As you may know, Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, which vary in language, culture, rules and landscape. So I thought it would be fun to pick a hike for each canton, so you can experience the wide variety of natural beauty in this country and not just the famous bits.
For each canton, I’ve picked two hikes: one better for kids, usually with amusements, and another longer, more difficult hike that’s better for adults and older kids. In a few cases, I link to posts from other Swiss family bloggers who have more experience in certain cantons that I do, particularly in western Switzerland.
1. Zürich canton hikes
Zürich canton has lots of beautiful nature walking paths that make up for the lack of tall mountains.
For kids, I chose a fun activity trail in the forest south of Zürich city, that also has a great playground near the river. For adults, I chose the Uetliberg Panorama Trail, which can be adjusted from 5.5 to 20 km or even longer.
See more Zürich hikes and Zürich tourism website.
2. Bern canton hikes
The Bern canton is enormous, with lots of mountainous regions and dozens of spectacular hikes. So it was very hard to pick just two, but you’ll definitely not be disappointed by either of these.
For kids, I chose the storybook trail at Hasliberg, with over a dozen activites along the mountain trail. For adults, I chose the Gelmersee, where you ride a super steep open air funicular to reach a gorgeous alpine lake.
See more hikes in the Berner Oberland and Bern tourism website
3. Luzern canton hikes
Luzern canton incudes the beautiful city center but also the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch, where both of my hikes are located.
For kids, I chose the super fun Mooraculum, that has a big playground with a view, a short theme trail suitable fior the smallest walkers, a scavenger hunt and a scooter run. For adults, I chose the challenging Schrattenfluh hike that crosses a unique limestone landscape filled with holes.
See also the UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch website
4. Uri canton hikes
Uri canton has lots of beautiful dramatic landscapes but usually very quiet as it relatively unknown outside Switzerland.
For kids, I chose the beautiful Arnisee lake with mountain views, which is easily accessible by cable car and a stroller-friendly path. For adults, I chose the Spilauersee hike, which starts with a short hike to a hidden alpine lake then becomes a workout as you climb to the ridge and peaks above, with big panorama views at the top.
See more hikes in Uri canton. See also the Uri tourism website.
5. Schwyz canton hikes
Schwyz canton near Luzern is a small canton but packed with so many mountains that you’re spoiled for choice.
For kids, I had to choose Sattel, with its bouncy castles, summer toboggan and lots of family friendly walking paths. For adults, I had to chose the fantastic Stoos ridge trail even though it’s become a little too popular since they built the steepest funicular in the world to reach the alpine village where this trail starts.
See more hikes in Schwyz canton. See also the Schwyz tourism website.
6. Obwalden canton hikes
Obwalden canton in Central Switzerland shares the Pilatus peak with Nidwalden, claiming the cogwheel train that climbs the mountain. Obwalden also includes the mountain areas Melchsee-Frutt and Lungern-Türren-Schönbüel.
For the kids, I chose the easy stroller path along the lakes at Melchsee Frutt, where you’ll also find an activity trail for the kids. For adults, I chose the Brienzer Rothorn ridge trail, that starts on the border of the Bernese Oberland, but spends most of its time on the beautiful ridges in Obwalden as you hike toward Schönbüel.
See also Obwalden Tourism website.
7. Nidwalden canton hikes
The Nidwalden canton is south of Luzern on the shores of the Vierwaldstättersee lake. It contains the impressive Stanserhorn peak, as well as many other wonderful mountain areas like Klewenalp, Wirzweli, Maria Rickenbach, Bannalp, and most of Engelberg.
For the kids, I chose Klewenalp, where you’ll find two alpine playgrounds, a detective theme trail and a mountain scooter ride. For adults, I chose the tough, but short, climb to the spectacular Niederbauen Kulm lookout over the Vierwaldstättersee.
See more hikes in Nidwalden. See also Nidwalden Tourism website.
8. Glarus canton hikes
Glarus canton is just south of Zürich and contains lots of dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful alpine lakes.
