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50 Most Beautiful Hikes in Switzerland

Where to hike in Switzerland for the best views, with distances and difficulty levels suitable for average hikers and kids. Most use cable cars to skip the hard climb and get right to the good stuff.

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In Switzerland, you don’t have to hike long or hard to get the best views. Using cable cars to skip the tough climbs, you can easily enjoy the Swiss alps from relatively easy trails suitable for hikers of average fitness and children. 

However, most Swiss travel guides are focused on experienced hikers and suggest treks that are too long and difficult for many people. So below I have a list of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland that are not too difficult, long or dangerous for the average hiker.

I chose hikes that range from about 3-12 km, with elevation changes under about 500m. In the detailed posts, I usually have shorter and longer suggestions, so you can customize your day based on your group’s energy and ability. Enjoy!

Note: Most hikes here use mountain transport to skip the hard climbs to the views, which means there is a cost. For cheaper hikes, see Best hikes without a cable car.

For fun activity trails for kids, see Best Theme Trails for Kids in Switzerland

Bernese Oberland (near Interlaken & Jungfrau Region)

A fantastic panorama trail with big mountain views and a lot of variety in the terrain, with ridges, lakes, grassy marshes, cliffs and snowy peaks.
Easy hike to this beautiful alpine lake with mountain views plus a cliff walk, mountain scooters, epic zip line, and playground.
Stunning trail along ridge near Interlaken with mountain views, dramatic cliffs, and meadows filled with wildflowers.
Beautiful mountain trail starting at the top of Mt Niesen, enjoying panorama views of the lakes and peaks near Interlaken.
Beautiful trail traversing the mountain above the Lauterbrunnen valley, ending at Allmendhubel playground above Mürren.
Spectacular hike above the gorgeous Oeschinensee lake, with panorama views of mountain peaks, waterfalls and the bright blue lake water. Best for those with hiking experience and no fear of heights.
Spectacular ridge hike with dramatic cliffs on one side and a sweeping panorama of the Jungfrau region mountains on the other. Suitable for families.
Ride a super steep open-air funicular to a hike around beautiful alpine lake, with waterfalls and lots of wild blueberries to gather.

Zermatt & Valais

Our favorite family hike in the Zermatt area, starting with Matterhorn reflected in the famous Riffelsee lake. Then an easy hike down the mountain with the Matterhorn in view the whole time.
Mountain hike along an ancient irrigation channel leading to a beautiful bright blue reservoir, an area bursting with wildflowers in late June. It’s long but mostly downhill and easy walking, a good choice for families.
Hike close to the base of the Matterhorn, crossing a barren rocky landscape carved by the glacier ice.
This classic Swiss hike over the beautiful Gemmipass, connecting cantons Bern and Valais, is a great option for families thanks to cable cars and a well defined trail. The scenery is breathtaking and varied, definitely one of the best hikes we done in Switzerland.
Admire the impressive Aletsch glacier from the top of the Riederalp gondola and enjoy a leisurely stroll along a short panorama trail.
A short panorama trail with views of an impressive glacier and 18 peaks over 4000m high. Families can add on the alpine playground and theme trail. For a little excitement, finish the day with an 11km scooter ride.

Lucerne & Central Switzerland

Hike from Mt Pilatus to the highest point at Tomlishorn peak. It’s a well maintained mountain trail cut into the cliff with a safety barrier, suitable for casual hikers.
Easy and safe ridge hike near Zurich with fantastic mountain views. Fun extras including a super long zip line and playground with bouncy castles.
Circular hike through alpine meadows over a mountain pass with panorama views, ending at a hidden alpine lake in central Switzerland.
A tough but short climb to the Niederbauen peak, with spectacular views over the cliffs to Lake Lucerne and mountain peaks in all directions.
Ride the steepest funicular in the world up to this gorgeous ridge hike near Lucerne.
An easy walk around an alpine lake with mountain views. Many amusements for children including a theme trail, huge playground, tall jump into an air pillow and pony rides. Suitable for strollers.

