20 Easy hikes in Switzerland for beginners

Switzerland makes it easy for new hikers of all ages to get started. You don’t have to hike up a mountain or even break a sweat to enjoy the beautiful alpine views.

First, you can use cable cars and mountain trains to skip the tough climbs. Second, most mountain resorts offer short and easy trails that are easy to follow and don’t require technical skills. Third, you’ll find mountain restaurants on most trails, so you don’t have to carry a lot of supplies and can easily take a break.

Here are our favorite Swiss hikes for beginners, organized by region. 

See also our Hiking 101 posts for tips on what to wear and how Swiss trails are organized.

Easy hikes near Interlaken

See also: Best hikes near Interlaken • Best hikes near Grindelwald • Best hikes near Lauterbrunnen

1. Männlichen Panorama Trail

This is the easiest trail you can do in the Jungfrau Region, with impressive views of the Eiger peak and Grindelwald valley. It can get quite crowded in summer with all the tourists. But we still like it. It’s mostly a wide dirt path but quite lumpy in parts. You could take an all-terrain stroller on it, but it will be a bumpy ride. My dad didn’t need hiking sticks on this one but he needed to walk slowly in parts to navigate the bumps.

Hike: 1h30 • 4.7 km • 68 m up, 237 m down 
Location: Grindelwald-Männlichen gondola • from Interlaken, 25 mins by car or train

See details for Männlichen Panorama Trail

2. Grindelwald Bachalpsee lake

You start with a long gondola ride from the Grindelwald village to First at 2150m. Before the hike, I suggest you do the short cliff walk on elevated walkways bolted into the side of the mountain.

Then follow the wide gravel/dirt road about one hour to a beautiful alpine lake. The path is mostly smooth with no tricky footing, only one short slightly rocky section. The first 20 mins is a bit steep and may leave you out of breath. But after that, the trail levels out and is relatively easy the rest of the way to the lake.

Hike: 2 hr • 6 km • 200 m up & down
Location: Grindelwald First gondola • from Interlaken, 25 mins by car, 38 mins by train

See details for Grindelwald Bachalpsee lake hike

3. Oeschinensee

This gorgeous popular lake is easy to reach, starting with a gondola ride, then a 2 km walk on a smooth dirt road down to the lake. You can picnic on the lakeshore or lounge at one of the restaurants. Even rent a row boat to explore the water. 

The trail does descend 135m of elevation to get to the lake. That means you’ll need to walk back up to get to the gondola station, which my dad found quite tiring. My son and I were also huffing and puffing on the hot day. Thankfully, they do offer a shuttle service from the lake back to the gondola. The shuttle runs every 30 mins from 11:00 to 17:00. It costs CHF 8/adult. You probably only need to take it one way back from the lake unless your guest really can’t walk very far.

In my post, my trail map shows a loop that includes a dirt path through the forest down to the lake. If your guest has mobility issues, just stay on the service road down the lake. We took my dad on the dirt path and it was quite difficult for him to navigate the lumpy terrain, relying heavily on walking sticks .

Hike: 1hr30 round trip • 4 km • 110m up & down
Location: Kandersteg • from Interlaken, 40 mins by car, 1hr30 by train

See details for Oeschinensee walk to lake

Easy trails near Zermatt

4. Zermatt Riffelsee to Riffelberg

If you are in the Zermatt area, the best choice for an easy hike is from Riffelsee to Riffelberg. We did this with my dad and he felt like he got the real Matterhorn experience being on this trail. It’s a narrow footpath but short and not too difficult. Hiking sticks would be helpful for anyone that doesn’t have sure footing.

My detailed post has a few Riffelsee trail options of varying difficulty. The easiest version is from Rotenboden to Riffelberg (see trail map). For non-hikers, I wouldn’t recommend hiking down to Riffelalp as that has much more descent and some steep switchbacks. I also would not start higher up at Gornergrat as that upper section is also quite lumpy.

Hike: 1 h • 2.9 km • 20m up, 230m down
Location: Gornergrat mountain railway in Zermatt

See details for Riffelsee hike

5. Riederalp Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail

This trail walks along a ride with views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the European alps at about 22 km. To reach this trail, you ride a cable car to an alpine village, then a gondola to a viewpoint over the glacier.

Then a dirt path along the ridge, which is pretty easy walking, mostly downhill. The path is lumpy with rocks and other obstacles. So best done with hiking sticks if you need a little help with your balance. The path ends at a chair lift that takes you back down to the village. But the chair lift has a very limited schedule so verify the times so you don’t have to hike down if you don’t want to.

Hike: 1 h • 2 km • 10m up, 120m down
Location: Riederalp Moosfluh • from Zermatt, 45 mins by car, 1hr40 by train

See details for Riederalp Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail

Easy trails near Zurich

See also: Best hikes for kids near Zurich • Most spectacular hikes near Zurich

6. Flumserberg Alpine Flora Trail

This trail is super easy, just a 2 km around a little mountain peak. No up and down. It’s a flat smooth dirt path, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are benches along the way if you need a rest. It’s very beautiful in summer with lots of wildflowers and green alpine meadows in every direction. If you want to walk a little farther, you can continue along the ridge to another part of the mountain. 

