In Switzerland, Thursday 18 May 2023 is Ascension (aka Auffahrt in German), which is public holiday when most schools and businesses will be closed. Many use this holidays to take a four-day weekend.
Below are my suggestions for hikes and outings for this weekend. All suggestions are within day trip distance of Zürich or Lucerne. Since almost everyone has the day off, most places will be more crowded than usual.
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Weather conditions for this weekend
After much rain the last couple weeks, looks like mostly clear weather over the Auffahrt weekend. Check forecast on Search.ch and MeteoSwiss.
However, with the late snow, mountain hiking over the Auffahrt weekend is more limited than in previous years. I’ve chosen outings at lower elevations that should be clear of snow. I’ve also checked that the mountain transport is open, which is not a given in May. But please double check webcams, trail status and lift operating times before heading out.
For example, Oeschinensee is technically open with the gondola running and walking path to the lake clear. But the webcams show lots of snow on the ground and trees. More like a winter outing at the moment.
Mountain views
If you want to spend most of your day on the trail, here are some longer hikes with mountain views, but still suitable for casual hikers and families. Note that due to recent snow, some mountains that are usually open for spring hiking are closed, like Stoos Ridgeline and Grosser Mythen.
1. Mythenrundreise
Starting near the iconic Mythen peaks shown here, this popular trail rambles across the mountains to Sattel Hochstückli. The views are fantastic with green valleys, rolling hills, and lakes. It’s a long walk, but not super difficult. Playgrounds at both ends are a good reward for the kids.
Hike stats: Moderate • 3.5 h • 10 k • 270m up, 660m down
2. Swiss Path
This trail goes around the southern half of Lake Lucerne. Our favorite section is from Sisikon to Brunnen, with big mountain views and flower-filled farm fields. But there are six sections to choose from with varying distance and difficulty.
See information for the full Swiss Path
3. Amden Höhenweg – High Mountain Trail
Ride a chair lift up then traverse the mountain, hiking through a lush moor and forest and over rolling hills often filled with cows. All the while you enjoy views of many mountains surrounding this area.
Hike stats: Moderate • 2.5 h • 8.5 k • 280m up/down
See hiking map & directions for Amden Höhenweg
River walks
4. Areuse Gorge
Beautiful walk along a rushing river, through fields and forests. It has several narrow sections with dramatic cliff walls, waterfalls and stone bridges. It’s a long hike, but mostly downhill and not difficult.
Hike stats: Easy • 3.5 hours • 11.5 k • 120m up, 350m down
See hiking map & directions for Areuse Gorge
5. Rhein gorge – hike through Swiss grand canyon
Start by riding a vintage open-air train to the trail. Then walk back along the Rhine river through the “Swiss Grand Canyon” with lots of interesting formations in the limestone cliff walls. Lots of nice places along the water for a picnic.
Hike stats: Easy • 3 h • 9.1 k • 150m up, 200m down
See hiking map & directions for Rhein Gorge river hike
6. Rhine gorge lookout
Alternatively, you can do a nice forest walk to a lookout over the Rhein gorge. Near this lookout, you’ll find Restaurant Conn that has pretty and delicious food. Make a reservation if you can to avoid a wait. On the way, you can stop by the pretty Caumasee before it opens for summer season.
See hiking map & directions for Rhine gorge lookout
7. Reuss River near Bremgarten
The Reuss river west of Zurich has lovely walking and biking paths along the water. Learn more about the bike route.
If you are walking, we suggest a leisurely loop around the nature reserve, which is close to Bremgarten. See trail map.
Walk: easy • 2 hour loop • 6.4 km • 10m up/down
Lakes
8. Lungernsee
You can do a short walk to one of the many picnic areas along this gorgeous bright blue lake. Or you can hike around the whole thing and visit the big waterfalls along the way.
See hiking map & directions for Lungerersee
9. Näfels Obersee
After driving up the mountain on a narrow one-lane road, you reach this idyllic lake nestled between tall mountains. It’s a short and easy stroll around the water, with a few picnic areas. There’s also a restaurant on the lakeshore if you prefer.
Easy • 2.7 k • 20m up/down
See hiking map & directions for Näfels Obersee
10. Talalpsee
Ride a chair lift up the mountain to a nice playground and mountain restaurant. Then short hike to a quiet alpine lake with mountain views, picnic area and café. Optionally add-on a 6 km scooter ride back down the mountain.
