Switzerland, a country synonymous with majestic peaks and storybook mountain villages, is a paradise for hikers. Boasting one of the most well-maintained and extensive trail networks in the world, this alpine wonderland offers routes for every type of outdoor adventurer.
What sets hiking in Switzerland apart is not just the heart-stopping scenery but the trail accessibility. With cable cars, cogwheel trains, and impeccably marked trails, Switzerland invites travelers to explore its heights with ease and confidence.
However, the byproduct of greater accessibility is high-trafficked hiking trails. For us, hiking loses its appeal when trails are milling with hordes of people. For that reason, our Swiss Alps hiking guide mostly highlights lesser-known trails like the Stanserhorn-Engelberg ridge hike near Lucerne, Edelweissweg Trail starting in Zermatt, and the Marwees Ridge Trail in Appenzell.
From thrilling hut-to-hut treks to leisurely day hikes with show-stopping views, these hikes promise to leave you spellbound.
- Swiss Alps Hiking Season: June – September (October), depending on snow conditions.
- Trail Updates and Closures: Check the current trail status of hiking trails on the swisstopo mobile app, or wegwandern.ch.
- Transit: All hikes in our guide are reachable with public transit. Use the sbb website to plan transit journeys to trailheads. Buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card to get 50% off all public transportation (trains, boats, and buses) and most cableways.
- Weather: Use the meteoswiss app to monitor the weather.
- Hiking Trail Difficulty: The Swiss Alpine Club developed the SAC hiking scale (T1 – T6) that denotes the difficulty of hiking trails, based on terrain, gradients, exposure, experience, gear and equipment needed, and safety precautions. Most mountain hiking trails are scored T2, or T3. T4 and T5 are only suitable for experts.
- Self-Guided Swiss Treks: Tour des Combins (Switzerland and Italy), Bernese Oberland Traverse (Switzerland), Walker’s Haute Route (France and Switzerland)
1. Walenpfad Panorama Trail, Engelberg
The Walenpfad Panorama Trail is a high trail that wraps around the western flank of the Walenstöcke massif, high above Engelberg Valley, in the Uri Alps of Central Switzerland.
This point-to-point hiking trail runs between the Engelberg-Ristis Cableway mountain station (or Brunnihütte) and the Fell-Chrüzhütte cableway mountain station. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with grandiose views of Titlis, the Stanserhorn-Engelberg Ridge, and the Walenstöcke peaks, which tower above idyllic pastureland.
It’s an extraordinary day hike that unfolds like a three-act play with a discernible beginning, middle, and end, each deliriously beautiful.
Base yourself in the charming town of Engelberg for this hike: Ski Lodge Engelberg (budget), Hotel Bellevue-Terminus (midrange – top choice), H+ Hotel & SPA Engelberg (midrange), or Hotel Alpenclub (luxury).
Starting Point | Brunnihütte, accessible by cableways from Engelberg
Ending Point | Fell-Chrüzhütte cableway mountain station
Distance | 10.3 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4 hours
Difficulty | Moderate (T2)
Recommended Itinerary | 5-Day Lucerne – Engelberg Itinerary
2. 2-Day Stanserhorn – Engelberg Ridge Trail, Lake Lucerne Region
The 2-day Stanserhorn – Engelberg Ridge Trail is an adventurous hike that traces the crest that soars between Engelberg Valley and Sarner Valley in the Uri Alps of Central Switzerland, near Lucerne.
This 26.6 km point-to-point hike starts atop Mount Stanserhorn and ends in the charming town of Engelberg.
To reach Mount Stanserhorn, hikers must first travel to Stans, a 20-minute train ride from Lucerne. Stans is connected to Mount Stanserhorn by the Stanserhorn Standseilbahn (funicular) and CabriO-Bahn (aerial cableway).
Due to the length and difficulty of the route, hikers divide the trail into 2 stages by staying overnight in Alp Laucheren (tents and meals provided).
We loved this off-the-beaten-path hike near Lucerne, because of the solitude, the authenticity of Alp Laucheren, and the varied scenery.
Find out how to integrate this 2-day trek in a hiking-themed Lake Lucerne Region itinerary.
Trailhead | Stanserhorn, accessible by cableways from Stans.