Hike: 40 mins • 2 k • 80m up & down
Location: Flumserberg Tannenboden • from Zurich, 1h15 by car or train

See trail map and directions for Flumserberg Alpine Flora Trail

7. Näfelsee Obersee alpine lake walk

If you don’t mind driving up the narrow winding mountain road to reach this lake, then it’s a great choice for visitors on a budget since you don’t have to pay for a gondola to reach the lake. There is a short easy path around the lake, first on a wide gravel path, then on a quiet paved road in the forest next to the lakeshore. 

Hike: 2.7 km • 1 hr • 20m up & down
Location: Näfels Obersee lake • from Zurich 50 mins by car (no bus)

See trail map and directions for Näfels Obersee lake walk

8. Hoch Ybrig panorama ridge trail

This ridge trail is one of the most impressive easy hikes near Zürich. You ride a cable car then chair lift to reach the ridge. The first part of the trail along the ridge is a wide dirt path, possible with strollers. After about 2 km, the trail turns into a paved service road that leads back to the cable car.

It’s easy walking, all downhill. For some non-hikers, the distance may be a little too long at 5km and the constant downhill might stress their knees. So consider this before choosing this hike. In my post, I have multiple options for this trail. If you want the easy version, follow the “stroller version” of the hike.

Hike: 2 hrs • 5 km • 330 m down
Location: Hoch Ybrig • from Zurich 50 mins by car, 1hr30 by train/bus

See trail map and directions for Hoch Ybrig ridge trail

9. Chäserrugg Panorama Trail

This easy trail on a high alpine plateau near the cliffs makes non-hikers feel like they have really experienced mountain hiking. My dad loved this hike! It starts with a short wander through an alpine flower garden with info signs.

Then you can optionally circle around the plateau, walking through the grass. If your guests can’t manage the hike, you can still enjoy these fab views from the top of the cable car without walking much.

Hike: 1 h • 3 km • 80 m up & down
Location: Chäserrugg • from Zurich 1hr20 by car, 2hr by train

See details for Chäserrugg Panorama Trail

10. Walensee Waterfall

We like this hike because it’s super close to Zürich, so beautiful for relatively minimal effort and free except the parking meter. You walk along a road almost all the way to the falls. It does gain 110m, so some people may need to go quite slow as you walk uphill. Near the falls, the path forks into the forest, following a narrow dirt footpath uphill to the falls overlook.  

Hike: 1hr30 • 3.5 km • 110 m up & down
Location: Weesen • from Zurich 45 mins by car, 1hr by train

See details for Walensee Waterfall Hike

Easy trails near Lucerne

See also: Most beautiful hikes near Lucerne • Best Lucerne day trips (hiking optional)

11. Engelberg Trübsee

This smooth gravel path around an alpine lake is a perfect choice for children and grandparents. It’s easy walking and suitable for strollers. It is also a theme trail, with fun activities for kids around the lake and a big playground at the end. 

With my dad, we added on a ride up the chair lift to the Jochpass, where we had a super delicious lunch at the restaurant there. Then we rode the chair lift down to the Engstlensee and walked down to the water to enjoy that lake. Then we rode the chair lifts back over the pass to the Trübsee and continued the walk around the lake. I’ll write up the details for that detour after the summer holidays.

Hike: 1 h • 3.2 km • 40m up & down
Location: Engelberg • from Lucerne 35 mins by car, 1hr by train

See details for Engelberg Trübsee lake walk

12. Melchsee Frutt

This easy path walks along a beautiful alpine reservoir. To reach the path, you take a gondola up the mountain. Then ride an optional shuttle to the far end of the lakes, reducing your walking distance significantly. After walking around the lake, you can catch the shuttle back to the gondola. Or optional walk back. I like that this trail can be easily customized to fit the needs of your group.

Hike: 2 km • 40 mins • 10m up, 20m down
Location: Melchsee-Frutt •  from Lucerne 35 mins by car, 1hr10 by train/bus

See details for Melchsee-Frutt lake walk

13. Stoos Panorama Path

This famous view is easy to reach with the steepest funicular in the world and two chair lifts. Then you can do a short, easy stroll along the ridge. There’s a restaurant and playground up there.

I took my dad here several years ago and he was feeling pretty good after walking along the ridge. So we decided to hike all the way down to Stoos, which ended up being a little difficult. But he still enjoyed it. 

Hike: 1.5 km • 1 h • 30m up, 40m down
Location: Stoos • from Lucerne or Zurich, 50 mins by car, 1hr20 by train/bus 

See details for Stoos Panorama Path

14. Bannalpsee lake walk

We love this gorgeous alpine reservoir because it’s usually very quiet, a locals only place. There is a nice picnic area down by the water with lots of mountain views. 

With the kids, we do the short theme trail, that has a few fun activities along the way. But that path is a narrow lumpy dirt path in the forest, a bit cumbersome for my dad. So we followed the smooth wide path down to the Urnerstafel Berggasthaus, then down to the lake. See that trail map here.

