The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Switzerland

By: Kelly Kap Posted on March 17, 2023.

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Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and beloved for its dramatic alpine scenery. From its snowy peaks to crystal-clear lakes, Switzerland’s landscapes are a nature lover’s paradise. Even better, well-groomed hiking trails across the country make Switzerland the ultimate trekking destination in Europe.

Whether you’re looking for one-day hikes or grueling multi-day expeditions, Switzerland is the place to do it. Many trails traverse through scenic mountain ranges, and remote huts allow hikers to rest their legs at high altitudes. When hiking in Switzerland, you’ll trek through epic mountain passes, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and witness jaw-dropping vistas.

Preparing for a Switzerland hiking trip can be a daunting task considering all your options. That’s why we’ve listed many of our favorite Switzerland hiking destinations and provided lots of ideas for you. We also outlined the supplies you need, and when you should schedule your trekking adventure. After reviewing our Switzerland hiking guide, you’ll have a solid foundation to plan your Swiss vacation.

Best time to go hiking in Switzerland

Although it may depend on your exact destination, July to September is generally said the best time for hiking in Switzerland. The warm summer months provide more suitable conditions for alpine trekking and other areas of high elevation. However, always prepare yourself to face snowy conditions when hiking in Switzerland’s alpine terrain. Even during summer, the temperature will never get hot at high altitudes, and you should dress appropriately.

If you’d rather hike at lower altitudes, you can widen the ideal months of your walking holiday in Switzerland. You can trek in the foothills from May to October, and many lakeside trails become accessible during spring. Some of the highest paths may still be closed in June and are covered by snow again by October. That’s why we recommend visiting at the height of summer to have the most hiking opportunities in Switzerland.

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What to bring when hiking in Switzerland

Walking holidays in Switzerland bring you to the heart of the Alps and some of Europe’s most challenging hikes. Before starting your journey, it’s imperative to have the critical supplies to counter any tricky situation. Here’s what we recommend you pack before hiking in Switzerland:

Backpack. A 20 to 30 liter backpack should be enough room to carry all your supplies. We recommend choosing one with a hip belt for extra support.
Water Bottle. Bring a 1-2 little bottle that can be filtered.
Navigational Tools. Pack a paper map, compass, GPS, or combination of the three.
First Aid Kit. Stock your kit with bandages, anti-inflammatories, antibacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes, medications, adhesive tape, and anything else specific to your needs.
Mobile Phone. Save important phone numbers even though you won’t have service in remote areas.
Multifunction Knife. A knife comes in handy for a variety of utility purposes to quickly get out of tricky situations.
Whistle. For emergencies, you want to be able to warn people that you’re in danger.
Headlamp. If you’re in the wilderness at night, never go without a light to observe your surroundings.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and anything you need to refresh between hikes.
Spare Food & Water. Only to be used for emergencies in case your hike takes longer than expected.
Trekking Poles – Not everyone requires them but they help provide stability on difficult trails.
Camera. To capture breathtaking photos to show your loved ones.
A little bag for your trash, always make sure you don’t leave anything out there in nature.

What to wear when hiking in Switzerland

Bringing the proper attire is equally important and inadequate clothing can turn a hiking expedition into a disaster. Weather in the Swiss Alps can be unpredictable, and you must prepare yourself for all conditions. Here’s a list of what you need to wear while hiking in Switzerland:

Several Thin Layers – Give yourself the ability to adjust your outfit based on the current weather conditions. For more information how to apply this well, check out our guide on the layer system.
Hiking Boots – Make sure you have ankle support on rugged trails and solid traction for unstable surfaces.
Waterproof Jacket – Getting soaked at high altitudes is a recipe for becoming sick or risking hypothermia, so keep yourself dry by bringing a waterproof jacket, like the Fjällräven Keb Eco Shell jacket.
Hiking Socks – Bring socks that keep your feet comfortable, warm, dry, and blister-free. Merino wool socks are a great option for any Switzerland hiking trip.
Zip-off Pants – Packs trousers that provide comfort, warmth, and freedom of movement while on the trail.
Gloves – Prevent your hands from being exposed to frigid temperatures.
Hat – Protect your head, face, ears, and neck from the intense sunlight at high altitudes.
Sunglasses – Shield your eyes from the sun’s rays.

Hut to hut hiking in Switzerland

If you’re looking for a multi-day hiking expedition in Switzerland, hut to hut hiking is a fantastic option. Switzerland’s mountain huts are placed on remote trails to offer hikers simple accommodations to relax before continuing their journeys. You can reenergize without making a detour to the nearest town for supplies. There are over 150 Swiss mountain huts and shelters that give dozens of multi-day trekkers refuge on their alpine adventures.

Starting at the San Bernardino Pass, the Sentiero Alpino Calanca is a life-changing route that courses through the remote alpine wilderness and passes several cozy mountain huts. The Tour des Muverans forms a 52 km loop that tackles mountain passes, alpine lakes, and lets you sleep above the treeline. You can also trek sections of the world-renowned Via Alpina and turn them into thrilling hut to hut hikes.

Via Ferrata

The Via Ferrata is such a thrilling hiking adventure that it deserved a section by itself. Commonly found within the Swiss Alps, the Via Ferrata is a climbing route that allows you to ascend ladders and staircases from a cliff face. You’ll wear a harness and always clip yourself into a wire for safety while dangling above the valley. Although other countries might have one Via Ferrata route, Switzerland has several routes that provide an exhilarating challenge.

The Mürren to Gimmelwald Via Ferrata is one of the most daring hiking expeditions in Switzerland. High above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you walk across tightropes, ascend steep ladders, and hike with your heads in the clouds. Crank up the adrenaline on the Via Ferrata Fürenalp and climb up the rugged mountain face. Surrounded by serrated peaks, you conquer the steep incline with hanging ladders, crosswalks, and metal rungs.

Do you want a break from hiking? Check out our cycling guide for Switzerland.

9 best areas in Switzerland to go hiking

1. Appenzell

Situated in northeast Switzerland, the Appenzell District lets you escape the more crowded hiking hotspots. Since the Appenzell Alps are separated from the busier subranges, you’re more likely to hike amongst the locals. The authentic region enchants visitors with its classic Swiss chalets and reveals some of Switzerland’s most rugged mountain vistas.

The Lisengrat ridge route spans the region’s two highest mountain peaks and offers stunning views of the Alpstein range. For lakeside vistas, tackle the 17 km Alpstein Three Lakes Hike that includes multiple challenging climbs. To fully capture Appenzell’s beauty, hike to the Saxer Lücke viewpoint and marvel at the geologic wonder. You can reach Saxer Lücke by trekking roughly 16 km or hitching a ride on the Staubern cable car to save time.