Best Hikes in Switzerland for the Summer Season
Switzerland boasts an array of spectacular hiking routes. You can explore everything from the summits of Eiger to the serene Switzerland hiking trails winding through valleys with waterfalls. Although winter blankets the hiking paths with snow, the summer season unveils the perfect conditions to hike the Swiss Alps! The combination of warm weather, blooming wildflower meadows, and diverse trails offers potential for an unforgettable Switzerland hiking trip. Here are seven top 10 best hikes in Switzerland for the summer season.
When is the best time to take a Switzerland hiking trip?
Late June to early September: Swiss Alps best hiking weather
The best time for a hiking trip in Switzerland is from late June to early September. This period is ideal as it offers the most favorable hiking conditions. Trails are clear of snow, comfortable temperatures, and extended daylight hours.
The summer season transforms Switzerland into a paradise. With flowers in full bloom, sunny skies, and lakes ideal for swimming, it’s a time of vibrant beauty. The Alps present a unique contrast, displaying snow-capped peaks throughout the year, even in summer. The season allows travelers, whether solo or with family, to immerse themselves in the stunning Alpine scenery up close.
July through mid-August: best hikes in Switzerland to avoid the peak season
If you prefer to hike when the weather is not excessively hot and to avoid the peak tourist season, planning your trip in July through mid-August is recommended. This is when all trails and services in the Swiss Alps are fully operational. Despite it being a popular time for tourists, you can find less crowded trails by opting for less touristy destinations.
Starting mid-April; and up to mid-November: Hike the Swiss Alps at cooler temps
For those interested in experiencing the beauty of Switzerland’s autumn foliage, early to mid-September also offers excellent hiking conditions. Trails are less crowded during this time, offering a more peaceful hiking experience against the picturesque backdrop of changing leaves.
However, it’s important to note that while hiking in Switzerland is possible and often delightful from mid-April to mid-November, trail availability may vary. Checking trail conditions and opening times becomes essential outside the peak summer months to ensure the trails on your list are accessible.
10 of the Best Hikes in Switzerland
There are lots of routes to choose from, but here are 10 of the best hikes in Switzerland according to Planet Dreaming:
Exploring the Eiger Trail
Above the picturesque village of Grindelwald towers the Eiger, a majestic peak among the famed trio in the Bernese Oberland. Renowned for rock climbing, the Eiger attracts adventurers eager to conquer its 3,967-meter height. However, for those preferring a less vertical challenge, the Eiger Trail offers an intimate encounter with the mountain. This accessible path covers 7.25 kilometers and typically takes two to three hours to traverse.
The journey begins at Eigergletscher Station, concluding in Alpiglen, predominantly a descent. To start, travelers reach Kleine Scheidegg via Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, or Grindelwald. A brief train trip to Eigergletscher — also en route to Jungfraujoch — leads to the trailhead of the Eiger Trail. The path unveils breathtaking views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Mürren, and the towering presence of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks.
The Augstmatthorn Hike
The Augstmatthorn trail is a spectacular opportunity for hiking in Switzerland. The journey that offers breathtaking views over Interlaken, Lake Brienz, and the Bernese Alps. This challenging but rewarding Swiss Alps trek is known for its diverse landscapes, including woodland paths, incredible ridgelines, and rugged surfaces.
There are multiple ways to approach the Augstmatthorn hike, but one of the most popular routes starts from Harder Kulm.
From Harder Kulm, the trail begins with an ascent through a forest. After approximately 5 kilometers, the trail opens up along the Harder ridge, leading to Suggiture, another peak before Augstmatthorn. The path can get steep and rocky, but it offers astonishing views. On a cloudy day, you might even hike above the clouds for a magical experience. The trail is marked with red and white markers to guide you in the right direction.
The hike to Augstmatthorn from Harder Kulm is medium in difficulty. The total round trip distance of about 16 kilometers. It generally takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the top and 2 hours and 30 minutes to return. For a shorter option, starting from Habkern at Lombachalp cuts the trip in half and still offers magnificent views. This route demands uphill trekking but is not as strenuous as the longer trail from Harder Kulm.
The Saxer Lücke Hike from Hoher Kasten
The Saxer Lücke hike from Hoher Kasten is a breathtaking journey through the Appenzell region of Eastern Switzerland. It offers panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the unique rock window of Saxer Lücke. This 13-kilometer round trip can be completed in approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the stunning viewpoints along the way.
Starting from Hoher Kasten, the hike presents a moderate climb through alpine meadows and offers impressive vistas, including peaks like Säntis. After reaching the remarkable Saxer Lücke, the trail descends towards Brülisau through forests and past a scenic waterfall.
Crossing the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge
Walking across a bridge might not usually count as a hike. However, when the bridge stretches 494 meters in length and hangs 85 meters above the earth, it’s certainly one of the best hikes in Switzerland.
In 2017, the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge was unveiled as a replacement for a segment of the Europaweg trail that had given way. Holding the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, it welcomes adventurers from May through October. Although navigating the bridge is fairly direct, completing the hike is an accomplishment. It spans the Zermatt Valley, offering trekkers panoramic views of the terrain below. Crossing the bridge takes just about 10 minutes, but the entire trek can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the chosen starting point. Hikers can embark on this journey from Randa, Grächen, or Zermatt by foot.
It’s certainly a unique hike to include in your Switzerland hiking itinerary.
