Switzerland is a hikers paradise! Home to some of the most stunning mountains and alpine meadows in the world, it should be on every adventurer's bucket list. We spent two weeks in June of 2024 road tripping around this beautiful country. Before our trip, I spent weeks researching the best hikes across the country. You really can’t go wrong with most of the hikes in Switzerland but to help save you some time, I’m going to highlight a few of our favorite day hikes in this blog.
But before we get into the hike details, here are a few things you should know before you hit the trails in Switzerland:
The best time to hike in Switzerland is from June through September. July and August offer the best weather and fully accessible trails, but hiking in June and September can be less crowded and have the added benefits of spring wildflowers or fall foliage. I recommend visiting the last two weeks of June or the first two weeks of September. We visited in early June and while we didn’t run into many crowds, we weren’t able to hike some trails on our list because of late snow and delayed trail openings. Some locals referred us to a weather website called MeteoSwiss (MeteoSwiss Link) and we found it to have the best accurate weather predictions for the entire country, including the higher alpine areas. It’s also helpful to read the recent trail reviews on an app like AllTrails to check current trail conditions and openings before you set off on any trail.
If you plan to travel to multiple places when you are visiting Switzerland you have two main options for transport: renting a car or taking trains. Switzerland is known for its efficient and well-connected public transportation system. You can truly get almost anywhere in the country, including most mountain areas, by taking trains and buses. However, don’t let the term public transportation fool you; everything in Switzerland is expensive including their public transportation. There are several options for train passes (like the Half Fare card I explain below) that can help reduce the cost a bit if that’s the mode of transportation you choose. If you plan to stay more than a week and want to explore a lot of the country, I recommend renting a car. Since we visited for two weeks and visited places across the country, it was cheaper and more efficient for us to rent a car. We also love road tripping and having the flexibility to stop along our routes and explore the beautiful mountain roads we passed along the way.
Researching hiking trails in Switzerland can be confusing. More often than not, when you search a trailhead on your maps in Switzerland it will tell you that there are no driving directions available. This is because many of the trailheads begin from the top of a cable car or mountain train. For each of the hikes I highlight below, I included a link to the location of the base of the cable car or train where your hike would begin. It’s also important to factor these cable cars and train trips into your trip budget. We found that the cable cars typically cost between $15-$30 per person, so if you’re hiking most days they quickly add up!
If you’ve done a bit of research into visiting Switzerland, I’m sure you’ve come across recommendations to purchase the Swiss Half Fare card. The Half Fare card gives you a discount of up to 50% on journeys by train, bus, boat and on most mountain lifts or railways, gondola lifts and panoramic routes across Switzerland. The pass costs $137 and is a great deal if you plan to primarily travel by train. However, if you plan to rent a car like we did, it may not be worth the price. Over our two-week trip, we used our Half Fare cards nine times to access hikes and it only ended up saving us $78 total between the two of us. If you are on a very tight budget and plan to avoid the more expensive and touristy destinations, the pass may not end up saving you any money. For example, if you hiked all six hikes in this article the pass would not save you money. However, if you plan to hike and visit the more expensive tourist destinations like Harder Kulm or ride the Gornergrat Bahn then the pass would be worth it because those tickets can be over $100 per person.
Now onto the good stuff! Here are the 7 best day hikes in Switzerland:
Trail access: The trail begins from the top of the Oeschinen cable car. Cost: $36 USD per person ($18 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The Oeschinen Lake loop (also sometimes referred to as Oeschinensee), was one of my favorite hikes in Switzerland! The vibrant blue water of the lake, surrounding waterfalls and stunning mountains created a place that almost seemed too beautiful to be real. When we visited in early June, the upper part of the loop trail was unfortunately closed due to rain and chance of landslides but we still really enjoyed the lower half of the hike that takes you above the lake’s edge. One benefit of visiting earlier in the summer season like we did is the chance to see the wildflowers! The meadows at the halfway point of the loop were covered with beautiful yellow wildflowers when we visited in early June. Like with most hikes in Switzerland, I recommend trying to hit this hike on a clear sunny day so you can get the best views of the lake and trail conditions.