It’s mostly downhill, but not so steep. So it was manageable for my dad. There is a short section right before the water on a narrow dirt path where my dad needed his hiking sticks. But besides that, it was fine for him and he really loved this outing.

Hike: 1hr30 • 3.45 km • 20m up & 140m down
Location: Fell-Chrüzhütte cable car • from Lucerne, 35 mins by car, 40 mins by train/bus 

See details for Bannalpsee lake walk. 

Easy hikes near St Moritz

See also: Best hikes near St Moritz

15. Walk around Lake Staz and Lake Moritz

Directly in front of the St Moritz village, there are two small lakes surrounded by an easy obstacle free walking path, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. If you need a shorter walk, just skip the second lake, reducing the distance to about 4.3 km. 

This walk is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. You can do it year round, even in summer. But our favorite time is in mid October when the golden larch trees turn yellow.

• Hike: 2h30h • 7.5 km • 90m up/down
• Location: 5 mins from St Moritz train station
• Cost: free

See trail map for Lake Moritz and Lake Staz circular walk

16. Morteratsch glacier trail

This hike follows an easy wide gravel path with impressive mountain views to the Morteratsch glacier. The trail is slightly uphill as you approach the ice, so if you feel winded, just take your time and a break at one of the benches along the way.

This glacier has been quickly receding and along the path, you can see signs of where the glacier used to be 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 years ago. You can’t actually touch the ice, since it’s quite dangerous, with rocks and ice spontaneously falling off the edge.

• Hike: Moderate • 2h • 6 km • 155m up, 155m down
• From St Moritz: 15 mins by car, 30 mins by train
• Cost: free

See details for Morteratsch glacier walk

Easy hikes near Gstaad

17. Lauenensee lake walk

By bus or car, you can drive to this remote lake near Gstaad. There’s an easy loop around the water, easy to navigate and suitable for all-terrain strollers. At the start of the path, there’s a restaurant and picnic area at the lake shore.

This stroll is particularly nice in the late afternoon with the fading sun turning the mountains golden. This lake is a popular destination and can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, so go early.

• Trail: 1hr loop • 3 km • 20m up/down
• From Gstaad: 20 mins by car, 35 mins by train
• Cost: Parking CHF 8. Return bus from Gstaad CHF 32.80, free with Gstaad Card and discounted with travel cards/passes

See details for Lauenensee lake walk

18. Glacier 3000 snow walk

Even in summer, you can walk on snow at Glacier 3000 near Gstaad. You ride cable cars to reach the top where you can admire the ice and enjoy amusements like the suspension bridge, alpine coaster, and summer snow fun park. 

For an easy hike, you can walk about 1 hour across the glacier ice on a prepared trail that doesn’t require special equipment. The destination is Quille du Diable (2908m), a big rock tower at the far side of the glacier. The walk is rather flat and easy, but it can be wet and slippery on the snow. So best with warm clothing, waterproof shoes and hiking poles.

• Trail: 2 h round trip • 4.3 k • 70m up, 70m down
• From Gstaad: 20 mins by car, 35 mins by bus
• Cost: cable car return fare CHF 80/adult, discount with Gstaad Card and other travel passes

See details for Glacier 3000 glacier walk

Easy hikes near Montreux

19. Lavaux Terraces

The Lavaux terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva are the defining feature of this region and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The official walking path follows paved private roads through the vineyards and tiny villages filled with wine producers.

For a short-ish hike, we suggest the stretch from Saint Saphorin to Cully, which is about 2 hours walking time. You can easily shorten or lengthen this trail, since it parallels the bus, train and boat routes. If you prefer not to walk, there is a tourist shuttle that follows a similar route.

• Trail: 2 hrs one way • 6.5 k • 100m up & down
• Location: St Saphorin • From Montreux, 20 mins by car, 35 mins by bus

Learn more about the Lavaux Terraces Trail

20. Rochers de Naye mountain viewpoint

Directly from the Montreux train station, you can catch a cogwheel mountain train that brings you up to the Rochers de Naye mountain at 2000m (about a 55 mins journey). At the top, you can do a short hike up to an enclosed viewpoint over the cliffs down to Lake Geneva. It’s a lumpy dirt path that climbs up about 30m of elevation, so not super easy, but short.

I also suggest the short walk over to the alpine garden, about 400m from the restaurant. There are a lot of stairs through the garden perched on the cliffs, but well worth the effort to see all the beautiful flowers.

• Trail: 30 mins • 1 km loop • 30m up & down
• Location: From Montreux, 55 mins by mountain train
• Cost: mountain train CHF 70/adult, discount with Montreux Riviera card and other travel passes

Learn more about the Rochers de Naye

Tips for selecting easy trails

When looking for easy starter trails, look for trails under 4km with less than 100m of elevation gain or descent. This type of trail can easily be done by most adults and older children of moderate fitness level. If you click through to my detailed post for the hike above, you can see a trail map with an elevation profile like this.

See also 10 Tips for Turning Toddlers into Happy Hikers

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