CLIMBING MOUNT BALOY

Mount Baloy is located in the beautiful, mountain region of Valderrama on the west side of Panay Island. It’s in the Western Visayas of the Philippines in a long mountain range that spans almost the entire west side of Panay. The peak is one of three tough climbs in the region, which combine to form a series called the Trilogy.

Mount Nangtud (2,073m), Mount Madjaas (2,117m), and Mount Baloy (1,958m) are the three mountains in the Panay Trilogy. It’s a bit of a badge of honor for trekkers who are mentally strong enough to bag all three peaks in the trilogy.

In this blog post, I will give you all the information you need to know before attempting a climb on Mount Baloy. I’ll take you through the chaotic permit process, fill you in on what to expect on the trail, and also help you contact of the guide you will need for this adventure.

MOUNT BALOY HIKE DETAILS

• Duration: This trek is usually done over a minimum of three days and a maximum of five. Taking the out-and-back route makes it a bit shorter and easier to do over three or four days. Taking the circuit route usually adds an extra day or so to the itinerary as it is more overgrown and is an additional 15km.
• Incline: I did the out-and-back route, which ended up having a total of 2,800m of incline.
• Distance: The total for my out-and-back route was 30km.
• Difficulty: It’s a tough hike but not outrageous when it comes to physical difficulty. 2,800m of incline over three days isn’t extreme. However, the leeches, river crossings, constant rain, and overgrown terrain are what make this a 9/9 on the Philippines difficult scale.
• Permits: I will explain the permit process in-depth below. Basically, though, you will need a permit from the local indigenous community, the tourism office, the local search and rescue office, and then sign in at the police station. Think it sounds complex? Wait until I explain the order of events and process below!

WHERE IS MOUNT BALOY AND HOW TO GET THERE

Mount Baloy is on the western side of Panay Island. The main town you will stay in before climbing Mount Baloy is Valderrama. The jump-off is in a small, rural barangay in San Agustin.

My order of events was to travel from Ilo-Ilo by bike (you can use the Ceres bus, which takes three hours) to the turn-off for Valderrama. Then take a jeepney or tricycle for a few dollars up to Valderrama, which is a 15-kilometer journey inland. From Valderrama, you will ride a motorbike (500 PHP per ride) along a crazy, rural track for an hour to reach the Barangay of San Agustin. This is where you will begin the hike.

HIRING A GUIDE

Mount Baloy is a bit of a complex mountain to climb due to its official listing as an IP (Indigenous People’s) community. The rule is that you need to hire a guide from the Barangay of San Agustin.

However, this guide will provide no food, or gear, or have completed any guide training. They are more of the local accompaniment to protect their land. It is highly advised to hire a guide in Valderrama, who will be your actual guide and also provide the food and gear to the local guide from San Agustin. If it sounds confusing, it is just the beginning and I highly, highly recommend contacting my guide Benito Pagayanon.

Contact Benito here: Benito Pagayanon Facebook Page

Without Benito, my climb simply wouldn’t have happened for so many reasons. He organized everything, accompanied me to get permits, and food, organized the local guides’ logistics, spoke English, and was one of the most helpful and friendly people I’ve met in the Philippines. Here’s the breakdown of costs below as of 2022.

• 4000 PHP per group up to 5 for the local guide from the IP community of San Agustin.
• 3500 PHP per head to have Benito as your guide. All included. (Includes food, gear, and transport to and from Valderrama) The food and motorbike to and from Valderrama is about 2000 PHP by itself so this is quite a good price and may rise over the years. So basically it is 3,500 PHP per person with Benito and then your entire group of up to 5 will split the 4000 PHP of the local IP community guide.

PERMIT FOR MOUNT BALOY

I’ll try and make this as concise as possible. For me, the journey to receiving a permit was anything but concise.

1. Travel to the IP office in San Jose and receive the permit after presenting your letter of intent, which is basically a short, signed statement that you intend to climb the mountain.
2. Travel 60km to Valderrama and then to San Agustin on a 1-hr motorbike to present your letter of intent and permit from the IP office to the local elders. They will approve you to climb the mountain or not. They have the right to deny you access to climbing.
3. If you receive approval from the local community, take a 1-hr bike back to Valderrama, then a 60km jeepney journey back to San Jose to present the approval from the local elders to the IP office. They will then sign you off to climb.
4. Travel 60km back to Valderrama. Travel 1 hour by bike back to San Agustin and you are now ready for the climb.

It’s a very impractical process and with WiFi now in San Agustin, we were able to skip going back to San Jose one more time to show the approval to the IP office. We emailed it to them and they made an exception for us. This was thanks to Benito convincing them. If you book in advance with Benito, he will organize your letter of intent and help manage the permit so you don’t need to spend three days traveling around to get approved for the permit, this in itself is worth hiring Benito.

MY MOUNT BALOY VLOG

MY EXPERIENCE CLIMBING MOUNT BALOY

By cycle, I made my way to Valderrama in two days. The 150-kilometer journey from Ilo-City was broken up with an overnight stay in San Jose.

Upon arrival in Valderrama, I checked into the police station. They were unsure if Mount Baloy was even possible, and tried to convince me it had been raining too much. It hadn’t been raining too much and their reluctance would be a sign of things to come. They then sent me to the Mountain Rescue center, where I also signed in.

They called Benito, the guide and I waited there before he came to meet me and got a grip on the situation. Unfortunately, even with his contacts at the mayor’s office, it became clear we would need to go back to San Jose on the bus to get the initial permit from the IP office. It would have been great to read this requirement online before riding through San Jose on a bicycle.

The next day we rode the jeepney back to San Jose and got the permit. We also convinced the lady in the office we would email the permit from the local community in San Agustin rather than drop it back in physical form the next day.

That night we traveled all the way back to Valderrama and then by motorcycle to San Agustin. They approved our climb in a big group meeting of the elders that lasted more than an hour. It was emailed back to the IP office in San Jose and we began the climb the next morning. Sorry for that long story about a permit but that was the reality of the build-up to this hike.

After so much organization and preparation for this hike, it was great to finally set off and get started. The trail begins with about 20 river crossings. You will sometimes be up to hip height in the water or even higher depending on the recent rains. Along the way, you will pass a number of local fishing traps, which are huge structures built out of bamboo to trap fish in floods.

It takes about two hours to complete the river crossings and make it to the start of the uphill climbing. You will reach Camp 1, which is beside the river although it’s only used for hikers who start very late in the day. The local guides decided to just use flip-flops up until this stage but I opted to get my shoes wet, which I recommend from the first moment.

The next part of the hike is probably the most scenic. Following a winding path, you rise up a steep slope to look back over the gorge and the river you have just spent hours zig-zagging along. This section provided some of the best views of the hike. It takes about two hours of hiking in this section to reach the ‘Emergency Camp’, also known as Camp 2.

After just four hours, we reached Camp 2 at an elevation of about 800m. Little did I know, but this would be the last place where I wasn’t concerned about leeches. We set up camp on the little strip beneath the forest. There wasn’t much room here and I managed to set up my tent on a slight slope in the mud while the guys hung their hammocks nearby.

We rose early the next morning at Camp 2 and got ourselves packed up and ready for a big day. Our plan was to go straight from Camp 2 to the summit of Mount Baloy and then camp overnight at Camp 3. We set off up the open ridge, passing by the local, free-range cows. The incline on this day is pretty constant with 1500m gained to reach the summit.

The great thing about the dense nature of this trail is that even if the sun is out, you can avoid being exposed to the heat for the majority of the climb. However, what you cannot escape is the rain that is known to be a constant on Mount Baloy.

The other constant on Mount Baloy is the leeches. The locals had told me to expect leeches and I thought I’d come across a couple. Was I wrong! The leeches were intense. As soon as we reached the forest on the way from Camp 2 to Camp 3, they were everywhere.

I had more than 500 on me throughout the entire trip. Yes, I counted! While most of the leeches are small, they are hard to flick off.

They attach to your shoes and then crawl their way up your legs. It was disgusting and slowed us down a lot. It got to the point where there were so many, we didn’t remove them from our socks and only flicked them off if they crawled onto the skin of our legs.

After four hours and forty minutes, we reached Camp 3. It’s a wet, swampy little area inside the forest. Leeches were rampant. We set up our tents, had a quick pre-prepared lunch, and then made our way up for the summit push. It takes about an hour to get up to the summit from Camp 3.

On the way, you will encounter the ‘Snake Trail’. It’s essentially just a winding section of trail that has a lot of branches and roots tangled across the path, making it hard to progress. It’s nothing too technical and just forces a slower trek up to the summit.

At the summit, you actually have no view. There is a small plaque posted on a tree at the summit stating the elevation. This is where you get your photo for proof of completion!

Despite having no summit view, the entire area near the summit is like a mystical enchanted forest. Vines and moss are draped over twisted trees as fog rolls through and raindrops fall from the leaves. It’s very beautiful in its own way.

We then made the quick descent down to Camp 3, also known as Leechville, and got secured in our tents for the night. I watched as leeches crawled on the exterior of the tent, trying to find a way in to suck my blood. If you don’t like being soggy and wet or critters and bugs, this hike will be a nightmare for you. It’s a good mental challenge as you will be enduring some type of discomfort for most of the journey.

The next morning we set off and made it all the way back down to Camp 2 for lunch. We then traversed the river crossings and made it back to San Agustin in the early afternoon. We had enough time to catch the motorbike back to Valderrama to complete our 3-day trek of Mount Baloy! Here you need to sign out at the police office and the mountain rescue office.

I hope this was a helpful guide and that you have a decent understanding of the logistical requirements and physical requirements for a climb of Mount Baloy.

In this Guiting Guiting Trekking Guide I will detail:

• How to get there
• Where to stay
• Permits
• Guide
• What to pack
• Share my experiences, photos, and videos from the trek

HOW TO GET TO SIBUYAN ISLAND

Sibuyan Island is quite remote and is the hardest island to reach out of the main islands on Romblon. This is purely because it is the furthest from Tablas, the main port in Romblon Province. However, it just takes a few ferries from Tablas to reach Sibuyan.

Things to consider are that the ferries often leave once per day at 8 a.m. or early in the morning. This means if you try and skip from Tablas to Sibuyan in one day it could be impossible as you need to get to Romblon on the first ferry and then there are no more for that day. Therefore identifying the ferry schedule is important.

My advice and what we did is to stay on Romblon Island for a few days, (which you should anyway) and then take the morning ferry over to Sibuyan. Going back from Sibuyan you can take a morning ferry to Romblon and then the midday ferry to Tablas. We even took it one step further and took a sunset charter boat to Carabao, so we made it all the way from Sibuyan to Carabao in one day.

Flexibility is possible in Romblon Province but once you go past Romblon Island and are looking for transport to and from Sibuyan it seems that the once-daily ferry is the only real option on most days. It costs only a few $USD and takes about an hour to cross over to the other island.

WHERE TO STAY IN SIBUYAN ISLAND FOR TREKKING MT. GUITING GUITING

Magdiwang: The port is quite near where you will want to get accommodation before and after trekking Mt. Guiting Guiting. The best town to stay in for your Mt. Guiting Guiting trekking base is Magdiwang.  From the port, you can take a tricycle to Magdiwang for just a couple of dollars.

In Magdiwang you have a few options of where to stay. We originally had been told to stay at Sanctuary Garden Resort. It was fully booked so we instead managed to find a room at a little hotel called Ranchers Place.

Ranchers Place did the job for us. It was a private room for $20 USD. The room was pretty basic but had a working A/C, a small private bathroom and that’s about it. You don’t come to Magdiwang to enjoy a resort.

We stayed one night before our trek and one night after so we just slept and prepared for our trek. There is pretty much no WIFI on Sibuyan Island as of 2019 and if you can get 3G/4G anywhere thank your lucky stars. We did grab a few bars from time to time but for the most part, just enjoy nature because you won’t be spending much time online!

San Fernando: We arrived at San Fernando after a long, bumpy journey and stayed at the Seabreeze Inn. The owners were super nice and it was right on the beach. The rooms were pretty basic, which was fine as it only cost about 800 pesos per night for double occupancy with a/c. They also rented us a motorbike for $10 USD per day.

NECESSARY PERMITS FOR TREKKING MT. GUITING GUITING

The best way to organize the trip is to have one of the local guides organize the logistics such as DENR permit and hotel arrangements. The best Guiting-Guiting guide is Jayson Tangco who knows the mountain like the back of his hand. You can contact him to be your guide by messaging him on his Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/jayson.tangco.5

Our guide organized our permits and such but it is possible to do without a guide so I thought it was necessary to put this bit of information here. You need to go to the DENR office, which is near Sanctuary Garden Resort. Here you just tell them you want to hike and I believe we paid 500 pesos each for the permit.

It was actually funny because in typical Philippines style, they DIDN’T rip us off. They said it would cost 1000 pesos for the DENR permit. We assumed they were saying 1000 pesos each, which was $20 USD so it seemed reasonable. We handed over 2000 pesos together and the guy laughed and handed back 1000 pesos, explaining that it was 1000 pesos total.

It’s pretty common in the Philippines to NOT get ripped off in situations like this, which is one of the reasons it is my favorite country in the world. It’s one thing to have beautiful scenery but to have a population who for the vast majority are so damn honest and full of integrity is something you can’t fake. It’s part of the nature and character of Filipinos!

WHAT TO PACK FOR TREKKING UP MT. GUITING GUITING

Mt. Guiting Guiting was for us, an overnight adventure. We camped below the summit on night one, woke up early on the second day, and trekked to the summit before coming back down all the way to Magdiwang the next day. Therefore we had to take camping equipment and enough food for two full days.

The weather was cold at night and hot during the day so we needed both types of clothes. We also sweat a ton due to the humidity so that was another factor to consider. We carried all of our own gear although many people had porters, so we packed light. These are the things you will need to pack:

• Good hiking shoes or trainers.
• Two pairs of socks
• Pants and or shorts (Two pairs because one will be wet/sweaty after day one)
• T-shirt ((Two pairs because one will be wet/sweaty after day one))
• A jacket for at night
• Rain jacket or poncho
• A tent (We had one between two of us so one person carried the camping gear and the other the cooking gear)
• Sleeping bag
• Cooking equipment such as stove, gas cylinder, plate, cup, fork, spoon
• Food depends on you whether you want to take rice and canned foods or prefer just to do bread and food items you don’t need to cook. Many people cooked rice and had adobo but you can do it more easily by taking bread and things you don’t need to cook. It really depends on the person. I prefer not cooking and eating dry foods as it saves the hassle when it is just overnight.
• Camera gear
• Power Bank

MORE ROMBLON TRAVEL GUIDES:

• Tablas Island: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON TABLAS ISLAND
• Sibuyan Island: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON SIBUYAN ISLAND
• Carabao Island: 5 THINGS TO DO ON CARABAO ISLAND
• Romblon Island: 17 THINGS TO DO ON ROMBLON ISLAND
• Cresta de Gallo Island: CRESTA DE GALLO ISLAND, ROMBLON – EPIC DAY TRIP
• Hiking G2 (Guiting Guiting): TREKKING MT GUITING GUITING (G2)

HIKING MOUNT TAPYAS

Mount Tapyas in Coron is a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. With 700+ steps to the summit, this hike promises rewarding views of the town, bay, and distant islands. As you plan your ascent, myMount Tapyas Hiking Guide will provide practical tips, what to expect on the trail, and how to make the most of your trip to the top. Will you be hiking for sunrise or sunset?

MOUNT TAPYAS ENTRANCE FEE

There is no entrance fee for Mt Tapyas, which is great as it encourages tourists and locals to get out, get active and enjoy the view.

Just before you reach the top you can cut to the right on a new path so you can look up the hill towards the summit. Here you will be right in front of the ‘C O R O N’ sign, similar to that found in Hollywood. It is very recognizable and you can see it from Coron Island while you are out island hopping.

This is a great spot for photos in both directions. We took photos here years ago before the path was placed here but now it is very easily accessible. 

MT TAPYAS CLEANUP – ADVENTURE BAG

Coron is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. It was my third time returning to Coron but my first visit back since I started the Adventure Bag Movement. I decided to organize a quick clean-up of the most popular sunset spot on Coron, Mt. Tapyas. 

A small but determined group, the twelve of us set off up the stairs. There had been reports that the trail was clean and that there was daily maintenance of the trail. I wasn’t worried because we hear these nervous comments before every cleanup only to collect thousands of pieces of trash. This hike was no different.

We immediately found a little dump site off to the side of the stairs and filled 5-6 huge garbage bags within minutes. After clearing this site we headed up the stairs. 

Krish was our tour guide on our Big Dream Boat Man tour and went beast mode collecting 12 huge garbage bags of trash in 1.5 hours. The rest of the crew combined for another 10+ bags to total almost 25 giant garbage bags of trash on a short hiking trail.

WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN

Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.

• The Funny Lion (Good Atmosphere): The Funny Lion is a boutique resort in Coron that I visited several years ago. Let’s just say that beer from the hot tub with one of the best sunset views in Coron is about as good as it gets. It’s ultra-modern and has a spa, pool, and immaculate rooms. The rooftop bar and dining is an awesome place to be after a long day of island-hopping in Coron.
• Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Value): Located by the bay in Coron Town, this upscale hotel features an infinity pool which makes for a picture-perfect sunset view (Possibly the best sunset hotel view in Coron). If you want comfort and luxury at the same time this place is for you. It has its own private dock so you just leave straight to the island-hopping tours from your hotel room!
• Casa Fidelis Resort All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping): I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis. The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we had decadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa 

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review.
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat

50 BEST HIKES IN SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, I have chosen my favorite 50 hikes in Switzerland so that you can pick a couple that stands out to you so you can head off and explore the Swiss Alps and hiking trails around this incredibly picturesque country!

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ’50 BEST HIKES IN SWITZERLAND’ BLOG POST

Before you dive into this epic list of the best hikes in Switzerland there are a couple of things to know about this blog post. I’ve included a huge ‘Things to know when hiking in Switzerland‘ section at the bottom of the blog post with lots of information and tips but there are a few pieces of information you need to know before looking at the list of my favorite 50 hikes in Switzerland

• Switzerland has a SAC difficulty scale, which labels hikes with a technical score such as T2 or T5 etc. All of the hikes in this blog post are T4 with a few T5 exceptions. I have included the full table that shows the difficulty scale at the bottom of the blog post so you can see what level suits you and the explanation of each level.
• This guide will be broken up by region so it is easy to skim through to a section you are visiting or interested in.
• The best app for navigating on the Switzerland hiking trails is the free Switzerland Mobility App, which works offline (usually) and the Alltrails App. I used both depending on their availability on a specific trail, along with Google Maps and Maps.me if it is a basic hike.
• I backpacked around Switzerland by using trains and buses. They are very efficient, have good coverage, and are also very damn expensive. What I did is bought the Swiss Half-Fare Card, which gives you half price off any ticket (except some cable cars) It basically pays itself off within five days so if you are there for a week you NEED it. Trust me. If you are looking to move across the country quickly and doing some big train journeys they will be more than $100 USD sometimes. Many people get the Swiss Travel Pass, which is pretty expensive at about $100 USD a day but gives you unlimited free travel and half price on many cable cars. I’d say get the Swiss Half-Fare Pass for sure but don’t rush into the full Swiss Travel Pass until you have mapped out your route.

MOUNT NIESEN HIKE ‘THE SWISS PYRAMID’

Mount Niesen was a hike I hadn’t heard too much about but it delivered in so many different ways! The cable car is so steep it’s an exciting ride in itself, the views on the panorama trail to the summit were incredible, and then to be above the clouds at Niesen Kulm Berghaus enjoying the sunset was out of this world.

One of the most remarkable sights in Thun is a peak that stands out above the clouds for its unique pyramid shape. The peak also features a mountain hut restaurant on top, making it a popular destination for visitors. From the photos, you can see the pyramid’s shadow cast during sunset. This solo hike was one of my favorites in Switzerland, as I had the fortune of witnessing an epic sunset and clear skies.

