offer dormitory-style sleeping and hot meals
- Reservation is essential, especially in high season
- Prices typically range from 60-90 CHF for half-board (dinner, bed, breakfast)
- Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) membership provides discounts
- Bring a sleep sheet (lightweight sleeping bag liner) and indoor shoes
Safety Considerations
Even in a well-developed country like Switzerland, mountain safety is crucial:
- Check weather forecasts—conditions can change rapidly in the mountains
- Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer
- Carry appropriate gear: good boots, rain protection, layers, first aid kit
- Bring sufficient water and snacks
- Tell someone your planned route and expected return time
- The emergency number in Switzerland is 144 for mountain rescue
Best Time to Hike in Switzerland
The hiking season in the Swiss Alps depends on elevation:
- Low elevations (below 1,500m): April to November
- Mid elevations (1,500-2,500m): June to October
- High elevations (above 2,500m): July to September
July and August are high season with the most reliable weather, but also the most crowds and highest prices. June can still have snow on higher passes, while September offers beautiful autumn colors and fewer hikers.
Final Thoughts
Hiking in Switzerland offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, excellent infrastructure, and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll with spectacular views or a challenging alpine adventure, the Swiss Alps provide some of Europe's most rewarding trails.
Remember that the mountains demand respect regardless of your experience level. Choose trails appropriate to your fitness and skills, prepare properly, and always prioritize safety over summit fever. With the right preparation, hiking in Switzerland will reward you with memories to last a lifetime.