Trail access: To access this hike you take the Stoosbahnen (funicular) from Schwyz, Switzerland up to Stoos. The funicular is the steepest in the world! From the top of the funicular, you will follow the signs to the Fronalpstock chair lift. Ride the chair lift to the peak and then follow the signs for “Klingenstock” to begin the hike. Cost: $60 USD per person ($30 with half fare card)Google Maps Link: Trailhead
You have probably come across this hike on social media. It is one of the most popular ridge hikes in Switzerland and it’s worth the hype! The 360-degree views that you get while hiking across this spectacular ridge are unmatched. To ensure the best experience, I recommend hiking this trail in the morning when the trail will be less crowded and the skies tend to be clearer. The beginning and end of the ridge hike are two chair lifts called Fronalpstock and Klingenstock. To make the hike easier (and cheaper) you can forgo the chair lifts and hike up and down beneath the lifts but it will add a significant amount of elevation gain to the stats above. We chose to ride up the Fronalpstock lift, hike across the ridge to Klingenstock, then hiked down below the lift back to the town of Stoos.
Trail access: Take the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen to the top station. From the top of the cable car, follow the signs for Aescher Hut to begin the hike. Cost: $27 USD per person ($13.50 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The hike from Ebenalp to Schafler Hut is a classic in the Appenzell region. Starting from the Ebenalp cable car station, the trail takes you past the famous Wildkirchli caves and the Aescher Hut, which is the famous hut built into the cliffside. Continuing on, you will ascend to the Schafler Hut, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Säntis peak and surrounding valleys. If you would like to make the hike a bit easier, you can skip Aescher Hut and hike directly to Schafler Hut from the top of the cable car. I highly recommend pre-booking an overnight at Schafler Hut so you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise from this amazing spot. The hut offers private and shared dorm rooms in addition to hot meals and drinks. There’s nothing better than watching the sunset with a cold draft beer up in the mountains!
Trail access: The trailhead is located at the Wasserauen train station. Cost: Free. Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The hike to Seealpsee is a beautiful and relatively easy hike in the Appenzell region. The trail starts from Wasserauen parking lot and ascends through picturesque alpine meadows to the stunning Seealpsee, a serene mountain lake surrounded by dramatic peaks. On a calm day, the reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lake are breathtaking!
Alt Route: If you spend the night at Schafler Hut, instead of backtracking to the Ebenalp cable car in the morning, you can hike down to Seealpsee Lake and then onto the Ebenalp car park. This way you get to hike a new trail on your way down and you get to see the beautiful lake! The trail from Schafler is almost entirely downhill with 3,000 ft descent so it’s not easy on the knees but you get stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains along the entire trail. If you don’t spend the night at Schafler, you could still make this loop as a day hike but start early because it’s going to be a long day!
Trail access: To access this hike you must first ride up the inclined railway from the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station. From the top station, you’ll then catch a ride up on the Sunnegga chair lift to begin the hike. Cost: $32 USD per person ($16 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The 5 Lakes Trail is a scenic loop hike that offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and other surrounding peaks in the Zermatt region. As the name suggests, this trail takes you past five beautiful alpine lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Each lake offers a unique perspective and reflection of the Matterhorn, making this hike a photographer’s dream. If you want to make this hike extra challenging and a bit cheaper, you can skip the funicular and hike up from Zermatt to the top of the Sunnegga funicular to begin the hike. If you take this route, you’ll can still purchase a one way ticket down the funicular if you’re not up for the long downhill trek!
Trail access: The trail starts from Zermatt town center. Cost: Free. Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The Zermatt to Zmutt trail winds through beautiful lush forests and past traditional Swiss chalets, with constant views of the Matterhorn in the background. There’s also a good chance you’ll see the famous black nose sheep along the trail! Zmutt itself is a quaint village with historic wooden buildings and a peaceful atmosphere. There is one small restaurant in the center of Zmutt where you can take a break and enjoy some local food and drinks before you head back down to Zermatt. We highly recommend their apricot pie!