If you plan on visiting Niesen Kulm from Mulenen, you can take a cable car to Schwandegg station, which is halfway up the 7.7km distance. From there, you can hike to Niesen Kulm. When I did the same, it took me 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete the 4.8km hike, which involved an incline of 646 meters. If you prefer a leisurely pace, it is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for the hike.

The trail is relatively easy with no significant exposure. The hardest part of this hike is the incline. If you lack confidence, it is advisable to start halfway at Schwandegg because there is 1700m of climbing from Mulenen, which may be a bit too much for beginners but fine for regular hikers. Don’t forget to include this hike in your Swiss itinerary!

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING MOUNT NIESEN ‘THE SWISS PYRAMID’

AUGSTMATTHORN HIKE FROM HARDER KULM

Augstmatthorn is a breathtaking summit situated along the Hardergrat Ridge and is renowned for its stunning views and the Ibex colony that inhabits it. There are multiple routes that lead to the summit, but the most popular one begins after catching the train to Harder Kulm Station and involves a walk along the ridge.

The view from Augstmatthorn was breathtaking, with the clouds below us. We could see the entire Hardergrat ridge, had a stunning view of Brienzersee, and across to the Swiss Alps. The Ibex colony was hanging around, indifferent to us as hikers. It was an incredible experience to witness these amazing creatures in such an epic location. This Swiss hiking trail is definitely one of the best hikes in Interlaken!

The total distance of the hike from Harder Kulm to Augstmatthorn and then back down to Habkern is 16 kilometers. Once you reach Habkern, you can take a bus back to your destination. If you plan on doing a round trip from Harder Kulm, it’s recommended to start your hike early in the day to ensure you catch the last train down from Harder Kulm to Interlaken.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: AUGSTMATTHORN HIKE FROM HARDER KULM

HIKING TO DOSSEN HUT VIA ROSENLAUI GLACIER

The Dossen Hut hike is an epic 19km T4 Difficulty route that starts off at Rosenlaui Glacier and leads you up to the mountain hut and down to Innertkirchen. This one requires a train and a bus from Interlaken but I made it all work as an Interlaken day-hike.

The hike starts by taking you through a canyon and several waterfalls before you begin the T4 route up the rocky slopes. During the climb, ladders, ropes, and pegs will guide you up the scramble until you reach the mountain hut. From the hut, you can enjoy an epic view of the Rosenlaui Glacier. On your way back, you will pass through the canyon on the other side of the ridge before catching the train back to Interlaken.

The hike from Rosenlaui Hotel to Dossen Hut and down to Innertkirchen is suggested to take around 8 hours. However, as you will see in this blog post, I completed the hike in 5 hours, although I had to run an additional 5km from Innertkirchen to Meiringen Train Station. It is possible to complete the hike in less than 5 hours, but most hikers will likely take between 5 to 10 hours. I absolutely loved this hike and consider it one of the most unique day hikes in Switzerland, with plenty of things to see along the trail.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO DOSSEN HUT VIA ROSENLAUI GLACIER

THE NIEDERHORN HIKE: A BEAUTIFUL RIDGE WALK

The Niederhorn is a popular summit with lots of action at the time, highlighted by incredible views of Lake Thun, which is very close to Interlaken. It’s possible to ride up or down with the cable car but exploring the Niederhorn ridge hike at the summit is a must!

At the summit, we hung out on the ridge that overlooks the western end of Lake Thun and was all by ourselves the entire time. We watched as paragliders took off (I watched that one from my drone, which was a little scary), scoped out Lake Thun, and looked at the small huts in the valley below.

We took a cable car to the summit and then hiked along the ridge for 7 kilometers before descending to Beatenberg Station. The entire loop is 14 kilometers and can also be done in reverse. Families who prefer walking to strenuous hikes often take the cable car to the top, walk along the ridge, which has a gentle incline, and then catch the cable car down. This is a popular strategy for those hiking in Switzerland with kids.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE NIEDERHORN HIKE: A BEAUTIFUL RIDGE WALK

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: MURREN

Murren is one of my favorite regions in Switzerland with some of the best balcony views in the world, which look down over Lauterbrunnen Valley with the ‘Big 3’ in the distance (Eiger, Jungfrau, Monch). I visited this region for 5 days and barely had enough time to see all of the amazing hikes in Murren. You can check out my in-depth guide to hiking in Murren: 7 AWESOME HIKES NEAR MURREN

MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

The Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald is an epic adventure in Switzerland, where you traverse ladders and steps on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lauterbrunnen, all while being safely strapped in with a harness.

If you’re not familiar with Via Ferrata, it’s a route marked by a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing sections that help you ascend a vertical cliff. You’ll be wearing a harness and attaching yourself to a steel cable at the start of the route. Throughout the climb, you’ll always be secured to the cable with at least one clip.

I wrote a post you might be interested that includes all of the Via Ferrates I did while in Switzerland: 4 AWESOME VIA FERRATA ROUTES IN SWITZERLAND

On the Murren Via Ferrata, you will literally be hanging off the wall over a 500-meter drop down into Lauterbrunnen Valley. You up for it? You NEED to add at least one Via Ferrata to your Swiss hiking itinerary as it is quite unique and something most countries don’t have.

I’ve added the instructions to get to the start of the Murren Via Ferrata below.

• From Interlaken, you will need to catch the train Lauterbrunnen
• Once in Lauterbrunnen take the Grutschalp cable car, which is right next to the train station. This will take you all the way up to Grutschalp station where you can switch onto the historic, Murren Railway.
• The Murren Railway is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland with views of Eiger and the surrounding peaks along the journey.
• Once you arrive at the Murren Train Station turn left out of the station and walk for 10-minutes past Hotel Edelweiss and you will arrive at the sports chalet on your right and Intersport on your left for the hiring of the gear.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE (PIZ GLORIA)

The hike from Murren to Schilthorn is challenging with 1600m of altitude climbed throughout the trail to the Piz Gloria summit where James Bond ‘007’ was filmed. At the summit, you can reward yourself after the long hike with a warm bowl of soup at the revolving restaurant, which lets you take in the 360-degree panoramic views as you enjoy your meal. From Interlaken, you will want to leave quite early to give yourself enough time to do the hike and get back for what is a very possible day-hike from Interlaken.

It’s 12.9km Total distance from Murren to Schilthorn mountain summit. If you want to hike down you will need to add a few more kilometers but we caught the Schilthornbahn down to Murren, which was a nice way to return after a long day on the legs.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE

TANZBODELI & OBERSTEINBERG HIKE

Tanzbodeli is one of my favorite hikes in the Lauterbrunnen region because it provides the best 360 degrees of the entire mountainscape. On a clear day, it feels as though you are at the center of the Jungfrau region and you can see all of the glacier-laden peaks. On a gloomy, cloudy day, it is equally impressive as you are seemingly inside a cloud, on top of the world. We had bits of both on our journey to Tanzbodeli and Obersteinberg from Gimmelwald. If you are looking for a great view of the Swiss Alps, hike up to Tanzbodeli on a clear day as the plateau at the summit is known as one of the best places to hike in the Jungfrau region for views of the Swiss Alps.

• Hike Distance: 13.9km Total distance from Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli to Obersteinberg to Stechelberg. The total distance from Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli was 6 steep kilometers in 2 hours.
• Hike Duration: 4 hours of moving time but total time was 7 hours including an hour at the summit, an hour at the Obersteinberg Hotel, and other stops.
• Hike Difficulty: The trail is not technically difficult although there are parts where you will clamber up rocks. No drop-offs are ever apparent on either side of the trail. Dirt path most of the way. Relatively simple hiking although the incline is quite steep and air does get thin. Physically challenging but relatively safe.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation throughout the hike 1100-meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: TANZBODELI & OBERSTEINBERG HIKE: THE BEST VIEW OF LAUTERBRUNNEN

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: GRINDELWALD

Grindelwald is everything that makes Switzerland so incredible. You have the quintessential chalets with flows perfectly pruned on the balconies, the snowcapped mountains loom over the top of the town, the sound of cowbells can be heard around many corners and you have some amazing hikes. You have the famous Eiger Wall but also the tallest train station in Europe with Jungfraujoch but many beautiful alpine lakes and other peaks to explore.

There are lots of great overnight mountain hut hikes in this region and it’s just one of the best places to hike in Switzerland. You can check out my in-depth hiking guide for Grindelwald here: 12 EPIC HIKES NEAR GRINDELWALD

BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

Baregg Hut (Bareghutte) is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the lower Grindelwald Glacier. It’s just a 3km walk from Pfingstegg and is a great place for an overnight stay and a basecamp to hike to the Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhutte). I caught the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald and began from there and returned the next day. My hostel let me leave my bags in their lockers for free.

The trail runs alongside the Lower Grindelwald Glacier, or at least where it once was, following the edge of the cliff. This hike provides a clear demonstration of how much the glacier has receded over the past century and a half.

The hike from Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut is more challenging than the route from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut. It’s a 12km round-trip hike with over 1000m of incline, which makes it a perfect example of trekking in Switzerland.

Aside from the ladders and cables, you do have to climb 1000+ meters, which is a challenge in itself so definitely gear up for an adventure! The views of the glacier that are within touching distance throughout the trail make it all worth it!

The distance from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is just 2.75km. However, the next day the hike to Schreckhorn and return to Baregg Hut is 11.8 kilometers, and then the 2.75km return to Pfingstegg. So all up for this hike in Switzerland it is 17.3km.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

The Eiger Trail hike is one of the most popular routes in Switzerland because the path leads hikers directly under the world-famous Eiger North Face Wall, which is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the world.

I started off on the trail and noticed that the first 200m had a slight incline. However, it was spread out over a few kilometers and was not too exhausting. At this point, the Eiger mountain was not yet visible, but the panoramic views of the valley and the towering glacial mountains were breathtaking. Everywhere I looked, there was something beautiful to admire. I hiked in Switzerland during July, and it was the perfect time for this hike!

After walking for about 2km into the trail, you will soon arrive at the Eiger viewing area. You will probably notice a small group of people and maybe even some local cows. This is the perfect spot to admire the Eiger Mountain. If you read the signs, you can even identify the climbing path that the climbers use to scale the North Face wall of Eiger.

The Eiger Trail stretches for 6.5km between Eigergletscher Train Station and Alpiglen. The hike typically takes around 2.5 hours, but if you don’t stop for photos or breaks, you can finish it in under two hours. If you’re a fast runner, you could complete it in less than an hour.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

HIKING TO FAULHORN SUMMIT VIA FIRST & BACHALPSEE

Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland. It is surrounded by wildflowers and adorned with an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of the Bachalpsee Lake is that there is a cable car to First, making it just a one-hour trek from the First station to the lake, despite being located at 2,265m in altitude. This hike is one of the most impressive near Interlaken, offering everything one could ask for. The lake is incredible, and the mountain hut is one of the best ones I have been to. It is easily one of the best hikes in Switzerland.

• Hike Distance: After the cable car to First the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.
• Hike Duration: 2 hours of moving time. With breaks, swimming, and photos, the total time was 3 hours return.
• Hike Difficulty: Very easy. Dirt trail the whole way. Some incline but nothing too major just 188m up and 188m down.
• Hike Incline: 188m

If you want to skip the line, which is often quite long, you can book your return ticket to Grindelwald to First (return) online in advance. This ticket allows you to ‘skip the line’ and includes a return trip to First with access to First Cliff Walk.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO FAULHORN SUMMIT VIA FIRST & BACHALPSEE

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint. This is one of the more adventurous hiking trails in Switzerland but it’s actually not too long!

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail, and up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

The Gleckstein Hut, also known as Glecksteinhutte, is situated above Grindelwald and offers breathtaking views of the valley below, with magnificent glaciers in the backdrop. It is an ideal location to spend the night and enjoy the beauty of both sunrise and sunset. If you’re not an experienced mountaineer, you can still access the Chrinnerhorn summit, which is just a few hundred meters above the Gleckstein Hut, and enjoy the stunning views of the Gleckstein Hut and Grindelwald. The area near Grindelwald is perfect for hut-to-hut hiking, and a stopover at the Gleckstein Hut should definitely be included in your itinerary!

According to the sign, the suggested duration for the trek is 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, I took 1 hour and 34 minutes to reach the top and 58 minutes to come down the next day. The trail is marked with red-and-white stripes and is rated as moderately difficult, with a few exposed areas. There are cables provided wherever the trail is exposed. The ascent involves an incline of 1,100m, which may be challenging for many, but I saw quite a few older hikers making it up to the hut. A slow and steady pace will make the trek easier and more enjoyable for most.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM FIRST

Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by wildflowers and adorned with an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of the Bachalpsee Lake is that because there is a cable car to First, it is just a one-hour trek from the First station to the lake, despite being located at 2,265m in altitude.

Bachalpsee is one of the most spectacular lakes in Switzerland and probably one of the most incredible lakes you will find on a hike near Interlaken. When you are exploring Bachalpsee, it will become clear why this is one of the most popular hiking trails in Switzerland.

After the cable car to First, the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.

If you want to skip the line, which is often quite long, you can book your return ticket to Grindelwald to First (return) online in advance. This ticket allows you to ‘skip the line’ and includes a return trip to First with access to First Cliff Walk.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: ZERMATT

Zermatt is probably the most popular region in Switzerland and with good reason. In the summer it is one of the best places for hiking in Switzerland and in the winter it is a skiing mecca. I visited in the late summer and marveled at the might Matterhorn peak from a number of different trails. For those looking to delve into some more diffuclt trekking in Switzerland or even some climbing, Zermatt is the place.

Zermatt is one of the most popular spot for climbers in the Swiss Alps with more than 40 4000-meter peaks to summit in the region. In this guide we will stick to the more moderate hiking trails, but it’s still good to be in part of an atmosphere where that sort of adventuring is going on.

The car-less town of Zermatt has kept much of it’s original charm although it is very expensive and slightly overrun by eager tourists so it loses a few points there. Overall though, it was definitely worth the week I spent hiking some truly incredible trails. You can check out my in-depth hiking guide to Zermatt here: 6 AWESOME HIKES IN ZERMATT

HORNLIHUTTE HIKE ‘MATTERHORN BASE CAMP’ IN ZERMATT

The Hornlihutte (Hornli Hut) is the most common base camp for the Matterhorn climb. However, hiking to Hornlihutte is a great hike in its own right as I found out. I took the cable car to Schwarzsee and hiked up to Hornlihutte for sunset and then hiked all the way back down to Zermatt town in the dusk and then the dark for a total journey of 16 kilometers. At an altitude of 3,260 meters, the hut is a base camp for some and a summit for others.

• Hike Distance: Schwarzsee to Hornlihutte is 4km with 715 meters of incline. Obviously, you have to come back down to Schwarzsee so that is a minimum of 8km. However, if you go for sunset or miss the last 4:30 pm cable car, you will need to walk all the way back to Zermatt. My total hike distance with the walk back to Zermatt main street was 16.68km.
• Hike Duration: Schwarzsee to Honlihutte should take about 1.5 hours maximum.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike difficulty for Hornlihutte was medium. From Schwarzsee to the start of the ridge, you are on a red and white marked trail that is quite simple, although even on that trail there are rocky sections and a few drop-offs although nothing dramatic. Once upon the ridge, it is a blue and white alpine trail. This means stop walking if you aren’t up for a bit of a challenge.
• Hike Incline: 967m total climb with over 1500m of decline (if you go back down to Zermatt main street)

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HORNLIHUTTE HIKE ‘MATTERHORN BASE CAMP’ IN ZERMATT

THE 5 LAKES HIKE IN ZERMATT (MATTERHORN VIEWS)

The 5 Lakes hike is one of the most popular walking trails in Zermatt because it is accessible to everyone and has minimal steep climbing. Along the route are five stunning lakes where you can create reflections of the Matterhorn at the right angle. It’s a great day out and relatively one of the best hikes in Switzerland for families.

Catch a train up to the plateau and you will do most of the incline in the train. Once you reach the plateau, complete the loop walk by checking out each of the lakes on the trail. On a clear day, you will be able to see the reflection of the Matterhorn in several of the lakes, which is always a great crowd-pleaser. This hike is much less intense than many others due to the lower incline, although there are still a few hills to contend with, so don’t expect a complete walk in the park. It’s the perfect summer hike in Zermatt. The hike distance is not mentioned in the original text.

• Hike Distance: The entire loop is 6km
• Hike Duration: The hike should take about 3 hours if you stop at each lake and wander around a bit. Total walking time should be no more than 2 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: Very low difficulty. Suitable for families.
• Hike Incline: 241 meters

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE 5 LAKES HIKE IN ZERMATT (MATTERHORN VIEWS)

THE GORNERGRAT HIKE FROM RIFFELALP IN ZERMATT

The hike from Riffelalp to Gornergrat takes you along one of the most scenic routes in Zermatt. The Matterhorn is in your sights for most of the journey as you pass by several lakes with perfect reflections of the mighty Matterhorn. There are two highlights of this hike in Zermatt. The first is the reflections of the Matterhorn in the Riffelsee (lake).

Many come all the way to Zermatt and spend big bucks on the train up here to see this very reflection. The highlight is looking out over the incredible Gornergrat Glacier, which is mindblowing in size and you really get an idea of the evolution of the glacier over time. This is truly one of the top hikes in Switzerland.

Skip the line and book a ticket online for the Gornergrat Cogwheel. Cross stunning bridges, ride through galleries and tunnels, idyllic forests, past gorges and mountain lakes as your climb the Gornergrat on the cogwheel train with the Matterhorn continually in view. At the summit, explore the picturesque alpine world of the Swiss Alps.

• Hike Distance: The total distance from the Riffelalp train station to Gornergrat Hotel via Riffelsee is 6 kilometers. You can then catch the Gornergratbahn back down to Zermatt. My total loop was 20km from Riffelalp to Riffelsee to Gornergrat to Hohtalli to Zermatt.
• Hike Duration: From Riffelalp to Gornergrat you are expecting it to take about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike difficulty for Riffelsee from Riffelalp was very low. There was some incline but the path was always very clear and quite flat. Suitable for children. From Riffelsee to Gornergrat the trail is quite steep but there are no sections with any real danger. From Gornergrat to Hohtalli (I’ll explain later in the blog), there was some exposure and rock scrambling.
• Hike Incline: From Riffelalp to Hotel Gornergrat Kulm the incline is 900m. The altitude at Hotel Gornergrat Kulm is 3,100 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE GORNERGRAT HIKE FROM RIFFELALP IN ZERMATT

THE MATTERHORN GLACIER TRAIL HIKE IN ZERMATT

The Matterhorn Glacier Trail hike in Zermatt is a great walking trail that winds underneath the Matterhorn. It is one of the best day hikes in Zermatt and definitely one of the top places to see the Matterhorn from a very close distance without having to do any crazy incline or hiking. For an epic view of the Matterhorn with lots of lake reflection shots, this is my top recommendation for a hiking trail in Zermatt.

Are you interested in hiking in Zermatt? If you are looking for a picturesque view of the Matterhorn along with some amazing lake reflections, then I highly recommend the hiking trail I am about to suggest. This particular trail is an excellent choice for families and tourists who want to experience the beauty of the Matterhorn but are not looking for a challenging adventure. With only a 150m total incline, it is one of the easiest hikes in Zermatt. By taking the cable car all the way up to the top, you can enjoy a point-to-point route instead of a loop. This way, most of the trail is downhill and you end up at a different cable car station.

• Hike Distance: 6.4km from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee
• Hike Duration: 2-3 hours
• Hike Difficulty: Very low. The total incline is 150m and a decline of 500m Sometimes rocky trails but never any dangerous or exposed trail.
• Hike Incline: 150m total climb with 500m of decline.

The Matterhorn Glacier Trail starts just beneath the Trockener Steg cable car station. You will begin the cable car journey on the Matter Glacier Paradise Cable Car, which leaves from the Zermatt Bergbahnen Station. You can skip the line if you book online here in advance.