Distance | 26.6 km point to point
Time Needed | 2 days
Difficulty | Difficult (T3). Stage 2 requires stamina, comfort with exposure, and surefootedness.
3. Edelweissweg – Höhbalmen Hike, Zermatt
Rising from the town center of Zermatt, the Edelweissweg climbs relentlessly to the sprawling Höhbalmen plateau, home to what many consider the finest perspective of the iconic Matterhorn. In summer, lucky hikers may spot Valais blacknose sheep.
After conquering the challenging ascent, the trail unfolds into a heavenly high-altitude balcony path, offering sweeping views of the Matterhorn’s North Face and the Monte Rosa massif.
Spanning seven hours (excluding breaks), this demanding day hike remains blissfully uncrowded, thanks to its considerable length and the absence of ski infrastructure.
Edelweissweg is the best hike in Zermatt and truly one of the most memorable hikes in the Swiss Alps.
When planning a hiking trip to Zermatt, stay in the town center: Haus Zer Weidu (budget), Jolimont Apartments (midrange), Hotel Bristol (midrange), Schweizerhof Zermatt (luxury), and The Omnia (luxury). Read our Zermatt accommodation guide for more tips on where to stay.
Trailhead | Zermatt Town Center
Distance | 17.5 km circuit
Time Needed | 7-8 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult (T2-T3)
Recommended Itinerary | Zermatt Itinerary
4. Gornergrat to Lake Riffelsee and Riffelalp, Zermatt
High above Zermatt, the Gornergrat ridge offers an extraordinary panorama of the Gorner Glacier, the iconic Matterhorn (4478 m), and Dufourspitze (4634 m), Switzerland’s highest peak.
Accessing Gornergrat is effortless: simply board the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt, a 40-minute journey that culminates in awe-inspiring alpine vistas.
After soaking in the views from the observation deck behind the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, we suggest descending on foot to the picturesque Lake Riffelsee, continuing further to Riffelberg, or even Riffelalp. With multiple railway stations along the trail, you can seamlessly customize your hike to suit your schedule.
For detailed guidance on the Gornergrat train and hiking routes, consult our comprehensive Gornergrat hiking guide.
Starting Point | Gornergrat
Ending Point | Riffelalp
Distance | 7.3 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 3 hours
Difficulty | Moderate (T2)
5. Tuftener High Trail, Zermatt
The Tuftener High Trail is a stunning balcony path that seamlessly connects Täschalp with Tufteren, tracing the final leg of the iconic Europaweg.
Offering uninterrupted views of the majestic Matterhorn, this gentle hike traverses the eastern slopes of the Mattertal Valley, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both beauty and ease.
From the idyllic hamlet of Tufteren, the trail joins the enchanting Blumenweg, leading to Sunnegga. From here, hikers can descend to Zermatt aboard the Sunnegga funicular—or better yet, extend the adventure to Findeln.
Along the way, indulge in an unforgettable mountainside lunch at Paradise, Chez Vrony, or Findlerhof, where gourmet cuisine pairs with breathtaking alpine panoramas.
This 12.2 km journey from Täschalp to Zermatt takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
For all the details on reaching the trailhead and planning your hike, consult our Tuftener High Trail guide.
Starting Point | Täschalp
Ending Point | Zermatt
Distance | 12.2 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4 hours
Difficulty | Easy-Moderate (T2)
6. Hoher Kasten – Saxer Lücke – Fälensee Circuit Trail, Appenzell
Saxer Lücke (1650 m), a gap along the eastern ridge of the Alpstein Mountains, is a historic mountain pass linking the Rhine Valley with Appenzellerland.
Once traversed by mule caravans from the village of Sax to Brülisau, this striking destination is now a magnet for hikers in search of Alpine grandeur.
The most scenic approach to Saxer Lüke begins at Hoher Kasten peak, accessible via cable car from Brülisau.
From this panoramic summit, the Geological Panorama Trail leads hikers across the undulating eastern ridge to Berggasthaus Staubern, before continuing down to Saxer Lücke in a captivating 3:20-hour journey.
As you near the famous pass, the jagged Kreuzberge spires come into view, an awe-inspiring string of eight pearl-colored pinnacles that form one of Switzerland’s most iconic photo backdrops.
From Saxer Lücke, the trail descends to the serene Lake Fählensee, where Berggasthaus Bollenwees offers a perfect spot for a lakeside lunch.