Alt Route: Instead of hiking, we biked to the town of Zmutt. We rented a pair of e-bikes from a shop in downtown Zermatt for the day and rode all over the area. It was one of our favorite days in Zermatt! With the bikes we were able to cover a ton of distance and even biked all the way to the base of the Matterhorn and the Zmutt Glacier. Zmutt was our last stop of the day so we enjoyed a nice slice of pie and a cold beer before riding down the shared hiking trail back to Zermatt.
Trail access: The Via Ferrata starts in the village of Murren and ends in Gimmelwald. You can take a cable car then an alpine train from Lauterbrunnen to Murren to reach the starting point. The cable car and train tickets are purchased together at the Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp station. Cost: $25 USD per person ($12.50 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
If you’re looking for an adventure and you’re not afraid of heights, you can’t miss this hike! The Murren Via Ferrata is an adrenaline-pumping experience with spectacular views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Unlike traditional hiking, via ferratas involve climbing along fixed routes with the aid of steel cables, rungs, and ladders. This particular route features thrilling elements like suspension bridges and vertical ladders. A helmet, harness, and via ferrata kit are required, and they can be rented from the InterSport Murren shop if you don’t have your own gear. If you don’t have any prior experience, I recommend hiring a guide to show you how to safely navigate the via ferrata.
Extra tip: Email the shop a few days in advance to reserve your gear and aim to get to the shop right when they open at 9am to avoid a crowded trail!
Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes and well-maintained trails make it a paradise for hikers whether you're seeking the serene beauty of alpine lakes, the thrill of ridge walks, or the charm of mountain huts. Despite its higher costs, the unparalleled natural beauty and adventure awaiting you in Switzerland make every penny worth it. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on some of the best day hikes in Switzerland. Happy hiking!
If you have any questions about the hikes in this article or Switzerland in general feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at @carriedawayadventures
Switzerland is a hikers paradise! Home to some of the most stunning mountains and alpine meadows in the world, it should be on every adventurer's bucket list. We spent two weeks in June of 2024 road tripping around this beautiful country. Before our trip, I spent weeks researching the best hikes across the country. You really can’t go wrong with most of the hikes in Switzerland but to help save you some time, I’m going to highlight a few of our favorite day hikes in this blog.
But before we get into the hike details, here are a few things you should know before you hit the trails in Switzerland:
The best time to hike in Switzerland is from June through September. July and August offer the best weather and fully accessible trails, but hiking in June and September can be less crowded and have the added benefits of spring wildflowers or fall foliage. I recommend visiting the last two weeks of June or the first two weeks of September. We visited in early June and while we didn’t run into many crowds, we weren’t able to hike some trails on our list because of late snow and delayed trail openings. Some locals referred us to a weather website called MeteoSwiss (MeteoSwiss Link) and we found it to have the best accurate weather predictions for the entire country, including the higher alpine areas. It’s also helpful to read the recent trail reviews on an app like AllTrails to check current trail conditions and openings before you set off on any trail.
If you plan to travel to multiple places when you are visiting Switzerland you have two main options for transport: renting a car or taking trains. Switzerland is known for its efficient and well-connected public transportation system. You can truly get almost anywhere in the country, including most mountain areas, by taking trains and buses. However, don’t let the term public transportation fool you; everything in Switzerland is expensive including their public transportation. There are several options for train passes (like the Half Fare card I explain below) that can help reduce the cost a bit if that’s the mode of transportation you choose. If you plan to stay more than a week and want to explore a lot of the country, I recommend renting a car. Since we visited for two weeks and visited places across the country, it was cheaper and more efficient for us to rent a car. We also love road tripping and having the flexibility to stop along our routes and explore the beautiful mountain roads we passed along the way.