The cable cars are open every day from 8:30 to 4:30 but you can check here on

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MATTERHORN GLACIER TRAIL HIKE IN ZERMATT

HOHBALMEN SUNRISE HIKE IN ZERMATT – MATTERHORN VIEWPOINT

The Hohbalmen sunrise hike in Zermatt is an intense way to start your day. It involves a challenging climb of 1,100m to reach a stunning viewpoint with clear views of Matterhorn. This hike is not very popular probably because it requires a lot of effort and there are other trails that offer similar views with much less difficulty. Nevertheless, this viewpoint offers a mesmerizing sunrise experience and you will not encounter many people on this trail. I really enjoyed waking up early and embarking on this adventure to reach the viewpoint, and it was definitely a strenuous workout.t.

• Hike Distance: The hike from Zermatt to Hohbalmen viewpoint and to return is 10km. However, there are lots of routes that continue from Hohbalmen that can make it a 20km loop. I just went up to the viewpoint and down and it was 10km.
• Hike Duration: The hike took me 2 hours and 50 minutes although it would be more likely to take 3-5 hours round-trip for an average pace of hiking.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike is not exposed and there are no dangers. The incline to the viewpoint is very aggressive with 1000m of incline within the first 4km, which is a lot to handle for many people…, especially before a coffee!
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Zermatt Town: 1608m – Hohbalmen Viewpoint: 2,673m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HOHBALMEN SUNRISE HIKE IN ZERMATT – MATTERHORN VIEWPOINT

RIFFELSEE LAKE HIKE IN ZERMATT WITH MATTERHORN REFLECTION

The Riffelsee (Riffel Lake) Hike may just be the best spot in Zermatt to find the perfect reflection photo of the mighty Matterhorn. A train takes you to Riffelalp before you hike around the mountain with constant views of the Matterhorn until you end up at Riffelsee and witness the amazing reflection.

The Riffelsee is amazing at sunset or sunrise but quite difficult to get to at those hours as the train is usually finished. Therefore it is quite a mission to hike in the dark before sunrise or after sunset. Adventurers love this challenge to see the alpenglow on the Matterhorn reflecting in the lake.

There are usually some diehard photographers at the lake who have made the effort. Once you are up there at the lake it is one of the nicest walks in Zermatt in my opinion.

• Hike Distance: The total distance from Riffelalp train station to Riffelsee via the Riffelseeweg is just 4.1km. You can then catch the Gornergratbahn back down to Zermatt. However, I suggest you continue hiking up to Gornergrat and keep exploring. My total loop was 20km from Riffelalp to Riffelsee to Gornergrat to Hohtalli to Zermatt.
• Hike Duration: From Riffelalp to Riffelsee you are expecting it to take about 1.5 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike difficulty for Riffelsee from Riffelalp was very low. There was some incline but the path was always very clear and quite flat. Suitable for children.
• Hike Incline: From Riffelalp to Riffelsee the incline is just under 600m of climbing. Riffelsee is at 2,762 meters above sea level.

Skip the line and book a ticket online for the Gornergrat Cogwheel. Cross stunning bridges, ride through galleries and tunnels, idyllic forests, past gorges and mountain lakes as your climb the Gornergrat on the cogwheel train with the Matterhorn continually in view. 

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: RIFFELSEE LAKE HIKE IN ZERMATT WITH MATTERHORN REFLECTION

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: CHUR

Chur was a bit of a surprise packet for me. No one recommended me to visit Chur, to be honest, but I found it a great little base to explore a number of hikes in the region. While the best hiking trails seemed to be just outside of the town of Chur itself (but still nearby) the town was quite lovely and quiet and its central location made it easy to navigate the region by train on lots of day hikes.

I wouldn’t recommend Chur if you just had a short amount of time in Switzerland (and your main focus was hiking) but if you are doing a long hiking tour like myself or don’t mind getting off the beaten path and away from the hotspots you will find some gems near Chur so it is worth adding to your Switzerland hiking itinerary. You can view my in-depth hiking guide to Chur here: 7 AWESOME HIKES NEAR CHUR

RHINE GORGE RIVER HIKE & VIEWPOINT ‘SWISS GRAND CANYON’

The Rhine Gorge is often referred to as the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’, and while that may be a bit of a stretch in terms of comparison, it is an impressive gorge and a great location for hiking. The strange rock formations, cliffs, and blue-tinted water make the Rhine River and the gorge one of the most unique attractions in Switzerland.

The Rhine Gorge offers multiple hiking routes with various entry and exit points and a train that runs through the gorge itself. This provides adventurers with plenty of options for their journey, which can range from a few kilometers to a massive 21-kilometer hike. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the viewing platform overlooking the gorge is a great option. Additionally, visitors can take a train ride through the gorge, making it accessible to non-hikers as well.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: RHINE GORGE RIVER HIKE & VIEWPOINT ‘SWISS GRAND CANYON’

PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS

The Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) in Flims is an epic series of staircases and ladders on the edge of a cliff that winds up hundreds of meters above the valley. From the summit, you have incredible views of Crestasee, Caumasee, and the entire region of Flims

The Pinut Via Ferrata is actually the oldest of its kind in all of Switzerland and was opened in 1907. For those who are nervous hearing about climbing a century-old ladder, fear not. This Via Ferrata is maintained by the tourism board and was fully renovated in 2007.

The first part of the Pinut Via Ferrata is, in my opinion, the most spectacular. There is a huge spire that you pass by on the boardwalks in between scaling the ladders up the cliffside. It is a really unique rock formation and by walking upon the cliffside you get a close-up inspection.

The route then continues up the wall and actually leads you inside some caves and small tunnels, all the while connected to the strong cable, which keeps you safe throughout the hike. From within the tunnels and caves, you can see out the gaps all the way down to Flims and the lakes.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS – EPIC CLIFFSIDE STAIRWAY

MUTTSEE HUT HIKE VIA LIMERENSEE LAKE

The trek to Muttsee Hut (Muttseehütte) was an unusual journey I experienced in Switzerland. Nevertheless, the end result was awe-inspiring. The adventure commences in Linthal, where you need to walk 6.7 kilometers to the Tierfehd cable car, and then traverse a 3-kilometer-long tunnel that is dark and damp, before emerging at Limerensee. The trail then ascends a very steep mountain until you reach some breathtaking vantage points of the Limerensee and, of course, the Muttsee Hut. I hiked in Switzerland in September when I did this trek, but it is advisable to undertake this trek during summer as the trail closes during winter.

• Hike Distance:  The hike distance from the top of the Tierfehd Cable car through the tunnel and to the Muttsee Hut is 5.8 kilometers. However, if you are using public transport, you will need to walk from the Linthal train station to Tierfehd cable car station, which is an extra 6.7km and a total of 12.5 kilometers. The hike is a round-trip hike so you will need to make the entire 10.6 kilometers without the walk from Linthal or 25 kilometers including the journey to and from Linthal.
• Hike Duration: If you begin at Linthal, you can expect the entire journey to take about 4-5 hours. If you begin at Tierfehd the journey will take 2-3 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike is a red and white marked trail and quite simple. I did the hike in October on the last week of opening for Muttsee Hut and even with a bit of snow around it was quite simple. The incline is challenging from the end of the tunnel to the Muttsee Hut and is non-stop ascent although it is only 5-600m of incline so if you are prepared to take a few breaks you will make it eventually, no matter your physical ability.
• Hike Incline: From Linthal the total incline is 900-1000m but from the Tierfehd cable car station the total hiking incline (once getting off the cable car at the start of the tunnel) is 600m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MUTTSEE HUT HIKE VIA LIMERENSEE LAKE

LUNERSEE HIKE – LOVE HEART LAKE VIEWPOINT AT GAMSLUGGEN

While the Lunersee (lake) is actually in Austria, the viewing point we went to is right on the Swiss side of the border. Funnily enough, you could actually walk down to the lake from where we were and cross the border into Austria.

The hike to Lunersee Lake is quite an interesting adventure because although we were in Switzerland and hiked all the way to the viewpoint above the lake, it is actually in Austria. If you went down to walk around the Lunersee Lake, you would have crossed the border and entered Austria. The hike itself is long and full of adventure with some chains and exposure towards the end. The shape of the lake is a love-heart but only when viewed from certain angles such as the Gamsluggen viewpoint in Switzerland.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LUNERSEE HIKE – LOVE HEART LAKE VIEWPOINT AT GAMSLUGGEN

JORISEEN LAKE & JORIHORN SUMMIT HIKE IN DAVOS

This hike near Chur is an epic 12km loop trail that takes you to multiple lakes and then to the summit of Jorihorn where you have epic views of Joriseen and the Swiss Alps. The trail takes you past each of the lakes in the valley before summitting the Jorihorn for the sunset view of a lifetime.

• Hike Distance: The entire loop was 12.75km but if you don’t summit Jorihorn the loop is just 11km.
• Hike Duration: The whole loop including Jorihorn will take 5-6 hours including rest times but you could bargain for an extra hour if you take lunch down by the lakes. The incline sections and Jorihorn climb are not quick parts of the trail.
• Hike Difficulty: The incline is what makes this hike a little challenging although it is spread out in different sections so it isn’t one big block of climbing.
• Hike Incline: 1002 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: JORISEEN LAKE & JORIHORN SUMMIT HIKE IN DAVOS

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: APPENZELL

I’m actually a little disappointed this region is so low in my blog posts but they can’t all be at the top. It’s actually up there as one of my favorite regions for hiking in Switzerland. The town of Appenzell is quite small and nothing too much is going on although it is quite traditional and picturesque. All of the good hiking happens in the Alpstein region, where you can do some of the best hut-to-hut hikes in Switzerland on a multi-day tour or individual day hikes.

I tried to reach every peak in this region and made a pretty good effort and even stayed overnight in the huts. For a full, in-depth guide to the hikers near Appenzell and in the Alpstein region, you can click here: 9 AWESOME HIKES IN APPENZELL

HIKING TO THE SPITZMEILEN HUT AND PEAK

Now this one isn’t right in Appenzell and took about two hours by train to reach there. We left our luggage at our hotel in Chur for one night and returned the next day after our overnight at the Spitzmeilen Hut. Why not hike to the Spitzmeilen Hut (Spitzmeilenhutte) for a beautiful overnight stay before climbing the Spitzmeilen Peak and the Wissmeilen Peak in the morning!? We did this hike after the first snowfall of the year in October and while a little dangerous, the views were magical from Spitzmeilen Peak!

• Hike Distance: The hike from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut (after catch the cable car from Unterterzen) was 11.6 kilometers. The next day the hike from Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen Peak to Wissmeilen Peak and then down to Engi was 14.17 kilometers. You could take a cable car up further and walk a shorter distance to Spitzmeilen Hut and Engi is not the shortest route down. Therefore there are many ways to make it shorter but this is definitely one of the most scenic routes totaling just over 25km over two days.
• Hike Duration: We did the hike over two days. Day one from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut took just under 3 hours of moving time but 4.5 hours including stops, photos. Day two from Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen Peak to Wissmeilen Peak to Engi took 3.5 hours of moving time but 6-7 hours in total including a lot of photos, hanging out at the summit and many stops along the way.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut is very low difficulty and is mostly through vast valleys once you are up the initial incline. The climb to Spitzmeilen was quite difficult in the snow with some exposure and then, of course, the climb up Spitzmeilen summit is not easy. There are chains in place to help you climb but you will need to be in pretty good shape despite the chains.
• Hike Incline: Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut: 854m   Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen to Wissmeilen to Engi: 453m incline (Decline: 1657m)

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO THE SPITZMEILEN HUT AND SPITZMEILEN PEAK

SCHÄFLER RIDGE HIKE AND MOUNTAIN HUT

The Schäfler Hut, also known as Schäflerhutte, is located atop the stunning Schäfler Ridge, which is one of the most breathtaking sections of the Alpstein region in Appenzellerland. If you’re looking for the perfect hiking spot in Appenzell, this should be at the top of your list. The trail offers plenty of scenic views along the way, and the ultimate reward is the stunning ridge that will leave you amazed.te reward is the stunning ridge that will leave you amazed.

The hike begins in Wasserauen and leads you up to the world-renowned Aescher Cliff Restaurant, passing through Ebenalp and then up to Schäflerhutte and Schäfler Ridge. I highly recommend spending the night at the mountain hut to relish the breathtaking sunset and sunrise at this incredible spot. In my opinion, this is one of the finest hikes easily accessible in Appenzell!

• Hike Distance:  The hike distance from Wasserauen to Schäfler Hut is 7.5km. However, I suggest walking and exploring along the Schäfler Ridge, which will add an extra kilometer or two onto your tally. Bargain for about 8.5 kilometers one-way.
• Hike Duration: The total hiking time from Wasserauen to Schäfler Hut will be about three hours but depends a lot on your pace up 1200m of incline. I did the trail in just over 2 hours but was on quite a mission for pace. 3-4 hours will be enough time to reach the Schäfler Hut at a modest pace.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike is a red and white marked trail and quite simple. The incline will get a lot of people but there are no dangerous drop-offs or moments of high exposure. It is a trail that is very possible for children and the family dog.
• Hike Incline: From Wasserauen to Schäfler Hut the total incline is: 1,230m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SCHÄFLER RIDGE HIKE AND MOUNTAIN HUT

SAXER LÜCKE HIKE FROM HOHER KASTEN

I want to share my experience with the Saxer Lücke hike, which offers stunning views of Samtisersee from a picturesque ridge, culminating in the epic Saxer Lücke Ridgeline. You have the option to start from either Hoher Kasten or Staubern, but I personally started from Hoher Kasten. The entire route was a 17km hike, but it was worth it for the breathtaking scenery along the way.

I would like to share my experience of the Saxer Lücke hike, which offers stunning views of Samtisersee from a picturesque ridge, culminating in the epic Saxer Lücke Ridgeline. You have the option to start from either Hoher Kasten or Staubern, but I personally started from Hoher Kasten. The entire route was a 17km hike, but it was totally worth it for the breathtaking scenery all along the way.

• Hike Distance: The entire loop is 17km
• Hike Duration: The hike should take about 5 hours depending on how long you stop at Staubern and Saxer Lücke
• Hike Difficulty: The majority of the trail is flat or downhill. There aren’t many points at all with much exposure so I definitely would say this is possible for families, especially the fact that you can start at Staubern and cut some of the distance off. There was a trail the whole way, mostly dirt, gravel, and sometimes a little rocky.
• Hike Incline: 450 meters

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SAXER LÜCKE HIKE FROM HOHER KASTEN

ASCHER, EBENALP & SEEALPSEE HIKE FROM WASSERAUEN

Wasserauen serves as an exceptional hiking hub for some of the most magnificent peaks in Switzerland. The mountain map of the region is brimming with numerous trail options that seemingly interconnect, enabling you to plan your own route based on the desired time and difficulty level. Our group opted to commence our hike from Wasserauen, climb up through the forest to Ascher Restaurant and Ebenalp Peak before descending through the forest below the restaurant to reach Seaalpsee, the stunning Alpine lake nestled in the valley beneath all of the imposing peaks above.

The hike up to Ascher Cliff Restaurant can also be done by a cable car but that wouldn’t be much of a hike. You can also link this hike with other points of interest in the Alpstein Mountain Range such as Schäfler Ridge

• Hike Duration: 4 hours
• Hike Difficulty: Some steep climbs. No technical climbing or rock climbing. The path the whole way. Moderate overall. Kids were on the trail.
• Hike Incline: Wasserauen 876m to Ebenalp 1644m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ASCHER, EBENALP & SEEALPSEE HIKE FROM WASSERAUEN

THREE LAKES HIKE IN THE ALPSTEIN REGION, APPENZELL

The Three Lakes Hike in Alpstein offers breathtaking views but is a challenging 17.3km walk with an incline of 1100+ meters. Although the trail is safe, the steep incline can make it difficult, and it is not a leisurely walk around the lake. The hike takes you to Seealpsee, Fallensee, and Samtisersee, each of which is incredibly beautiful and will leave you awestruck.

• Hike Distance: The entire route is 17.34 kilometers
• Hike Duration: The hike should take around 6-8 hours in total depending on how long you spend at each lake.
• Hike Difficulty: The incline is what makes this hike a little challenging although it is spread out in different sections so it isn’t one big block of climbing. There are no dangerous spots on this trail with high exposure although many spots do have a big drop on one side. Usual care needs to be taken. Children can do this hike but with many drop-offs, close supervision would be advised.
• Hike Incline: 1150 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THREE LAKES HIKE IN THE ALPSTEIN REGION

LISENGRAT: EPIC RIDGE HIKE BETWEEN SÄNTIS AND ALTMANN

During my travels in Switzerland, I came across the Lisengrat ridge hike, which was one of the most remarkable sections of the trail that I experienced. The narrow ridge, located between Säntis Peak and Altmann, is known as the most challenging part of the Alpstein Loop. I attempted the Lisengrat ridge as part of the entire Alpstein Loop, which remains one of my favorite hiking trails in Switzerland.

• Hike Distance: This depends on where you enter and exit along the Alpstein Mountain Range but the journey from Santis to Altmann is only a few kilometers.
• Hike Duration: The hike should take around 1-2 hours in total.
• Hike Difficulty: This was a very technical section of the Alpstein Mountain Range and I would say that you need to be experienced and exercise a high degree of caution. It is also recommended to only do this route on a dry day.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LISENGRAT: EPIC RIDGE HIKE BETWEEN SÄNTIS AND ALTMANN

SEEALPSEE HIKE IN APPENZELL

Seealpsee is a stunning alpine lake situated in the Alpstein region of Appenzell, Switzerland. The lake can be easily reached in less than an hour from Wasserauen Train Station or by taking more challenging hiking routes through Alpstein. Its accessibility and moderate incline make it one of the most popular attractions in the Appenzell region.

• My first visit was in the summer when I hiked up to Ascher, Ebenalp and then down through the forest to Seealpsee. You can read that blog post here.
• The second visit was part of the ‘Alpstein 3 Lakes Hike’, which includes Samtisersee and Falensee. You can read that blog post here.
• The final visit was the final stop on my Alpstein Loop hike, which was a great way to finish my favorite overnight adventure in Switzerland.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SEEALPSEE HIKE IN APPENZELL – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

MOUNT SÄNTIS HIKE IN ALPSTEIN, SWITZERLAND

The Mount Säntis hike is one in the Alpstein region and is one of the most spectacular trails in Switzerland. It’s possible to trek to the top of Mount Säntis as part of the Alpstein loop or as a straight ascent. Once you reach the top you will find incredible viewing platforms and a large restaurant.

There is also a cable car servicing Mount Säntis so you can choose to hike just one way and catch the cable car either up or down. No matter how you reach the Säntis Peak, the view of the Alpstein region from the summit is magical.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MOUNT SÄNTIS HIKE IN ALPSTEIN, SWITZERLAND

FALENSEE (FALEN LAKE) HIKE

The Falensee, also known as Falen Lake, is a breathtaking alpine lake located in the Alpstein region of Appenzell. It can be an adventure on its own or a part of several nearby hikes. The Bollenwees Mountain Hut, situated right next to the Falensee, is an excellent place to stay overnight and a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding lakes and peaks during sunset and sunrise.

I visited the Falensee on two occasions. The first visit was part of the ‘Alpstein Three Lakes Hike‘ and the second occasion was at the end of the Hoher Kasten to Saxer Lucke Hike. However, you can also hike in from Brulisau just to stay overnight at Bollenwees and visit the Falensee. In this blog post, I will detail all of the options to visit the Falensee and what other hikes you could do when using Falensee and Bollenwees as a base camp.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: FALENSEE (FALEN LAKE) HIKE – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: ENGELBERG

Engelberg is one of the most underrated regions for hiking in Switzerland. It’s home to the famous Mount Titlis but most visitors just take the cable car up Mount Titlis and then move on with their short Switzerland vacation. However, there are a number of great hikes and mountain huts to explore in this region, which I actually visited twice. For an in-depth guide to hiking in Engelberg, you can check this out: 5 AWESOME HIKES IN ENGELBERG

THE FOUR LAKES HIKE IN ENGELBERG

The Four Lakes Hike in Engelberg, Switzerland is a breathtaking one-way hiking trail that takes you on a high-altitude mountain path to visit four stunning lakes. The hike can be done in either direction, with Truebsee Lake and Melchsee Lake serving as the start and endpoint. Additionally, there’s an optional, yet epic, sunset view that’s worth considering.

