Top 10 Hikes in Switzerland 🏔️✨

1) Aletsch Glacier

❄️ The Alpine Ice Giant

The Great Aletsch Glacier (Grosser Aletschgletscher) is the longest and largest glacier in the Alps, stretching 22–23 km and holding an estimated 10–15 billion tonnes of ice. It lies in Valais, inside the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Area. Sadly, the glacier is retreating rapidly — about 50 m per year, and nearly 3 km shorter since the 19th century.

Despite its retreat, the glacier remains absolutely immense and scenic, and there are several hikes that bring you right up close.

🥾 Aletsch Trails

• Fiescheralp – Tälligrat Tunnel – Moosfluh
  Start at Fiescheralp station of the Fiesch–Eggishorn gondola. The route takes you through the Tälligrat tunnel, down to the foot of the glacier (yes, you can actually touch the ice — but don’t wander too far without a guide!). From there, the path continues up to the Moosfluh cable car station via the Panoramaweg with jaw-dropping views.
  Distance: 13.2 km | Elevation gain: 852 m
• Bettmerhorn – Aspi-Titter Suspension Bridge
  Take the cable car to Bettmerhorn (2651 m), then follow the trail towards the Aspi-Titter bridge (1639 m). This hike doesn’t go directly to the glacier’s foot, but you’ll pass close by and can detour if you wish. Expect a thrilling suspension bridge, more downhill than uphill, and wide-open views.
  Distance: 15 km | Elevation gain: 393 m

📅 Best season: July–October (due to altitude). Check tunnel access and weather in advance. Moderate fitness required.

🔎 Local Trivia

As the glacier retreats, it occasionally reveals some eerie discoveries. Over the years, several frozen remains have resurfaced:

• In 2017, two climbers found the well-preserved bodies of a Swiss couple who had disappeared in 1942 near the glacier.
• In 2012, hikers came across human remains belonging to a man who had been missing since 1982.

2) Saxer Lücke

⛰️ The Dramatic Rocky Gap

Saxer Lücke is a striking mountain pass in the Appenzell Alps (eastern Switzerland). At around 1650 m, it forms a sharp rocky gap between steep limestone cliffs, with breathtaking views over the Seealpsee valley, the Säntis massif, and the jagged Alpstein peaks. On the way, you’ll also catch stunning views of Fählensee lake.

🥾 Saxer Lücke Trail

• The main (and best) route is the Saxer Lücke – Furglenalp via Staubern loop, starting with a cable car ride to Staubern.
  Distance: 8 km | Elevation gain: 512 m
  Expect little shade and plenty of exposure, so bring water and sun protection.

3) Schäfler Ridge

🪨 The Jagged Appenzell Classic

Another gem in the Appenzell region is Schäfler, a sharp rocky ridge just south of Ebenalp. The dramatic cliffs and panoramic ridge trail make this one of the most photographed spots in Alpstein. Both routes are exposed with steep drops, so a steady step and no fear of heights are essential.

🥾 Schäfler Trails

• Ebenalp – Schäfler – Wasserauen
  Start with the Ebenalp cable car (1640 m). From there, follow the ridge to Schäfler summit before descending all the way to Wasserauen. More downhill than uphill, but exposed.
  Distance: 10 km | Elevation gain: 385 m
• Ebenalp Loop
  A shorter circular option starting and ending at Ebenalp. Still offers sweeping ridge views, with a bit more climbing involved.
  Distance: 8 km | Elevation gain: 521 m

4) Niederbauen Kulm

🌄 Lake Lucerne’s Hidden Panorama

Niederbauen Kulm, in Nidwalden canton, is one of Switzerland’s lesser-known peaks, yet the views over Lake Lucerne are just as impressive as the more famous classics. The trails start at the Niederbauen cable car station and is a perfect choice if you want if you want big views without heavy crowds.

🥾 Niederbauen Kulm Trails

• Short Loop
  A gentle but rewarding hike with panoramic viewpoints scattered throughout.
  Distance: 5.3 km | Elevation gain: 419 m
• Point-to-Point Extension
  A longer hike for those wanting more exercise, though it skips some viewpoints from the loop.
  Distance: 13.8 km | Elevation gain: 402 m

5) Stoos Ridge

⚡ The Famous Ridge Walk

The Stoos ridge is a Swiss classic, offering a jaw-dropping ridge walk that can be adjusted to your skill level. Similar to Schäfler, the trail has exposed sections — so best avoided if you suffer from vertigo.

🥾 Stoos Ridge Trails

• Short & Sweet
  Maximum views with minimum effort. Start from the Stoos cable car station and walk the ridge.
  Distance: 4.3 km | Elevation gain: 286 m
• Full Workout Loop
  Skip the cable car and hike from Stoos parking lot, gaining the ridge by foot. Steeper and longer, but all the more rewarding.
  Distance: 12.2 km | Elevation gain: 900 m

6) Oeschinensee

💧 The Turquoise Alpine Jewel

Oeschinensee (1578 m) is one of Switzerland’s most beloved lakes, famous for its clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. Part of the UNESCO Jungfrau-Aletsch region, it’s often ranked among the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps.

