Where to Enjoy Hiking in Switzerland
You can't beat hiking in Europe's high king (in the mountainous sense)
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It’s a hiker’s paradise, almost entirely made up of mountains, valleys and undulating meadows. While hiking in Switzerland's many rural areas, you’ll move up and down mountains, and encounter some of finest views you'll ever see. The villages dotted around the valleys make for spectacular and enlightening pit stops along the way, affording an insight into old-world Switzerland. You’ll re-energise by browsing the cuckoo clocks and trying the Swiss cheese that so beautifully embodies the peaks and troughs of the country’s topography, before heading out on another walk. And where better to rest feet weary from miles and miles of walking than back at one of the deluxe homes in our collection? Whether you’re in Obwalden, Grisons, Bern or Valais, you’ll find an intricate network of hiking paths, and considering we here at Plum Guide are obsessed with providing you with the ultimate holiday experience, you can bet your money that there'll be a more than ideal home waiting just for you too.
Engelberg Valley
Person standing atop a snowy peak after a hike, Switzerland
This is one of the best places for hiking in Switzerland, because the area is so jam-packed with nature paths. You’ll clamber up mountains and spy snowy peaks for most of the year across the horizon. The Brunni Trail is among the top paths, comprising 4 miles (7 kilometres) of scenic walkways. You can even cheat a little, by riding the cable car from the Brunni station to the Ristis stop. Embark on a spectacular stroll, stopping to take in the panoramic vistas at the Brunnihütte shelter - among the most idyllic picnic spots in the whole country.
Mountain Blossom, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
The Mount Rigi Panorama Trail
One of the top (in both senses of the word) sights in the country, the Mount Rigi Panorama Trail will leave you breathless. From beauty, rather than from physical exertion - the trail is fairly moderate and flat, apart from a few brief parts. Start at the top of Rigi Kulm (having arrived in style via mountain train), and continue to gain elevation until you reach a wide, green opening on the way up. Stop for a snack and a chat with your friends or family, before continuing along the train tracks. All the while, engrave that vista of the Lake Lucerne down below in your mind for eternity.
Blanc De Blanc, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
The Matterhorn
Matterhorn mountain covered in snow, Switzerland
This one’s not for the faint of heart. The Matterhorn is arguably one of the best-known spots for hiking in Switzerland. And for good reason too. It’s simply a marvel to behold, its peak twisting and turning until it touches the blue sky. It’s one of the tallest summits in the Alps, reaching a height of 14,700 feet (4,478 metres), which is a handy stat to tell your companions, as you rush (or dally) to the top. And you’ll need all the conversation you can get, as the trip to the top of the mountain will take around 12 hours. Or you could just stay shtum, while marvelling at the views of the Schwarzsee Paradise lake down below. Know that it is cold year-round on the Matterhorn, so make sure to dress up warm for the trip.
Mountain Sound, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
Mount Titlis
Hidden away in the Uri Alps, Mount Titlis might sound like some variation on a rude joke to English ears, but it’s a serious hiking destination. That said, it should prove a little less of a challenge to the amateur hiker than the aforementioned Matterhorn. Wander through colourful meadows, admiring the Alpine flowers and the views of the Trubsee lake as you go. The Marmot Trail is pretty moderate and approachable, beginning at the Trubsee station and involving a chair lift that rises high above this picturesque region.
Peaks and Valleys, Plum Guide home in Switzerland
Via Engiadina
Person hiking through green mountains in Switzerland
There are many short hikes along this vast area of parkland. In total, it covers a region of 22 miles (35 kilometres), so you’re unlikely to need to cover the entire thing. Rather, you might want to stop at several particularly beautiful spots. Begin in the quaint hamlet of Maloja, and delve into the unforgettable Engadin Valley. Snap photos of the vibrant colours of the meadows, enclosed by turquoise glaciers and dramatic mountains. Browse the shops and cafés in the lovely village of Grevasalvas and take a look around the rustic Sils-Baselgia church.
Parc Ela
It’s time to travel to Graubünden, although we won’t force you to pronounce it. It’s in this eastern side of the country where you’ll find some of the very best walks. Explore some of the many hiking paths in the area, with the Hängebrücke Val Meltger trail among the best. Try some of the fine dining in the area too, by booking a table at the Stiva Veglia or the Gourmet Restaurant Guarda Val.