This beautiful hiking trail near Engelberg leads you through a valley of lakes, farmhouses, and thriving cow populations before finishing at one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Engelberg. We finished at the viewpoint with a great sunset while overlooking Titlis Mountain.

• Hike Distance: 16.95km total distance from Melchsee to Truebsee (including a slight detour up towards Schafberg).
• Hike Duration: 6 hours of elapsed time for us from Melchsee to Truebsee and 4 hours and 15 minutes of total moving time.
• Hike Difficulty: The trail from Melchsee to Truebsee is relatively easy. There is nothing technical along the way and you almost always have a path, albeit a dirt trail. There is minimal rock scrambling but it does get steep if you add in the viewpoint close to Schafberggraus. Most of the way is a dirt path although there are some sections that are a mixture of rock and path. Most families will easily navigate their way to Truebsee from Melchsee despite the length of the journey.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation was 1242m from Melchsee to Truebsee as we recorded. The hike starts in Melchsee at 1,891 meters of altitude and finishes at the Truebsee, which has an altitude of 1,764 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE FOUR LAKES HIKE IN ENGELBERG

‘RUGGHUBELHUTTE’ MOUNTAIN HUT HIKE IN ENGELBERG

The hike to and from Rugghubelhutte is an adventure all about enjoying a good meal in the mountains, and witnessing sunrise and sunset from the patio of the mountain hut. I hiked up from Engelberg and was gifted an incredible, fiery red sunset, and then after a great dinner and night of rest, the sunset produced another glowing display in the sky. Of all the hikes in Switzerland that I ventured out on, I think this was my best sunset.

As you trek towards the mountains, you’ll eventually reach the Rugghubelhutte, a mountain hut where you can rest for the night, enjoy dinner and breakfast. The next day, you can either descend the mountain or continue on to explore the ridge and other peaks in the area. The total distance of the hike will depend on the route you take.

• Hike Distance: Engelberg to Rugghubelhutte: 10km
• Hike Duration: Again it depends on where you start from. My journey from Engelberg to Rugghubelhutte took 3 hours at a medium pace. The journey -through knee-deep snow- back to Bannalpsee took 3.5 hours but would be much, much quicker on a dry day.
• Hike Difficulty: In the summer the hike difficulty is quite low. On the way up there are no exposed sections. The incline is quite a bit from Engelberg with 1200m of ascent to contend with but other than that a lot of the trail is actually a road so I would put this one at a low difficulty level.
• Hike Incline: The incline for the hike from Engelberg to Rugghubelhutte was 1,320m and the elevation up to Rotgratli and down to Bannalpsee was 450m of climbing.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ‘RUGGHUBELHUTTE’ MOUNTAIN HUT HIKE IN ENGELBERG

WALENPFAD HIKE IN ENGELBERG

The Walenpfad hike in Engelberg offers a stunning start as you circle Lake Harzli, followed by a steep ascent to get a panoramic view of the lake. The trail then takes you downhill towards Engelberg and winds through a beautiful forested area before reaching the finish line at the Brunnihutte. It’s a great hike for a slow-paced adventure to take in multiple vistas in the Engelberg region and one of the most underrated hikes in Switzerland.

• Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike was 10.6km starting at the Bannalpsee Lake and finishing at the Brunnihutte. However, we hiked down from the Brunnihutte as we stayed for sunset so the cable cars had definitely finished by then. That meant our total hike from Bannalpsee to Brunnihutte to Engelberg Town was 16.3km.
• Hike Duration: Our total elapsed time from Bannalpsee to Engelberg Town was 5 hours and 41 minutes but the total moving time was only 3 hours and 41 minutes. We take lots of photos and stop to take in the scenery often.
• Hike Difficulty: The Walenpfad hike is one of the easier hikes we’ve done out here in Switzerland. There were some moments of incline but the trail itself was always quite safe and there was no scrambling or rock bouldering necessary. This is a good hike for anyone who can handle the distance. I could imagine families, young children and dogs managing this hike fine especially with the cable car down from Brunnihutte.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation from Bannalpsee to Brunnihute was 834m. We also grabbed about a kilometer of decline as well, which is often just as hard!

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: WALENPFAD HIKE IN ENGELBERG

EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP

Hiking in Switzerland is an incredible experience, offering some of the most breathtaking mountain views and summits in the world. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can take it to the next level by trying out Via Ferrata. This involves climbing directly up the mountain face on a ladder while being clipped into a wire, which ensures it’s completely safe. However, it’s still an adrenaline rush as you scale hundreds of meters up the rock face..

The Via Ferrata in Fürenalp, Engelberg is known as one of the best routes in the country. It’s challenging but such an adventure!

• Hike Distance: The total hike distance was 6.54 kilometers, which includes the 1km walk from the shop/ticket office to the start of the Via Ferrata. Not sure how accurate that was considering the ups and downs but that is how my Garmin watch recorded the day.
• Hike Duration: Our total time from the shop to the wall to the summit was 4 hours and 12 minutes. Our total moving time was 2 hours and 17 minutes. We let a lot of other climbers pass us and went very slowly as always to take photos and just sit around and enjoy the views. It’s not the kind of activity to rush.
• Hike Difficulty: This route is rated K4 difficulty. I haven’t done too many Via Ferrata’s but I was told this is one of the more challenging ones out there. It was actually my first time ever and was a pretty simple concept of clicking in and out so don’t worry if you have little to no experience. We climbed 773 meters of an incline in total and a lot of it was ladders and metal pegs out of the wall.
• Hike Incline: The total incline for the day was 773m from the shop to Fürenalp. The hike starts at the ticket shop/Fürenalp cable car office and finishes at an altitude of 1811m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG

THE AA GORGE TRAIL – BEAUTIFUL FOREST WALK IN ENGELBERG

The Aa Gorge Trail, also known as Aaschlucht, is a stunning hiking path that takes you through a dense forest. The trail starts at the center of Engelberg, winds its way around the lake, and then descends into the forest. As you follow the trail, you’ll cross the river over 10 bridges, which makes for an exciting and adventurous journey. The path meanders along the river, making several back-and-forth crossings until it eventually emerges from the forest.

I loved the mossy tree trunks, the smell of the forest, and the beautiful waterfalls and rockpools on this trail. Watch out for the tree tunnel as well!

• Hike Distance: The total distance of the Aa Gorge Trail is 8.9 kilometers from Engelberg Train Station to Grafenort Train Station.
• Hike Duration: The hike should take about two hours.
• Hike Difficulty: Difficulty is very low. Suitable for children, families, and dogs. It can be a bit slippery but other than that there are no dangers. Some parts of the trail are exposed down to the river but the path is wide and relatively flat.
• Hike Incline: The trail has 435 meters of incline if you begin at Grafenort and finish at Engelberg. In reverse, you only have 9 meters of incline if you start at Engelberg and it is mostly a downhill walk.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE AA GORGE TRAIL – BEAUTIFUL FOREST WALK IN ENGELBERG

SWITZERLAND HIKING REGION: OTHER

Throughout my three months in Switzerland, I moved around quite a bit and sometimes only did one hike in a specific region rather than base there for a couple of weeks. These hikes in the ‘Other’ section are actually some of the best hikes in Switzerland but they just don’t quite fit into one of the regions above although you can reach many from the regions listed earlier. For example, I visited Trift Hut from Interlaken but it was a 2-hour transit so I prefer not to suggest that in the Interlaken section of this hiking guide. So don’t be put off by the ‘Other’ tag, some of these are up there with the best hikes in Switzerland like the Trift Hut and Oeschinensee Hike.

TRIFT HUT AND TRIFT SUSPENSION BRIDGE HIKE

The hike to Trift Bridge and Trift Hut covers a distance of 12km from Nessental Station. Alternatively, you can take a shorter 6km hike starting from Triftbahn Station. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Trift Suspension Bridge that spans over Triftsee. You can also visit Windegg Hut and enjoy the scenic Trift Glacier views from Trift Hut. Spending a night at Trift Hut can be a great experience too

• Hike Distance: The hike from Nessental Station to Trift Hut is 12km, which is what I did. The return route would also be the same unless you detour to Windegg Hut for an extra couple of kilometers. Making it a 24km return trip approximately.
• Hike Duration: 7 hours from Nessental to Trift Hut
• Hike Difficulty: From Nessental all the way to the Trift Suspension Bridge, the path is classified as a red-and-white hiking trail. This means that it is quite ‘doable’ for most hikers although there is quite a bit of incline. The path is a blue and white alpine rating from Trift Bridge to Trift Hut and has ladders, interesting river crossings, and a  number of exposed areas. There are cables and ladders wherever the trail is exposed.
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Nessental Station: 1,356m – Triftbahn Station: 2,663m – Trift Hut: 630m

GASTLOSEN HIKING TRAIL

A Sunday morning on the Gastlosen hiking trail was a quintessential Swiss experience. There were epic, panoramic mountain views, friendly hikers of all ages on the trail, ‘bonjour’ being thrown around every few steps, coffee and cake back at the cabin restaurant and it was all topped off by the owner playing the Fribourg anthem on the Alpine Horn. It was a morning not to be forgotten.

The usual route for hiking in Gastlosen is to follow the circular panoramic trail. But our group decided to take the more exciting and challenging path to the summit of Wandflue. This route had steep inclines, rocky ridges, and sharp drop-offs, making it an exhilarating hike with stunning views in every direction.

• Hike Distance: From the parking lot to the summit and return the hike is almost 10 kilometers exactly.
• Hike Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours of moving time.
• Hike Difficulty: The trail begins on a wide, steep path. Then progresses to a dirt and rocky path, which is still steep. Progresses again to rock, grass, and gravel where some hands may be required but it is not extremely technical. 700m of the incline in 5km so it is quite steep.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation throughout the hike 800m total incline on the out and back loop.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: GASTLOSEN HIKING TRAIL: THE DOLOMITES OF SWITZERLAND

ROCHERS DE NAYE HIKE FROM MONTREUX

The Rochers de Naye hike will take you to a summit just above Montreux, which offers arguably the best view of Lake Geneva. Depending on the weather, you may even be above the clouds, which is always an incredible experience. To reach the summit, you can either hike up or take the train. For the more adventurous, there is also a Via Ferrata option available.

Like many hikes in Switzerland, you can take the train up and down or just one-way and hike the other. We caught the train up and hiked down and had an amazing time winding down the mountain. At the summit there is a caldera-like formation with a mountain hut on top at the train station. It’s often above the clouds and has great views over Lake Geneva so there is a lot to see from the summit.

• Hike Distance: 13km one-way. Probably best to choose either to hike up or down otherwise prepare for 7+ hours of hiking.
• Hike Duration: This depends on whether you hike up, down or both. It can range from 3-10 hours depending on what you choose. To hike down from Rochers de Naye should take no more than 3 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: Steep but safe and not technical. Some walking through the forest on a dirt trail.
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Montreux: 396m – Rochers de Naye: 2,042m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ROCHERS DE NAYE HIKE FROM MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND

STOCKHORN HIKE

Stockhorn is a beautiful peak that overlooks two stunning alpine lakes, Oberstockensee and Hinterstockensee. At 2,190m the panorama viewpoint and restaurant atop the Stockhorn provides 360-degree views of the Erlenbach region and beyond. The adventure began with a cable car up to the Stockhorn Summit. You can hike up but it will be a long adventure to hike up and down so maybe choose to either go up or down on the cable car unless you are keen for a huge day.

• Hike Distance: Depends on the route taken as there are many on offer. We clocked 11.2kms from the top down including our stop at Oberstockensee.
• Hike Duration: 5 hours (Again this depends on whether you hike up, down or both. It can range from 3-10 hours depending on what you choose.
• Hike Difficulty: Steep but safe and not technical. Some walking through the forest on a dirt trail and steep descent through farm fields.
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Erlenbach: 700m – Stockhorn: 2,190

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: STOCKHORN & OBERSTOCKENSEE HIKE IN SWITZERLAND

SEEBERGSEE HIKE

Seebergsee is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by beautiful grass hills and steep viewpoint cliffs, making it an ideal destination for adventurers. The lake is easily accessible by car, with a nearby parking lot, although there are also several hiking options available in the surrounding area. It’s a perfect spot for a summer picnic or chill-out day with friends, as you can swim and cool off in the lake.

While we made our Seebergsee adventure into a pretty interesting little hike, many families just did the short trail to the lake. We hiked up onto the cliffs above the lake and chilled up there before trekking down to swim in the icy water.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SEEBERGSEE LAKE & EPIC VIEWPOINT HIKE IN SWITZERLAND

LE MOLESON TO TEYSACHAUX HIKE

The hike from Le Moleson to Teysachaux is a fun yet challenging day hike that includes a bit of rock scrambling to reach the panoramic views of Gruyeres in the Fribourg region. You can either do the hike entirely or use a cable car to ascend and descend the majority of the incline. This means you can enjoy the varying ups and downs of the ridge between Le Moleson and Teysachaux without overexerting yourself.

• Hike Distance: Without cable car from Le Moleson Summit to Teysachaux Summit and Return was 13km
• Hike Duration: 3 hours of moving time. With breaks and photos, the total time was 5 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: Steep in parts. The parking lot to Moleson was very safe with no drop-offs or climbing. The final climb up to Teysachaux was technical with moderate rock clambering required but no moments of exposure as it was climbing up a linear incline. Minimal chance of falling off of the cliff face. That section of trail was rocky but only lasted for 15-20 minutes.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation throughout the hike 719m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LE MOLESON TO TEYSACHAUX HIKING TRAIL IN SWITZERLAND

MOUNT PILATUS HIKE

Mount Pilatus is a 2073m summit, which you can reach with a 2-hour hike or by booking a ticket on the world’s steepest cogwheel train to the summit where you will find a hotel, restaurant, and of course amazing views. From the summit, you can venture a little higher to Mount Tomlishorn, which is another stunning view and the highest peak in the region at 2,128 meters.

Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular hikes in Switzerland but for many, they take the cable car up or down… or both. We hiked up and down and it was a huge day, which you can read about in the link below. However, it was all worth it as we enjoyed the sunset at the summit, well after the last cable car and all the tourists were gone. It meant we had to hike down in the dark but that is often the way in Switzerland. If you sacrifice the last cable car for a good sunset, you will rarely regret it.

• Hike Distance: Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus: 8km – Alpnachstad to Tomlishorn: 1km – Tomlishorn to Kriens 13km
• Hike Duration: Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus 3.5 hours + 30 minutes to Tomlishorn + 3 hours to Kriens.
• Hike Difficulty: Steep but safe and not technical. Moderately tough because of the incline but a path the whole way.
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Alpnachstad: 464m – Mount Pilatus height: 2,073m – Mount Tomlishorn height: 2,128m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MOUNT PILATUS HIKE IN SWITZERLAND

RIGI HOCHFLUE HIKE

Rigi Hochflue is a challenging hike with a steep incline that leads to a panoramic viewpoint, marked by a cross, overlooking Vierwaldstattersee, the huge Lake Lucerne. The hike is not for the faint-hearted, featuring a vertical ladder climb on the way up and a rocky descent on the way down. Though the hike is relatively short, it will separate the amateurs from the fit hikers with some steep descent that will really burn the legs. We did this hike in late June, during the summer, and it was scorching, which made it even more challenging!

The summit provides breathtaking views in all directions, with Lake Lucerne being particularly stunning during the summer. You’ll know you’ve reached the peak of your hike when you see the giant cross at the top. The descent back down the steep slopes can be challenging, but it’s worth it. After the hike, we took a refreshing dip in Lake Lucerne, which I highly recommend as a post-hike activity.

• Hike Duration: 5 hours
• Hike Difficulty: Consistent steep climbs. Vertical ladder up rock-face (not hard but if you fall it won’t be pretty). The descent is with chains bolted in for hand-holds and steep rocks. Very steep decline. I would rate this with up there as very physically challenging and attack with caution
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Goldau Arth: 510m – Rigi Hochflue height: 1698m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: RIGI HOCHFLUE HIKE NEAR BRUNNEN

OESCHINENSEE LAKE HIKE

Oeschinensee, also known as Oeschinen Lake, is a popular destination for alpine lake enthusiasts in Switzerland. The lake boasts an azure blue color and is surrounded by towering ridges, which are covered in snow during the winter and transform into beautiful waterfalls in the summer. The natural amphitheater created by the surroundings is truly magical and may seem too beautiful to be true. This was one of my first hikes in Switzerland, so it wasn’t a bad way to start!

The hike to Oeschinensee is beautiful, but the real breathtaking views start once you reach the lake. You can trek all the way up to the top of the mountains behind the lake and look back down over the lake. While many tourists opt for the cable car ride, we enjoyed hiking around the lake. We even had lunch and coffee at one of the huts, which offered a panoramic view of the entire region.

• Hike Duration: 1 hour to Oeschinen Lake from Kandersteg (Additional for hiking around the lake)
• Hike Distance: 4km
• Hike Difficulty: Easy. Children on the trail. Short but steep. Hiking to the cabins is steeper but still safe.
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Kandersteg: 1,174m – Oeschinensee height: 1,578m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: OESCHINENSEE HIKE IN SWITZERLAND (ALPINE LAKE)

TRAIL MARKERS FOR HIKING IN SWITZERLAND

Red and white markers on the trail mean it is a Swiss walking trail and you won’t need any expertise in climbing. It doesn’t mean it’s easy though as it could be 20 kilometers of hiking trails with 2000m of consistent incline but it won’t be technical so you will still need to look into the hike first to know what you are up against. Blue and white markers will be painted when they are indicating a technical or alpine route. Sometimes they are still quite tame but again, this is a warning sign that it is not going to be a leisurely walk on a trail and you can expect some kind of rock scrambling or climbing to be involved.

LOCAL EXPERIENCE

Swiss locals have years of experience on the trails so never compare yourself to a local and assume you can do it. I saw some local children on hikes that were far more experienced than me so you are better off comparing yourself to your previous efforts when deciding if you can take a certain route or make a certain climb.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

CHECK THE TIME OF THE LAST CABLE CAR

Always check when the last cable car or the last train comes down on that day otherwise you will have a dark run home. I missed many cable cars by choice so I could enjoy the late sunset in the summer but I’ve seen some poor people stuck and have to hike 10km down and for some, it can be a bit rattling.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

It’s courtesy on the trails to say hello as you pass people and you will find the Swiss are quite polite and this is just common behavior on the trail. Depending on where you are in Switzerland it may be a French, German, or even Italian-speaking region so make sure to know a basic hello in the local language so you can greet people on the trail.

TRAIL SIGNAGE

The yellow signs in Switzerland are your best friend and are pretty accurate. They are correct so often, that you stop questioning them and put full faith in their accuracy even during a storm or an important decision. Often they have time markers on them as well so you know how far til you reach a safe spot or a mountain hut.

SWITZERLAND HIKING WEBCAMS

Many trails and summits in Switzerland have a webcam at the top. This isn’t to ruin the surprise of the view for yourself but to check the weather. Remember in some cases you may be at accommodation several thousand meters below the summit you are hiking up so there can be a big difference and you may want to check that there isn’t a huge layer of fog and maybe wait for a more appropriate day. I used the webcams as a guide but sometimes the weather can change quickly. Simply search webcam+name of hike and you will find if there is one. One site that has many of them is Bergfex, which I use regularly.

ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR FOR SWITZERLAND

Hiking in Switzerland is very different in the summer to the winter, which will obviously make a huge impact on what type of clothes and gear are necessary. However, for this little section on essential gear, I will just point out a few key items that you should have for basic hiking in average conditions. You’ll need hiking boots or trail running shoes, beanies, hiking socks, and more but I’ll write a more detailed post about that another time.

This is just a quick round-up of three essentials but for a full rundown of all the hiking gear and camera gear I use you can check out this post: MY TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK

Hiking Poles: Leki Micro Vario Carbon Fiber Hiking Poles – Not everyone will use them but the Swiss are religious about them, unlike many Australians or Americans. You will learn to love them too as they take the strain off your knees and quads on both the uphill and the downhill. I used them to power up hills and help as a shock absorber on the way down. You can get them quite cheap but I found that there were two components to my hiking poles that I really liked.