In 2023, the chair lift is open for Auffahrt weekend, then open daily starting 27 May 2023. The mountain scooters and restaurant are open. The playground is a bit under construction with not all elements open.
Hike stats: Easy • 1.5 h • 4.4 k • 180m up/down
See info for Talalpsee
Waterfalls
If you want a short walk (or no walk) and a pretty place to picnic, here are a few of my top suggestions.
11. Stäuben Falls
In spring, it’s an easy walk along a river to reach this powerful waterfall. Lots of green meadows and wildflowers to enjoy along the way. Near the falls, there is a restaurant and nice picnic area with tables.
Once the snow melts, you can do a longer hike in the mountains above the falls before reaching the main event.
Hike: easy • 2 hours there & back • 6.25 km • 200 m up/down
See details for Stäuben falls and trail map for easy version
12. Weisstannen Falls
You can drive directly to this beautiful spot with several waterfalls spilling off the cliff walls on both sides of this valley. Just set up your picnic where you like. Perhaps bring some lawn games for entertainment.
See directions to Weisstannen Falls
13. Berschner Falls
It’s a short hike up a rushing river to reach the dramatic Berschner Falls, about 46m tall. On the way there, you’ll passing several smaller waterfalls and nice picnic spots where you can build a fire.
Hike stats: Easy • 1 h • 2.75 k • 200m up/down
See hiking map & directions for Berschner Falls
14. Lake Lucerne Waldstätterweg
Hike along Lake Lucerne with two big waterfalls, dense forest, lush meadows and mountain views. At the end of your hike, ride a ferry back to your starting point.
Hike stats: Moderate • 3.5 h • 10.5 k • 410m up, 370m down
See hiking map & directions for Waldstätterweg
Theme trails & playground for kids
If you want the kids to be full entertained, here are some of our favorites that are open this weekend. A few popular options are not open this weekend including Toggenburg Tone Trail (opens 1 June 2023), Brunni Tickle Trail (currently under snow), and Mooraculum (opens 27 May 2023).
15. Hasliberg Marble Run trail
At the Hasliberg resort near Interlaken, a few services and trails have already opened for summer season. This includes the Marble Run trail, where children can roll a wooden ball down 11 elaborate marble runs as they hike down the mountain.
We usually suggest combining this with the Muggestutz storybook trail, but it’s not open yet due to snow.
Hike: Easy • 90 mins • 3k • all downhill
See details for Marble Run trail
16. Illgau Ladybug trail
This cute trail follows ladybugs painted on the ground through alpine fields and forests. There are two playgrounds and picnic areas with grills and lots of mountain views. This is a definitely a locals-only place, so usually not the big crowds you might see elsewhere.
The cable car is open for Auffahrt weekend, then closes for a short maintenance break. The playground and picnic areas are open, with wood available for picnic fires.
Hike: Easy • 1 hour one way • 2.7 km • 350m descent
See hiking map & directions for Chäferliweg
17. Pizol Heidi trail
Easy trail for children with several Heidi themed activities along the trail, including a barefoot path and playground. Fantastic mountain views and close to Zurich.
For Auffahrt weekend, only the Heidi trail is open for hiking in this area, with all other trails closed.
Hike: Easy • 1.5 hr • 4 k • 120m up/down
See details for Heidi trail
18. Holzweg
This forest trail has 20+ wooden installations along the 4.8 km trail, including 21 Japanese-inspired red gates. At the start of the trail, you can explore the ruins of a castle. In the middle, there’s a playground and a nice picnic area with fire pits, wood, and tables.
Hike: moderate • 2 hours • 4.7 km loop • 220 m up/down
Learn more about the Holzweg
19. Frick sensory trail
This fun theme trail for children has 8 interactive stations focused on the five senses. It’s a short and easy loop through a lush valley, cutting through farm fields and forests. Suitable for strollers.
Hike: Easy • 1hr15 • 3.5 km
20. Wirzweli witch trail
On this theme trail near Lucerne, children follow Lizi, the “herb witch,” who tells the story of her forest through a series of interactive and informative stations along the trail. There is also a nice playground and alpine slide.
Hike: Easy • 1.5 h • 3 k • 20m up, 360m down
See hiking map & directions for Wirzweli witch trail
For Zurich locals, see Easy nature walks near Zürich