Creux du Van
The Creux du Van, often described as a natural rock amphitheater, is a striking geological formation. It sits at the border of the cantons of Neuchâtel and Vaud in Switzerland.
For those interested in exploring Creux du Van, there are options for both easy and more challenging hikes. An easy route allows you to drive and park just 300m from the cliffs. After that, a short walk leads you to the viewpoint. This path lets you stroll along the cliffs, with the option to walk right at the edge or safely behind a stone wall. A longer and more adventurous route starts from the valley below, offering a rewarding 4.5-hour round trip hike to the panoramic views at the top.
Traversing the Uina Gorge
Nestled in the Engadine valley, the Uina Gorge trek spans 14.5 kilometers from start to finish near the village of Sent, in the Grisons region. Climbing 1,226 meters in elevation, this journey is considered moderately challenging. It’s the perfect path for those wishing to immerse themselves in nature and perhaps catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. You can start your adventure from Scuol in the Lower Engadine or from Schlinig (Sligia) in the Upper Vinschgau (Val Venosta), preparing for a substantial trek either way.
The trek begins at Sur-En, where the Uina Creek merges with the Inn River, encircled by majestic Alpine peaks soaring over 2,000 meters. The trail daringly skirts the edge of a sheer drop as the valley narrows into a dramatic canyon. Carved into the eastern cliff face of the gorge between 1908 and 1910, this high-altitude path offers both a thrilling challenge and numerous vantage points for admiring the canyon’s breathtaking vistas. Recognized as one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in Switzerland, the Uina Gorge trail is enthusiastically recommended for its unique beauty and exhilarating route.
Bachalpsee and First Adventure
Set out from Grindelwald First for a scenic hike to the stunning Bachalpsee, nestled in the Bernese Oberland. The area around Grindelwald-First is known for being family-friendly and offering breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region. This makes the gentle walk to Bachalpsee perfect for families, even those pushing a stroller, thanks to its 3-kilometer length and manageable terrain.
Expect a slight uphill journey to Bachalpsee, requiring a bit of effort but mostly presenting a flat and smooth path, making it less daunting. This route is quite favored, especially in summer, meaning you’ll likely share the path with many others. Yet, the expansive, grassy edges of Bachalpsee provide ample space for all. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic or to simply soak in the serene landscape.
For this and other best hiking trips in Switzerland, the Jungfrau website serves as the go-to local guide, offering comprehensive information and tips for visitors.
Pilatus Exploration
Pilatus stands out majestically over Lucerne’s skyline, regarded as the city’s guardian mountain and a premier vantage point to view the entire vicinity.
Visitors often find themselves atop this mountain, whether for the view or the best hikes in the Alps. If ascending by foot is your preference, you’ll find several rewarding paths.
The climb from Alpnachstad station to the summit is challenging yet my top pick. This hike demands about 4-5 hours of your time and conquers an elevation of 1627 meters (5337 feet). It’s far from a leisurely stroll. Initially, you’ll parallel the cogwheel train’s route, gradually being treated to expanding vistas. Approaching the peak, fatigue sets in, but the anticipation of reaching the summit and the rewards awaiting there – breathtaking panoramas and delightful meals – propel you forward.
For a less strenuous experience, consider the train or cable car to the top, followed by leisurely walks. The summit hosts several short trails ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, including one through a tunnel with a unique lookout point behind the mountain. For these and more adventures, the Pilatus website is your comprehensive guide to Switzerland hikes in that area.
Summiting Rigi Panorama Trail
Nestled close to Lucerne, a city famed for its historic charm and landmarks like Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, lies Rigi, often referred to as Lucerne’s “mountain backyard.” It’s a magnet for those seeking both leisurely strolls and some of the best hiking in Switzerland.
While Rigi itself may not boast unique features, the panorama from its summit offers awe-inspiring views. To the north, one can gaze upon Zurich, and to the south, the expanse of Lake Lucerne unfolds. With 120 kilometers of best hikes in Switzerland catering to various skill levels, the majority of which are straightforward and manageable, hikers have the freedom to tailor their experience. The trails are well-signed, guiding adventurers through the Alpine landscape to craft their unique journey. Among the network of trails, there are nine scenic points, with Rigi Kulm, or the apex of Mt. Rigi, being the crowning destination. For those pressed for time or preferring a lighter walk, the Känzeli viewpoint is a mere 15-minute jaunt from Rigi Kaltbad.
The Via Alpina
The Via Alpina in Switzerland is an iconic long-distance trail. It meanders through the northern Alps, offering hiking in the Swiss Alps across breathtaking landscapes over 20 daily stages. Spanning approximately 390 km and crossing 14 Alpine passes, this trail showcases the immense variety of Alpine culture, flora, and fauna. The hike is both challenging and rewarding, appealing to experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for an adventure through some of Europe’s most sublime mountain scenery.
Accommodation along the Via Alpina varies from rustic mountain inns and huts to hotels in villages en route. This allows hikers to travel light while hiking in Switzerland.
For those unable to commit three weeks to trekking Swiss Alps, the Via Alpina can be divided into two shorter treks: Vaduz to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen (11-12 days) and Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen to Montreux (8-9 days), allowing hikers to experience the route in segments.
Which of these Best Hikes in Switzerland would you like to do?
Have you been inspired to hike in Switzerland in the summer? Or have you already hit the trails in this beautiful alpine country and have a favourite summer hike in Switzerland? Let us know in the comments!