They were foldable down to a small size so I could put them in my backpack side pocket and they were the carbon fiber/lightweight style. They were a bit more expensive but I used them a lot and they became a necessity in the end. I’ll link you here to the carbon-fiber LEKI foldable hiking poles that I bought. I purchased them in Switzerland so they were very expensive but you can get them online much cheaper.

Down-Jacket: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket: The next key item to have is a down jacket. Even in the summer when it might be hot at lower altitudes, once you reach the summit it gets that much colder. If it’s a sunrise or a sunset, I always have a lightweight but very warm down jacket with me. I chose one that I could stuff into my backpack when it was too hot but could always afford to carry it size-wise in case it was colder than I expected and I used it too many times to count. I’ll link you here to the Patagonia lightweight down-jacket that I bought online before heading to Switzerland.

Hiking Gloves: North Face E-tip Gloves – They might seem like a small item but your hands are the first things to go when it gets cold. They don’t have to be amazing gloves but you want something. I chose gloves that still let me operate my camera and phone but had a decent amount of warmth too. Once you start doing sub-zero hikes in Switzerland, you will want a more heavy-duty type of glove. I’ll link here to the gloves I used in Switzerland that let me still operate my camera.

HIKING TO MOUNTAIN HUTS IN SWITZERLAND

While you are hiking in Switzerland, it is inevitable you will come across some incredible mountain huts. I didn’t know much about the hut culture in Switzerland but once I was in on it, I loved it. Basically, the mountain huts are kind of like mountain cabin hotels. They usually have a restaurant and also a number of dormitory-style rooms.

For average-sized huts, it is common for a family to live up in the hut on the mountain during the summer and hiking season and visitors can book a night or more up at the hut. When you arrive they have dinner and breakfast included in their nightly fee. I stayed overnight at five different huts (which were listed above) and most ranged from about $60 a night to $100 a night per person including breakfast and dinner.

The ‘huts’ are actually pretty fancy and have heating, nice restaurants, a balcony, alcohol, games, books and much more. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag liner and your hiking gear and you are set. You can also shower at most of the huts (usually included in the price).

I always did a one-night stay so I would hike up, watch the sunset, and stay the night. I would then hike at sunrise and explore further on before hiking back down.

Many hikers like to do hut-to-hut mountain hiking, which means you map out several huts that are within hiking distance of each other and you do a multi-day trek where each night you will make it to a new mountain hut on the connecting trails throughout the Swiss Alps. It’s a great way to hike because you don’t need to carry all of your food, heavy camping gear, or warm clothes for the cold nights outside. You do all your eating at the hut restaurants carry a few snacks with you and sleep in the comfort of the cabin dormitories. If you are in Switzerland in the summer, I can’t recommend it enough.

The other key point to remember is that most meals in Switzerland are $20-$40 at least so when you consider you are getting two meals included, the accommodation is really only $30-40 per night, which will be the cheapest accommodation you find in Switzerland but the best view!

If you are planning to stay at a lot of mountain huts you can buy a Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) membership, which also involves a rescue service if you get stuck on the mountain. This membership gives you a discount of usually 40-50% off the regular price of the hut price. It costs about $80 USD for the yearly membership so after three overnight stays you have made your money back and you are supporting the mountain hut owners of Switzerland, who you will see are all really nice families.

HIKING IN SWITZERLAND IN SPRING

Hiking in Switzerland in the Spring is between April to June.

• Pros:
  • Alpine flowers begin to bloom, offering beautiful scenery.
  • Snow starts melting, gradually opening up more trails.
  • Fewer crowds than in summer.
• Cons:
  • Higher altitude trails may still be covered in snow, especially in early spring.
  • Unpredictable weather – it can vary from warm and sunny to rainy and cold within a short span.

HIKING IN SWITZERLAND IN THE SUMMER

The summer season for hiking in Switzerland is June to August.

Pros:

• Most hiking trails, including high-altitude routes in the Alps, are open and accessible.
• Warm and generally stable weather, with temperatures suitable for hiking in various regions.
• Alpine meadows are in full bloom, providing colorful and picturesque landscapes.
• Long daylight hours, which allows for extended hikes.

Cons:

• Peak tourist season, especially in popular areas like the Jungfrau region, Zermatt, and Interlaken. This can mean crowded trails and higher prices for accommodations.
• Some areas, especially in the south, can get quite hot in mid-summer.

HIKING IN SWITZERLAND IN AUTUMN

Hiking in Switzerland in the autumn is between September to November.

• Pros:
  • Fall foliage offers stunning colors, especially in lower altitudes.
  • Cooler temperatures, which many hikers might find more comfortable.
  • Fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
• Cons:
  • Snow can start to fall in higher altitudes as early as October, making some trails inaccessible.
  • Days start to get shorter, meaning less daylight for hiking.

10 AWESOME HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes near Lauterbrunnen and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the hikes near Lauterbrunnen. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Lauterbrunnen hike.

Some of the hikes on this list are right in Lauterbrunnen, but a couple of these hikes are near Lauterbrunnen but not quite in the center of the region. I was based in Murren, Wengen, and Grindelwald when I did all of these hikes and reached all of the trails by public transport so you will be able to reach any of these trails if you are based in Lauterbrunnen or one of the nearby towns. All of the trails are within about one hour maximum transit time to the trailhead, so they are all in the region. 

MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

The Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald is one of the most epic adventures near Lauterbrunnen. Traverse ladders and steps on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lauterbrunnen, but don’t worry you are strapped in with a harness!

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

This is one of the most exhilarating Lauterbrunnen hiking experiences. You will literally be hanging off the wall over a 500-meter drop-down into Lauterbrunnen Valley. Are you up for it?

I’ve added the instructions to get to the start of the Murren Via Ferrata below.

• From Interlaken, you will need to catch the train Lauterbrunnen
• Once in Lauterbrunnen take the Grutschalp cable car, which is right next to the train station. This will take you all the way up to Grutschalp station where you can switch onto the historic, Murren Railway.
• The Murren Railway is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland with views of Eiger and the surrounding peaks along the journey.
• Once you arrive at the Murren Train Station turn left out of the station and walk for 10-minutes past Hotel Edelweiss and you will arrive at the sports chalet on your right and Intersport on your left for the hiring of the gear.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

TANZBODELI & OBERSTEINBERG HIKE: THE BEST VIEW OF LAUTERBRUNNEN

Tanzbodeli is one of my favorite hikes in the Lauterbrunnen region because it provides the best 360 degrees of the entire mountainscape. On a clear day, it feels as though you are at the center of the Jungfrau region and you can see all of the glacier-laden peaks. On a gloomy, cloudy day, it is equally impressive as you are seemingly inside a cloud, on top of the world. We had bits of both on our journey to Tanzbodeli and Obersteinberg from Gimmelwald

• Hike Distance: 13.9km Total distance from Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli to Obersteinberg to Stechelberg. The total distance from Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli was 6 steep kilometers in 2 hours.
• Hike Duration: 4 hours of moving time but total time was 7 hours including an hour at the summit, an hour at the Obersteinberg Hotel, and other stops.
• Hike Difficulty: The trail is not technically difficult although there are parts where you will clamber up rocks. No drop-offs are ever apparent on either side of the trail. Dirt path most of the way. Relatively simple hiking although the incline is quite steep and air does get thin. Physically challenging but relatively safe.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation throughout the hike 1100-meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: TANZBODELI & OBERSTEINBERG HIKE: THE BEST VIEW OF LAUTERBRUNNEN

MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE (PIZ GLORIA)

The hike from Murren to Schilthorn is challenging with 1600m of altitude climbed throughout the trail to the Piz Gloria summit where James Bond ‘007’ was filmed. At the summit, you can reward yourself after the long hike with a warm bowl of soup at the revolving restaurant, which lets you take in the 360-degree panoramic views as you enjoy your meal. From Interlaken, you will want to leave quite early to give yourself enough time to do the hike and get back for what is a very possible day-hike from Interlaken.

The trail from Murren to Rotstockhutte is relatively easy. Most of the way is a dirt path although there are some sections that are a mixture of rock and path. Most families will easily navigate their way to Rotstockhutte with only 300-400m of elevation.

Rotstockhutte to Schilthorn is very steep. You collect over 1000-meters of an incline in just a few kilometers, which means it is just straight up the mountain.

Here you clamber over rocks and are constantly heading uphill. However, it is quite safe and there are no drop-offs. If you can manage the steep incline there isn’t much more to worry about.

It’s 12.9km Total distance from Murren to Schilthorn mountain summit. If you want to hike down you will need to add a few more kilometers but we caught the Schilthornbahn down to Murren, which was a nice way to return after a long day on the legs.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE

BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

Baregg Hut (Bareghutte) is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the lower Grindelwald Glacier. It’s just a 3km walk from Pfingstegg and is a great place for an overnight stay and a basecamp to hike to the Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhutte). I caught the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald and began from there and returned the next day but it is just as simple to make the 1-hour journey from Lauterbrunnen to the start of the Baregg Hut hike.

The trail follows along the edge of the cliff, alongside the Lower Grindelwald Glacier… or at least where the glacier used to be. This hike shows you exactly how much the glacier has receded in the last century and a half. I arrived at the hut in the late afternoon dropped my gear off in the dormitory, got changed, and went outside to enjoy the scenery.

The dormitory-style rooms have nice bunk beds with comfortable mattresses and brilliant views even from the bunks themselves. Inside the mountain hut, you will find showers, bathrooms, a dining room, and lots of areas to hang out, play cards, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. 

The hike from Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut is a bit more challenging than the route from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut. It’s a 12km round-trip hike back to Baregg with over 1000m of incline. 

Aside from the ladders and cables, you do have to climb 1000+ meters, which is a challenge in itself so definitely gear up for an adventure! The views of the glacier that are within touching distance throughout the trail make it all worth it!

The distance from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is just 2.75km. However, the next day the hike to Schreckhorn and return to Baregg Hut is 11.8 kilometers, and then the 2.75km return to Pfingstegg. So all up for this expedition it is 17.3km.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

TRUMMELBACH FALLS SHORT TRAIL

Trummelbach Falls is Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall and is one of the highlights in Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is also known as the valley of 72 waterfalls. Trummelbach Falls is among the most famous of those 72 waterfalls At 20,000 liters of water per second, this roaring waterfall is an impressive sight. The hike from to town center of Lauterbrunnen is just 5 kilometers but it can be added on to part of a loop trail all the way up through Gimmelwald and Murren. 

THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

The Eiger Trail hike is one of the most popular routes in Switzerland because the path leads hikers directly under the world-famous Eiger North Face Wall, which is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the world.

The trail starts off with 200m of incline, although it is spread over a couple of kilometers and is nothing too strenuous. At this point, you cannot see Eiger, but the views across the valley and the towering glacial mountains are incredible and there is something to gawk at in every direction.

It isn’t long before you will reach the Eiger viewing area. It’s about 2km into the trail and there will likely be a little gathering of people and possibly some local cows. Here you will look up towards Eiger Mountain and if you read the signs, you can even identify the path the climbers use to scale the North Face wall of Eiger. 

The distance from Eigergletscher Train Station to Alpiglen along the Eiger Trail is 6.5km. The hike takes about 2.5 hours although if you went straight through without taking photos or stopping it would be well under two hours. It could be run in well under an hour.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

STAUBBACH FALLS HIKE

One of the most popular short hikes near Lauterbrunnen is the Staubbach Falls trail, which is just .6 kilometers but very highly rated. The out-and-back trail takes you from Lauterbrunnen town out to this stunning 300-meter-tall waterfall. It’s actually the third-highest waterfall in all of Switzerland, which makes it all the more impressive.

The waterfall got its name based on the mist that sprays off from the waterfall as it crashed down to the ground. This trail can be combined with the nearby Trümmelbach Falls if the adventure is a bit too short with just one waterfall.

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint.

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

Gleckstein Hut (Glecksteinhutte) sits above Grindelwald with incredible views down into the valley, while dramatic glaciers loom behind in the mountains. It’s an incredible place to stay the night and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. A few hundred meters above the Gleckstein Hut is the Chrinnerhorn summit, a peak accessible without mountaineering experience but with epic views down towards Gleckstein Hut and over Grindelwald.

The suggested duration is 3 hours and 50 minutes according to the sign but I went up in 1 hour and 34 minutes and came down the next day in 58 minutes. The path is a red-and-white trail rating but has a few exposed areas. There is cable wherever the trail is exposed. 1,100m of incline will challenge many but there were quite a few older hikers making it up the hut so a slow and steady approach will mean most are capable. 

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by wildflowers and adorned with an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of the Bachalpsee Lake is that because there is a cable car to First, it is just a one-hour trek from the First station to the lake, despite being located at 2,265m in altitude.

Bachalpsee is one of the most spectacular lakes in Switzerland and probably one of the most incredible lakes you will find on a hike near Interlaken. It’s relatively easy to get there with the cable car or you can refer to an earlier hike on this list: Schynige Platte to First if you want to take the long adventurous route.

After the cable car to First, the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LAUTERBRUNNEN

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most picturesque valleys in Switzerland, often described as a real-life fairy tale setting. Nestled in the Bernese Alps, it’s renowned for its cascading waterfalls, charming villages, and stunning alpine landscapes. Here’s what you need to know about Lauterbrunnen:

1. Waterfalls: Lauterbrunnen is sometimes referred to as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls.” Some of the most famous ones include Staubbach Falls, which dramatically plummets almost 300 meters near the village, and Trümmelbach Falls, a series of impressive waterfalls inside a mountain, which are accessible by lift.
2. Base for Exploration: Lauterbrunnen serves as a gateway to other iconic places in the Bernese Alps, including Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Mürren, and Wengen.
3. Jungfraujoch: Known as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is one of the highest railway stations in Europe. From Lauterbrunnen, you can take a train journey to this majestic peak, offering panoramic views and snow activities year-round.
4. Paragliding: The valley is a popular location for paragliding due to its breathtaking aerial views.
5. Hiking and Biking: Lauterbrunnen offers numerous hiking and biking trails, suitable for all levels. Whether it’s a relaxed stroll through the valley or a challenging mountain trek, there’s something for everyone.
6. Camping: The valley has a few beautiful campsites where visitors can stay amidst nature, with the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls as a backdrop.
7. Winter Sports: In the winter months, Lauterbrunnen serves as a base for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports in the nearby mountain resorts.
8. Local Cuisine: Make sure to sample traditional Swiss dishes while you’re in the area. Fondue, raclette, and rösti are some must-tries.
9. Accommodation: Lauterbrunnen offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy chalets, hostels, and bed & breakfast establishments.
10. Transport: Being a central hub, Lauterbrunnen has excellent rail and bus connections, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. The village itself is compact and can be explored on foot.
11. Weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. While summer brings lush green landscapes, winter transforms the valley into a snowy wonderland. It’s always wise to check the forecast before planning outdoor activities.
12. Inspiration for Authors: The stunning beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley is said to have inspired authors like J.R.R. Tolkien to envision places in their stories. It’s believed that the valley was a model for Rivendell in “The Lord of the Rings.”

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

4 AWESOME VIA FERRATA ROUTES IN SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the Via Ferrata routes I did in Switzerland as well as some photos and a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the Via Ferrata routes. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the Via Ferrata including maps, starting points, gera you need, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that particular Via Ferrata in Switzerland.  

There’s an awesome 3-DAY Via Ferrata Tour in Switzerland completely dedicated to via ferrata. It takes you on a new and challenging via ferrata each day and includes all accommodation, gear, food UIAGM Guides and transport throughout the trip. You can Click Here to check out the details of that tour.

The Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald is one of the most epic adventures in Switzerland. Traverse ladders and steps on the edge of a cliff overlooking the stunning region of Lauterbrunnen, but don’t worry you are strapped in with a harness!

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

This is one of the most exhilarating hiking experiences you can have while based in the town of Interlaken. You will literally be hanging off the wall over a 500-meter drop-down into Lauterbrunnen Valley. Are you up for it?

I’ve added the instructions to get to the start of the Murren Via Ferrata below.

• From Interlaken, you will need to catch the train Lauterbrunnen
• Once in Lauterbrunnen take the Grutschalp cable car, which is right next to the train station. This will take you all the way up to Grutschalp station where you can switch onto the historic, Murren Railway.
• The Murren Railway is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland with views of Eiger and the surrounding peaks along the journey.
• Once you arrive at the Murren Train Station turn left out of the station and walk for 10 minutes past Hotel Edelweiss and you will arrive at the sports chalet on your right and Intersport on your left for the hiring of the gear.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

Hiking in Switzerland is an incredible experience with some of the most amazing mountain views and summits in the world. However, you can take it to the next level and actually get off the hiking trail and climb directly up the mountain face on a ladder. It’s called Via Ferrata and you are clipped into a wire so it’s totally safe but also an adrenaline rush as you scale hundreds of meters up the rock face.

The Via Ferrata in Fürenalp, Engelberg is known as one of the best routes in the country. It’s challenging but such an adventure!

• Hike Distance: The total hike distance was 6.54 kilometers, which includes the 1km walk from the shop/ticket office to the start of the Via Ferrata. Not sure how accurate that was considering the ups and downs but that is how my Garmin watch recorded the day.
• Hike Duration: Our total time from the shop to the wall to the summit was 4 hours and 12 minutes. Our total moving time was 2 hours and 17 minutes. We let a lot of other climbers pass us and went very slowly as always to take photos and just sit around and enjoy the views. It’s not the kind of activity to rush. It could be easily done from top to bottom in under two hours. You do need to catch the cable car down at the top or hike down, which adds a little extra time.
• Hike Difficulty: This route is rated K4 difficulty. I haven’t done too many Via Ferrata’s but I was told this is one of the more challenging ones out there. It was actually my first time ever and was a pretty simple concept of clicking in and out so don’t worry if you have little to no experience. We climbed 773 meters of an incline in total and a lot of it was ladders and metal pegs out of the wall.
• Hike Incline: The total incline for the day was 773m from the shop to Fürenalp. The hike starts in at the ticket shop/Fürenalp cable car office and finishes at an altitude of 1811m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint.

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS

The Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) in Flims is an epic series of staircases and ladders on the edge of a cliff that winds up hundreds of meters above the valley. From the summit, you have incredible views of Crestasee, Caumasee, and the entire region of Flims.

The Pinut Via Ferrata is actually the oldest of its kind in all of Switzerland and was opened in 1907. For those who are nervous hearing about climbing a century-old ladder, fear not. This Via Ferrata is maintained by the tourism board and was fully renovated in 2007.

The first part of the Pinut Via Ferrata is, in my opinion, the most spectacular. There is a huge spire that you pass by on the boardwalks in between scaling the ladders up the cliffside. It is a really unique rock formation and by walking upon the cliffside you get a close-up inspection.

The route then continues up the wall and actually leads you inside some caves and small tunnels, all the while connected to the strong cable, which keeps you safe throughout the hike. From within the tunnels and caves, you can see out the gaps all the way down to Flims and the lakes.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS – EPIC CLIFFSIDE STAIRWAY

I hope you enjoyed that list of epic Via Ferrata routes in Switzerland. If there are any Via Ferrata routes in Switzerland that you think I need to check out on my next visit, please comment them below!

