Switzerland has endless jaw-dropping landscapes to offer. Hiking is ingrained in the country's identity and is one of the best ways to discover some of these landscapes. With well-maintained trails and chair lifts that make them more accessible, there is no excuse not to hike some of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland.
This guide to the best day hikes in Switzerland will include everything you need to know to plan your hikes — from the best time to hike in Switzerland, trail data information, fees, and more. If you're planning on visiting Switzerland this summer, don't forget to add these to your itinerary.
Practical
Fees
The chair lifts that take you to the beginning of the hikes in this article will cost between 15 CHF and 100 CHF round-trip.
However, you can get a discount on certain chair lifts if you own a Swiss Half Fare Travel card or another regional card. Make sure to double-check whether your discount is valid on a given chair lift before getting there to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Most of these hikes can be done without a chair lift. However, the added time can be consequential, so take time to research if you opt for more extended versions of these hikes.
Download Data Trail in advance
Although Switzerland usually has no internet coverage issues, you will most probably have limited cell signal throughout your hikes. This is why it is a good idea to download the trail information ahead of time. I recommend using All Trails Pro to access the trail details while you are offline.
Best time to hike in Switzerland
The best time to hike in Switzerland is from July to August when the days are sunny, trails are open, and cable cars run the longest hours.
The months of May, June, and September might also offer some sunny days, but you will have to double-check trail availability and chair lift schedules.
Must do hikes in Switzerland
1. Stoos Ridge Hike
Hiking distance: 4.4 km
It is located in the Swiss canton of Schwyz. It can be reached by car in around 40 minutes from Luzern and 50 minutes from Zurich.
This hike starts by taking the steepest funicular in the world. Then, walk to the left for around 15 minutes to reach the chair lift to Klingenstock.
Once at the top, the trail is all the way scenic, with lush green hills and lakes surrounded by mountains in the background. However, be aware that almost the whole trail consists of up-and-down steps.
Follow the trail for about 2 hours until Fronalpstock, where there is a restaurant area and viewpoint. There, you will find the chair lift station to descend.
I recommend booking your tickets in advance to save time. In addition, try to get there as early as possible. By 11 a.m., buses full of tourists arrive, and the trail can get pretty crowded.
For a more detailed overview of this hike, check out my full Stoos Ridge Hike article.
2. Oeschinensee Panorama Hike
Hiking distance: 8.5 km
Situated in the Canton of Bernese Oberland, this is one of Switzerland's bluest, most aesthetic lakes.
You can either hike for around one hour through the forest or take a cable car from the village of Kandersteg up the mountain. From there, follow the trail to Ober Bärgli.
The first part of the trail is rather steep but nothing too tricky with hiking shoes. Just before reaching the restaurant located midway on this trail, there is a part where the mountain covers the road, so you have to "hug" the cliff and walk sideways to continue.
We visited on a weekend, and the trail was pretty busy. When we finished our hike, we had to wait in line for about one hour to get a spot on the chair lift going down.
Remember that this is a popular spot, so not all people there will know about mountain etiquette (aka priority for those going up).
Want more information on hiking at Oeschinensee? Check out my complete guide here.
3. Zermatt Riffelsee Hike
Hiking distance: 2.9 km
You have probably seen pictures of this hike on social media, and for good reason: it is easy and highly rewarding.
Situated in the Canton of Valais in west Switzerland, this hike starts at Rotenboden train station. From there, follow the signs to Riffelberg. You will walk downhill for about one hour.
On this trail, you will have the opportunity to take a picture of the Matterhorn and its reflection on the lake. Depending on the season, you might even see some wildlife.
At the trail's end, you will find the Riffelberg train station, where you can take the train back to the village of Zermatt.
4. Schäfler Hike
Hiking distance: 7.7 km
It is located in the Canton of Appenzell in east Switzerland.
As with many hikes in Switzerland, take the chair lift to the middle of the mountain, where you will find the Ebenalp hut. From there, there is a trail up to the Schäfler hut.
The next part is dangerous as it can be slippery, and there is no safety rail. You can either continue to the dangerous part and make it a loop or turn around and go back the same way you came up.
Remember to visit the Berggasthaus Aescher, a quick 30-minute detour from the chair lift station.
5. Limmernsee Hike
Hiking distance: 11.8 km
Situated in the Canton of Glarus in east Switzerland, this hike starts in a rather original way.
After taking a cable car up, take the door to the right for the "easier" path. This door will lead you to a maintenance tunnel, where you will have to walk for 30 minutes before reaching the beginning of the actual hike.
This hike is rated T2/T3 because of two more challenging passages where you will find chains to hold onto. If you are in good condition, have the proper gear (aka hiking boots), and the weather is dry and sunny, these passages should not represent a significant setback. However, always be careful and assess the risk.
Once you reach the top, go back down the same way you went up. Alternatively, you can make this as a loop, but keep in mind that it would make the hike harder (difficulty T3).
6. Saxer Lücke hike
Hiking distance: 6 km
Located in the Canton of Appenzell in east Switzerland.
Take the cable car from Frümsen to Staubern. Then, follow the trail behind the Staubern mountain hut for about 1 hour. Along the trail, you will get an astounding view of the Fählensee. Before you know it, you will reach the famous geological formation.
From there, you can either continue down to the base of Fählensee and maybe have lunch at the Bollenwees mountain hut (famous for the traditional Rösti) or return the way you came.
To check out my full guide on hiking the Saxer Lücke and see the alternative routes, read my Saxer Lücke Hike guide.
7. Bachalpsee hike in Grindelwald
Hiking distance: 6 km
Situated in the Canton of Bernese Oberland, this hike can be done by walking all the way up the mountain to the beginning of the trail or buying a Grindelwald First cable car ticket.
This hike is relatively flat and easy, and it should take you about 1 hour to reach the lake. At this point, you can either go back the same way or hike until Faulhorn hut, which would almost double the hiking distance from 6km to 11.1km. The way from Bachalpsee to Faulhorn hut is also steeper, so take that into account before deciding to go.
After completing this hike, you can visit the Grindelwald First Cliff Walk for free. If you're planning on taking the First Glider, riding a Mountain Cart, or riding a Trottibike, make sure you buy a combined ticket that includes these activities and the chair lift ride, as it will be less expensive.
Make sure that you do this hike on a clear day. Clouds might allow sun at the lower levels (First Glider or riding a Mountain Cart or a Trottibike) but obstruct the view at the top, aka Grindelwald First Cliff Walk and Bachalpsee view.
8. Wasserfall-Arena Batöni
Hiking distance: 10,3 km
This hike is located in the Canton of St Gallen and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona.
You will hike through a valley and across a suspension bridge before reaching the waterfall arena, which offers a spectacular view of three waterfalls.
The first part of the hike is steep and will make you sweat, but after that, the trail will get easier, even though it will still be going up.
