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Top 12 Swiss Hiking Trails

Discover Switzerland's Best Hiking Trails

Switzerland, with its Alps, charming wooden structures, and stunning lakes, is a dream for hikers. Trails range from easy walks to challenging mountain treks, offering breathtaking Alpine views.

Explore some of the top hiking trails in Switzerland for an unforgettable adventure.

Read more: Where to stay in Switzerland for sightseeing.

Read more: Find the best rental car deals in Switzerland.

1. Mount Rigi Panorama Trail

View of Lake Lucerne from the Mount Rigi Panorama Trail

Enjoy a seven-kilometer hike along the Rigi Panorama Trail, featuring dirt and gravel paths with stunning high-altitude views. Starting at Rigi Kulm, the trail offers picturesque valleys and mountain vistas. Benches along the way provide perfect spots for breaks, and the hike concludes near the Rigi Scheidegg cable car station.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Lucerne: Best Areas & Hotels

2. Engelberg Valley

Mountain trail near Engelberg

The Engelberg Valley's Brunni Trail is a scenic seven-kilometer hike with minimal elevation. Starting at the Brunni cable car station, the trail offers educational insights into local flora and panoramic views of Mount Titlis and Lake Härzli.

3. Matterhorn

Couple hiking in front of the Matterhorn

The iconic Matterhorn presents a moderate yet lengthy hike, taking 8-12 hours. Starting from Zermatt, the trail ascends to Schwarzsee Paradise before flattening out along the Matterhorn's side. The Hörnli Hut marks a significant point for rest and views before reaching the Glacier trail and concluding at a cable car station.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zermatt: Best Areas & Hotels

4. Lauterbrunnental Glacial Valley

Hiking path in Lauterbrunnental

Known for its 12 waterfalls, Lauterbrunnental offers easy hikes with gentle slopes and meadows. The trail from the train station leads south, passing waterfalls and grazing cows, and eventually reaches the mountain village of Gimmelwald.

5. Höhbalmen Alpine Meadows

View of the Matterhorn from the Höhbalmen Alpine Meadows

The Höhbalmen-Höhenweg hike near Zermatt is an 18-kilometer trek with stunning views of the Valais Alps. The challenging path takes you through diverse landscapes, ending with a descent towards Schwarzlager and a restaurant break before returning to Zermatt.

6. Mount Titlis

View of Lake Trubsee from Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis offers trails for all levels, including the easy Trubsee Circular Trail and the longer Marmot Trail. The Lake Trüb trail is ideal for winter hikes, featuring a well-groomed path around Trübsee lake.

7. Parc Ela

Trail next to a lake in Parc Ela

The Hängebrücke Val Meltger trail in Parc Ela is an eight-kilometer hike with beautiful views over the Oberhalbstein valley. The trail ascends through forests to a hanging bridge and an Alpine hut, offering a picturesque descent back to Lantsch village.

8. Oeschinensee Panorama Hike

Oeschinensee Panorama Hike

The Oeschinensee Panorama Hike is an 8.5-kilometer loop around Oeschinensee Lake, requiring good fitness to navigate rocky and narrow paths. Starting in Kandersteg, the trail offers waterfalls, meadows, and lakeside views.

9. Via Engiadina

View of Silvaplana Lake and village along the Via Engiadina

The Via Engiadina trail spans 35 kilometers, but Stage 1 from Maloja to Silvaplana is an 11-kilometer hike through the Engadin Valley, passing Grevasalvas and the Sils-Baselgia church.

10. Val Trupchun Hiking Trail, Swiss National Park

Landscape in the Val Trupchun

The Val Trupchun trail in the Swiss National Park is a 14-kilometer hike with wildlife spotting opportunities. The moderate path ascends over 600 meters, offering valley views and rest spots.

11. Hardergrat Trail

Hardergrat Trail

The Hardergrat Trail is a challenging 23.3-kilometer ridge hike with steep falls on either side. It offers stunning views but requires a high fitness level and good weather conditions.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in the Jungfrau Region

12. Bernese Oberland Day Hike

Stunning day hike in the Bernese Oberland

A 10-kilometer hike in the Bernese Oberland starts at Schynige Platte and offers views of the Jungfrau range. The trail leads to Faulhorn, with a rocky ascent and rewarding panoramic views.

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Discovering Switzerland: Beyond hiking, Switzerland offers urban attractions, lakes, and winter sports. Explore more in our articles on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Switzerland and Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Switzerland.