For the kids, I chose the giants theme trail at Elm, where you can also ride a monster go-cart down the mountain. For adults, I chose the Mettmenalp mountain hike that passes by a beautiful natural land bridge over the rushing river. You could hike a bit farther and stay at the Legler mountain hut to catch the sunset and sunrise in the alps.
See more hikes in Glarus canton. See official Glarnerland tourism website.
9. Zug canton hikes
The Zug canton is in the lowlands between Luzern and Zürich, just north of where the big mountains start. It has one low elevation mountain, Zugerberg, where there are lots of lovely walking paths.
For the kids, I chose the Zugiblubbi theme trail, which has lots of fun activities along the way and a big playground. For adults, I chose the cherry blossom trail along the east side of Zugersee lake, not difficult but perhaps a bit long for some children.
See official Zug tourism website.
10. Fribourg canton hikes
In the Fribourg region, I’ve visited the Cailler chocolate factory and Grüyeres cheese factory, but never hiked. So I asked my friends from OurSwissExperience.com and LetsExplore.ch to suggest their favorites from this canton.
For the kids, we chose the witch’s theme trail around the lovely Schwarzsee. For adults (and kids), we chose the Jogne river gorge with a 3.5 km path on walkways and bridges along the river.
See also the Fribourg tourism website.
Schwarzsee Häxewääg
An easy loop around the lovely Schwarzsee lake with a few amusements for the kids related to witches. Suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Gorges de la Jogne
A hike through a beautiful river gorge, with waterfalls, tunnels and bridges. The trail starts conveniently near the chocolate factory.
11. Solothurn
Solothurn has lot of lower elevation mountains, interesting rock formations, river valleys and forests to explore.
For kids, I chose the Holzweg theme trail that has lots of sculptures and activities along the path, including a big playground. For adults, my friend Hana of Our Swiss Experience suggest Weissenstein, where you can ride a gondola to a mountain peak overlooking Solothurn, then hike back down to the valley (or the reverse).
See also Kanton Solothurn tourism website.
Weissenstein Peak
Ride a gondola to a mountain peak overlooking Solothurn, then hike back down to the valley. Particularly nice in late spring.
12. Basel Stadt
Basel city is, of course, much more about culture than hiking. But there are lots of nice walks around the city, particularly along the river.
For the kids, I chose the Basel zoo, which perhaps is a bit of a cheat, but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked all day after visiting all the animals and the kids will be happy. For adults I chose a path along the Rhein river from Basel to Rheinfelden, which you can follow as long as you like then take public transportation back to your starting point.
See official Basel tourism website.
Rhine River Walk
This path is route 60 that leads 19 km to Rheinfelden, then continues all the way to lake Konstanz in Germany if you felt like walking for days.
13. Basel Landschaft
Basel Landschaft encompasses the countryside in northern Switzerland near Basel, with no high mountains but lots of interesting and beautiful terrain for walking.
For adults, I chose the ridge trail Wasserfallen, with sweeping views over the rolling countryside. But kids will also be happy here with the ropes adventure course in the trees and a mountain scooter ride down the mountain.
For smaller kids, I’m linking a post about family activities in Baselland by Swiss Family Travel. They suggest an easy outing to the Liestal Lookout Tower that has a nice playground and outdoor restaurant.
See official Baselland tourism website.
Liestal Tower
This is for those who have a Sunday afternoon spare, want to spend some time in nature but want something very simple and relaxed. It’s an especially good option for those with kids at optimal playground age.
14. Schaffhausen canton hikes
Schaffhausen is on the border of Germany north of Zürich, most well known for the impressive Rhein falls, which I’ve chosen as the destination for all ages.
For kids, you can simply visit the falls, which will tire them out as they climb the many steps along the roaring falls, ride a tiny boat to the center of the waterfall action and romp on the a playground with a view of the falls. For adults you can do the Rhein falls loop trail (8 km) that follows the river bank above and below the river, crossing two bridges.
See also Schaffhausen tourism website.
Rhein Falls Loop Trail
This trail walks along the river banks above and below the enormous Rhein Falls, crossing two bridges to complete the loop. Easily combined with a visit to the Rhein Falls castle and complex.
