The Swiss Alps offer some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the world, with every turn in the trail delivering an even more spectacular panorama of snow-dusted peaks, turquoise lakes and charming mountain villages. There are more than 65,000 kilometres of trails to choose from, offering something magical for every level of fitness and experience.
Whether you’re dreaming of frolicking through wildflower meadows or conquering rugged mountain trails, if a hiking holiday in the Swiss Alps is on your bucket list, we’ve got you covered.
One of the most spectacular and accessible day hikes in the Interlaken region, you can start your adventure with a spectacular ride on the Wengen-Männlichen cable car, climbing more than 945 metres in around ten minutes. It’s well worth paying the extra CHF5 to maximise your views with the ‘Royal Ride’, travelling on the rooftop balcony of the cable car. From the top, you’ll follow an easy trail along the ridge top, soaking up incredible views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks along the way.
Season: mid-June to October
Length: 4.5 kilometres one way
Duration: 1.25 hours
Elevation gain: 59 metres
Pro tip: Once in Kleine Scheidegg, you could continue to hike another two to three hours to reach Grindelwald. However, we recommend boarding the Jungfrau Railway for a short but breathtaking journey to Europe’s highest railway station, Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. You can then either return to Wengen by train or disembark at Eiger Glacier Station to catch a high-speed gondola ride to Grindelwald on the Eiger Express gondola.
It’s only a 20-minute walk from the village of Zermatt to the breathtaking Gorner Gorge, which was carved by the Gornera River over thousands of years. The sheer rock walls and waterfalls mean the gorge should be impassable to all but the most expert canyoneers. However, a system of wooden stairs and boardwalks that appear to defy gravity make it easy for you to experience the unique beauty of the gorge without even getting your feet wet.
Season: mid-June to October
Length: 1.9 kilometres one way
Duration: 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 45 metres
Cost: CHF5.50 (adults), CHF3 (children 6-15 years)
Pro tip: although it’s only a short walk, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to catch your breath as the scenery is truly otherworldly. If you want a more in-depth experience, you can join a guided adventure through the gorge that involves abseiling, Himalaya bridges and Tyrolienne traverses.
Interlaken is the epitome of a Swiss tourism postcard – a resort town surrounded by soaring mountains and turquoise lakes. Although it has a reputation as the adventure capital of Switzerland, there are plenty of hiking trails that allow you to experience the region’s amazing alpine scenery while barely breaking a sweat. One of our favourites is this loop trail, which begins by skirting the shoreline of Brienzersee before climbing a series of stone steps that lead through lush alpine forest to reach a thundering cascade.
Season: March to November
Length: 13.2-kilometre loop
Duration: 4.5 hours
Elevation gain: 644 metres
Pro tip: treat yourself to lunch at the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, which offers spectacular views over the lake. You can skip the return leg of the hike by riding Europe’s oldest funicular from the hotel to the lakefront, where you can catch a steamboat back to Iseltwald.
The Matterhorn is one of the world’s most iconic and instantly recognisable mountain peaks – its near-symmetrical pyramid shape appears on everything from Toblerone chocolate wrappers to tourism posters. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to capture its unique beauty and symmetry reflected in the pristine waters of Riffelsee Lake shortly after you set off from Rotenboden.
Season: year-round
Length: 4.5 kilometres one way
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation change: 580 metres
Pro tip: much of your route follows the railway line that connects Rotenboden with Zermatt, so you can tweak the length of your hike as you go. Hop aboard the train in Riffelberg or Riffelalp, or continue on foot for another five kilometres to reach Zermatt.
Catch a steamboat from Brunnen to Rütli Meadow, which is considered the birthplace of modern Switzerland. It’s a lovely scenic spot set high on a hillside overlooking Urnersee (the southern arm of Lake Lucerne/ Vierwaldstättersee). From here, you’ll follow the trail through a series of switchbacks (and 850 steps) to the top of the escarpment, where you can catch your breath while you soak up the incredible lake views. The trail is part of the 35-kilometre historic Swiss Path (Weg der Schweiz), which follows the shoreline of the lake to the opposite side of the lake, ending back in Brunnen.