Fählensee epitomizes the Alpstein’s otherworldly beauty, its tranquil waters cradled by a dramatic amphitheater of serrated peaks.
The descent to Brülisau, while scenic, is a 2-hour trek along farm roads that passes Lake Sämtisersee and Berggasthaus Plattenbödeli. This stretch is deceptively taxing on the knees, so prepare for a challenging but rewarding finish.
Read our Hoher Kasten-Saxer Lücke hiking guide for a complete description.
Either stay in Appenzell Village in Hotel Appenzell (midrange), or Adler Hotel (midrange), or in Weissbad in Hotel Hof Weissbad (luxury).
Trailhead | Brülisau / Hoher Kasten Mountain Station
Distance | 19.3 km point-to-point (circuit with cableway ascent)
Time Needed | 6 hours
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult (T2)
7. Marwees Ridge Hike, Appenzell
Marwees is the mountain that rises between the shimmering Lake Seealpsee and the secluded Widderalp Valley in the Alpstein massif of Appenzell.
For those seeking both challenge and reward, the Marwees Ridge Trail stands out as an unforgettable adventure and, without question, our favorite day hike in the region.
Given the steep and exposed character of the trail, Marwees is best tackled in dry, stable weather conditions.
Starting at the paragliding landing area near the Wasserauen car park, the trail initially ascends in the direction of Klein-Hütten, like the Lake Seealpsee path. At the Klein-Hütten junction, the Marwees trail veers left, climbing steadily to the Bogartenlücke saddle.
From here, the route intensifies, ascending sharply through a rugged channel before traversing the slopes of Marwees. A final push leads to the eastern summit, where the true magic begins: a breathtaking ridge walk that stretches across the narrow spine of Marwees.
The ridge offers unparalleled views of Alpstein’s iconic peaks, including Widderalpstöck, Hundstein, Altmann, Ebenalp, and Schäfler, all rising dramatically around you. The trail skirts the highest point of the mountain before descending towards the Widderalpsattel and Bötzelsattel saddles, eventually arriving at the picturesque Meglisalp. Here, the charming mountain inn offers delicious food and drinks to hungry hikers.
After a well-deserved break at Meglisalp, the trail descends to the picture-perfect Lake Seealpsee and back to Wasserauen, leaving you with a true sense of accomplishment.
Read our Marwees trail guide for more helpful information.
Trailhead | Wasserauen
Distance | 14.5 km circuit
Time Needed | 6:45 hours
Difficulty | Difficult (T3)
8. 3-Day Alpstein High Trail, Appenzell
Defined by dramatic vertical spires and idyllic storybook landscapes, the Alpstein is a wondrous limestone massif in the Appenzell Alps of northeastern Switzerland.
While its compact size makes it ideal for day hikes, a truly immersive way to experience the Alpstein is through a 3-day hut-to-hut trek. Our suggested point-to-point route, which we call the Alpstein High Trail, begins in Wasserauen and concludes at Hoher Kasten above Brülisau, threading together the most iconic landscapes and highlights of Appenzellerland.
On day 1, the trail links Lake Seealpsee and the cliffside Aescher mountain inn with the airy Schäfler ridge and the awe-inspiring Altenalp Towers.
It continues to the region’s highest peak, Mount Säntis, before traversing the exhilarating Lisengrat ridge. After a break, or overnight stay at the Rotsteinpass mountain inn, the path continues to Zwinglipass and Saxer Lücke, where you can marvel at the towering Kreuzberge spires.
For those craving additional adventure, it’s posisble to detour to Lake Fählensee and the summits of Altmann and Mutschen.
Starting Point | Wasserauen
Ending Point | Hoher Kasten above Brülisau
Distance | 33.5 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 3 days
Difficulty | Moderately-Difficult. This route is only suitable for experienced and fit mountain hikers who are comfortable with secured exposure and have no fear of heights.
More Swiss Alps Hiking Trails
Lake Lucerne Region:
Appenzell:
Zermatt:
- Zermatt Itinerary
- Best Hikes in Zermatt
- Where to Stay in Zermatt
- Randa – Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge – Europahütte Circuit Hike
Bernese Oberland:
Multi-Day Treks:
- Rätikon High Trail in Austria and Switzerland
- Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland
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