15. Appenzell Ausserhoden
Appenzell is divided into two cantons, with Ausserhoden on the north containing mostly farmland and Innerhoden on the south with all the big mountains. So you might guess why we haven’t yet hiked in the Ausserhoden part. But I did some research and found some interesting hikes I’d added to my to-do list.
For kids, I’ve picked the Lillyweg theme trail inspired by a children’s storybook, with 14 activities scattered over an easy path along a river. For adults I chose the Appenzeller Alpenweg, which traverses ridges with panorama views and dips into traditional villages with museums and cheese dairies for a bit of culture.
See also Appenzellerland tourism website.
Lillyweg Theme Trail
This theme trail for children has 14 activities along the river path, a picnic area and play equipment. Great for an easy family outing in nature.
Appenzeller Alpenweg
This trail highlights the best of this region, with mountain views, thick forests, and adorable villages where you can experience with traditional food and culture. The full loop is 29 km but can easily be cut in half.
16. Appenzell Innerrhoden
Appenzell Innerrhoden has some of the best mountain hikes in all of Switzerland in my opinion. I’ve picked two of the most iconic for you here.
For kids, I chose the short hike down to the famous cliff restaurant. If you want a longer day, you can hike from here down to the Seealpsee lake, where you can rent a row boat or let the kids loose on the playground while you chill at the restaurant. For adults (and older kids), I chose the iconic Saxer Lücke trail, which can be adjusted to various difficulties.
See more activities in Appenzellerland. See also Appenzellerland tourism website.
17. St Gallen
St. Gallen is a huge canton in eastern Switzerland, reaching over mountain ranges, extending fingers in all directions. It includes many favorites for Zürichers including Flumserberg, Pizol, Amden, and Toggenburg/Chäserrugg.
For kids, I chose the gold standard of theme trails, the Toggenburg tone trail, with 20+ musical activities along the trail. For adults, I had to chose the classic Pizol Five Lake hike, where your tough climbs are rewarded with a series of gorgeous alpine lakes, very popular but with good reason.
See more hikes in St Gallen canton. See also St Gallen – Lake Constance tourism website
18. Graubünden
Graubünden in southeast Switzerland is another very large canton, with so many different regions, it’s hard to choose only two hikes that represent the whole canton.
For kids, I chose the Pigniu reservoir because it’s a relatively easy hike for kids (with a stroller option), but delivers big on the views and waterfalls. For adults, I chose the Jöriseen hike, which is a great example of the typical rocky, barren but beautiful, landscape of the Davos area.
See more hikes in Graubünden canton. See also Graubünden tourism website.
19. Aargau
Aargau is a quiet canton in northern Switzerland where many people live but few visit. But that makes its wide network of trails across the rolling hills extra nice because they are rather empty.
For kids, I chose the Frick sensory trail, which has a variety of sensory related activities on an easy path through fields and forests, is an easy outing for families. For adults, I chose the Lägern section of the long distance Jura Crest trail, that trapses across a razor thin rocky ridge, great fun if you don’t get vertigo and walk carefully.
See more hikes in Aargau canton. See also Aargau tourism website.
20. Thurgau
Thurgau canton is in northeast Switzerland on the border of Lake Constance and Germany, well know for its fruit orchards and cycling paths. We’ve spent most of our time in canton Thurgau biking along Lake Constance, which is a great path for families.
For kids, we suggest the Altnauer Apple Path, which has 24 education and play stations along the trail with interesting facts about fruit growing. For adults, we suggest the Stählibuckweg that wanders in the open countryside and visits a tall lookout tower, giving a beautiful panorama view across the region.
See also Thurgau tourism and Ostschweiz tourism website.
Altnauer Apple Path
A theme trail with 24 information boards and activity stations with facts about fruit growing, particularly in the Thurgau region. You can also bike this trail.
Stählibuckweg
This trail wanders the Thurgau countryside, passing through historic villages and by old churches from Roman times, leading to a lookout tower with panorama views.
21. Ticino
Ticino is the southernmost canton in Switzerland and usually more sunny and warm than elsewhere in the country, a particular good choice for early and late season hiking.
