Long hikes in the mountains, along rivers or lakes, in nearby forests or nature reserves are not only about taking care of your health but also a way to relax, enjoy yourself, and relieve stress and tension. For Ukrainians who have found refuge in Switzerland, hiking is a means to explore places, meet people, and experience the culture and an opportunity to integrate into the community. Everywhere you look, there are only benefits.
So, we have decided to compile a collection of fantastic routes to inspire you for your hikes, and we have gathered a few tips to help you make your plans a reality.
What are the different levels of difficulty for hiking routes?
In Switzerland, there are many well-maintained hiking routes of varying difficulty. All footpaths for hiking are well thought out, maintained, and safe. Each route will have mowed grass, trimmed branches, sturdy steps, clear signposts, and mobile phone coverage, among other amenities.
It is advisable to start with easy routes marked in yellow. Finding such routes is the easiest, as they account for 64% of all hiking routes.
More challenging routes are marked in red and white. These may involve narrow paths and steep ascents and descents. They are designed for more experienced and resilient hikers. Such paths make up about 35% of Switzerland's hiking trails.
For true mountaineers, there are routes marked in blue and white. You often need ropes, ice axes, and crampons to tackle these. Only 1% of the routes fall into this category.
What should you consider when setting out on a hike?
Ensure you have comfortable clothing and footwear. Sneakers or hiking boots are essential for any hike. Don't forget about headgear, either.
Remember that a single route may have sections with different difficulty levels. You can always choose the one that suits you best regarding timing, physical fitness, and mood.
Also, make sure to check the weather forecast. It is best to do so on the website of the national meteorological service, MeteoSwiss.
There, you can find detailed information about the weather, including warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and avalanches. Sometimes, even a simple route can become significantly more challenging if, for example, a downpour occurs. Some routes may be closed or restricted due to bad weather.
As for aesthetic enjoyment, there is no need to worry. Any route will suit you because Switzerland is beautiful. It's like a picture-perfect country. Each route will have its unique feature that will captivate you. Therefore, we recommend exploring all the surroundings near your residence first and then venturing further afield.
Specifically about cable cars
During your hikes, you will often come across cable cars and may have several questions about them. Therefore, below is some information about this mode of transportation that can save you both time and money.
- The cost of such cable cars can vary significantly in different places, ranging from 6 to 100 CHF per person.
- All cable cars have set operating hours (for example, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Check how much time you have to avoid getting stranded on the route.
- Do not discard your ticket and keep it in a safe place, as it is required for both entry and exit from the stations.
- On many routes, it is not mandatory to use cable cars. You can walk underneath them for free, saving money and adding more activity to your hike.
- Discounts on tickets for this mode of transportation are often available. For example, campsites and hotels usually provide discount cards (approximately 20-30% off the ticket price). Discounts are also available through the Swiss Half Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass.
A few interesting routes for your upcoming hikes
And finally, we offer you a selection of routes to suit different tastes.
If you enjoy long but not too challenging hikes, then the Au fil du Doubs (Along the Doubs) route is for you. It follows the Doubs River and consists of four sections. You can complete it from start to finish or hike only a section, starting from any stage. If you opt for the latter, we recommend paying particular attention to the last segment of the route: from Soubey to St-Ursanne. Along the way, you will encounter several stops, including a restaurant serving freshly caught trout using their signature recipe and a fishing enthusiast's camp.
If you choose this route, you will face a challenging ascent of 725 meters. However, the reward you will receive is undoubtedly worth it. After conquering the endurance test, you will witness, with your own eyes, a natural amphitheater with a diameter of one kilometer. It was formed as a result of constant erosion of the mountain rocks. This is an ideal place for the harmonious coexistence of local wildlife such as deer, ibex, marmots, birds of prey, and nature enthusiasts. In addition to the amphitheater, the valley has another remarkable landmark - asphalt mines. Between 1711 and 1986, a system of tunnels with a length of 100 kilometers was created here. Today, a kilometer of unused mine is open to visitors.
The "Path of Switzerland" was created as a joint project of all the cantons to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Confederation. It starts on Mount Rütli, which is the birthplace of the nation. The trail follows the shores of Lake Uri and ends at Auslandschweizer Square in Brunnen. During the journey, you can see marvelous landmarks such as the Schillerstein, the pilgrimage chapel of Maria Sonnerberg, and the small castles of Beroldingen and A-Pro, among others. The route is divided into stages, some accessible for wheelchairs.
The trail begins at the Prau la Selva sports center in Laax. It passes by Lake Lag Tuleritg, fed by the slightly lower Lake Cauma, and winds through enchanting mountain forests. Thanks to its turquoise colors and serene bays, Lake Cauma resembles the Mediterranean and undoubtedly justifies its reputation as one of the most popular swimming lakes. Even orchids grow in this picturesque location.
The Eiger Trail is a good choice if you want to try mountaineering. The route leads through steep alpine meadows and scree slopes to the base of the world-famous "North Face" of the Eiger mountain. It passes by a beautiful waterfall and then descends to a restaurant and railway station in Alpiglen. Throughout the journey, you can admire scenic landscapes, including the summit of Wetterhorn and the mountain pass of Grosse Scheidegg.
This trail will take you on a breathtaking journey through a unique landscape! It formed as a result of the artificial drainage of Lake Lüscher and the subsequent natural response to human intervention in the form of massive landslides. The route runs from the Glaspass mountain pass through the Glazer-Grat hills to Lüscher and back. Even the youngest visitors will find plenty of entertainment on this route, such as the Säumer playground at the Glaspass or the Butatsch-Kügelibahn cable car. There is also a barbecue area. However, monitor the conditions on the trail before setting out, as sections are prone to landslides.
This route traverses the Jura region with its picturesque gorges, forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. Starting from the town of Hölstein, which serves as the route's starting point, the trail winds along a wild stream, passing surreal moss-covered rocks and the natural fountain of Spitzbrunnen. From here, breathtaking views open up to the Alps and the Black Forest massif.
A two-hour hike from Gemmi Pass around the enchanting Daubensee Lake is an excellent route for those seeking relaxation. The calm and laid-back atmosphere surrounding the lake is very soothing. Every year, on the last day of July, a shepherd's festival takes place on the shores of the lake. In the morning, you can see sheep being taken out to graze.
We believe one of our ideas has inspired you, and you have planned a hike. And then, we are confident that you will become true hiking enthusiasts. Therefore, we immediately offer several online resources to help you find hiking ideas.
Swiss Hiking Federation
Here you will find plenty of helpful information and great suggestions for hikes.
Hikr.org
A website dedicated entirely to hiking. Here, you can find up-to-date information about routes in multiple languages.
Schweiz Mobil
A vast resource with a comprehensive list of routes, regions, themes, and fitness levels categorize them.
We hope you have a great time. Happy hiking!
