Forest Archives | Swiss Family Fun

21 Best forest trails to escape the summer heat

The nicest shady forest trails in Switzerland so you can still hike even on the hottest summer days.

Switzerland

Easy
1.5 h
2.6 k
50m
60m

Fun hiking trail for kids with activities, including a giant xylophone, an obstacle course, and small suspension bridge. Plus a playground with trampolines and scooter run.

Neckertal Treetop Walk

Beautiful elevated walkway in Eastern Switzerland, looping 500m through the forest, with views of classic Swiss landscape. Families will like the fun playground and interactive signboards educating you about the flora and fauna in the area.

Küsnacht Ravine Walk

Easy
2.5 h
7 k
0m
280m

Easy walk through a forested ravine following a stream down to Lake Zürich.

Horgen Aabach Ravine Walk

Easy
1 h
2.8 k
5m
130m

Easy, short walk along the Aabach stream in Horgen. It has beautiful waterfalls, a lush forest, a cozy picnic area and playground.

Sihlwald Forest Discovery Trail

Moderate
2 k
80m
80m

Short activity trail in the Sihlwald forest near Zurich with 12 interactive stations, including a wood log xylophone, a barefoot path, an animal long jump, and raised path through a mysterious bog.

Jonental • Easy forest walk near Zürich

Easy
1.5 h
6 k
20m
130m

An easy walk through a pretty forested valley near Zurich, suitable for small children and strollers. Particularly nice in fall when the leaves change.

Zurich Forest Walk: Hornbach Ravine

Easy
1.8 k

Lovely forest walk hidden right in the middle of Zürich city, with a big picnic area and fire pits. You’ll feel far from the busy city streets even though you’re only two blocks away.

Pfannenstiel Weg • Forest & ravine trail near Zürich

Easy
3.5 h
11.3 k
180m
430m

Forest trail along the Pfannenstiel ridge east of Zürich lake to an observation tower with panorama views of the Zürich region. Then descend through a ravine following a stream to Lake Zürich.

Jura Crest Trail – Lägeren Ridge near Baden

Challenging
4 h
12.6 k
584m
840m

A special ridge hike with slanted rock slabs, which makes for some tricky footing, but also a very interesting and engaging trail to walk.

Bellinzona Hike to Three Castles

Moderate
2.5 h
8.4 k
420m
420m

If you want a little more action during your stay in Bellinzona, add this hike in the hills and visit the castles on your way back down the mountain. Moderate 8.5km loop, no strollers.

Ticino

Pfadiweg • Zürich Forest Walk

Easy
1.5 h
3.8 k
0m
150m

Easy forest path on the edge of Zurich city, following a stream for about an hour.

Zurich Region