Hiking Areas

Switzerland offers an incredible variety of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. With national borders to Austria, Germany, France, Liechtenstein and Italy, it attracts tourists from all directions. Whether you want to take a relaxed tour with the family, or go on an easy, moderate or challenging hike, you will certainly find what you are looking for in Switzerland. Due to the many different landscapes and natural features, every route is unique and special.

Division of the hiking areas

Switzerland's hiking areas are structured according to landscape regions (Alps, Jura, Central Plateau and Ticino) as well as by difficulty level and themed routes. This makes hiking very versatile – from a leisurely stroll in the lowlands to high-alpine tours across glaciers. The landscape regions are:

• Alpine region: The Alpine region is home to the largest and best-known part of Switzerland's hiking areas. The Alps stretch from west to east across the country and shape around two thirds of Switzerland, which is why the hiking offer is extremely diverse! The Alpine region is divided into the Western Alps, the Central Alps and the Eastern Alps.

• Jura: The Jura is a low mountain range that offers a different hiking experience than the steep Alps, with gentler heights and extensive forests. The Jura Ridge Trail is a very popular route that stretches across several cantons.

• Central Plateau: The Swiss Central Plateau lies between the Alps and the Jura. It is characterised more by hills, lakes and rivers than by steep mountain massifs. The rather relaxed day hikes can often be combined with cultural or city experiences. A very popular hike, for example, leads along Lake Constance.

• Ticino & Southern Alps: This Italian-speaking part of Switzerland has a special atmosphere that differs from the other regions. The Mediterranean climate, steep valleys and chestnut forests characterise this region.

There are also 11 central hiking regions to which hiking offers relate. They cover all important landscape regions (Alps, Jura, Central 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

• Central Plateau

• Vaud Alps & Lake Geneva Region

• Fribourg Region

• Northwestern Switzerland

Switzerland has 48 mountains that are over 4,000 m high. More than 60,000 marked trails invite you to admire the incredibly majestic landscape of this country. This fantastic variety of hiking areas has something for everyone! Whether you're looking for relaxed and cosy moments in nature or sporting ambitions. You can hike across glacier ice in the middle of summer, cool off in the snow and then swim in your bathing suit in a lake. Later, you can wander through romantic little villages and explore Switzerland's culinary specialities LINK.

We would like to introduce you to the 11 central hiking regions of the Swiss hiking landscape, in order to give you an initial overview.

Bernese Oberland

One of the best-known and most popular hiking regions is the Bernese Oberland. The majestic mountain peaks, deep valleys and soothing lakes provide a very beautiful backdrop. The world-famous trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau forms the most imposing sight of the Jungfrau region. The Eiger's edge drops vertically over 1,600 m, offering brave and talented climbers a variety of opportunities

The Eiger Trail is a challenging hike where you first take the Jungfrau Railway to the "Eigergletscher" station. From there, it only takes a short climb before you stand right in front of the famous wall. The hiking trail then runs along the river beneath the Eiger North Face for an hour, offering views of the Wetterhorn and the Große Scheidegg. A few sections are secured with ropes. With a pair of binoculars, you can watch the climbers on the wall. You then zigzag down to the Alpiglen train station. Another hike is the Sigriswil Rothorn Panoramic Trail. This is a demanding hike that requires good fitness and sure-footedness. It's best to attempt this hike only if you already have alpine experience. The strenuous route is definitely worth it for the beautiful views and natural scenery.

Valais

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

The "Five Lakes Hike" in Zermatt offers incredible views of five clear mountain lakes and the Matterhorn. All five lakes - Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee - show beautiful reflections of the Matterhorn. The hike is about 9.3 km long and relatively easy. If you would like a slightly less well-known hike that is probably less crowded in summer, the Saastal and Lötschental valleys would be suitable options, for example. There, beautiful hiking trails and magnificent views await you. In addition to demanding mountain tours, Valais also offers relaxed valley hikes, which means families can also enjoy hiking there very well.

Graubünden

Graubünden is actually the largest holiday region in Switzerland and is best known for luxury holidays. Graubünden is also the only canton in Switzerland where three languages are spoken: German, Romansh and Italian. A huge plus point is above all the opportunity to explore the around 150 valleys, 600 lakes and more than 900 peaks. With more than 11,000 km of hiking trails, it is a true paradise for hikers. The Swiss National Park LINK is the oldest national park in the Alps and is home to a fantastic variety of unspoilt nature and rich wildlife.

If you would like to go on another hike, you could, for example, choose the over 300 km long Walser Trail, which crosses Graubünden. Of course, there are not only tours that last several days. There are numerous shorter, family-friendly routes. Very popular, for example, are the circular hikes from Zernez or the hike to Chamanna Cluozza (the only mountain hut in the national park). There is the opportunity to spot deer, ibex, marmots and other wild animals, which makes the excursion something very special. If you are unsure which animal you have spotted, or want to learn more about the local flora and fauna in general, there are many informative and educational signs.

