Hiking in Switzerland: Regions and Hiking Areas

Switzerland offers an incredible variety of mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes. With borders to Austria, Germany, France, Liechtenstein, and Italy, it attracts tourists from all directions. Whether you are looking for a relaxed family walk or an easy, moderately difficult, or challenging hike, Switzerland is sure to offer something for everyone. Thanks to the many different landscapes and natural conditions, each route is unique and special.

Classification of Hiking Areas

Switzerland’s hiking areas are structured by landscape regions (the Alps, the Jura, the Swiss Plateau, and Ticino) and additionally by difficulty level as well as themed routes. This makes hiking highly diverse from a leisurely stroll in the lowlands to high-alpine tours across glaciers. The landscape regions are:

• Alpine Region: The Alpine region includes the largest and most famous share of hiking areas in Switzerland. The Alps stretch from west to east across the country and shape around two-thirds of Switzerland, making the hiking offer extremely diverse. The Alpine region is divided into the Western Alps, the Central Alps, and the Eastern Alps.
• Jura: The Jura is a mid-mountain range with gentler elevations and extensive forests, offering a different hiking experience than the steep Alps. The Jura Crest Trail is a very popular route that extends across several cantons.
• Swiss Plateau: The Swiss Plateau lies between the Alps and the Jura. It is characterized more by hills, lakes, and rivers than by steep mountain massifs. Relaxed day hikes can often be combined with cultural or city experiences. A particularly popular hike runs along Lake Constance, for example.
• Ticino & Southern Alps: This Italian-speaking part of Switzerland has a distinctive atmosphere compared to other areas. The Mediterranean climate, steep valleys, and chestnut forests define this region.

In addition, there are 11 central hiking regions to which hiking offers often refer. They cover all major landscape regions (the Alps, the Jura, the Swiss Plateau, and Ticino). The central hiking regions are:

• Bernese Oberland
• Valais (Zermatt)
• Graubünden (Swiss National Park)
• Central Switzerland
• Eastern Switzerland
• Ticino (Verzasca Valley)
• Jura Region & Three-Lakes Region
• Swiss Plateau
• Vaud Alps & Lake Geneva Region
• Fribourg Region
• Northwestern Switzerland

Switzerland has 48 mountains over 4,000 meters high. More than 60,000 marked trails invite you to explore the majestic landscape of this country. This fantastic diversity of hiking areas offers something for everyone—whether you are looking for relaxed moments in nature or athletic challenges. In the middle of summer, you can hike across glacier ice, cool down in the snow, and then swim in a lake in your swimsuit. Later, you can hike through romantic small villages and discover the culinary specialties LINK of Switzerland.

We would like to introduce the 11 central hiking regions of Switzerland’s hiking landscapes to give you an initial overview.

Bernese Oberland

One of the best-known and most popular hiking regions is the Bernese Oberland. Majestic mountain peaks, deep valleys, and tranquil lakes create a beautiful backdrop. The world-famous trio of peaks Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau forms the most impressive view in the Jungfrau region. The edge of the Eiger drops vertically for over 1,600 meters, offering courageous and talented climbers a wide range of opportunities.

The Eiger Trail is a challenging hike that begins with taking the Jungfrau Railway up to the “Eigergletscher” station. From there, it only takes a short approach to reach the famous north face. The trail then runs for about an hour along the foot of the Eiger North Face and opens up views of the Wetterhorn and the Große Scheidegg. Some sections are secured with ropes. With binoculars, you can watch climbers on the wall. You then descend in zigzags to the Alpiglen railway station. Another hike is the Sigriswiler Rothorn Panorama Trail. This is a difficult hike that requires good fitness and sure-footedness. It is best to attempt this hike only if you already have alpine experience. The strenuous route is definitely worth it for the beautiful views and nature scenery.

Valais

Valais is especially known for the Matterhorn. It stretches from the south of Switzerland from the source of the Rhône to Lake Geneva.

The “Five Lakes Walk” in Zermatt offers incredible views of five clear mountain lakes and the Matterhorn. All five lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee provide beautiful reflections of the Matterhorn. The hike is about 9.3 km long and relatively easy. If you are looking for a less well-known hike that is likely to be less crowded in summer, the Saas Valley and the Lötschental are good options. You can expect beautiful trails and magnificent views there. In addition to demanding mountain tours, Valais also offers relaxed valley hikes, making it a great region for families as well.

Graubünden

Graubünden is in fact the largest holiday region in Switzerland and is especially known for luxury vacations. It is also the only canton in Switzerland where three languages are spoken: German, Romansh, and Italian. A major advantage is the opportunity to explore around 150 valleys, 600 lakes, and more than 900 peaks. The more than 11,000 km of hiking trails are a true paradise for hikers. The Swiss National Park LINK is the oldest national park in the Alps and is home to an impressive variety of untouched nature and rich wildlife.

If you would like to take another hike, you can choose the more than 300 km long Walserweg across Graubünden, for example. Of course, there are not only multi-day tours. There are many shorter, family-friendly routes as well. Particularly popular are the circular hikes from Zernez or the hike to Chamanna Cluozza (the only mountain hut in the national park). You may spot deer, ibex, marmots, and other wildlife, which makes the trip especially memorable. If you are unsure which animal you have seen or would like to learn more about the local flora and fauna in general, there are many informative and educational signs.

Central Switzerland

Hiking opportunities in Central Switzerland are incredibly diverse. In addition to easy and difficult hikes, there are themed trails such as the Geological Trail Trübsee or the Raten Trail in the Zug region.

Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) in the heart of Central Switzerland is a stunning hiking area. You can climb Mount Rigi (the Queen of the Mountains) or hike along the Panorama Trail on Lake Lucerne. The route runs from Weggis to Vitznau and is about 10 km long. Numerous rest areas along the way allow you to enjoy nature and take breaks at your leisure. Try leaving everyday stress behind while hiking. The trail also passes idyllic villages and offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Since the path is well developed and suitable for all age groups, it may be somewhat busier depending on the season.

Eastern Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland offers a wide variety of hiking trails. There are different difficulty levels that require different prerequisites. Good basic fitness and experience are essential for some routes, which is why we recommend reviewing the requirements for each trail in advance.

A popular route in the Alpstein range is the Three Lakes Tour, which takes you past Seealpsee, Fälensee, and Sämtisersee. If you would prefer to see an impressive gorge, you can take the Tamina Gorge Loop. This is a moderately difficult hike that requires good basic fitness. The paths are easy to walk, so no special skills or equipment are needed. The 14.7 km long 7-Peaks Tour Flumserberg is considered a difficult hike. If you want a challenge and have good fitness and sure-footedness, this tour is for you. Remember sturdy footwear, enough water, and ideally only do this tour if you already have alpine experience.

Ticino

The Mediterranean and mild climate of this Italian-speaking region creates a special flair. The climate is particularly well suited for hiking. The landscape is very varied, and you can choose between gentle hills and steep mountain slopes. The chestnut forests are also very beautiful to see.

Another highlight is the Verzasca Valley. The emerald-green river and stone houses are very picturesque. The most popular route is about 14 km long. On hot summer days, you can swim in several spots in the clear river water. Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore offer spectacular views on well-marked hiking trails.

Jura

The Jura Mountains feature a beautiful and diverse landscape. Whether you are looking for a strenuous hike, a personal challenge, or a relaxed family trip—everything is possible.

If you want to climb the highest peak of the Jura Massif, Reculet (1718 m), you need to cover 950 meters of elevation gain and 15 km in about 6.5 hours. Once you reach the top, you will quickly forget any effort as you enjoy the fantastic view. The incredible panorama of the varied Alpine peaks and the mystical Mont Blanc is worth every challenging hike. With a bit of luck, you may encounter animals along the way, such as a herd of chamois. If the elevation gain is too demanding, you can shorten the route by taking the gondola. You can complete a hike through the Areuse Gorge in about 3 hours. Along the way, you can expect beautiful natural rivers and streams, enchanting paths, and views into gorges—a highly varied and recommended route.

Swiss Plateau

Even though the Swiss Plateau is one of Switzerland’s regions, it consists mainly of flat and hilly areas. Ice Age glaciers strongly shaped the landscape. Even today, foreign boulders and erratic blocks transported by glaciers can be found in the area and can be admired along various trails.

One way to explore the Swiss Plateau is the “Hoher Hirschberg” loop of 12.9 km, which focuses on views. The Alpstein panorama provides beautiful scenery, and the detour via the Gaiser viewpoint Hohegg is also well worth it. Other options include an easy walk such as the Aare Riverside Path or a more demanding tour like the Panorama Trail across the Jura chains.

Vaud Alps & Lake Geneva Region

The Vaud Alps are highly diverse, featuring plains, mountains, lakes, wine-growing areas, panoramic hikes, ruins, and gorges. You can hike at higher altitudes, watch mountain reflections in lakes, and take vineyard walks. There are even stroller-friendly hikes for young families.

A shorter hike takes you to the Dar Waterfall – Merveille des Diablerets. With 1 hour 30 minutes and just under 5 km, it is an easy hike where you can admire the impressive 90-meter-high waterfall. On hot days, you can cool off by dipping your feet in the water below. A moderately difficult hike that requires good basic fitness and sure-footedness is the Lac Lioson loop. You can expect wonderful views of the lake and great trails through the mountains.

Fribourg Region

In addition to easy walks and demanding mountain and ridge hikes, the Fribourg region even offers the option of a tour around Moléson.

Such diverse flora as on the Gastlosen circular hike is rarely found in the Pre-Alps. The route leads around the Gastlosen chain, whose view already leaves a lasting impression at the starting point. As you hike along, imposing and rugged limestone mountains with vertical rock faces, some over 300 meters high, come into view. In the Stillwasserwald, you will find a rich variety of plant life. This is a moderately difficult tour that not only includes flat paths but occasionally also features small rock steps. A 14 km hike starting at 1493 m is the Breccaschlund Panorama Trail. The Breccaschlund Panorama Trail has a fascinating and mysterious atmosphere. From Schwarzsee you reach Bärghuus Riggisalp at 1493 meters altitude, where the Breccaschlund loop begins. Alpine flowers and grazing cows complete the picture.

Northwestern Switzerland

Of course, there are also short and easy hiking trails, but in Northwestern Switzerland you will definitely find something if you want to hike along a long-distance trail. Examples include the Jura Crest Trail, the Aargauer Weg, the Path of Switzerland, the Via Rhenana, and the Trans Swiss Trail. Of course, there are also many shorter hikes, ridge walks, viewpoints, and old towns to explore.

If you decide to take one of the longer trails, make sure you have the right equipment. This includes suitable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. You should also remember plenty of water and enough food.

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a wonderful trip to Switzerland. Do not forget to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information about toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip more effectively and to display relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will be happy to assist you. Contact us via email.