Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a captivating landlocked country in west-central Europe. It's famous for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, featuring towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and enchanting villages. The unique cultural diversity, fascinating history, and unparalleled quality of life make Switzerland a must-visit destination for travellers of all ages. Among its most famous attractions are the picturesque mountains that define its landscape. The Swiss Alps are some of the most majestic mountain ranges in the world, so visiting them is essential for any traveller. Here are 7 hiking destinations in the Swiss Alps that outdoor enthusiasts must bookmark.
This beautiful valley is well-known for its stunning waterfalls and is located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. The 300-meter waterfall is one of the highest in Europe. The area features a car-free village accessible by cable, offering breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Visitors can explore an incredible series of ten glacier waterfalls within a mountain. Activities include hiking, walking trails, paragliding, base jumping, and helicopter tours. Enjoy flat valley trails or venture to Mürren and Gimmelwald for more challenging hikes while exploring traditional Swiss villages, alpine meadows, mountain vistas, and picturesque landscapes.
Approx. distance to Hardergrat Trail: 20 km (approx. 30 minutes by train or car to Interlaken)
This stunning location offers panoramic views stretching from Interlaken to Brienz and is a popular hiking destination. The challenging 24-kilometre ridge hike features steep drops and rugged paths, making it an exciting adventure spot. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Brienz, the Bernese Alps, and surrounding valleys. It’s also an ideal location for photography, especially for capturing the stunning sunrises and sunsets over the lake.
Approx. distance to Lauterbrunnen Valley: 20 km and from Oeschinen Lake: 40 km (approx. 1 hour by train or car)
The Oeschinen Lake hike, located near Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, features a pristine glacier-fed lake surrounded by majestic mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging climbs. Additionally, there are opportunities for swimming and boating, with rentals available. In winter, activities include skiing, tobogganing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Approx. distance to Five Lakes Walk: 80 km (approx. 2 hours by train or car)
The Five Lakes walks are located in Pizol, Eastern Switzerland. This scenic area features five Alpine lakes with stunning shades of blue and green, providing unique reflections. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking, photography, picnicking, and paragliding. The breathtaking reflections at sunrise and sunset are truly remarkable.
Approx. distance to Aletsch Glacier Trail: 90 km (approx. 2.5 hours by train or car)
This trail is situated in the Jungfrau and Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the largest glacier in the Alps, which stretches over 23 km. Beautiful viewpoints, such as Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn, offer breathtaking glacier views. Activities include hiking trails of 6 to 7 km, wildlife spotting, guided glacier walks for a closer look, and skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Approx. distance to Via Alpina: 20 km (approx. 30 minutes by train or car)
This stunning region stretches across Switzerland, from Vaduz in Liechtenstein to Montreux. It is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include 14 Alpine passes that range from picturesque valleys to towering peaks. Visitors can immerse themselves in rural Swiss culture, experience cheese-making, and enjoy various activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring charming villages.
Approx. distance to Eiger Trail: 60 km (depends on starting points along the Via Alpina)
This location is in Grindelwald, near the base of the Eiger North Face. Visitors can explore this iconic mountain face, which is highly sought after by mountaineers. Enjoy panoramic views of the Jungfrau and Mönch peaks—a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure. The area offers a variety of activities, including hiking and climbing at moderate to complex levels, providing a challenging experience for climbers. Additionally, photography enthusiasts can capture stunning moments amidst the dramatic cliffs and picturesque Alpine meadows.