For kids, I picked Cardada which has an activity trail and barefoot path as well as fantastic views. For adults, I chose the tough climb up to Monte Tamaro, which can be extended to an all day hike across to neighboring Monte Lema, a classic hike in this region.
See more hikes in Ticino. See also Ticino tourism website. You might also find my friend Corina’s “Best places to visit in Ticino” post helpful.
22. Vaud
Vaud in western Switzerland is another large canton, with a lot of variety, from lakeside vineyards to steep mountain peaks to rolling farmland. We’ve done a few hikes here but not as much as we would like because it’s too far from Zürich for a day trip.
For kids, I chose the Narcissus trail at Les Pléiades because it’s an easy outing and a great place to take family pics. For adults, I chose a hike through the Lauvaux vineyards, where you can hike as long or short as you like and frequently stop to try the local wines.
See also Vaud tourism and Lake Geneva Region.
Les Pléiades Narcissus Trail
A perfect choice for spring where you can enjoy the delicate narcissus flowers and views of Lake Geneva and the mountains beyond.
Lavaux vineyards
Our friend Hana suggests an 11 km path through the vineyards on the north side of Lake Geneva from St.Saphorin to Lutry. You can adjust the length of the route to make it suitable for children.
23. Valais
Since the Valais (aka Wallis in German) is home to the Matterhorn, it’s easy to forget about all the other amazing mountain areas in this very large canton: Aletsch Arena, Saastal, Leukerbad, Nendaz, just to name a few. I picked hikes outside Zermatt, so you can see what else this region has to offer. But you can find all our Matterhorn view hikes here.
For kids, I chose Hohsass, where you can do a short easy hike up close to the glacier, then ride halfway down the mountain to a big playground and fun sensory path, and finish your day with a mountain scooter ride. For adults, I chose the Aletsch Glacier hike that crosses a big suspension bridge, particularly beautiful in fall with the golden larch trees.
See more hikes in the Valais. See also Valais tourism.
- Challenging
- 4.5 h
- 11 k
- 560m
- 750m
- Aletsch Arena, Valais
24. Neuchâtel canton hikes
The Neuchâtel canton in western Switzerland has lots of hidden charms that you won’t know about unless you make a little effort. I’ve picked two of the most well known areas that are good choices for spring before the snow melts in the mountains. For kids, I chose the Creux-du-van cliffs, which an easy walk out to the viewpoint and if you have little ones, can be safely enjoyed from behind a stone wall set back from the cliff edge. For adults, I chose the walk through the Areuse river gorge, a bit long at 11 km but not difficult. See also Valais tourism.25. Geneva canton hikes
Geneva is a tiny canton in far west Switzerland, mostly filled with Geneva city and its environs. But there are a few nature areas near the city worth exploring. We asked Laura from LetsExplore.ch who lives in this area for a couple suggestions.
For kids, we chose the Russin and Rhone river, a popular area for families to walk and picnic, escaping from the busy city life. For adults, we chose the Rive Droite trail that looks around the countryside and vineyards west of Geneva city, with info signs along the trail about wine making in this region.
See also Geneva tourism website.
Russin & the Rhone River
This is nature reserve along a beautiful review just outside the city of Geneva. Many families come here to picnic, stroll, dip their feet in the river and observe birds.
Rive Droite Vineyards
Laura from Let's Explore suggest a fall wander through Switzerland's largest wine-growing district in the countryside west of Geneva city. Particularly nice in autumn.
26. Jura canton hikes
Jura is in the northwest, bordering on France, far from the mountains but with it’s own natural beauty. I’m sorry to say I haven’t done any hiking in this canton because it’s so far away from Zürich. So I’ve done some research to pick two hikes to add to both of our to-do lists.
For kids, I chose a theme trail about dragonflies. For adults, I chose stroll along a meandering river.
See also Jura tourism website.
Au fils du Doubs
A 15 km path along this quiet meandering river, popular for fishing and canoeing.
Libell'lay Dragonfly Trail
A theme trail for children dedicated to dragonflies, with 12 educational stations along the way and a prize for answering the questions in your field notebook.
Whew, that was a long list. I hope you found something you like. Also try our advanced search for hikes.