7 OTHER VIA FERRATA’S IN SWITZERLAND TO TRY

1. Via Ferrata Daubenhorn: Found in Leukerbad in the canton of Valais, this is one of the longest via ferratas in Switzerland. The route is challenging and is best suited for experienced climbers.
2. Evolène: Located in the Val d’Hérens in Valais, this via ferrata offers three different routes with varying difficulty levels.
3. Via Ferrata of Les Diablerets: This is a challenging route on the Glacier 3000 near the village of Les Diablerets.
4. Tälli Via Ferrata: Located near the Grimsel Pass, this route is challenging and not for the faint-hearted. It offers fantastic views of the Alps and the surrounding dams.
5. Saxeten: This via ferrata in the Bernese Oberland is suitable for beginners and families. It offers beautiful views and an enjoyable climb.
6. Rigidalstock: Located in Engelberg in central Switzerland, this route offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and the Titlis glacier.
7. Moléson: Found in the Fribourg Pre-Alps, this via ferrata gives climbers a panoramic view of the surrounding region. There are two routes with varying levels of difficulty.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DOING A VIA FERRATA

1. Understand What Via Ferrata Is: Via ferrata, Italian for “iron path,” is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors, such as wooden walkways and suspended bridges. It’s designed to be a bridge between hiking and rock climbing.
2. Equipment: Essential gear includes:
   • A via ferrata set (shock-absorbing lanyard with carabiners)
   • Helmet
   • Climbing harness
   • Sturdy footwear, preferably approach shoes or light mountaineering boots
   • Gloves, to protect your hands from the cables and provide a better grip
3. Physical Fitness: Ensure you are in good physical shape. While many via ferrata routes can be tackled by those with no climbing experience, they can be physically demanding.
4. No Vertigo: If you’re acrophobic (fear of heights), via ferrata might not be for you. Many routes traverse exposed cliffsides and vertical ascents.
5. Start Small: If you’re new to via ferrata, begin with a less challenging route and gradually progress to more difficult ones as you gain experience and confidence.
6. Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast. Rain can make the rock slippery, and thunderstorms can be extremely dangerous due to the metallic installations.
7. Safety First: Never unclip both carabiners from the cable at the same time when transitioning between sections. Always ensure at least one carabiner is attached to the safety cable.
8. Know the Grading System: Different countries might have variations, but generally, via ferrata routes are graded based on difficulty. Familiarize yourself with the grading system of the area you’re visiting.
9. Traffic Flow: Remember, you may not be the only one on the route. Allow faster climbers to pass, and don’t rush those ahead of you. Communication is key.
10. Guides: If you’re a beginner or if the route is particularly challenging, consider hiring a professional guide. They’ll ensure your safety, teach proper techniques, and enrich the experience with local knowledge.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

5 AWESOME HIKES IN ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes in Engelberg and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about every hike I did near Engelberg. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Engelberg hike. 

THE FOUR LAKES HIKE IN ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

The Four Lakes hike in Engelberg takes you on a high-altitude mountain trail as you visit four lakes on this stunning one-way hike. The trail can be walked in either direction with endpoints being Truebsee Lake and Melchsee Lake. There is also an optional (very epic) sunset viewpoint on this trail we visited by accident.

This beautiful hiking trail near Engelberg leads you through a valley of lakes, farmhouses, and thriving cow populations before finishing at one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Engelberg. We finished at the viewpoint with a great sunset while overlooking Titlis Mountain.

• Hike Distance: 16.95km total distance from Melchsee to Truebsee (including a slight detour up towards Schafberg). 
• Hike Duration: 6 hours of elapsed time for us from Melchsee to Truebsee and 4 hours and 15 minutes of total moving time. 
• Hike Difficulty: The trail from Melchsee to Truebsee is relatively easy. There is nothing technical along the way and you almost always have a path, albeit a dirt trail. There is minimal rock scrambling but it does get steep if you add in the viewpoint close to Schafberggraus. Most of the way is a dirt path although there are some sections that are a mixture of rock and path. Most families will easily navigate their way to Truebsee from Melchsee despite the length of the journey.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation was 1242m from Melchsee to Truebsee as we recorded. The hike starts in Melchsee at 1,891 meters of altitude and finishes at the Truebsee, which has an altitude of 1,764 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE FOUR LAKES HIKE IN ENGELBERG

‘RUGGHUBELHUTTE’ MOUNTAIN HUT HIKE IN ENGELBERG

The hike to and from Rugghubelhutte is an adventure but dropping your bag down, enjoying a good meal in the mountains, and witnessing sunrise and sunset from the patio of the mountain hut is an experience I will never forget. I hiked up from Engelberg and was gifted an incredible, fiery red sunset, and then after a great dinner and night of rest, the sunset produced another glowing display in the sky. 

The trail winds up along the hills from Engelberg before merging into the mountains where you will forge your way towards the Rugghubelhutte, which is the mountain hut where you can stay the night and eat dinner and breakfast. The next day you can return down the mountain or venture over the ridge to Bannalpsee or other peaks in the region.

• Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike depends on, which route you choose. I’ve listed the three most popular options below. Note that you will need a cable car to get to Ristis and Bannalpsee but not from Engelberg. I chose to hike up from Engelberg and then on the way down I went up to Rotgratli and continued on down to Bannalpsee, effectively seeing all the spots on the route (except Engelberger Rostock summit).

1. Engelberg to Rugghubelhutte: 10km
2. Ristis to Rughubelhutte: 6km
3. Bannalpsee to Rughubelhutte: 10km

• Hike Duration: Again it depends on where you start from. My journey from Engelberg to Rugghubelhutte took 3 hours at a medium pace. The journey -through knee-deep snow- back to Bannalpsee took 3.5 hours but would be much, much quicker on a dry day.
• Hike Difficulty: In the summer the hike difficulty is quite low. On the way up there are no exposed sections. The incline is quite a bit from Engelberg with 1200m of ascent to contend with but other than that a lot of the trail is actually a road so I would put this one at a low difficulty level.
• Hike Incline: The total incline for the hike from Engelberg to Rugghubelhutte was 1,320m and elevation up to Rotgratli and down to Bannalpsee was 450m of climbing.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ‘RUGGHUBELHUTTE’ MOUNTAIN HUT HIKE IN ENGELBERG

WALENPFAD HIKE IN ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

The Walenpfad hike in Engelberg starts off with a bang by circling Lake Harzli before pushing you into a steep ascent to overlook the lake. The trail then has a beautiful downhill segment towards Engelberg before rounding to the corner, through the forest, as you make your way to the finish point, the Brunnihutte. It’s a great hike for a slow-paced adventure to take in multiple vistas in the Engelberg region.

• Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike was 10.6km starting at the Bannalpsee Lake and finishing at the Brunnihutte. However, we hiked down from the Brunnihutte as we stayed for sunset so the cable cars had definitely finished by then. That meant our total hike from Bannalpsee to Brunnihutte to Engelberg Town was 16.3km.
• Hike Duration: Our total elapsed time from Bannalpsee to Engelberg Town was 5 hours and 41 minutes but the total moving time was only 3 hours and 41 minutes. We take lots of photos and stop to take in the scenery often.
• Hike Difficulty: The Walenpfad hike is one of the easier hikes we’ve done out here in Switzerland. There were some moments of incline but the trail itself was always quite safe and there was no scrambling or rock bouldering necessary. This is a good hike for anyone who can handle the distance. I could imagine families, young children and dogs managing this hike fine especially with the cable car down from Brunnihutte.
• Hike Incline: Total elevation from Bannalpsee to Brunnihute was 834m. We also grabbed about a kilometer of decline as well, which is often just as hard!

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: WALENPFAD HIKE IN ENGELBERG

EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

Hiking in Switzerland is an incredible experience with some of the most amazing mountain views and summits in the world. However, you can take it to the next level and actually get off the hiking trail and climb directly up the mountain face on a ladder. It’s called Via Ferrata and you are clipped into a wire so it’s totally safe but also an adrenaline rush as you scale hundreds of meters up the rock face.

The Via Ferrata in Fürenalp, Engelberg is known as one of the best routes in the country. It’s challenging but such an adventure!

• Hike Distance: The total hike distance was 6.54 kilometers, which includes the 1km walk from the shop/ticket office to the start of the Via Ferrata. Not sure how accurate that was considering the ups and downs but that is how my Garmin watch recorded the day.
• Hike Duration: Our total time from the shop to the wall to the summit was 4 hours and 12 minutes. Our total moving time was 2 hours and 17 minutes. We let a lot of other climbers pass us and went very slowly as always to take photos and just sit around and enjoy the views. It’s not the kind of activity to rush. It could be easily done from top to bottom in under two hours. You do need to catch the cable car down at the top or hike down, which adds a little extra time also.
• Hike Difficulty: This route is rated K4 difficulty. I haven’t done too many Via Ferrata’s in Switzerland but I was told this is one of the more challenging ones out there. It was actually my first time ever and was a pretty simple concept of clicking in and out so don’t worry if you have little to no experience. We climbed 773 meters of an incline in total and a lot of it was ladders and metal pegs out of the wall.
• Hike Incline: The total incline for the day was 773m from the shop to Fürenalp. The hike starts in at the ticket-shop/Fürenalp cable car office and finished at an altitude of 1811m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: EPIC VIA FERRATA AT FÜRENALP IN ENGELBERG

THE AA GORGE TRAIL – BEAUTIFUL FOREST WALK IN ENGELBERG

The Aa Gorge Trail (Aaschlucht) is a mystical trail that leads you through a dense forest. 10+ bridge crossings over the river make it an exciting journey! The trail begins in the heart of Engelberg, arching around the lake before descending into the forest. From there you follow the trail alongside the river, making a number of crossings back and forth until the trail emerges from the forest. 

I loved the mossy tree trunks, the smell of the forest, and the beautiful waterfalls and rockpools on this trail. Watch out for the tree tunnel as well!

• Hike Distance: The total distance of the Aa Gorge Trail is 8.9 kilometers from Engelberg Train Station to Grafenort Train Station.
• Hike Duration: The hike should take about two hours.
• Hike Difficulty: Difficulty is very low. Suitable for children, families, and dogs. It can be a bit slippery but other than that there are no dangers. Some parts of the trail are exposed down to the river but the path is wide and relatively flat.
• Hike Incline: The trail has 435 meters of incline if you begin at Grafenort and finish at Engelberg. In reverse, you only have 9 meters of incline if you start at Engelberg and it is mostly a downhill walk.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE AA GORGE TRAIL – BEAUTIFUL FOREST WALK IN ENGELBERG

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ENGELBERG, SWITZERLAND

Engelberg is a popular resort town in the heart of Switzerland known for its picturesque landscapes, winter sports, and unique mountain experiences. If you’re planning to visit or just curious about the area, here are some essential things to know about Engelberg:

1. Location: Engelberg is situated in the canton of Obwalden in central Switzerland. It’s nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, with the most prominent being Mount Titlis.
2. Mount Titlis: This is one of the main attractions in Engelberg. It’s one of the few places in Switzerland where you can experience snow year-round. The rotating Titlis Rotair gondola takes you to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views, visit the glacier cave, or walk over the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge.
3. Winter Sports: Engelberg is a hotspot for winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. The ski season often lasts longer than other places due to its high-altitude ski areas.
4. Hiking and Summer Activities: In the warmer months, Engelberg transforms into a hiking paradise with numerous trails for all skill levels. There are also mountain biking, paragliding, and golfing opportunities.
5. Benedictine Monastery: Engelberg is home to a Benedictine Monastery, which gave the town its name (Engelberg means “Mountain of Angels”). The monastery was founded in 1120 and still operates today with monks living and working there.
6. Music: Engelberg hosts several music events throughout the year. The most notable is the Engelberg Music Festival which attracts musicians from all over the world.
7. Culture and Traditions: The town prides itself on its rich traditions. Events like the yearly cattle descent in autumn, where decorated cows are paraded through town, offer visitors a glimpse into local customs.
8. Cheese: Engelberg is known for its Swiss cheese. You can visit local dairies to see the cheese-making process and, of course, taste some fresh Alpine cheese.
9. Accessibility: Engelberg is easily accessible by train from major cities like Lucerne. The scenic journey itself is a highlight, passing through beautiful landscapes and tunnels.
10. Accommodation and Dining: Engelberg offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Dining options are diverse, with restaurants serving traditional Swiss dishes as well as international cuisine.
11. Nearby Attractions: Engelberg is close to several other Swiss attractions. For example, the city of Lucerne and its lake are a short train ride away, making them an excellent option for day trips.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

12 AWESOME HIKES IN GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes near Grindelwald and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the hikes near Grindelwald. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Grindelwald hike.

Some of the hikes on this list are right in Grindelwald like the Baregg Hut hike. However, a few of these hikes are near Grindelwald but not quite in the center of the region. I was based in Interlaken and Grindelwald when I did all of these hikes and reached all of the trails by public transport so you will be able to reach any of these trails if you are based in any of those spots or even in Interlaken. I’ve made sure to only add hikes onto this list that are under 1.5 by train to any trailhead and you can do all of them as a day hike from Grindelwald.

BAREGG HUT HIKE

Baregg Hut (Bareghutte) is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the lower Grindelwald Glacier. It’s just a 3km walk from Pfingstegg and is a great place for an overnight stay and a basecamp to hiking to the Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhutte). If you are based in Grindelwald you will simply walk from your accommodation to the Pfingsteggbahn and start from there. I caught the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald and began from there and returned the next day but it is just as simple to make the 1-hour journey from Lauterbrunnen to the start of the Baregg Hut hike.

The trail follows along the edge of the cliff, alongside the Lower Grindelwald Glacier… or at least where the glacier used to be. This hike shows you exactly how much the glacier has receded in the last century and a half. I arrived at the hut in the late afternoon dropped my gear off in the dormitory, got changed, and went outside to enjoy the scenery.

The dormitory-style rooms have nice bunk beds with comfortable mattresses and brilliant views even from the bunks themselves. Inside the mountain hut, you will find showers, bathrooms, a dining room, and lots of areas to hang out, play cards, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. 

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

The Eiger Trail hike is one of the most popular routes in Switzerland because the path leads hikers directly under the world-famous Eiger North Face Wall, which is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the world. To reach the start of the trail you can take the long train from Wengen/Lauterbrunnen or the short train from Grindelwald. If you are feeling very energetic you can walk to the trailhead from Grindelwald but it’s all uphill. Warning served.

The trail starts off with 200m of incline, although it is spread over a couple of kilometers and is nothing too strenuous. At this point, you cannot see Eiger, but the views across the valley and the towering glacial mountains are incredible and there is something to gawk at in every direction.

It isn’t long before you will reach the Eiger viewing area. It’s about 2km into the trail and there will likely be a little gathering of people and possibly some local cows. Here you will look up towards Eiger Mountain and if you read the signs, you can even identify the path the climbers use to scale the North Face wall of Eiger. You then follow the path back in the direction of Grindelwald til you hit the train station for a ride back with all of the other tired hikers.

The distance from Eigergletscher Train Station to Alpiglen along the Eiger Trail is 6.5km. The hike takes about 2.5 hours although if you went straight through without taking photos or stopping it would be well under two hours. It could be run in well under an hour and is actually a popular trail run for those staying in Grindelwald. I’d say this is up there as one of the most popular hikes in Grindelwald.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint. If the hiking trail I detailed above isn’t enough, this time you can get a taste of the big wall by doing the Via Ferrata alongside the Eiger Wall.

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail and up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station. If you are up for a thrill this is the hiking trail in Grindelwald I would recommend.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

HIKING TO FAULHORN SUMMIT VIA FIRST & BACHALPSEE

Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by wildflowers and adorned with an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of the Bachalpsee Lake is that because there is a cable car to First, it is just a one-hour trek from the First station to the lake, despite being located at 2,265m in altitude. In terms of having it all… this is up there as one of the most all-around impressive hikes in Grindelwald!

This is another great hike if you are staying in Grindelwald as the cable car station to take you from Grindelwald to First, called the Firstbahn, is right in the heart of Grindelwald. So you just go from your hotel in Grindelwald straight to the starting point.

• Hike Distance: After the cable car to First the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.
• Hike Duration: 2 hours of moving time. With breaks, swimming, and photos, the total time was 3 hours return.
• Hike Difficulty: Very easy. Dirt trail the whole way. Some incline but nothing too major just 188m up and 188m down.
• Hike Incline: 188m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO FAULHORN SUMMIT VIA FIRST & BACHALPSEE

HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

Gleckstein Hut (Glecksteinhutte) sits above Grindelwald with incredible views down into the valley, while dramatic glaciers loom behind in the mountains. It’s an incredible place to stay the night and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. A few hundred meters above the Gleckstein Hut is the Chrinnerhorn summit, a peak accessible without mountaineering experience but with epic views down towards Gleckstein Hut and over Grindelwald.

The suggested duration is 3 hours and 50 minutes according to the sign but I went up in 1 hour and 34 minutes and came down the next day in 58 minutes. The path is a red-and-white trail rating but has a few exposed areas. There is cable wherever the trail is exposed. 1,100m of incline will challenge many but there were quite a few older hikers making it up the hut so a slow and steady approach will mean most are capable. 

What I suggest is to stay one night in a hotel in Grindelwald and then check out the next morning but leave your luggage in the storage room. That night you hike up to Gleckstein Hut and stay there the night before returning to the hotel to collect your bag or stay one more night at that accommodation. Some of the best hiking in Grindelwald involves an overnight stay so you need to be flexible with your logistics like this example.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

HIKING TO DOSSEN HUT VIA ROSENLAUI GLACIER

The Dossen Hut hike is an epic 19km T4 Difficulty route that starts off at Rosenlaui Glacier, and leads you up to the mountain hut and down to Innertkirchen. This one requires a train and a bus from Grindelwald but don’t worry it’s not a long trip.

The hike begins by taking you through a canyon and a number of waterfalls before you begin the T4 route up the rocky slopes. Ladders, ropes, and pegs lead you up the scramble to the mountain hut where you have an epic view of the Rosenlaui Glacier. You then return through the canyon on the other side of the ridge before catching the train back to Grindelwald.

The suggested duration is about 8 hours from Rosenlaui Hotel to Dossen Hut and down to Innertkirchen. However, as you will see in this blog post, I did the hike in 5 hours but also had to run an extra 5km from Innertkirchen to Meiringen Train Station. So it is possible in less than 5 hours but likely it will take 5-10 hours for most hikers. It’s one of the most adventurous hiking routes near Grindelwald and will be far less busy than the Eiger Trail and Bachalpsee.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO DOSSEN HUT VIA ROSENLAUI GLACIER

HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by wildflowers and adorned with an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of the Bachalpsee Lake is that because there is a cable car to First, it is just a one-hour trek from the First station to the lake, despite being located at 2,265m in altitude.

Bachalpsee is one of the most spectacular lakes in Switzerland and probably one of the most incredible lakes you will find on a hike near Interlaken. It’s relatively easy to get there with the cable car or you can refer to an earlier hike on this list: Schynige Platte to First if you want to take the long adventurous route.

After the cable car to First, the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

HARDERGRAT TRAIL

The Hardergrat hike has to be somewhere at the top of this list. It’s known as one of the toughest hikes in Interlaken and also one of the most dangerous.

The trail begins at Brienz and runs along the Brienzersee (Brienz Lake) all the way to Harder Kulm Station. It takes fit hikers about six hours to complete and there are many parts with very, very steep drop-offs. It is for experienced hikers and to be avoided on wet days is the steep cliffs can be unforgiving.

It is possible to get the train up at Brienz and then down from Harder Kulm but you will need to hike fast and with determination because if you miss the last train you will be hiking down another 800m of incline.

The best route is to get the early train (it’s also half-price) at Brienz and then work your way to Harder-Kulm Station and make sure you catch the last train down. Alternatively, if you are a hiking machine, you can hike up to Brienzer Rothorn, along the ridge to Harder Kulm Station, and then down to Interlaken for a total of almost 30 kilometers and 3000m+ of incline throughout the day. Good luck with the journey.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HARDERGRAT TRAIL

SCHYNIGE PLATTE TO FIRST HIKE

The hike from Schynige Platte to First via Faulhorn is among the top hikes near Grindelwald with an epic view around every turn. Expect a long day on the legs with 16km of the trail ahead of you and nearly 1000m of incline. The soup and coffee at Faulhorn with magical views make it all worthwhile.

This hike is quite special because it has views of Brienzersee along the way before heading up past alpine lakes to the Fualhorn Mountain Hut. I did this hike near Grindelwald after the first snow of the season and it was just stunning. It’s also a great hike for the middle of the summer when there is now snow, which would be a unique experience as well.

This epic hike near Grindelwald is not extremely difficult with very few areas of concern for moderately experienced hikers. While 1000m of incline is substantial, there are no points where the trail is overly exposed. Many parts of the trail are rocky and involve a tiny bit of clambering but you never need to use your hands or climb.

The best way to do it is to catch the train to the Schnyige Platte Station and then hike back to Faulhornn/First before taking the train to Grindelwald so you finish back at your hotel in Grindelwald.

