Explore the five treks in Switzerland
Switzerland encourages exploring the country on foot and offers countless hiking opportunities, from family-friendly one-day hikes in Switzerland’s National Park to treks that last for days. You can take the ten-day walk along the Waldstätterweg with the Swiss Path leading you around Lake Lucerne, which leaves you in awe with its scenic perfection and transports you to another world with every historical site you pass along the way! There is also more than 12,000 km of standardized, sign-posted cycling routes throughout Switzerland. The many attractive paths along riverbanks and lakeshores, with only minor uphill sections, are a special highlight. With easy rentals and inter-connected railways, one can always mix and match a bike experience with public transport to cover every nook and cranny of this beautiful country.
Here are a few hikes that you should do at least once, when in Switzerland!
1. Explore the heart of the Via Alpina- Bernese Oberland
Those wishing to take in the classic Swiss long-distance hiking trail but who don’t have more than one or two days free, can take a shorter route that runs from Griesalp to Kandersteg. The Hohtürli Pass, the cozy Blümlisalphütte, and the picturesque Lake Oeschinen are among the highlights of this area. Those seeking a longer journey can undertake the entire Via Alpina which will take them through the Alps in 20 days.
2. Trek across the longest glacier in the Alps- Aletsch Glacier, Valais
A two-day tour by mountain guide, offers hikers a close look at the eternal ice while hiking along the grand Aletsch Glacier, over 23 kilometers. This hike starts on the 3,466-meter-high Jungfraujoch and leads to the Fiescheralp, taking in the Konkordiahütte on the way.
3. A hike through the vineyards of the biggest wine growing area- Lavaux, Lake Geneva Region
The terraced vineyards of Lavaux make for an impressive spectacle. Spanning more than 800 hectares, Lavaux is the largest contiguous wine-growing region in Switzerland and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail leads uphill and downhill through the vineyards from St-Saphorin to Lutry, with plenty of sights to enjoy along the way.
4. Zermatt five-lake trail
The five-lake trail is a magnificent hiking tour through the mountains of Zermatt: three of these mountain lakes reflect the Matterhorn. Offering unique views of the many peaks, the hiking route is extremely diverse.
5. Jura Crest Trail
For the lovers of the great outdoors- the Jura Crest Trail is Switzerland’s gentle long-distance hike that links Zurich and Lake Geneva in a sweeping arc. Over 16 days, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in Switzerland passes through the unique Jura landscape, with its distinctive barrenness and vast expanse. Alongside, highlights such as the natural rock arena of Creux du Van, the Jura Crest Trail, provides hikers with fantastic views of the distant Alps and traditional hospitality along the way.