The 12 Best Hikes In Switzerland
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Loading... - Elsie Fisher
- 23 Mar 2022
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Home to almost 40,000 miles of carefully planned trails, enough to circumnavigate the world, Switzerland knows how to put a smile on a hiker’s face. Have your choice of high mountain treks or the rolling hills that make you feel tiny. To inspire and get your trip planning started here are our favorite hikes in Switzerland.
Hiking In Switzerland
We have hiked all over the world, but hiking in Switzerland was by far one of the best experiences we have ever had. From well-marked and laid out trails for beginner hikers, to the more advanced multi-day hikes, Switzerland is a hikers paradise. With the Swiss Alps as your backdrop, we can guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Arrived in the winter? Check out our guide to St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism.
1. Zermatt 5 Lakes Hike
In the southern region of Switzerland, Zermatt is a wonderful starting point for a number of memorable hiking trails. If you have time for just one, then you can’t go wrong with the picturesque 5 Lake Trail. The hike combines all the best aspects of hiking in Switzerland, from glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and snowcapped peaks.
But as you wander along the 5 Lake Trail, you’ll be able to capture the mighty Matterhorn looming ominously further afield. It’s the perfect complement to this hike as you pass a series of gorgeous high-altitude lakes. Although chilly, the lakes are great for a swim after you’ve worked up a sweat, while all three offer amazing reflections of the iconic Matterhorn. Before reaching Sunnegga Upper Cable Car Station, stop by the Chez Vrony Hut for a treat.
· Trailhead: Blauherd Cable Car Station
· Distance: 5.6 miles
· Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
· Elevation Gain: 790ft
2. Maanlichen To Kleinsheidegg
Descending through the enchanting Jungfrau region is one of the best family-friendly hikes in Switzerland. Beginning in Maanlichen, the easy trail mostly comprises downhill hiking with gorgeous views of the iconic Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Beginning at almost 8000ft from Maanlichen, a ridge separating Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, soak in the vistas of snowcapped mountains as you start hiking down. Flanked by the Wetterhorn and the ominous north wall of Eiger Mountain, watch the peaks grow larger and larger as you continue to lose elevation.
Before arriving in Kleinsheidegg, take a quick detour to Restaurant Grindelwaldblick for some of the best views of the day, all while treating yourself to a well-earned feast. From Kleinsheidegg, you can take the train to Grindelwald or on to Wengen. Expect the hike time to be within 2 hours, making it a great option for those with young kids.
· Trailhead: Maanlichen Gondola Station
· Distance: 2.8 miles
· Difficulty: Easy
· Elevation Gain: -531ft
3. 5 Lakes Hike, Pizol
We start our journey into the best hikes in Switzerland, with one that showcases stunning nature and vistas without being overly strenuous. The moderate hike begins just out of Zurich in the alpine lakes around Pizol.
From the base, your adventure begins with a scenic cable car ride to the high alpine region where you’ll arrive at Pizolhutte (Pizol Hut). Strap on your boots with an immediate climb to the first of five lakes. The trail takes on the personality of a rollercoaster rising and falling between each lake but is never anything short of jaw-dropping.
For this reason, it’s one of the most popular hiking trails for photographers. The 5 Lakes Hike is accessible year-round, providing ample opportunity to capture the reflection of towering peaks on the turquoise lakes.
Because all the lakes are different, you can expect a variety of amazing photos and views from each one. Although there is some climbing, you’ll find more descent than ascent. So combined with the scenery, it’s easy to see why this trek is one of the best hikes in Switzerland.
· Trailhead: Pizolhutte
· Distance: 6.2 miles
· Difficulty: Moderate
· Elevation Gain: 2460ft