Zürich & Eastern Switzerland

Short hike to the spectacular Saxer Lücke viewpoint in the Appenzell region, with optional detour to the beautiful Fälensee lake for lunch with the best Rösti in Switzerland.
Hike from a mountain pass to a glacier lake, then traverse through alpine meadows under huge mountain peaks.
A challenging hike to five beautiful alpine lakes scattered along an impressive landscape shaped by glaciers.
Easy and safe ridge hike near Zurich with fantastic mountain views. Fun extras including a super long zip line and playground with bouncy castles.
Mountain hike looping through Europe’s oldest wildlife reserve with a dramatic natural land bridge over a raging river.
Beautiful hike to an alpine lake, perfect place for a picnic and a chilly dip in the water on a hot summer day.
Short and easy panorama path on a high plateau covered with wildflowers in Eastern Switzerland.
Short hike to the famous cliff restaurant near Appenzell with a fun cable car ride and spectacular mountain views.

Graubünden - southeast Switzerland

The easiest hike to a glacier in Switzerland with a wide gravel path, suitable for strollers, that leads directly to the glacier ice tongue feeding the river.
Panorama mountain trail traversing a mountain near St. Moritz with views of the super blue Silvaplana lake below.
Mountain trail visiting six beautiful alpine lakes with panorama views across the Engadin region and reflections of the peaks above.
Easy walk along two lakes in St Moritz on a obstacle-free path suitable for all abilities and strollers.
Easy walk around large alpine reservoir with two huge waterfalls and picnic area. Option for strollers.
Explore the mountains above Andermatt with gondola rides, a short hike and refreshments at three mountain restaurants along the way. Plus a playground and climbing wall if you’re bringing the kids.
Hike to a small alpine lake near Andermatt that is the source of the Rhine river. This is first stage of the “Vier Quellen Weg” that hikes to the source of four rivers.
Easy walk around gorgeous alpine lake accessible by car, voted the most beautiful place in Switzerland. You be the judge.

Ticino - southern Switzerland

How to get to the Foroglio waterfalls near Locarno, where to eat, detailed directions and map for the trails to various viewpoints.
Hike along a beautiful river in the Verzasca valley, ending at the famous bridge and swimming area at Laverterzzo. Easy walking for families, with lots of places to stop for a picnic and splash in the river.
A tough but rewarding hike to the Monte Tamaro peak with panorama views of the Ticino region. If you prefer not to hike, there are plenty of other amusements here: playground, alpine coaster, climbing park, zip line, etc.
Short hike around a beautiful mountain lake with glacier views. Good choice if you are staying the Ascona-Locarno region.
Ride cogwheel train to viewpoint at 1704m over Lugano region to enjoy fantastic views from the restaurant, a playground or the lovely panorama hike.
Ride up a super steep funicular to reach this stunning alpine lake, with short and long hiking options for families.

Northwest Switzerland - Jura & Three Lakes, Basel, Aargau

Short hike along the top of an impressive natural rock arena in western Switzerland, with a half circle of sheer cliffs 150m tall.
Beautiful walk along a rushing river, through fields and forests, with several narrow sections with dramatic cliff walls, waterfalls and stone bridges. It’s a long hike at 11km, but mostly downhill and not difficult.
Circular hike through a forest leading to a rocky viewpoint over the rolling countryside of Doubs National Nature Park. Combine with dinner and overnight at a cozy inn on the Doubs river where you end the hike.
From the top of a gondola, hike to two beautiful panorama viewpoints with cliffs, overlooking the Jura region and Swiss farmland dotted with bright yellow fields in spring. A good choice for May and June because of the lower elevation.

Lake Geneva Region - western Switzerland

Walk on the glacier ice without a guide or special equipment on a prepared trail. After the hike, enjoy the suspension bridge and alpine coaster.
Hike to the top of a mountain peak overlooking Montreux and Lake Geneva.
Ride a cogwheel train to the highest point overlooking Montreux, where you can peer over the cliffs, visit an alpine flower garden, and make friends with the resident marmots.
Walk through the Lavaux terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva, enjoying panorama views and wine tasting. Shorter route and shuttle bus options as well.
All of our very favorite things to do in Switzerland, organized into categories like best waterfalls, best spring hikes, best alpine lakes, best glaciers, etc.

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Welcome

Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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