Season: year-round
Length: 9 kilometres one way
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Elevation change: 538 metres
Pro tip: if you’re visiting the Swiss capital city of Bern, be sure to visit the Federal Palace of Switzerland. The sweeping views from Rütli Meadow have been captured by celebrated Swiss painter, Charles Girond, in a vast mural that depicts the story of William Tell.
The village of Engelberg lies at the heart of a region that is often referred to as ‘the Valley of the cable cars’, because of the extensive network of cable cars and Buiräbähnli that provide easy access to some of Switzerland’s most incredible hiking trails. Your hike begins with a ride on the Brunni-Bahnen cable car as far as the Ristis lift station where the trail begins. About halfway around the loop, you’ll find the man-made, heart-shaped Härzlisee, where you are encouraged to shed your shoes and walk the barefoot “Tickle Path” (Kitzelpfad) around the lake before continuing onward.
Season: open June to October, depending on conditions
Length: 6.1-kilometre loop
Duration: 2.25 hours
Elevation change: 303 metres
Pro tip: the Engelberg valley is overlooked by the snow-clad peak of Mt Titlis, which you can access via a fifteen-minute cable car ride, followed by an eight-minute adventure on the world’s first revolving aerial cable car (the Titlis Rotair). Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll find the real challenge awaiting: a heart-stopping 100-metre suspension bridge that spans a 500-metre-high chasm of rock and ice.
The peaceful car-free village of Stoos is less well-known than hiking hotspots like Interlaken and Zermatt but it’s certainly equally as scenic. It’s best known as being home to the world’s steepest funicular railway (with a gravity-defying 110 percent gradient), which ascends 744 metres as it travels the 1.7-kilometre climb from the town of Schwyz in the valley below.
From Stoos, you’ll have a fifteen minute walk to reach the start of the Klingenstock chairlift, which delivers hikers to the start of the ridge trail. The views from the ridgeline are some of the best in central Switzerland, taking in ten lakes and the rolling green hills of the Schwyz region.
Season: open June to October, depending on conditions
Length: 4.3 kilometres one way
Duration: 1.75 hours
Elevation change: 286 metres
Pro tip: the ridge trail ends at Fronalpstock, where another chairlift awaits to deliver you back to Stoos. However, you may prefer to maximise your time in the fresh, alpine air by choosing to walk this 5.5-kilometre section.
There’s a total of 72 waterfalls that cascade down the rocky cliffs that line the Lauterbrunnen Valley, including one of Switzerland’s highest: the 297-metre tall Staubbach Falls. The trail can be walked in either direction, and you can catch a local bus back to your starting point if you don’t fancy making the return journey on foot. It is well-maintained and suitable for strollers and bikes, so it’s a great option if you’re walking with younger children.
Season: April to November
Length: 8 kilometres one way
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation change: 161 metres
Pro tip: take the short detour to see the world’s only glacier waterfalls – the Trümmelbach Falls are a series of impressive subterranean waterfalls that are only accessible by a tunnel lift.
Although you may be lucky enough to experience endless bluebird days of cerulean skies and endless sunshine, you still need to be prepared for rapid changes in conditions – even during the summer months. Aim for layers of lightweight clothing in merino or technical fabrics, and ensure that you have a good waterproof jacket and pants.
Experienced hikers know that looking after your feet is the secret to an enjoyable experience. Look for options that will wick moisture away from your skin and keep your toes warm. Whether you opt for hiking boots or trail shoes, be sure to test your chosen footwear close to home before committing to either preference. It’s a good idea to go at least half a size bigger than your regular shoe size to ensure your toes are not pushing at the end of your boots on steep descents.
The thin, alpine air offers little protection from the sun on clear days, so be sure to take a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A day pack is essential for your hiking essentials, and should be large enough to accommodate extra layers of clothing as well as your camera, water and snacks. Adjustable lightweight hiking poles won’t take up much room in your suitcase, and your knees will thank you for packing them when you’re descending yet another steep mountain trail.
You’ll need to keep well hydrated during your hiking adventures, so be sure to include a lightweight water bottle or hydration pack on your packing list. Add some electrolytes and snacks, hand sanitiser, a first aid kit, a survival blanket and a woollen beanie and gloves, and you’ll be all set.
Generally speaking, hiking solo in Switzerland is safe, easy and fun as long as you follow basic safety guidelines. Always research your planned routes, stick to marked, well-used trails, check local weather forecasts and trail conditions, and share your plans.