🥾 Oeschinensee Trails

• Lake & Viewpoint Loop
  Start at Oeschinensee gondola station near the lake and follow the trail up to high viewpoints, then circle back down to the lakeshore. Perfect mix of above-the-lake panoramas and lakeside relaxation (and even a swim, if you dare!).
  Distance: 9 km | Elevation gain: 505 m
• Kandersteg Alternative
  Begin from Kandersteg village and skip the gondola. This adds effort but saves money — great for hikers who enjoy earning their views.

Distance: 14,6 km | Elevation gain: 876 m

7) Pizol 5 Lakes Trail

💎 Five Lakes, Five Shades of Blue

The Pizol 5 Lakes Trail is a high-altitude hike through five spectacular alpine lakes, each with its own personality: deep blue, turquoise, or perfectly mirror-like. To get there, you’ll need two gondolas and a chairlift — but the reward is worth it.

🥾 Pizol Trails

• Classic 5 Lakes Point-to-Point
  Start at Pizol Refuge (2222 m) after the chairlift, and pass by Wangsersee, Wildsee, Schottensee, Schwarzsee, and Baschalvasee.
  Distance: 10 km | Elevation gain: 543 m
• Extended Hike Without Chairlift
  Skip the chairlift and hike up instead. A big workout with the same gorgeous lake circuit.
  Distance: 17 km | Elevation gain: 1265 m

8) Limmerensee

🌊 The Fjord-Like Reservoir

Limmerensee is a striking turquoise reservoir deep in the Glarus Alps. Unlike Oeschinensee, it is man-made, created by the Limmern Dam. What makes it so special is its fjord-like setting, surrounded by towering cliffs.

🥾 Limmerensee Trails

• Tunnel Adventure (Out & Back)
  From Kalktrittli (1860 m) cable car station, pick up a reflective vest and walk through a 3 km service tunnel. It’s cold, damp, and long — but unique! On the other side, the trail continues to:
  • Muttenchopf (best viewpoint, don’t miss it)
  • Muttseehütte (mountain hut with food & drinks)
  Distance: 6 km | Elevation gain: 667 m

🔔 Bring layers and waterproof shoes — the tunnel is always cold and wet.

• Loop Trail
  Go through the tunnel only once and loop back another way. This route skips Muttenchopf, but you can still detour if you want the top views.
  Distance: 10.5 km | Elevation gain: 700 m

🔔  Both routes are exposed with steep drops, so make sure you don't have a fear of heights before the hike!

9) Monte San Salvatore

🌅 The Icon of Ticino

Not all Swiss highlights are in the German-speaking part! In Ticino, Monte San Salvatore rises steeply above Lugano, offering 360° views over Lake Lugano. At the summit, you’ll find a chapel, terraces, and one of the best viewpoints in southern Switzerland. From here, you can also hike down to Morcote, voted “Most Beautiful Village in Switzerland” in 2016.

🥾 Monte San Salvatore Trails

• Paradiso – Summit (Out & Back)
  Skip the funicular and climb by foot from Lugano’s Paradiso station. A steep workout with rewarding views.
  Distance: 6.8 km | Elevation gain: 578 m
• Summit – Morcote (Point-to-Point)
  Ride the funicular up to Monte San Salvatore, then hike down to the lakeside village of Morcote.
  Distance: 9.2 km | Elevation gain: 221 m
• Full Combo
  Walk up from Paradiso and down to Morcote for the ultimate Ticino day hike by combining both trails.

10) Matterhorn

🏔️ The Toblerone Peak

We end with Switzerland’s superstar: the Matterhorn, one of the most photographed peaks on Earth (and yes, the one on Toblerone bars 🍫). Seeing it in person is a totally different experience, and the hikes around it offer constantly shifting perspectives of the mountain.

🥾 Matterhorn Trails

• Gornergrat – Riffelsee – Return
  Start at Gornergrat station and hike to Riffelsee, where you can (on a clear day) see the Matterhorn perfectly reflected in the lake. Be prepared — the climb back has most of the elevation gain.
  Distance: 12.6 km | Elevation gain: 894 m
• Gornergrat – Zermatt (Point-to-Point)
  A much easier option with similar viewpoints and same starting point, but instead of hiking back up, you descend all the way to Zermatt.
  Distance: 12.6 km | Elevation gain: 46 m

💡 Fun fact: Toblerone briefly lost the Matterhorn logo in 2023 after production moved abroad — but as of 2025, it looks like the peak is here to stay.