The hike took me a total time of 5 hours. It could be done in a little less time, especially if you don’t summit Oberberg and Faulhorn but that is the whole point of the hike! I’d bargain for 5-7 hours for the total trip and you will enjoy a coffee and soup at Faulhorn and have lots of spare time to enjoy your hike.

The main point to remember is that (at least during summer) the last cable car down from First to Grindelwald is at 5:30 so you need to leave from Schynige Platte before midday to make that. If you miss it, there is a 2-hour trail down to Grindelwald that you will have to take on tired legs.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SCHYNIGE PLATTE HIKE TO FAULHORN & FIRST

AUGSTMATTHORN HIKE FROM HARDER KULM

Augstmatthorn is one of the most spectacular summits along the Hardergrat Ridge. It’s famous not only for the stunning views but for the Ibex colony that calls Augstmatthorn home. There are several ways to reach Augstmatthorn but the most popular route is to begin at Harder Kulm and walk along the ridge to the summit.

The view up at Augstmatthorn with the clouds beneath us was just incredible. We could see all the way down the Hardergrat ridge, and had epic views of Brienzersee and beyond. The Ibex colony was hanging around without too much care for us as hikers and it was pretty magical to watch these amazing creatures in such an epic location. This hiking trail is up there as one of the top hikes near Grindelwald for me!

The hike distance from Harder Kulm to Augstmatthorn and then down to Habkern is 16 kilometers. From Habkern you then catch the bus back to your destination. If you plan to do an out-and-back from Harder Kulm, you should leave quite early in the day to make sure you catch the last train down from Harder Kulm to Interlaken.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: AUGSTMATTHORN HIKE FROM HARDER KULM

STAUBBACH FALLS HIKE

One of the most popular short hikes in Lauterbrunnen (very close to Grindelwald) is the Staubbach Falls trail, which is just 6 kilometers but very highly rated. The out-and-back trail takes you from Lauterbrunnen town out to this stunning 300-meter-tall waterfall. It’s actually the third-highest waterfall in all of Switzerland, which makes it all the more impressive.

The waterfall got its name based on the mist that sprays off from the waterfall as it crashed down to the ground. This trail can be combined with the nearby Trümmelbach Falls if the adventure is a bit too short with just one waterfall.

TRUMMELBACH FALLS SHORT TRAIL

Trummelbach Falls is Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall and is one of the highlights in Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is also known as the valley of 72 waterfalls. Trummelbach Falls is among the most famous of those 72 waterfalls At 20,000 liters of water per second, this roaring waterfall is an impressive sight. The hike from to town center of Lauterbrunnen is just 5 kilometers but it can be added on to part of a loop trail all the way up through Gimmelwald and Murren. It takes just 45 minutes to get to Lauterbrunnen from Grindelwald so it’s a great hiking adventure from Grindelwald.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING IN GRINDELWALD

Grindelwald, located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, is a prime destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some key things you should know about hiking in Grindelwald:

1. Stunning Scenery: Grindelwald is situated amidst the iconic Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The landscapes here range from green alpine meadows to imposing glaciers and rugged cliffs.
2. Varied Trails: There’s something for everyone, from beginner to experienced hikers. Popular routes include the Eiger Trail, First to Bachalpsee, and the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail.
3. Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. While summers are generally warmer and suited for hiking, conditions can change quickly. It’s always good to check the weather forecast and be prepared for varying conditions like rain or sudden temperature drops.
4. Safety: Always inform someone about your hiking route and expected return time. Carry a map, or compass, and consider using GPS. While the trails are well-marked, it’s easy to lose your way, especially if fog sets in.
5. Equipment: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Pack rain gear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), plenty of water, and snacks. A first aid kit, whistle, and multi-purpose tool can be lifesavers in emergencies.
6. Wildlife: Grindelwald is home to diverse alpine wildlife including marmots, ibex, and chamois. While they might be intriguing, it’s essential to observe from a distance and not feed or disturb them.
7. Gondolas and Trains: Grindelwald offers various cable cars, gondolas, and mountain railways. These can save you considerable time and energy, allowing you to access high-altitude starting points, such as First or Männlichen.
8. Accommodations: Grindelwald has numerous accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to mountain huts. It’s wise to book in advance during peak seasons.
9. Guided Tours: If you’re not confident about hiking alone or want deeper insights into the region, consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour.
10. Local Delicacies: After a long day of hiking, treat yourself to local Swiss specialties. Fondue, raclette, and rösti are must-try dishes in the region.

BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR HIKING IN GRINDELWALD

1. Summer (June to August):
   • Pros:
     • Warm and generally stable weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
     • Long daylight hours, allowing for extended hikes.
     • All trails are accessible, including high-altitude routes.
     • Meadows in full bloom, creating picturesque landscapes.
   • Cons:
     • It’s the peak tourist season, so trails can be crowded, especially the popular ones.
     • Accommodation and other facilities may be more expensive due to high demand.
2. Autumn (September to November):
   • Pros:
     • Spectacular fall colors, particularly in September and early October.
     • Cooler temperatures which some hikers might prefer.
     • Less crowded than summer months.
   • Cons:
     • Weather becomes less predictable as the season progresses.
     • Higher altitude trails may become inaccessible due to early snowfall, especially towards the end of November.
3. Spring (April to June):
   • Pros:
     • Alpine flowers start to bloom, offering beautiful scenery.
     • Less crowded than the peak summer months.
     • Refreshing temperatures and clear skies, especially in late spring.
   • Cons:
     • Some trails, especially at higher altitudes, might still be closed or covered in snow, especially in early spring.
     • Potential for unpredictable weather with a mix of rain, snow, and sunshine.
4. Winter (December to March):
   • Pros:
     • Snow-covered landscapes offer a magical and serene atmosphere.
     • Suitable for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
   • Cons:
     • Most high-altitude trails are closed or require specialized equipment.
     • Shorter daylight hours.
     • Cold temperatures, requiring warm clothing and gear.

Overall, the best time for traditional hiking in Grindelwald is between late June and early September. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere, consider the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to early October). Remember, whenever you choose to hike, always check local weather conditions and trail statuses in advance.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

7 AWESOME HIKES NEAR CHUR, SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes near Chur and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the hikes near Chur. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Chur hike.

Some of the hikes on this list are right in Chur, but a couple of these hikes are near Chur but not quite in the center of the region. I was based in Chur when I did all of these hikes and reached all of the trails by public transport so you will be able to reach any of these trails if you are based in Chur. 

RHINE GORGE RIVER HIKE & VIEWPOINT ‘SWISS GRAND CANYON’

The Rhine Gorge is often referred to as the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’, and while that may be a bit of a stretch in terms of comparison, it is an impressive gorge and a great location for hiking. The strange rock formations, cliffs, and blue-tinted water make the Rhine River and the gorge one of the most unique attractions in Switzerland.

There are multiple hiking routes through the gorge but with lots of entry and exit points, as well as a train running through the gorge itself, you have lots of options for your adventure. The hikes can range from a few kilometers to a huge 21-kilometer journey. Many visitors prefer to take a train ride through the gorge or a great option for non-hikers is to enjoy the viewing platform overlooking the Rhine Gorge.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: RHINE GORGE RIVER HIKE & VIEWPOINT ‘SWISS GRAND CANYON’

PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS – EPIC CLIFFSIDE STAIRWAY

The Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) in Flims is an epic series of staircases and ladders on the edge of a cliff that winds up hundreds of meters above the valley. From the summit, you have incredible views of Crestasee, Caumasee and the entire region of Flims

The Pinut Via Ferrata is actually the oldest of it’s kind in all of Switzerland and was opened in 1907. For those who are nervous hearing about climbing a century-old ladder, fear not. This Via Ferrata is maintained by the tourism board and was fully renovated in 2007.

The first part of the Pinut Via Ferrata is, in my opinion, the most spectacular. There is a huge spire that you pass by on the boardwalks in between scaling the ladders up the cliffside. It is a really unique rock formation and by walking upon the cliffside you get a close-up inspection.

The route then continues up the wall and actually leads you inside some caves and small tunnels, all the while connected to the strong cable, which keeps you safe throughout the hike. From within the tunnels and caves, you can see out the gaps all the way down to Flims and the lakes.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PINUT VIA FERRATA (KLETTERSTEIG) IN FLIMS – EPIC CLIFFSIDE STAIRWAY

MUTTSEE HUT HIKE VIA LIMERENSEE LAKE

The hike to the Muttsee Hut (Muttseehutte) is one of the stranger journeys I’ve made in Switzerland but the end result is incredible. The adventure begins in Linthal where you need to walk 6.7 km to the Tierfehd cable car and then 3 kilometers through a dark, wet tunnel before emerging at the Limerensee. The trail then winds up a very steep mountain until you reach some epic viewpoints of the Limerensee and, of course, the Muttsee Hut.

• Hike Distance:  The hike distance from the top of the Tierfehd Cable car through the tunnel and to the Muttsee Hut is 5.8 kilometers. However, if you are using public transport, you will need to walk from the Linthal train station to Tierfehd cable car station, which is an extra 6.7km and a total of 12.5 kilometers.
• Hike Duration: As mentioned above, it depends on whether you have to make the journey from Linthal or you are starting at the Tierfehd cable car station. If you begin at Linthal, you can expect the entire journey to take about 4-5 hours. If you begin at Tierfehd the journey will take 2-3 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike is a red and white marked trail and quite simple. I did the hike in October on the last week of opening for Muttsee Hut and even with a bit of snow around it was quite simple. The areas of difficulty are a few narrow paths with exposure on one side but these narrow paths are still at least one meter wide and there are chains in these sections. The incline is challenging from the end of the tunnel to the Muttsee Hut and is non-stop ascent although it is only 5-600m of incline so if you are prepared to take a few breaks you will make it eventually, no matter your physical ability.
• Hike Incline: From Linthal the total incline is 900-1000m but from the Tierfehd cable car station the total hiking incline (once getting off the cable car at the start of the tunnel) is 600m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MUTTSEE HUT HIKE VIA LIMERENSEE LAKE

CRESTASEE AND CAUMASEE LAKE LOOP WALK

Crestasee and Caumasee are two stunning lakes near Chur. You can catch the public bus from Chur city center out to Crestasee and then do a circle of that lake before following the circuit path through the forest to reach Caumasee, which is the second lake. 

Crestasee is a beautiful lake surrounded by a forest with a backdrop of mountain ridges. I visited in the fall so the trees were changing colors and creating some stunning reflections on the steaming lake in the early morning. Caumasee, on the other hand, is a huge lake, where many tourists come to visit the cafe, take a walk, and even have a swim in the summer.

The entire circuit takes about two hours with a stop at each lake but you can extend the route by hiking down to the Rhine Gorge viewpoint called ‘Il Spir’. We even hiked down into the gorge after visiting the two lakes and this made the entire day a 21km hike but if you just want a small adventure to the lakes it is just a few kilometers between the Crestasee and Caumasee.

LUNERSEE HIKE – LOVE HEART LAKE VIEWPOINT AT GAMSLUGGEN

While the Lunersee (lake) is actually in Austria, the viewing point we went to is right on the Swiss side of the border. Funnily enough, you could actually walk down to the lake from where we were and cross the border into Austria.

The hike to Lunersee Lake is quite an interesting adventure because although we were in Switzerland and hiked all the way to the viewpoint above the lake, it is actually in Austria. If you went down to walk around the Lunersee Lake, you would have crossed the border and entered Austria. The hike itself is long and full of adventure with some chains and exposure towards the end. The shape of the lake is a love-heart but only when viewed from certain angles such as the Gamsluggen viewpoint in Switzerland.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LUNERSEE HIKE – LOVE HEART LAKE VIEWPOINT AT GAMSLUGGEN

JORISEEN LAKE & JORIHORN SUMMIT HIKE IN DAVOS

This hike near Chur epic 12km loop trail that takes you to multiple lakes and then to the summit of Jorihorn where you have epic views of Joriseen and the Swiss Alps. The trail takes you past each of the lakes in the valley before summitting the Jorihorn for the sunset view of a lifetime.

• Hike Distance: The entire loop was 12.75km but if you don’t summit Jorihorn the loop is just 11km.
• Hike Duration: The whole loop including Jorihorn will take 5-6 hours including rest times but you could bargain for an extra hour if you take lunch down by the lakes. The incline sections and Jorihorn climb are not quick parts of the trail. Our actual moving time or hiking time was just over three hours but we made a lot of photo stops and had a 1-hour lunch and drone-stop.
• Hike Difficulty: The incline is what makes this hike a little challenging although it is spread out in different sections so it isn’t one big block of climbing. There are no dangerous spots on this trail with high exposure although many spots do have a big drop on one side a chain is offered. Usual care needs to be taken. Children can do this hike but with many drop-offs, close supervision would be advised. The climb to Jorihorn is more difficult than the regular loop with exposure on both sides, steep slippery slopes and rock clambering required. Keep in mind, I did this hike in October so it would be much safer all around if there was no snow.
• Hike Incline: 1002 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: JORISEEN LAKE & JORIHORN SUMMIT HIKE IN DAVOS

HIKING TO THE SPITZMEILEN HUT AND SPITZMEILEN PEAK

Now this one isn’t right in Appenzell and took about two hours by train to reach there. We left our luggage at our hotel in Chur for one night and returned the next day after our overnight at the Spitzmeilen Hut. Why not hike to the Spitzmeilen Hut (Spitzmeilenhutte) for a beautiful overnight stay before climbing the Spitzmeilen Peak and the Wissmeilen Peak in the morning!? We did this hike after the first snowfall of the year and while a little dangerous, the views were magical from Spitzmeilen Peak!

• Hike Distance: The hike from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut (after catching the cable car from Unterterzen) was 11.6 kilometers. The next day the hike from Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen Peak to Wissmeilen Peak and then down to Engi was 14.17 kilometers. You could take a cable car up further and walk a shorter distance to Spitzmeilen Hut and Engi is not the shortest route down. Therefore there are many ways to make it shorter but this is definitely one of the most scenic routes totaling just over 25km over two days.
• Hike Duration: We did the hike over two days. Day one from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut took just under 3 hours of moving time but 4.5 hours including stops, and photos. Day two from Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen Peak to Wissmeilen Peak to Engi took 3.5 hours of moving time but 6-7 hours in total including a lot of photos, hanging out at the summit and many stops along the way.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut is very low difficulty and is mostly through vast valleys once you are up the initial incline. The climb to Spitzmeilen was quite difficult in the snow with some exposure and then, of course, the climb up Spitzmeilen summit was not easy. There are chains in place to help you climb but you will need to be in pretty good shape despite the chains. There is no technical rock climbing required but the worst-case scenario is losing grip of the chain or slipping and you will have a 20m drop onto rocks. From Spitzmeilen to Wissmeilen and Wissmeilen Pass the trail is quite exposed and is not always a great path. Again, I did this trail in the snow so I imagine it is much easier in the summer as it is marked as a red-and-white trail, although for us it felt like an alpine route!
• Hike Incline: Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut: 854m   Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen to Wissmeilen to Engi: 453m incline (Decline: 1657m)

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO THE SPITZMEILEN HUT AND SPITZMEILEN PEAK

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHUR

Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and serves as the capital of the canton of Graubünden in the eastern part of the country. Here are some essential things to know about Chur:

1. Historical Significance: Chur boasts over 5,000 years of history, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in Switzerland. Its Old Town is beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into its storied past.
2. Location: Chur is nestled in the Rhine Valley and is surrounded by impressive mountains, making it a scenic location and a gateway to popular Alpine destinations.
3. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption: Located in the Old Town, this cathedral is a highlight of Chur and dates back to the 12th century. It is notable for its Romanesque architecture and historical artifacts.
4. Museums: The Rätisches Museum in Chur provides insights into the history and culture of the region. There are also art museums and galleries that showcase local and international works.
5. Bernina Express: Chur serves as one of the starting points for the renowned Bernina Express train journey, which is a UNESCO World Heritage route. The train travels through picturesque landscapes, including the Bernina Range, before reaching Tirano in Italy.
6. Outdoor Activities: Due to its location, Chur offers various outdoor recreational activities. In the winter, it’s a hub for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding are popular.
7. Culinary Scene: Chur boasts a diverse culinary scene with restaurants offering local Graubünden specialties and international cuisines. The region is also known for its wines.
8. Festivals and Events: Chur hosts various events throughout the year, from music festivals to traditional celebrations that highlight the region’s rich culture.
9. Accessibility: Chur has good transportation connections. It’s easily reachable by train from major Swiss cities and has road links that make it accessible for those driving.
10. Shopping: The city offers various shopping opportunities, from modern shops to boutique stores in the Old Town selling local handicrafts.
11. Language: While the official language of Chur is German, the canton of Graubünden is the only trilingual canton in Switzerland. Besides German, Romansh and Italian are also spoken in different parts of the canton.
12. Theater and Music: Chur has a vibrant arts scene with its theater hosting numerous performances throughout the year. There are also various music venues and events that cater to different tastes.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

THE BEST 15 HIKES NEAR INTERLAKEN

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes in Interlaken and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about every hike I did near Interlaken. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Interlaken hike. 

So, let’s get into it and start looking at all of the top hikes near Interlaken in my Interlaken Hiking Guide. All of the hikes on the list are trails I hiked while based in Interlaken. So, even if the hike is in Murren or Lauterbrunnen, it means that I went from Interlaken and hiked it, and came back the same day (unless I stayed in the hut overnight). This is a guide to what hikes are possible while based in Interlaken.

MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

The Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald is an epic adventure in Switzerland. Traverse ladders and steps on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lauterbrunnen while being safely harnessed!

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

I’ve added the instructions to get to the start of the Murren Via Ferrata below.

• From Interlaken, you will need to catch the train Lauterbrunnen
• Once in Lauterbrunnen take the Grutschalp cable car, which is right next to the train station. This will take you all the way up to Grutschalp station where you can switch onto the historic, Murren Railway.
• The Murren Railway is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland with views of Eiger and the surrounding peaks along the journey.
• Once you arrive at the Murren Train Station turn left out of the station and walk for 10-minutes past Hotel Edelweiss and you will arrive at the sports chalet on your right and Intersport on your left for the hiring of the gear.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

Baregg Hut (Bareghutte) is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the lower Grindelwald Glacier. It’s just a 3km walk from Pfingstegg and is a great place for an overnight stay and a basecamp to hike to the Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhutte). I caught the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald and began from there and returned the next day. My hostel let me leave my bags in their lockers for free.

The trail follows along the edge of the cliff, alongside the Lower Grindelwald Glacier… or at least where the glacier used to be. This hike shows you exactly how much the glacier has receded in the last century and a half. I arrived at the hut in the late afternoon dropped my gear off in the dormitory, got changed, and went outside to enjoy the scenery.

The hike from Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut is a bit more challenging than the route from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut. It’s a 12km round-trip hike back to Baregg with over 1000m of incline. 

Aside from the ladders and cables, you do have to climb 1000+ meters, which is a challenge in itself so definitely gear up for an adventure! The views of the glacier that are within touching distance throughout the trail make it all worth it!

The distance from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is just 2.75km. However, the next day the hike to Schreckhorn and return to Baregg Hut is 11.8 kilometers, and then the 2.75km return to Pfingstegg. So all up for this expedition it is 17.3km.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

The Eiger Trail hike is a popular route in Switzerland that leads hikers directly under the world-famous Eiger North Face Wall, which is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the world.

The trail begins with a 200m incline that is spread over a few kilometers and is not too difficult. From this point, Eiger is not visible, but the views of the valley and the towering glacial mountains are breathtaking. In every direction, there is something amazing to admire.

After walking for about 2km into the trail, you will soon arrive at the Eiger viewing area. You may see a small group of people and some local cows gathered there. From this point, you can look up towards Eiger Mountain and read the signs to identify the path that climbers use to scale the North Face wall of Eiger.

The Eiger Trail spans 6.5km from Eigergletscher Train Station to Alpiglen. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours, but if you avoid stopping or taking photos, you could complete it in under two hours. Running the trail could take less than an hour.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

HIKING TO FAULHORN SUMMIT VIA FIRST & BACHALPSEE

Bachalpsee is among the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland. It is surrounded by wildflowers and boasts an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of Bachalpsee Lake lies in the fact that there is a cable car to First, making it only a one-hour trek to the lake despite its altitude of 2,265m. This hike is one of the most impressive ones near Interlaken, offering an all-round experience of natural beauty.

