Here are ten mountain peaks to hike up that require steady footing and caution but no mountain climbing equipment or experience. Best for experienced hikers in dry weather. Attempt at your own risk. Don’t forget to sign the Gipfelbuch at the top.
If you prefer to skip the hike, see The best views in Switzerland for non-hikers
Berner Oberland
1. Faulhorn (Grindelwald to Schynige Platte)
This popular trek has so many highlights, including an alpine lake, dramatic ridge, and this tall peak. It’s a long hike, so maybe stay overnight in a hut along the way.
6 h • 16.5 km • ↑ 630 m ↓ 840 m
See details for the Faulhorn hike
Near Lucerne
2. Grosser Mythen
A short but steep trek to this peak overlooking Lake Luzern and Rigi. Super popular so best to start early. Sunrise at the top is a special treat, with a simple breakfast at the hut.
2 h • 3.5 km • ↗ 410 m ↘ 410 m
See details for Grosser Mythen hike
3. Schrattenfluh
Visit two peaks on this unique trek across a limestone landscape filled with holes and long grassy ridge, full of excitement, challenge and beauty. One of my very favorites.
See details for Schrattenfluh hike
4. Haldigrat Brisen
A cable car and chair lift take you to the best part of this trail, starting on a narrow ridge with cliffs dropping off to one side. Spectacular panorama views at the peak and long slog down that will pound your knees.
4 h • 9 km • ↑ 380 m ↓ 1140 m
See details for Brisen Haldigrat trail
Near Zurich
5. Hirzli
This trail is so steep in parts, it made me want to quit. But it’s not too long and the view at the top across the Heidiland and Glarnerland regions is definitely worth the effort.
3h • 7 km • ↑ 580 m ↓ 580 m
See details for Hirzli peak hike
6. Bachtel
This is the easiest peak on the list, only 1 km to the top, where you’ll find a restaurant, playground, picnic area and tall tower to climb.
1h30 • 3 km • ↑ 250 m ↓ 250 m
See details for Bachtel
7. Speer
This peak is one of the first as you leave the Zürich lowlands, a popular trek for locals. There are multiple ascents, the easiest from Amden where you can take a chair lift part of the way.
4 h • 7.8 km • ↑ 720 m ↓ 720 m
See details for Speer Peak hike
8. Schibenstoll
One of seven peaks to climb in this range, with a slightly scary scramble at the end to reach the peak. If you like this one, try to visit all its six neighbors.
4.5 h • 9 km • ↑ 790 m ↓ 790 m
See details for Schibenstoll hike
9. Stockberg
Drive up a private mountain road to access this short, steep hike to a dramatic cliff overlook. Absolutely stunning!
1.5 hr • 3.5 km • ↑ 307 m ↓ 307 m
See details for Stockberg hike
Ticino
10. Monte Tamaro
The gondola only takes you half-way up the mountain, so you have to hike the rest of the way to get the panorama views from the top. Most people continue along the ridge ending at Monte Lema for a full day adventure.
See details for Monte Tamaro peak hike
Vaud Lake Geneva Region
11. Chasseron
The easiest hike of this list, visiting one of the tallest mountains in the Jura region.
3.5 h • 10k • ↑ 380m ↓ 380m
See details for Chasseron hike
Jura Three Lakes
12. Weissenstein
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.
See details for Weissenstein hike
One Response
We are staying ok Klein Flums, next to the resort of Flumserberg. My husband Chris thinks you will tell us to look at your website, which ibcidebrky we are looking at now but perhaps you could suggest some final walks, peaks, huts, fabulous adventures to go on before we don’t have a yearly reason to visit. To be honest, my eldest son wants to live and work in Switzerland, and Chris’ Mum does say our hearts are in Switzerland, so I’m sure we will return, but a final hurrah recommended by you. To be honest, I feel like I should know you are we have immersed ourselves in your website for so many years. And seen it grow and change.
I think your website is amazing and have recommended it to others but others that are creating their own travel websites.
I look forward to hearing from you. I hope your summer holiday has been fun! Asia