The 10 most beautiful hikes in Switzerland
At Hika, we like to compile selections of the most beautiful hikes in a territory, because they allow walkers to easily identify the most exceptional landscapes in the area. But when a selection focuses on a country as incredible as Switzerland, the task is not easy.
A real hiking paradise, this country located in the heart of Europe has more than 65,000 kilometers of marked trails, a dense public transport network and numerous high-altitude restaurants. More than enough to easily discover the peaks, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, forests, which make up this 60% alpine country.
Retaining only 10 walks in such a setting was not easy, but here is our selection.
The most famous
📍Valais
It is impossible to list the most beautiful walks in Switzerland without starting with a path located in Zermatt, the international capital of mountain sports. This hike explores lakes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee, offering landscapes as iconic as they are varied. The reflection of the Matterhorn on the calm waters is particularly unforgettable.
The longest suspension bridge
📍Valais
A few kilometers from the previous trail, here is a walk for thrill seekers. Departing from Randa station, this route crosses a pretty forest and makes a loop passing by the longest suspension bridge for pedestrians in the world: the Charles Kuonen bridge. 494 meters long, it takes place in a grandiose environment that is worth the detour.
The most beautiful view of Lake Geneva
📍Valais
The largest alpine lake in Europe, Lake Geneva deserves an exceptional belvedere to be admired as it should be. To this end, head for Grammont, located at 2,172 meters above sea level. This summit is reached by a steep route starting from Vouvry, in the Valais. The trail passes by Lake Tanay, a pretty high-altitude lake, before joining Grammont for a superb view.
The most vertiginous
📍Bern
This is one of the most legendary hikes in Switzerland. This route takes place mainly on a steep crest passing by a dozen peaks, until reaching the highest point of this hike, the Brienzer Rothorn, located at 2,348 meters above sea level. The view of the highest peaks of the Jungfrau region is breathtaking: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn.
The most dazzling lake
📍Bern
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain lake in the Alps, the Oeschinensee is simply stunning. It can be easily reached by cable car, or a little longer from Kandersteg station. Icing on the cake: several mountain inns allow you to stop there for a while.
The most beautiful waterfall
📍Bern
This is a hike that is both easy and fabulous. Departing from Lauterbrunnen, this route explores the Staubbach falls, whose water flows from the left side of the Lauterbrunnen valley in the Bernese Oberland. Then the path heads towards the bottom of the valley and the Trümmelbach falls.
The freshest
📍Graubünden
Here is another path accessible to all, which takes place in a splendid natural setting. Indeed, this route makes a loop in a dense forest, ideal in hot weather, and passes by two charming lakes: Lake Cauma and Lake Cresta.
The most beautiful view of Lake Lucerne
📍Schwyz
Departing from Seebodenalp, this circular hike is well known to locals. Indeed, the path goes to discover the Rigi, offering fabulous views of Lake Lucerne, as well as many places to eat.
The most accessible
📍Zurich
For Zurich residents, there is no need to travel for hours to see magnificent landscapes. A short train ride connects Zurich station to the Uetliberg, the small peak that dominates the canton. It is then possible to walk there on a line of ridges overlooking the city and the lake, with the Alpine peaks in the background. Ideal for decompressing from city life.
The most exotic
📍Ticino
Finally, the last trail in our selection sets out to discover Monte Boglia, a 1,516-meter peak located in Ticino. The mountains in the shape of a "sugarloaf", the architecture, the vegetation, the colors... Everything is there to remind you that this canton is turned towards Italy, offering a real change of scenery to hikers.
This concludes our selection of the most beautiful walks in Switzerland.
And you, what are your favorite ones? Share your experience with us on social media at @hikaguide!
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