Researching hiking trails in Switzerland can be confusing. More often than not, when you search a trailhead on your maps in Switzerland it will tell you that there are no driving directions available. This is because many of the trailheads begin from the top of a cable car or mountain train. For each of the hikes I highlight below, I included a link to the location of the base of the cable car or train where your hike would begin. It’s also important to factor these cable cars and train trips into your trip budget. We found that the cable cars typically cost between $15-$30 per person, so if you’re hiking most days they quickly add up!
If you’ve done a bit of research into visiting Switzerland, I’m sure you’ve come across recommendations to purchase the Swiss Half Fare card. The Half Fare card gives you a discount of up to 50% on journeys by train, bus, boat and on most mountain lifts or railways, gondola lifts and panoramic routes across Switzerland. The pass costs $137 and is a great deal if you plan to primarily travel by train. However, if you plan to rent a car like we did, it may not be worth the price. Over our two-week trip, we used our Half Fare cards nine times to access hikes and it only ended up saving us $78 total between the two of us. If you are on a very tight budget and plan to avoid the more expensive and touristy destinations, the pass may not end up saving you any money. For example, if you hiked all six hikes in this article the pass would not save you money. However, if you plan to hike and visit the more expensive tourist destinations like Harder Kulm or ride the Gornergrat Bahn then the pass would be worth it because those tickets can be over $100 per person.
Now onto the good stuff! Here are the 7 best day hikes in Switzerland:
Trail access: The trail begins from the top of the Oeschinen cable car. Cost: $36 USD per person ($18 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The Oeschinen Lake loop (also sometimes referred to as Oeschinensee), was one of my favorite hikes in Switzerland! The vibrant blue water of the lake, surrounding waterfalls and stunning mountains created a place that almost seemed too beautiful to be real. When we visited in early June, the upper part of the loop trail was unfortunately closed due to rain and chance of landslides but we still really enjoyed the lower half of the hike that takes you above the lake’s edge. One benefit of visiting earlier in the summer season like we did is the chance to see the wildflowers! The meadows at the halfway point of the loop were covered with beautiful yellow wildflowers when we visited in early June. Like with most hikes in Switzerland, I recommend trying to hit this hike on a clear sunny day so you can get the best views of the lake and trail conditions.
Trail access: To access this hike you take the Stoosbahnen (funicular) from Schwyz, Switzerland up to Stoos. The funicular is the steepest in the world! From the top of the funicular, you will follow the signs to the Fronalpstock chair lift. Ride the chair lift to the peak and then follow the signs for “Klingenstock” to begin the hike. Cost: $60 USD per person ($30 with half fare card)Google Maps Link: Trailhead
You have probably come across this hike on social media. It is one of the most popular ridge hikes in Switzerland and it’s worth the hype! The 360-degree views that you get while hiking across this spectacular ridge are unmatched. To ensure the best experience, I recommend hiking this trail in the morning when the trail will be less crowded and the skies tend to be clearer. The beginning and end of the ridge hike are two chair lifts called Fronalpstock and Klingenstock. To make the hike easier (and cheaper) you can forgo the chair lifts and hike up and down beneath the lifts but it will add a significant amount of elevation gain to the stats above. We chose to ride up the Fronalpstock lift, hike across the ridge to Klingenstock, then hiked down below the lift back to the town of Stoos.
Trail access: Take the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen to the top station. From the top of the cable car, follow the signs for Aescher Hut to begin the hike. Cost: $27 USD per person ($13.50 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The hike from Ebenalp to Schafler Hut is a classic in the Appenzell region. Starting from the Ebenalp cable car station, the trail takes you past the famous Wildkirchli caves and the Aescher Hut, which is the famous hut built into the cliffside. Continuing on, you will ascend to the Schafler Hut, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the famous Säntis peak and surrounding valleys. If you would like to make the hike a bit easier, you can skip Aescher Hut and hike directly to Schafler Hut from the top of the cable car. I highly recommend pre-booking an overnight at Schafler Hut so you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise from this amazing spot. The hut offers private and shared dorm rooms in addition to hot meals and drinks. There’s nothing better than watching the sunset with a cold draft beer up in the mountains!
