Wanderlust — but prefer the scent of alpine pastures to palm trees? If you like to be active and travel on foot with a rucksack instead of grilling your toes in the tropical sand after a long journey, you should consider Switzerland as a destination. Mighty 4000-metre peaks, legendary gorges, tranquil mountain lakes, lush Alpine flora and historic mule tracks — chocolate and cheese taste particularly good on these five beautiful, varied long-distance hikes in Switzerland…
Head off, heart on — the silence high up in a mountain hut, cooling off in cold, clear mountain lakes, unspoiled nature and lots of panoramic views all around. Tired but happy in the evening — steep climbs and long distances are worth it for moments like these. Even if the air gets thinner high up, it’s easier to switch off.
Switzerland is known for its high alpine hikes, but they are also a pleasure for sure-footed, fit beginners. So if you want to take your mind off long-distance hiking and enjoy the special mix of nature, history and culture, you will be delighted with these five tour suggestions.
Alpine adventures on the BÄRENTREK — from the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau to Lake Öschinensee
Along magnificent glaciers and over spectacular passes — the Via Alpina leads along a unique route through valleys and gorges, past the three proud Swiss mountains, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, to Adelboden-Lenk.
There are no more bears in the area — the varied long-distance hiking trail owes its name to the route, which in the past could only be passed by wild animals. With alpine experience, you can enjoy the 95 km bear trek, which covers over 6000 meters of altitude in 8 days. If your legs are tired, you can treat yourself to a cable car ride down into the valley.
The highlight, and at the same time the royal stage, is the long, steep ascent to Hohtürli, where well-deserved Swiss delicacies await at the Blüemlisalphütte at 2843m. The moraines of the Blüemlisalp glacier then guide you downhill to the impressive Öschinensee — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps. Refreshment included.
View current travel offers for the Bear Trek: https://www.feuer-eis-touristik.de/baerentrek
Hut trekking for individualists — the KESCH-TREK
Many people know the high alpine Bernina Trek through Graubünden (at least by name) — this 4‑day, almost 50 km long multi-day hike between the Flüela & Albula Passes, past Piz Kesch 3417m with the Porchabella Glacier is an insider tip for getting away from it all. Feasible for anyone with surefootedness and a good level of fitness, overnight stays are at the SAC huts Grialetsch, Kesch and Es-cha — the former without cell phone reception.
The highlights of the various daily stages include the Scaletta Pass, the view from the highest point — the Fuorcla Pischa pass crossing at 2864m and the beautiful Palpuogna Lake.
Further information at: https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/touren/kesch-trek-viertaegige-huettentour-4-etappen
Legendary gorges, tranquil mountain lakes, old mule tracks — along the VIA SPLUGA
7 days, approx. 80 km, 4100 m — it is one of the most famous long-distance hikes in the Alps: the moderately difficult Via Spluga in the Viamala region. The multi-day long-distance hiking trail leads through the legendary Viamala and Roffla gorges, with the Rhine forest and tranquil mountain lakes providing an idyllic contrast to the barren rock.
Tip: visit the cozy village of Splügen and the Crestawald fortress museum on the way! Incidentally, the Splügen Pass was already used by the Romans as a trade route, making it one of the oldest mule tracks in Europe. The Via Spluga offers an exciting mix of history and culture embedded in a wonderful mountain world.
View current travel offers for the VIA SPLUGA: https://www.feuer-eis-touristik.de/via-spluga
High-altitude trail in the Bernese Alps: the Valais Sun Trail
From Crans Montana via Leukerbad to Brig — a long-distance hike without major difficulties, only in midsummer can the Sun Trail live up to its name in terms of heat. Contrasting, rich alpine flora, dark Valais houses, old barns and artfully constructed viaducts. Special water channels, known as Suonen, provide cooling. The 76 km route leads through the Joli, Bietsch and Baltschieder valleys, which descend from the Bietschhorn massif towards the Rhone Valley. On the hiking trail through the Valais, 3400 m of ascent are covered over 4 days.
Further information at: https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-at/erlebnisse/route/walliser-sonnenweg
The panoramic classic: Gotthard Pass & STRADA ALTA high-altitude trail
This crossing of the Alps can also be completed in 8 days by beginners and is one of the most beautiful multi-day hikes in Switzerland. Countless rivers and springs have their source on the Gotthard Pass plateau in the canton of Uri, one of Europe’s most important trade routes for centuries.
There is a special stage for railroad enthusiasts at the start: the trail runs partly directly alongside the tracks of the now old Gotthard railroad line. From the Urseren Valley through the wild and romantic Schöllenen Gorge to the Strada Alta in Ticino — one of the most famous high-altitude trails in Switzerland. And this is where the Mediterranean flair dispels the cool mountain air. In total, this hike covers almost 80 km and 3460 m and you will understand why Switzerland is an absolute paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
View current travel offers for the Gotthard Pass & Strada Alta high route: https://www.feuer-eis-touristik.de/alpenueberquerung-schweiz
Book your perfect hiking tour in Switzerland here:
- To the tour: Bear trek
- To the tour: Via Spluga
- To the tour: Crossing the Alps Switzerland