10 Best Hikes in Switzerland (for All Skill Levels) – Ultimate Summer Trails Guide
Switzerland is a hiker’s paradise with trails for every skill level, from gentle lakeside strolls to epic alpine ridge treks. Discover the best hikes in Switzerland spanning all regions – Bernese Oberland, Valais, Graubünden, Central Switzerland, Ticino, and more – including easy, moderate, and advanced routes. Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned adventurer, these top trails offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
I've personally hiked these trails over the past few summers. Some I’ve revisited multiple times because they’re just that magical. What you’ll find below isn’t just a curated list based on research – these are my actual favorite hiking experiences from across Switzerland, chosen for their beauty, accessibility, and unforgettable moments. I hope this guide helps you fall in love with hiking in Switzerland just like I did.
Panorama Trail – Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg (Easy, Bernese Oberland)
Location: Jungfrau Region, Bernese Oberland
Distance: ~4.5–5 km one-way
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy (downhill walk)
Highlights: Panoramic vistas of Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau peaks; family-friendly gravel path; alpine meadows and cow pastures
Where to Start: Männlichen summit station (via cable car from Wengen or Grindelwald)
Trail Map: Panorama hike jungfrau.ch
This classic high-Alpine walk is often called one of the best hikes in Switzerland for beginners – and for good reason. Starting from Männlichen (accessible by cable car from Wengen or Grindelwald), the Panorama Trail gently descends to the mountain hub of Kleine Scheidegg. Along the way, it offers spectacular views of both the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the famous trio of peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The wide, well-groomed path is suitable for all ages and ability levels, making it perfect for families or travelers short on time. Despite the minimal effort, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery at every turn – wildflowers, distant waterfalls in the valley below, and constantly unfolding mountain panoramas. This easy hike is a must-do in the Bernese Oberland because it delivers huge views with very little work – truly a “wow” experience with minimal effort. It's also among the best hikes in Grindelwald Switzerland for first-timers.
Eiger Trail (Moderate, Bernese Oberland)
Location: Grindelwald area, Bernese Oberland
Distance: ~7 km point-to-point
Duration: ~2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, mostly downhill if done northbound)
Highlights: Iconic hike along the base of the Eiger North Face; close-up views of the glacier-clad Eiger and sweeping vistas across the valley to Wengen/Mürren; alpine wildlife and waterfalls along the trail
Where to Start: Eigergletscher station (reachable via train from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen)
Trail Map: Eiger Trail jungfrau.ch
For a moderate hike with legendary status, head to the Eiger Trail in the Jungfrau region. This point-to-point route runs from Eigergletscher station down to Alpiglen (or vice versa), tracing the foot of the sheer 1,800 m north face of the Eiger. As you hike directly beneath the famed Eiger wall, you’ll feel the scale of this Alpine giant looming over you. At the same time, you’re treated to jaw-dropping views outward across the Lauterbrunnen Valley toward Mürren and down to Grindelwald. The trail itself is well-marked and mostly downhill (if starting from the top), but it is rocky in places with some steep switchbacks – hence a “moderate” rating. Plan for about 2.5 hours of hiking through alpine meadows, crossing small streams and waterfalls fed by glacial melt. The Eiger Trail is often cited as a favorite hike in the region for its mix of dramatic cliffside scenery and accessible length. It’s a fantastic way to experience the Eiger up close without technical climbing, and it pairs well with a trip to Jungfraujoch or a stop at Kleine Scheidegg (you can catch trains at both ends). Don’t forget to look up (safely) – you might spot climbers on the Eiger, or at least understand why this mountain has such an awe-inspiring reputation. It's no surprise that it's often listed among the best hikes in Grindelwald Switzerland.
Hardergrat Ridge (Advanced, Bernese Oberland)
Location: Interlaken to Brienz, Bernese Oberland
Distance: ~24 km
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Advanced (very strenuous and exposed)
Highlights: Knife-edge ridge, views of Lake Brienz, high alpine challenge
Where to Start: Harder Kulm (via funicular from Interlaken); finish at Brienzer Rothorn
Trail Map: AllTrails – Hardergrat Trail
One of the most thrilling and challenging hikes I’ve ever done, the Hardergrat Ridge offers 360° views the entire way, with Lake Brienz shimmering far below and the Bernese Alps towering in every direction. Not for the faint-hearted – this trail is extremely exposed and physically demanding, but the payoff is next level.
Five Lakes Walk – Zermatt (Easy/Moderate, Valais)
Location: Zermatt, Valais
Distance: ~9.8 km
Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Five alpine lakes, Matterhorn reflections, family-friendly
Where to Start: Blauherd station (access via funicular to Sunnegga + gondola to Blauherd from Zermatt)
Trail Map: Zermatt Tourism – Five Lakes Walk
This was one of my most photogenic hikes – with three lakes offering perfect reflections of the Matterhorn, especially early in the morning. It’s a must-do if you’re in Zermatt during the summer.
Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail (Moderate, Valais)
Location: Bettmeralp to Fiescheralp
Distance: ~12 km
Duration: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Views of the Aletsch Glacier, 4,000-meter peaks, high alpine meadows
Where to Start: Bettmerhorn station (via cable car from Bettmeralp)
Trail Map: SchweizMobil – Aletsch Panoramaweg
Walking above the largest glacier in the Alps is an unforgettable experience. I loved how the path constantly revealed new glacier perspectives and felt surprisingly remote despite being lift-accessible.
Caumasee & Il Spir Trail (Easy, Graubünden)
Location: Flims, Surselva region
Distance: ~10 km loop
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Turquoise lakes, Rhine Gorge lookout, forest trails
Where to Start: Flims Waldhaus (Caumasee lift or trailhead by the lake)
Trail Map: Flims Laax Falera – Il Spir Tour
This loop is ideal for a relaxed summer day. Swimming in Caumasee after hiking to the Il Spir lookout is pure bliss. I always recommend this route for travelers exploring Graubünden for the first time. Here is my summary of this amazing hike.
Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail (Moderate, Graubünden – Engadin)
Location: Pontresina/St. Moritz area
Distance: ~6–7 km
Duration: ~2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Upper Engadine lakes, Bernina range views, funicular and chairlift access
Where to Start: Muottas Muragl (via funicular from Punt Muragl station)
Trail Map: Engadin Tourismus – Muottas Muragl Panorama Trail
This is my go-to trail for panoramic Engadine scenery. The light in this region is magical, and the sweeping lake views always take my breath away. If you are around for the weekend, here are some things you can do in the Engadine valley.
Pizol Five Lakes Trail (Moderate, Eastern Switzerland)
Location: Pizol, St. Gallen region
Distance: ~10–11 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Five vibrant alpine lakes, glacial terrain, views over the Rhine Valley
Where to Start: Pizolhütte (via gondola/chairlift from Wangs or Bad Ragaz)
Trail Map: Pizol – 5-Lake Hike
An underrated gem in Eastern Switzerland – the contrast between rocky ridges and aquamarine lakes is striking. I’ve done this trail mid-July when snow still lingered in the shadows.
Stoos Ridge Hike (Moderate, Central Switzerland)
Location: Stoos, Canton Schwyz
Distance: ~4.5 km ridge trail (10–13 km total)
Duration: ~2 hours (ridge only), ~5 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: 360° views, Lake Lucerne, accessible funicular and lifts
Where to Start: Klingenstock summit (via chairlift from Stoos, which is reached by funicular from Schlattli)
Trail Map: Stoos – Ridge Hike Klingenstock-Fronalpstock
This ridge is short but spectacular – I recommend starting early and staying for a meal at the Fronalpstock restaurant. The views are among the most rewarding for such a manageable hike. Here is a summary of our trip to Stoos.
Valle Verzasca River Trail (Easy, Ticino)
Location: Sonogno to Lavertezzo
Distance: ~13 km
Duration: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Emerald river pools, medieval bridges, Ticinese villages and culture
Where to Start: Sonogno (reachable by PostBus from Locarno)
Trail Map: SchweizMobil – Sentiero Verzasca
Every time I visit Ticino, I make time for this peaceful river trail. The blend of clear water, rustic stone houses, and Mediterranean forest is a perfect summer escape.
Quick Tips for Hiking in Switzerland
Trail signage is color-coded: yellow for easy, red-white-red for mountain trails, blue-white-blue for alpine routes.
Public transport is your friend – use the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card for discounts.
Weather changes fast in the Alps – check conditions the night before and again in the morning.
Pack essentials: sunscreen, water, snacks, layers, and a rain jacket.
Download maps offline (e.g., via SchweizMobil app or AllTrails).
Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon storms.
Plan Your Adventure on the Best Hikes in Switzerland
These ten hikes are just a taste of Switzerland’s summer hiking bounty – each route showcasing a different region and level of difficulty, from easy valley walks to challenging alpine traverses. As you plan your Swiss adventures, consider your fitness level, check trail conditions, and always pack the essentials (good shoes, layers, sun protection, and plenty of water). Switzerland Mobility (SchweizMobil) is an excellent resource for trail maps and route info, and local tourism offices can provide up-to-date tips on weather and terrain.
The great thing about hiking in Switzerland is how accessible and well-marked everything is. Many trailheads can be reached by the country’s superb public transport, and mountain lifts often whisk you up to the start of a hike – meaning you spend more time reveling in vistas and less time slogging uphill. Whether you’re gazing at the Matterhorn’s reflection in a still lake, breathing in the fresh glacier air above Aletsch, or resting your feet in an emerald river pool in Ticino, you’ll quickly understand why these are considered the best hikes in Switzerland. And there are countless other trails to explore beyond this list – from waterfall walks like the scenic Seerenbach Falls hike in St. Gallen, to urban-friendly outings like Zurich’s Uetliberg Mountain Hike. Each will reward you with a unique slice of Swiss beauty.
Conclusion: No matter which corner of the country you venture to this summer, you’re never far from an incredible hiking experience. Use this list as a starting point to craft a hiking itinerary that suits your interests and ability. Above all, remember to hike responsibly: stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and carry out any trash. With proper preparation, you’ll be free to soak in the awe-inspiring landscapes and create lifelong memories on Switzerland’s trails. Happy hiking!
