Walking in Switzerland

The Best Places to Go Walking in Switzerland

Walking in Switzerland

Step into the footprints of Switzerland and unlock a world of beautiful alpine trails, storybook villages, and hidden gems. Our walking experts have done all the legwork (pun intended) and have handpicked their favourite walks in Switzerland just for you.

Alpine Trails & Hidden Gems

This alpine wonderland is a dream for walkers, with its amazing public transport system and trails that cater to all levels of hikers.  From snow-capped peaks to shimmering lakes and rolling meadows, Switzerland has it all. 

Imagine yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, and rolling meadows. Switzerland has got it all when it comes to natural beauty. And let’s not forget the rich culture you’ll encounter at every step. 

Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Switzerland’s towns, where every building has a story to tell. Admire the traditional architecture, and maybe even treat yourself to some Swiss chocolate - what's a walking holiday without a little indulgence?

So lace up those walking shoes, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to unravel the wonders of Switzerland step by step. Let us be your guide as we unveil the most captivating walking experiences this remarkable country has to offer.

These Handpicked Walks Will Swiss You Off Your Feet

Lucerne: Where Lakes and Mountains Unite

Lucerne, nestled on the banks of Lake Lucerne where the River Reuss meets the lake, is an absolutely stunning city that mixes natural beauty with lots of historical charm. You can take nice, relaxed walks along the lakeside or delve into the lively old town, which is jam-packed with beautiful buildings, cosy little cafes, and charming boutique shops. 

Our Recommended Walks in Lucerne

You won’t want to miss the city guided walking tour - it spills all the beans on the most important landmarks. If you head down to the harbour, you can hop on a lake steamer and check out quaint lakeside villages like Weggis, and Vitznau. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous then you can explore the local mountains - Mount Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Pilatus Kulm. A dream come true for all you walking enthusiasts out there. 

Nature lovers will love the boat ride to Breckenreid, followed by a magical stroll along the Klewenalp Flower Trail. Here, you’ll encounter a magical display of wildflowers that will leave you speechless.

Lucerne is an irresistible destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a stunning walking destination, Lucerne is sure to leave you spellbound.

Grindelwald: A Scenic Alpine Wonderland

Grindelwald boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Bernese Alps. Being part of the illustrious Jungfrau region, this destination serves a heap of walking trails that wind their way through epic mountain landscapes.

Getting around is a piece of cake. Thanks to the convenient network of lifts and mountain railways, you can easily access the most stunning spots without breaking a sweat.

Our Recommended Walks in Grindelwald

One particularly rewarding hike is the Mountain Panorama Trail, a family-friendly route stretching 5.6 kilometres, taking around two hours to complete. As you make your way along the trail, get ready for some jaw-dropping views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Eiger mountains. 

The hike starts at the top of the first gondola, and from there, it’s a visual feast all the way to Grosse Scheidegg. Here, you can indulge in a scrumptious meal while taking in the fantastic views. Amidst the panoramic views, you’ll notice nature adds its own touch of colour with vibrant wildflowers scattered along the paths. A treat for all the senses.

Zermatt: Glaciers, Peaks & Alpine Charm

Zermatt is nestled between glaciers and iconic mountain peaks. It is surrounded by some of Europe’s highest mountains as well as historic homes dating back more than 500 years. For easy access to alpine trails, there is a convenient network of mountain trains and cable cars to carry you high above the treeline.

Our Recommended Walks in Zermatt

5 Lakes Hike

The hike from Blauherd to Sunnegga past 5 mountain lakes is one of the most popular hiking trails of the region and reflects the Matterhorn in its pristine waters. Admire the wide range of alpine flowers along the way, or stop for a swim in either the Leisee or Grünsee lakes.

Blumenweg Flower Trail

The Zermatt Flower Trail is a lovely walk through rocky hills and flower-filled fields leading to an adventure playground and picnic area with a view of the Matterhorn. Along the way, you'll discover interesting facts about the flowers on display.

