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Published on December 29, 2025

Best Swiss Hikes: 15 Day Hikes in the Alps

Switzerland, a land synonymous with majestic mountains and pristine alpine landscapes, offers an unparalleled hiking experience. From gentle strolls through flower-filled meadows to challenging ascents with panoramic vistas, the Swiss Alps are a hiker's paradise. Lace up your boots and discover some of the most breathtaking trails this iconic country has to offer.

Preparing for Your Swiss Alpine Adventure

Before embarking on any Swiss hike, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Weather in the Alps can change rapidly, so layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and rain gear are essential. Always carry enough water, snacks, a map, and a fully charged phone. Check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before you set out, especially for higher altitude routes.

Tip:Many Swiss mountain railways and cable cars offer fantastic access to trailheads, often saving hours of initial ascent and allowing more time for scenic traversing.

Our Top 15 Day Hikes in the Swiss Alps

1. Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg Panorama Trail

  • Location:Jungfrau Region, near Lauterbrunnen Valley and Interlaken
  • Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
  • Duration:1.5-2 hours
  • Highlights:Gentle downhill path with iconic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Perfect for families.

This well-maintained trail offers postcard-perfect views without demanding strenuous effort. Start with a cable car ride to Männlichen, then enjoy the gentle descent towards Kleine Scheidegg, a hub for mountain railways.

2. Five Lakes Walk (Zermatt)

  • Location:Zermatt, with views of The Matterhorn
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Duration:2.5-3 hours
  • Highlights:Reflection of the Matterhorn in pristine alpine lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee).

A classic Zermatt hike, this trail takes you past five stunning lakes, each offering unique perspectives of the iconic Matterhorn. The crystal-clear waters provide incredible photo opportunities.

3. Eiger Trail (Grindelwald)

  • Location:Jungfrau Region, starting near Eigergletscher station
  • Difficulty:Moderate to Challenging
  • Duration:2.5-3.5 hours
  • Highlights:Hike directly beneath the famous Eiger North Face, offering insights into mountaineering history.

This dramatic trail provides an up-close experience with the Eiger. Descending from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen, you'll walk along the base of the imposing North Face, passing waterfalls and enjoying spectacular views.

4. Oeschinensee Lake Circuit (Kandersteg)

  • Location:Bernese Oberland
  • Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
  • Duration:1-2 hours (around the lake) or longer for higher trails
  • Highlights:UNESCO World Heritage site, stunning turquoise lake, rowing boats, alpine coaster.

Accessible by gondola from Kandersteg, Oeschinensee is a magnificent alpine lake. A leisurely walk around its shores offers serene beauty, while higher trails provide more challenging options and incredible views down to the lake.

5. Rigi Kulm Panorama Trail (near Lucerne)

  • Location:Central Switzerland, easily accessible from Lucerne
  • Difficulty:Easy
  • Duration:1 hour (summit walk)
  • Highlights:360-degree views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and the Alps.

Known as the "Queen of the Mountains," Mount Rigi is a fantastic accessible peak. Take the cogwheel train or cable car to Rigi Kulm and enjoy easy, paved paths with breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

6. Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (Lake Geneva)

  • Location:Vaud canton, overlooking Lake Geneva, near Lausanne
  • Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
  • Duration:2-4 hours (various routes)
  • Highlights:UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, stunning lake views, wine tasting opportunities.

Hike through picturesque terraced vineyards, a testament to centuries of winemaking. The trails offer gentle slopes, charming villages, and incredible vistas of Lake Geneva and the French Alps beyond. Don't miss a stop at a local cellar.

7. Monte San Salvatore (Lugano)

  • Location:Ticino, overlooking Lugano
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Duration:1.5-2 hours (round trip from summit)
  • Highlights:Funicular access, panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains.

After a scenic funicular ride, explore the trails around the summit of Monte San Salvatore. The views are spectacular, stretching across Lugano, its lake, and into Italy, making for a perfect half-day adventure.

8. Trift Bridge Hike (Gadmen)

  • Location:Bernese Oberland
  • Difficulty:Moderate to Challenging
  • Duration:3-4 hours (round trip from cable car)
  • Highlights:One of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps, views of Trift Glacier.