Trail access: The trailhead is located at the Wasserauen train station. Cost: Free. Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The hike to Seealpsee is a beautiful and relatively easy hike in the Appenzell region. The trail starts from Wasserauen parking lot and ascends through picturesque alpine meadows to the stunning Seealpsee, a serene mountain lake surrounded by dramatic peaks. On a calm day, the reflections of the surrounding mountains on the lake are breathtaking!
Alt Route: If you spend the night at Schafler Hut, instead of backtracking to the Ebenalp cable car in the morning, you can hike down to Seealpsee Lake and then onto the Ebenalp car park. This way you get to hike a new trail on your way down and you get to see the beautiful lake! The trail from Schafler is almost entirely downhill with 3,000 ft descent so it’s not easy on the knees but you get stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains along the entire trail. If you don’t spend the night at Schafler, you could still make this loop as a day hike but start early because it’s going to be a long day!
Trail access: To access this hike you must first ride up the inclined railway from the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station. From the top station, you’ll then catch a ride up on the Sunnegga chair lift to begin the hike. Cost: $32 USD per person ($16 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The 5 Lakes Trail is a scenic loop hike that offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and other surrounding peaks in the Zermatt region. As the name suggests, this trail takes you past five beautiful alpine lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Each lake offers a unique perspective and reflection of the Matterhorn, making this hike a photographer’s dream. If you want to make this hike extra challenging and a bit cheaper, you can skip the funicular and hike up from Zermatt to the top of the Sunnegga funicular to begin the hike. If you take this route, you’ll can still purchase a one way ticket down the funicular if you’re not up for the long downhill trek!
Trail access: The trail starts from Zermatt town center. Cost: Free. Google Maps Link: Trailhead
The Zermatt to Zmutt trail winds through beautiful lush forests and past traditional Swiss chalets, with constant views of the Matterhorn in the background. There’s also a good chance you’ll see the famous black nose sheep along the trail! Zmutt itself is a quaint village with historic wooden buildings and a peaceful atmosphere. There is one small restaurant in the center of Zmutt where you can take a break and enjoy some local food and drinks before you head back down to Zermatt. We highly recommend their apricot pie!
Alt Route: Instead of hiking, we biked to the town of Zmutt. We rented a pair of e-bikes from a shop in downtown Zermatt for the day and rode all over the area. It was one of our favorite days in Zermatt! With the bikes we were able to cover a ton of distance and even biked all the way to the base of the Matterhorn and the Zmutt Glacier. Zmutt was our last stop of the day so we enjoyed a nice slice of pie and a cold beer before riding down the shared hiking trail back to Zermatt.
Trail access: The Via Ferrata starts in the village of Murren and ends in Gimmelwald. You can take a cable car then an alpine train from Lauterbrunnen to Murren to reach the starting point. The cable car and train tickets are purchased together at the Lauterbrunnen-Grütschalp station. Cost: $25 USD per person ($12.50 with half fare card) Google Maps Link: Trailhead
If you’re looking for an adventure and you’re not afraid of heights, you can’t miss this hike! The Murren Via Ferrata is an adrenaline-pumping experience with spectacular views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Unlike traditional hiking, via ferratas involve climbing along fixed routes with the aid of steel cables, rungs, and ladders. This particular route features thrilling elements like suspension bridges and vertical ladders. A helmet, harness, and via ferrata kit are required, and they can be rented from the InterSport Murren shop if you don’t have your own gear. If you don’t have any prior experience, I recommend hiring a guide to show you how to safely navigate the via ferrata.
Extra tip: Email the shop a few days in advance to reserve your gear and aim to get to the shop right when they open at 9am to avoid a crowded trail!
Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes and well-maintained trails make it a paradise for hikers whether you're seeking the serene beauty of alpine lakes, the thrill of ridge walks, or the charm of mountain huts. Despite its higher costs, the unparalleled natural beauty and adventure awaiting you in Switzerland make every penny worth it. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on some of the best day hikes in Switzerland. Happy hiking!
If you have any questions about the hikes in this article or Switzerland in general feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at @carriedawayadventures