Kandersteg: Cosy Village Walks

Kandersteg is an attractive alpine village with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The main street is lined with inviting cafés and restaurants, and small shops selling local produce. The walking possibilities are excellent, with trails leading to beautiful mountain scenery in all directions.

Our Recommended Walks

Oeschinensee's Easy Loop

The Oeschinensee Circular Walk is a gentle 4km journey, with a bit of uphill and downhill (about 110m each way), and it usually takes about an hour—unless you find yourself mesmerized by the lake and decide to linger longer.

This lake isn't just any lake; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unreal beauty.
Starting from the top of the Oeschinen gondola station, you can follow the main path that's pretty straightforward and great for everyone.

If you're feeling adventurous, why not take the scenic route via Läger? Whichever way you choose, you'll be greeted by the stunning sight of bright blue water set against dramatic mountain peaks.

Feel free to take a leisurely stroll along the shore, grab a bite or a drink at the lakeside restaurant, have a picnic by one of the grill spots, or even rent a rowing boat for a little adventure on the water.

And if walking's not your thing, no worries! There's an e-shuttle bus that can zip you back to the gondola station every 30 minutes for about CHF8 per person.

Kandersteg to Gasterntal

This is a moderate hike, stretching 8 kilometres with an ascent of about 475m. You'll want to set aside around 3 hours for this walk, though you might find yourself wanting to explore deeper into Gasterntal.

This walk is perfect from June to October, when the trails are at their best. Starting from the Sunnbüel cable car base station, you'll follow a path that hugs the mighty Kander river, cutting through the dramatic Klus gorge. Prepare to be awed by the waterfalls showcasing the river's raw power.

As you meander through a wildlife reserve, the trail will take you up through a forest, opening up to a breathtaking mountain panorama that seems to stretch on forever. The path then eases as you follow the River Kander through the valley, letting you choose how far you want to go.
Ready to head back? You can either retrace your steps or hop on a bus back to Kandersteg (just remember to book your bus ticket in advance).

And if you're looking for a change of scenery, why not do the hike in reverse? Catch the bus to Gasterntal and walk your way back to the village.

Saas Fee: High Flying Trails

Immerse yourself in the cool blue glacier-sculpted peaks and mountain scenery of Saas Fee. Enjoy endless walking possibilities, with free use of most resort lifts and local buses to easily explore the area. For the more adventurous, visit the Rope Park right next to the Valley station, boasting the largest zipwire in Europe.

Recommended Walks in Saas Fee

Alpine Flower Trail

If you enjoy walks that are easy-going but still offer a bit of a challenge, you'll love the 'Alpine Flower Trail' above Saas-Grund.

This trail takes you through an amazing landscape filled with ancient trees and more than 240 kinds of alpine flowers, all within about 3½ hours. It's a great pick for anyone who loves plants or just wants to soak up some peaceful nature vibes.

For animal lovers, a trip up to Hannig is a must. It's a fantastic place to spot chamois roaming free. Plus, there's a path from the top of Spielboden back down to Saas Fee that's famous for sightings of friendly marmots.

This walk offers a mix of wildlife watching and stunning views, making it a perfect adventure for those who like to explore the great outdoors.

Monte Moro Pass

If you're up for a bit more of a challenge and fancy yourself a bit of an adventurer, you've got two exciting options to explore.

First up, you can trace the steps of old-time smugglers and make your way to the Swiss-Italian border through the Monte Moro Pass. This route kicks off from the Mattmark Dam and promises not just a thrilling journey but also a sneak peek into history.

Or, if you're keen to aim even higher, why not venture up to 3000 meters? Starting from the top of the Felskinn, you can trek across to the Britannia Hut. It's a bit of a climb, but once you're up there, the views are nothing short of incredible.

Imagine panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see – it's the kind of scenery that makes any huff and puff worth it.

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