This thrilling hike leads to the impressive Trift Bridge, suspended 100 meters above the Triftsee lake. The trail involves some steep sections but rewards hikers with incredible views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.

9. Pizol 5-Lakes Hike (Wangsersee - Pizolhütte)

  • Location:Eastern Switzerland
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Duration:4-5 hours
  • Highlights:Five shimmering alpine lakes, diverse landscapes, and views of the Glarus Alps.

A true gem, this circular hike connects five beautiful mountain lakes, each with its own character. The trail is well-marked and offers a diverse range of scenery, from rocky terrain to lush meadows.

10. Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail (Bettmeralp/Fiescheralp)

  • Location:Valais, UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
  • Duration:2-4 hours (various sections)
  • Highlights:Unobstructed views of the Great Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.

Access points like Bettmeralp or Fiescheralp lead to trails offering spectacular viewpoints over the immense Aletsch Glacier. The Marjelensee viewpoint is particularly stunning, providing an epic perspective on this natural wonder.

11. Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (Randa)

  • Location:Valais, near Zermatt
  • Difficulty:Challenging (as part of Europaweg)
  • Duration:6-8 hours (full Europaweg section), or 2 hours to the bridge from Randa
  • Highlights:Cross the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, stunning mountain views.

While the entire Europaweg is a multi-day hike, you can access the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge as a challenging day trip from Randa. The bridge itself is an architectural marvel, offering exhilarating views into the valley below.

12. Verzasca Valley Sentierone (Valle Verzasca)

  • Location:Ticino,Valle Verzasca
  • Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
  • Duration:3-5 hours (various sections)
  • Highlights:Emerald green river, Roman bridge (Ponte dei Salti), charming villages, unique rock formations.

Follow the "Sentierone" path along the incredibly clear, emerald waters of the Verzasca River. This picturesque valley is famous for its natural beauty and the iconic double-arched Ponte dei Salti, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.

13. Bernina Pass (near St. Moritz)

  • Location:Graubünden, close to St. Moritz
  • Difficulty:Moderate
  • Duration:3-5 hours (various routes)
  • Highlights:High alpine pass, glaciers, turquoise lakes (Lago Bianco, Lej Pitschen), and the UNESCO-listed Bernina Railway.

Explore the stunning high-alpine landscape around the Bernina Pass. Trails here offer close-up views of glaciers, vibrant blue lakes, and often parallel the famous Bernina Express railway line, a marvel of engineering.

14. First Cliff Walk & Bachalpsee (Grindelwald)

  • Location:Jungfrau Region, near Interlaken
  • Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
  • Duration:2-3 hours (including Cliff Walk and lake visit)
  • Highlights:Thrilling cliff walk, reflective Bachalpsee lake, panoramic views of the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn.

Take the gondola to Grindelwald-First. Experience the exhilarating First Cliff Walk by Tissot, then continue on a relatively flat path to the stunning Bachalpsee, a pristine alpine lake famous for reflecting the surrounding peaks.

15. Pilatus Golden Round Trip (near Lucerne)

  • Location:Central Switzerland, accessible from Lucerne
  • Difficulty:Easy (summit trails)
  • Duration:1-2 hours (summit walks), full round trip is a day affair
  • Highlights:World's steepest cogwheel railway, panoramic views, dragon legends.

While the "Golden Round Trip" combines various transport methods, the summit of Mount Pilatus offers easy walking trails and viewing platforms with magnificent vistas over Lucerne and the surrounding lakes and mountains. Keep an eye out for alpine ibex!

General Swiss Hiking Tips

  • Signage:Swiss trails are excellently marked with yellow signs indicating destinations and estimated walking times. Red and white markings indicate mountain trails, while blue and white signify alpine routes (requiring mountaineering experience).
  • Hydration:Carry sufficient water. Many mountain huts offer refreshments and water refills.
  • Footwear:Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are crucial for uneven terrain.
  • Sun Protection:The sun at altitude is strong; use sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Respect Nature:Stay on marked trails, take your rubbish with you, and do not disturb wildlife.

Whether you seek a challenging ascent or a leisurely stroll through breathtaking scenery, Switzerland's Alps offer an unforgettable hiking experience for every level. Choose your adventure and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of this alpine wonderland.