Tips for trips and hikes in Switzerland

Pristine mountain scenery, lakes in turquoise hues, and breathtaking views of alpine giants – all this awaits anyone who sets out on trips and hikes in Switzerland. From peaceful forest paths to mountain trails where you'll encounter freely grazing cows. Switzerland offers unforgettable experiences amidst stunning nature. This destination ranks among the most beautiful in Europe.

Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus, the majestic mountain above the Swiss city of Lucerne, is a popular tourist destination known for its panoramic beauty and stunning views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. At an altitude of 2,128 meters, it offers visitors unforgettable experiences such as hiking, climbing, and riding the world-famous cogwheel railway, which is one of the steepest in the world. In the winter months, the mountain attracts snow lovers who can enjoy winter sports, while in summer it becomes a paradise for hikers who want to soak in the natural scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

You can either hike to the top or take a cable car. I recommend hiking up and taking the cable car down. It's a better experience. The climb is challenging, but once at the top, you can refresh yourself, relax, and enjoy the local landscape. There's nothing better than sitting down with a cold drink 🍺 and gazing at the mountains 🏔️. The hike up takes 2–4 hours depending on your pace.

I recommend checking the weather in advance. The views from the top are beautiful and you definitely don't want to miss them.

Hike from Elm Dorf, over Foopass to Weisstannen

The hike from Elm-Dorf to Weisstannen is an incredible experience. It can be done in a single day. I recommend starting early in the morning and checking the weather just in case. It's approximately 30 km long and takes about 6–8 hours depending on your pace.

Personally, I hiked from Elm-Dorf to Weisstannen because a storm was approaching from the other side, and I wanted to avoid it and ideally catch it in the valley near Weisstannen rather than on the hill near Elm-Dorf.

Along the way, you’ll come across at least two mountain inns. The route follows marked trails. In May, when I did the hike, there was no snow and no major danger along the way.

Hike from Mount Säntis to Kronberg

I chose this route as an alternative because there was fog on Mount Säntis all week.

I started from the parking lot below Mount Säntis near the cable car.

The trail to Kronberg is not difficult. It is peaceful here. Occasionally, you’ll encounter cows. The parking lot is empty in the morning.

Hora Säntis

Mount Säntis, at an altitude of 2,502 meters, is the highest peak of the Alpstein massif in Switzerland and attracts visitors with its impressive views of six different countries – Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, and Italy. Thanks to the easily accessible cable car that leads to the summit, Säntis is popular not only among hikers and climbers but also among families and day-trippers. At the top, there is a meteorological station and a restaurant where you can enjoy alpine cuisine with breathtaking mountain views. Säntis is an ideal place for year-round activities, from summer hiking to winter sports.

Hora Riggi

Rigi, known as the "Queen of the Mountains," is a popular peak in central Switzerland with an elevation of 1,798 meters, offering unique views of the Alps, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich. Rigi is easily accessible thanks to the historic Rigi Bahn railway, the oldest mountain railway in Europe, which started operating in 1871. This year-round destination attracts visitors for hiking, Nordic walking, paragliding, and winter sports such as sledding and skiing. The summit is also famous for its stunning sunrises, making Rigi an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.

It is possible to take the cable car both ways.

Personally, I started from Obertimpel above the town of Brunnen and took the cable car down on the way back, then a bus to Brunnen. The hike took about 6 hours.

Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls (Rheinfall), the largest waterfalls in Europe, are located near the town of Schaffhausen in Switzerland and represent an impressive natural spectacle with a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters. In summer, up to 600,000 liters of water flow through here every second, creating an impressive mass of water that attracts tourists from around the world. Visits include viewing platforms that offer breathtaking views of the raging waters up close, as well as boat trips that take visitors to the impressive rocks in the middle of the falls. The Rhine Falls are a great destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking dramatic scenery.

I recommend arriving early in the morning, around 7:00. There are no tourists then, and parking is free until 9:00.

Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein is a picturesque Swiss town known for its perfectly preserved medieval center and richly decorated half-timbered houses with colorful frescoes. It is located on the Rhine River near Lake Constance, making it an ideal place for tourists who want to enjoy the history and natural beauty of the region. The main attractions include the Benedictine Abbey of St. George, dating back to the 11th century, and the Lindwurm Museum, which showcases the life of local residents in the 19th century. Narrow streets and a historic square with cafés create a charming atmosphere and invite visitors for pleasant walks steeped in Swiss history.

I recommend visiting in the morning. Tourists are not yet around, and parking at the town gate is free until 9:00.

Curych

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is a global financial center and one of the most important cultural and economic hubs in Europe. Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, it is known for its clean environment, high quality of life, and rich history dating back to Roman times. The historic old town (Altstadt) with its narrow streets and medieval architecture offers significant landmarks such as the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, famous for their stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Zurich is also a center of modern art and culture – home to the world-renowned Kunsthaus museum, numerous galleries, stylish cafés, and luxury boutiques.

If you want to visit and enjoy some peace, make sure to check that no festival is planned during your stay.

Lucerne

Lucerne, a picturesque town in central Switzerland on the shore of Lake Lucerne, is known for its historic architecture, mountains in the background, and rich cultural scene. The town’s biggest attraction is the wooden Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) from the 14th century, the oldest covered bridge in Europe, decorated with unique triangular paintings. Nearby is the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), symbolizing Swiss courage and honor. Additionally, Lucerne is home to the annual Lucerne Festival, which attracts classical music lovers from around the world.