Essentials to carry with you include adequate food and drinking water, navigational equipment like maps and ELB, a first aid kit and suitable layers of clothing. Keep in mind that weather conditions can deteriorate very quickly, especially in the higher altitudes and from autumn to spring. You’re sure to meet lots of other hikers on your adventures, so you’ll only be as alone as you choose to be.
Switzerland’s peak hiking season is July to August, when summer brings idyllic conditions for exploring the valleys, lakes and trails. There’s little or no snow on most trails, the alpine meadows are filled with delicate wildflowers, and the long daylight hours mean you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
Can I hike in Switzerland during the shoulder season (April-May/September-November)?
Summer is, not surprisingly, the busiest time of year for hiking in Switzerland, so you may prefer to time your walking holiday for the quieter, but no less scenic, spring or autumn seasons. You’ll find the trails are generally less crowded and there is better availability (and affordability) in your accommodation options.
From luxury hotels to simple alpine refuges, your accommodation options are as varied as the alpine landscapes you’re planning to explore. We especially love the traditional berghotels that are a scenic feature of many Swiss mountain towns and villages, with their rustic, timbered charm and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. You may find yourself sharing a bathroom with your fellow guests, but the rooms are comfortable and the meals are a mouthwatering showcase of traditional Swiss cuisine.
If you’re looking for a more challenging, multi-day hiking experience, Switzerland has plenty to offer, from the Greina Plateau Traverse (2-3 days) to Bernese Oberland Traverse (7 days). The Tour du Mont Blanc is seven to eleven days and takes you through Italy and France as well as Switzerland, while the Via Alpina (Swiss Alpine Pass Route) is an epic 20-day adventure that traverses fourteen alpine passes from Vaduz to Montreux.
Zurich, Geneva and Basel are the main international gateways if you’re planning to fly directly to Switzerland from Australia. Once you’re on the ground, you can take advantage of the extensive public transport system. Its rail network showcases not just Switzerland’s spectacular scenery but also the Swiss penchant for punctuality and reliability.
Depending on your chosen hiking routes, your travel arrangements could also include gondolas, funiculars, trams or even boats.
There are plenty of great apps to help you make the most of your Swiss hiking holiday. SBB Mobile is helpful if you’re planning to use public transport for getting around, while the TravelManagers app will make it easy for you to keep track of your bookings and stay in touch with your personal travel manager.
The swisstopo app contains a wealth of local knowledge ranging from directions to self-guided hiking, cycling and driving routes – and it works even when you’re out of cellular range. Download your maps and trail guides before you leave home and you’ll have all the info you need at your fingertips, even when you don’t have a mobile signal.
Tipping is not required in Switzerland, as service charge is typically automatically added to your bill. However, if you would like to express your appreciation for great service, you can round up the total or leave a five to ten percent tip.
As at May 2025, the Swiss franc (CHF) is worth around AU$1.85. A coffee will cost you around CH 4-5, while a beer typically costs around CH 7.
As at May 2025, if you have an Australian passport you can visit Switzerland (and other countries within the Schengen Area) as a tourist for up to 90 days within a six-month period without a visa. Note: A new electronic security system – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – is expected to begin in 2025, so be sure to check with your personal travel manager or visit smartraveller.gov.au/destinations for the most up-to-date information before you travel.
From the end of March until the end of October, Switzerland operates on Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
Mobile service in the Swiss Alps can be a little patchy, especially in the more remote valleys. However, many hotels, cafes, restaurants and visitor information centres provide free wi-fi for visitors, so you can catch up on your emails or update your Insta profile while you enjoy a well-earned cup of hot chocolate. Ask your telco provider about international roaming availability and pricing for Switzerland, or pick up a pre-paid travel SIM.
Although Swiss power outlets run on the same voltage (230-240V) as Australia, you’ll need to pack an adapter that’s suitable for Type C or J plug types if you want to use your own phone charger, hairdryer or other electrical appliances.
A hiking holiday in Switzerland is the ultimate alpine dream, where every trail leads you to flower-filled meadows, charming villages and towering mountain peaks. Whether you’re looking for gentle valley walks or challenging alpine adventures, if you’re ready to lace up your boots and hit the trails, your Personal Travel Manager will take care of the details so that you can focus on enjoying the views.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