Central Switzerland

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

Lake Lucerne at the centre of Central Switzerland is a dreamily beautiful hiking area. You can climb the Rigi (Queen of the Mountains) or hike along the Lake Lucerne Panoramic Trail instead. The hiking route runs from Weggis to Vitznau and is about 10 km long. The numerous rest areas along the way give you the opportunity to relax and take in the nature in between, taking a few breaks. Why not try to leave the stress of everyday life behind on this route. The route also passes through idyllic villages and offers very beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Because the trail is well developed and suitable for all age groups, it may be somewhat busier depending on the season.

Eastern Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland offers you a great variety of hiking trails. There are different levels of difficulty that require different prerequisites. A good basic level of fitness and experience are essential for some routes, which is why we recommend checking the requirements for each route beforehand.

A popular route in the Alpstein mountains is the Three Lakes Tour. On this hike, you walk along the lakes Seealpsee, Fälensee and Sämtisersee. If you would prefer to view an impressive gorge, you can do the Tamina Gorge Circular Tour. This is a moderately difficult hike that requires a good basic level of fitness. The paths are easy to walk on, so you don't need any special skills or equipment. The 14.7 km long 7-Peak Tour Flumserberg is considered a difficult hike. So if you want to challenge yourself and have good fitness and sure-footedness, this tour is for you. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring enough water, and it's best to do this tour only if you already have alpine experience.

Ticino

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

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

Jura

The Jura Mountains boast a beautiful and multi-layered landscape! A strenuous hike, a challenge to your own abilities, or perhaps a relaxed family outing - it's all possible.

If you want to climb the highest peak of the Jura Massif, the Reculet (1,718 m), you will need to cover a 950 m elevation gain and a 15 km route in about 6.5 hours. Once you reach the top, you will certainly quickly forget all the effort in the face of the fantastic view that awaits you there. The incredible view of the varied shapes of the Alpine peaks and the mystical Mont Blanc is worth every challenging hike. With a bit of luck, you may encounter some animals along the way, such as a herd of chamois. If the elevation gain proves too much, you can also shorten the route by taking the cable car. You can complete a hike through the Areuse Gorge in around 3 hours. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful natural rivers and streams, enchanted paths and views into gorges. A very varied and highly recommended route.

Central Plateau

Even though the Central Plateau is one of the mountainous regions, it consists mainly of flat and hilly areas. The local landscape was strongly shaped by the ice-age glaciers. Foreign boulders and erratic blocks from the glacial debris can still be found in the area today. You can admire these along various trails.

One way to explore the Central Plateau is the "Hoher Hirschberg" circular route, which is 12.9 km long. The focus of this route is on the views. The Alpstein panorama offers a stunning view, and the detour via the Gais Hohegg viewpoint is also well worth it. Other options include an easy stroll along the Aare riverside trail or a demanding tour, such as the Panoramic Trail across the Jura ridges.

Vaud Alps & Lake Geneva Region

The Vaud Alps are very versatile, with plains, mountains, lakes, wine-growing areas, panoramic hikes, ruins and gorges. So you can hike at high altitudes, admire the reflections of the mountains in the lakes and take strolls through vineyards. There are even hikes suitable for prams for young families.

You can take a shorter hike to the Dar Waterfall - Merveille des Diablerets. At 1h 30 min and just under 5 km, it is an easy hike where you can admire the impressive 90 m high waterfall. On hot days, you can dip your feet in the water below for a little refreshment. A moderately difficult hike, where good basic fitness and sure-footedness are required, is the Lac Lioson circular tour. Wonderful views of the lake and great trails through the mountains await you.

Fribourg Region

In addition to easy strolls and demanding mountain and high-altitude hikes, the Fribourg Region even offers the opportunity for a tour around Moléson.

Such a diverse flora as on the Gastlosen circular hike is rarely found in the pre-Alps. The hike leads around the nearby Gastlosen mountain range, whose sight already leaves an impression right at the starting point of the tour. As you walk along the trail, imposing and rugged limestone mountains appear, with vertical rock faces sometimes over 300 m high. The Stillwasser forest is home to a species-rich plant world. This is a moderately difficult tour that not only features straight paths but also occasionally small rock steps. A 14 km long hike that starts at 1,493 m is the Breccaschlund Panoramic Trail. The Breccaschlund Panoramic Trail has a fascinating and mysterious atmosphere. From Schwarzsee, you reach the Bärghuus Riggisalp at an altitude of 1,493 metres. This is where the Breccaschlund circular hike begins. Alpine flowers and grazing cows round off the picture.

Northwestern Switzerland

Of course, there are also short and easy hiking trails, but in Northwestern Switzerland you will definitely find what you're looking for if you want to hike along a long-distance trail. Examples include the Jura Ridge Trail, the Aargau Trail, the Swiss Path, the Via Rhenana and the Trans Swiss Trail. Of course, there are also numerous shorter hiking tours, high-altitude hikes, viewpoints and old towns to explore.

If you decide on one of the longer hiking trails, be sure to make sure you have the right equipment. This includes suitable hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing, among other things. You should also remember to bring plenty of water and enough food.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural scenery. Please find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.