• Hike Distance: After the cable car to First the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.
• Hike Duration: 2-hours of moving time. With breaks, swim and photos, total time was 3 hours return.
• Hike Difficulty: Very easy. Dirt trail the whole way. Some incline but nothing too major just 188m up and 188m down.
• Hike Incline: 188m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO FAULHORN SUMMIT VIA FIRST & BACHALPSEE

MORGENBERGHORN HIKE: BEST VIEW OF LAKE THUN

The Morgenberghorn Hike is a challenging trail that includes an incline of 1300m. However, the panoramic view of Lake Thun from the top is considered the best in the region! This hike is conveniently located near Interlaken, and as you will see, I actually walked all the way back to Interlaken after completing the hike, which shows how close it is.

It’s a fun little trail up to a viewpoint that overlooks Lake Thun and even has views of ‘The Big Three’ when the clouds clear. Those are Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.

The total hike distance was 19km kilometers, which includes the summit of Morgenberghorn and then continuing on all the way to Wilderswil. That is the route I took but you can make it shorter in distance by returning to Aescherid or other nearby descents. You then add on 1.5 hours of transit back to Interlaken if you are staying there so timewise it is similar. It just depends if you want to walk back to Interlaken or take the train.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MORGENBERGHORN HIKE: BEST VIEW OF LAKE THUN

HIKING TO DOSSEN HUT VIA ROSENLAUI GLACIER

The Dossen Hut hike is an epic 19km T4 Difficulty route that starts off at Rosenlaui Glacier, leads you up to the mountain hut and down to Innertkirchen. This one requires a train and a bus from Interlaken but I made it all work as an Interlaken day-hike.

The hike begins by taking you through a canyon with several waterfalls. After that, you will start the T4 route up the rocky slopes. To assist you on the way, you will find ladders, ropes, and pegs to lead you up the scramble to the mountain hut. Once you reach there, you will be rewarded with an epic view of the Rosenlaui Glacier. On your way back, you will return through the canyon on the other side of the ridge. Finally, you can catch the train back to Interlaken.

It is recommended to allocate around 8 hours for the hike from Rosenlaui Hotel to Dossen Hut and then down to Innertkirchen. However, my personal experience, which I have shared in my blog post, shows that I was able to complete the hike in 5 hours, but I had to run an additional 5 kilometers from Innertkirchen to Meiringen Train Station. Therefore, although it may be possible to finish the hike in less than 5 hours, it is more likely to take between 5 to 10 hours for most hikers.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO DOSSEN HUT VIA ROSENLAUI GLACIER

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint.

If you are unaware of what a Via Ferrata is, it’s essentially a sequence of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that guides you up a wall. You wear a harness and attach yourself to a sturdy cable at the beginning of the Via Ferrata. Subsequently, you remain secured at all times with a minimum of one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

THE NIEDERHORN HIKE: A BEAUTIFUL RIDGE WALK

The Niederhorn is a frequently visited mountain peak that offers a range of activities and stunning vistas of Lake Thun, located in close proximity to Interlaken. You can take a cable car to reach the summit or hike along the Niederhorn ridge to fully explore the area. Either way, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and natural beauty.

At the summit, we hung out on the ridge that overlooks the western end of Lake Thun and was all by ourselves the entire time. We watched as paragliders took off (I watched that one from my drone, which was a little scary), scoped out Lake Thun, and looked at the small huts in the valley below.

The way we did the hike was to take a cable car to the summit and then hike along the ridge and then down to Beatenberg Station. This was 7 kilometers. It can be done in reverse or as an entire loop for 14kms.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE NIEDERHORN HIKE: A BEAUTIFUL RIDGE WALK

HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

The Gleckstein Hut, also known as Glecksteinhutte, is situated above Grindelwald, offering breathtaking views of the valley below and the awe-inspiring glaciers in the mountains behind. Spending a night at this location is a remarkable experience, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset. Furthermore, the Chrinnerhorn summit is located a few hundred meters above the Gleckstein Hut and can be accessed without any mountaineering experience. From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the Gleckstein Hut and Grindelwald.

According to the sign, the suggested duration for the hike is 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, it took me 1 hour and 34 minutes to go up and 58 minutes to come down the next day. The trail is marked with red-and-white and has a few exposed areas, but there are cables wherever the trail is exposed to make it safer. The hike involves an incline of 1,100m, which can be challenging for many, but I noticed quite a few older hikers making it up to the hut. Therefore, a slow and steady approach can make the hike doable for most people.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE (PIZ GLORIA)

The hike from Mürren to Schilthorn can be quite challenging, as it involves an altitude gain of 1600 meters throughout the trail leading up to the Piz Gloria summit, where James Bond ‘007’ was filmed. However, the reward at the summit is worth the effort. You can treat yourself to a warm bowl of soup at the revolving restaurant, which offers breathtaking panoramic views in all directions. It is advisable to start early from Interlaken to allow enough time for the hike and to return on the same day.he same day.

The hiking trail from Murren to Rotstockhutte is relatively easy to manage. It consists mostly of a dirt path, but there are some areas where rocks and path intersect. Families can comfortably navigate their way up to Rotstockhutte, as the trail only has an elevation gain of 300-400m.

The trail from Rotstockhutte to Schilthorn is extremely steep. You will ascend over 1000 meters in just a few kilometers, which means you’ll be climbing straight up the mountain and scrambling over rocks. Despite the challenging terrain, it’s relatively safe and there are no dangerous drop-offs to worry about. If you’re able to handle the steep incline, the rest of the trail shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

It’s 12.9km Total distance from Murren to Schilthorn mountain summit. If you want to hike down you will need to add a few more kilometers but we caught the Schilthornbahn down to Murren, which was a nice way to return after a long day on the legs.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE

HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

One of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in Switzerland is the Bachalpsee Lake. It is surrounded by wildflowers and has a stunning backdrop of glacial mountains. What makes this lake even more accessible is that there is a cable car to First, making it only a one-hour trek from the First station, despite its altitude of 2,265m.

Bachalpsee is one of the most spectacular lakes in Switzerland and probably one of the most incredible lakes you will find on a hike near Interlaken. It’s relatively easy to get there with the cable car or you can refer to an earlier hike on this list: Schynige Platte to First if you want to take the long adventurous route.

After the cable car to First, the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

AUGSTMATTHORN HIKE FROM HARDER KULM

Augstmatthorn is an incredibly impressive peak located along the Hardergrat Ridge. It is renowned for its breathtaking views and the Ibex colony that inhabits the area. While there are multiple routes available to reach the summit, the most well-traveled path starts at Harder Kulm and follows the ridge to the top.

The view from Augstmatthorn was absolutely stunning with the clouds below us. We had an amazing sight of the Hardergrat ridge, and could even see the beautiful Brienzersee and beyond. We spotted the Ibex colony and were amazed by how carefree they were around hikers. It was a magical experience to watch these incredible creatures in such a breathtaking location. I consider this hiking trail as one of the top hikes in Interlaken!

The hike distance from Harder Kulm to Augstmatthorn and then down to Habkern is 16 kilometers. Once you reach Habkern, you can take a bus back to your destination. If you plan to hike out and back from Harder Kulm, it is recommended to start early in the day to ensure that you catch the last train from Harder Kulm to Interlaken.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: AUGSTMATTHORN HIKE FROM HARDER KULM

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

Throughout my time hiking in Appenzell, I experienced some beautiful trails and I’ve put together this Appenzell Hiking Guide so that you can choose a hike or two (or nine) for your visit to Appenzell. I’m sure you will find a great adventure on this list of my nine favorite hikes in Appenzell.

9 AWESOME HIKES IN APPENZELL, SWITZERLAND

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes in Appenzell and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the hikes near Appenzell. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Appenzell hike.

Most of the hikes on this list are right in Appenzell, but a couple of these hikes are near Appenzell but not quite in the center of the region. I was based in Appenzell when I did all of these hikes and reached all of the trails by public transport so you will be able to reach any of these trails if you are based in Appenzell.

SCHÄFLER RIDGE HIKE AND MOUNTAIN HUT

The Schäfler Hut (Schäflerhutte) is perched up above the incredible Schäfler Ridge, which is one of the most dramatic sections of the Alpstein region in Appenzellerland. If there is one hike you should do while in Appenzell it is this. You get so much along the way and then the finishing viewpoint is this incredible ridge, which will blow your mind.

The hike starts in Wasserauen and then takes you up the mountain to the world-famous Aescher Cliff Restaurant, before passing through Ebenalp and then up to Schäflerhutte and Schäfler Ridge. I advise staying overnight at the mountain hut so you can enjoy the sunset and the sunrise at this amazing spot. For me, this is one of the top hikes in Appenzell easily!

• Hike Distance:  The hike distance from Wasserauen to Schäfler Hut is 7.5km. However, I suggest walking and exploring along the Schäfler Ridge, which will add an extra kilometer or two onto your tally. Bargain for about 8.5 kilometers one-way.
• Hike Duration: The total hiking time from Wasserauen to Schäfler Hut will be about three hours but depends a lot on your pace up 1200m of incline. I did the trail in just over 2 hours but was on quite a mission for pace. 3-4 hours will be enough time to reach the Schäfler Hut at a modest pace.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike is a red and white marked trail and quite simple. The incline will get a lot of people but there are no dangerous drop-offs or moments of high exposure. It is a trail that is very possible for children and the family dog. 
• Hike Incline: From Wasserauen to Schäfler Hut the total incline is: 1,230m

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SCHÄFLER RIDGE HIKE AND MOUNTAIN HUT

SAXER LÜCKE HIKE FROM HOHER KASTEN

The Saxer Lücke hike from Hoher Kasten takes you along a stunning ridge looking over Samtisersee until you reach the epic Saxer Lücke Ridgeline! It can be started from either Hoher Kasten or Staubern. I did it from Hoher Kasten and it was a 17km hike for the whole route.

This hike near Appenzell really gives you a lot throughout the whole way as you peer down into the valley on your left throughout the trail until you reach the sharp cliffs of Saxer Lücke at the end of the trail before making your way down to Falensee to finish the hiking trail.

• Hike Distance: The entire loop is 17km
• Hike Duration: The hike should take about 5 hours depending on how long you stop at Staubern and Saxer Lücke
• Hike Difficulty: The majority of the trail is flat or downhill. There aren’t many points at all with much exposure so I definitely would say this is possible for families, especially the fact that you can start at Staubern and cut some of the distance off. There was a trail the whole way, mostly dirt, gravel, and sometimes a little rocky.
• Hike Incline: 450 meters

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SAXER LÜCKE HIKE FROM HOHER KASTEN

ASCHER, EBENALP & SEEALPSEE HIKE FROM WASSERAUEN

Wasserauen is quite simply a remarkable hiking hub for some of the best peaks in Switzerland. The regional mountain map is overflowing with options for trails that all seemingly intertwine, allowing you to plan your own route depending on your desired time and difficulty. We decided to begin our hike in Wasserauen and climb up through the forest to Ascher Restaurant and Ebenalp Peak before descending down through the forest below the restaurant to reach Seaalpsee, which is the stunning Alpine lake that sits in the valley below all of the formidable peaks above).

The hike up to Ascher Cliff Restaurant can also be done by a cable car but that wouldn’t be much of a hike. You can also link this hike with other points of interest in the Alpstein Mountain Range such as Schäfler Ridge

• Hike Duration: 4 hours
• Hike Difficulty: Some steep climbs. No technical climbing or rock climbing. The path the whole way. Moderate overall. Kids were on the trail.
• Hike Incline: Wasserauen 876m to Ebenalp 1644m.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ASCHER, EBENALP & SEEALPSEE HIKE FROM WASSERAUEN

THREE LAKES HIKE IN THE ALPSTEIN REGION, APPENZELL

The Three Lakes Hike in Alpstein takes you on a scenic, but challenging walk to the Seealpsee, Fallensee, and Samtisersee. The route. The 17.3km trail has 1100+ meters of incline and while the trail is quite safe, the incline can be challenging and this is definitely no walk around the lake. Each of the three lakes is incredible in their own way and will blow you away.

• Hike Distance: The entire route is 17.34 kilometers
• Hike Duration: The hike should take around 6-8 hours in total depending on how long you spend at each lake.
• Hike Difficulty: The incline is what makes this hike a little challenging although it is spread out in different sections so it isn’t one big block of climbing. There are no dangerous spots on this trail with high exposure although many spots do have a big drop on one side. Usual care needs to be taken. Children can do this hike but with many drop-offs, close supervision would be advised.
• Hike Incline: 1150 meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THREE LAKES HIKE IN THE ALPSTEIN REGION

LISENGRAT: EPIC RIDGE HIKE BETWEEN SÄNTIS AND ALTMANN

The Lisengrat ridge hike is one of the most epic sections of trail I encountered on my adventures throughout Switzerland. Between Säntis Peak and Altmann, this narrow ridge is known as the toughest part of the Alpstein Loop. I attempted the Lisengrat ridge while completing the entire Alpstein Loop, which is up there with my favorite hiking route in Switzerland.

• Hike Distance: This depends on where you enter and exit along the Alpstein Mountain Range but the journey from Santis to Altmann is only a few kilometers.
• Hike Duration: The hike should take around 1-2 hours in total.
• Hike Difficulty: This was a very technical section of the Alpstein Mountain Range and I would say that you need to be experienced and exercise a high degree of caution. It is also recommended to only do this route on a dry day.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LISENGRAT: EPIC RIDGE HIKE BETWEEN SÄNTIS AND ALTMANN

SEEALPSEE HIKE IN APPENZELL

Seealpsee is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland and can be found in the Alpstein region of Appenzell. The lake can be reached in under an hour from Wasserauen Train Station or with more strenuous hiking routes throughout Alpstein. This ease of accessibility and moderate incline make it one of the most popular attractions in the Alpstein and Appenzell regions.

• My first visit was in the summer when I hiked up to Ascher, Ebenalp and then down through the forest to Seealpsee. You can read that blog post here.
• The second visit was part of the ‘Alpstein 3 Lakes Hike’, which includes Samtisersee and Falensee. You can read that blog post here.
• The final visit was the final stop on my Alpstein Loop hike, which was a great way to finish my favorite overnight adventure in Switzerland.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: SEEALPSEE HIKE IN APPENZELL – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

MOUNT SÄNTIS HIKE IN ALPSTEIN, SWITZERLAND

The Mount Säntis hike is one in the Alpstein region is one of the most spectacular trails in Switzerland. It’s possible to trek to the top of Mount Säntis as part of the Alpstein loop or as a straight ascent. Once you reach the top you will find incredible viewing platforms and a large restaurant.

There is also a cable car servicing Mount Säntis so you can choose to hike just one way and catch the cable car either up or down. No matter how you reach the Säntis Peak, the view of the Alpstein region from the summit is magical.

There are quite a few different ways to reach Mount Säntis, so it is difficult to share the one-defined route. What I will do is tell you your options and then share with you the route I took, which in general is the most epic and complete hike called the Alpstein Loop.

• The first option (which I did) is the Alpstein Loop. You begin at Wasserauen and hike up to Ebenalp, onto Schäfler Hut, and then up to Ohrli then finally onto Mount Säntis. From here you begin the descent down Lisengrat to Rotsteinpass, to Meglisalp, to Seebergsee, and finally back to Wasserauen station. Generally, you will spend at least one night at one of the mountain huts. Schäfler Hut is a good place to stay overnight or if you come in the other direction Rostein Hut is a good choice. This route is best done over 2-3 days.
• The second option is to hike up to Mount Säntis from either of those directions. Essentially, you will take half of the Alpstein Loop and then catch the cable car down. This makes the summit and descent possible in one day.
• The third option is to head up via Seebergsee and then Mesmer. I’ve never done this route so I cannot comment on its difficulty level but it is listed on the map below.
• The fourth option is to hike up from Meglisalp up to Säntis via Wagenlucke but again this is not an average route and I cannot comment on the difficulty. It is also listed on the map below. 
• The fifth option is to hike up from Schwagalp. This is where the cable car is so many park their car here and then either hike up or down taking the cable car either up or down to make the hike more manageable.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MOUNT SÄNTIS HIKE IN ALPSTEIN, SWITZERLAND

FALENSEE (FALEN LAKE) HIKE – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Falensee (Falen Lake) is an incredible alpine lake situated next to the Bollenwees Mountain Hut in the Alpstein region of Appenzell. It can be an adventure in itself or part of several hikes nearby. The Bollenwees Mountain Hut, which is right next to the Falensee, is a great overnight stay and base camp for sunset and sunrise missions in the surrounding lakes and peaks.

I visited the Falensee on two occasions. The first visit was part of the ‘Alpstein Three Lakes Hike‘ and the second occasion was at the end of the Hoher Kasten to Saxer Lucke Hike. However, you can also hike in from Brulisau just to stay overnight at Bollenwees and visit the Falensee. In this blog post, I will detail all of the options to visit the Falensee and what other hikes you could do when using Falensee and Bollenwees as a base camp.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: FALENSEE (FALEN LAKE) HIKE – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

HIKING TO THE SPITZMEILEN HUT AND SPITZMEILEN PEAK

Now this one isn’t right in Appenzell and took about two hours by train to reach there. We left our luggage at our hotel in Appenzell for one night and returned the next day after our overnight at the Spitzmeilen Hut. Why not hike to the Spitzmeilen Hut (Spitzmeilenhutte) for a beautiful overnight stay before climbing the Spitzmeilen Peak and the Wissmeilen Peak in the morning!? We did this hike after the first snowfall of the year and while a little dangerous, the views were magical from Spitzmeilen Peak!

Hike Distance: The hike from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut (after catch the cable car from Unterterzen) was 11.6 kilometers. The next day the hike from Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen Peak to Wissmeilen Peak and then down to Engi was 14.17 kilometers. You could take a cable car up further and walk a shorter distance to Spitzmeilen Hut and Engi is not the shortest route down. Therefore there are many ways to make it shorter but this is definitely one of the most scenic routes totaling just over 25km over two days.

• Hike Duration: We did the hike over two days. Day one from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut took just under 3 hours of moving time but 4.5 hours including stops, photos. Day two from Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen Peak to Wissmeilen Peak to Engi took 3.5 hours of moving time but 6-7 hours in total including a lot of photos, hanging out at the summit and many stops along the way.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike from Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut is very low difficulty and is mostly through vast valleys once you are up the initial incline. The climb to Spitzmeilen was quite difficult in the snow with some exposure and then, of course, the climb up Spitzmeilen summit is not easy. There are chains in place to help you climb but you will need to be in pretty good shape despite the chains. There is no technical rock climbing required but the worst-case scenario is losing grip of the chain or slipping and you will have a 20m drop onto rocks. From Spitzmeilen to Wissmeilen and Wissmeilen Pass the trail is quite exposed and is not always a great path. Again, I did this trail in the snow so I imagine it is much easier in the summer as it is marked as a red and white trail, although for us it felt like an alpine route!
• Hike Incline: Tannenboden to Spitzmeilen Hut: 854m   Spitzmeilen Hut to Spitzmeilen to Wissmeilen to Engi: 453m incline (Decline: 1657m)

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO THE SPITZMEILEN HUT AND SPITZMEILEN PEAK

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ALPSTEIN REGION

The Alpstein region is a sub-range of the Appenzell Alps located mainly in Eastern Switzerland. It’s a breathtaking area known for its rugged limestone peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque landscapes. Here are some essential things to know about the Alpstein region:

1. Dramatic Peaks: The Alpstein boasts iconic peaks like Säntis, which is the highest mountain in the region. These mountains are characterized by their steep limestone formations.
2. Hiking Destination: Alpstein is a hiker’s paradise with a network of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The region offers spectacular vistas, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes.
3. Säntis: Standing at 2,502 meters, Säntis offers panoramic views of six countries on a clear day: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, and Italy. There’s a cable car that takes visitors to the peak.
4. Seealpsee: A picturesque lake situated in the heart of Alpstein, Seealpsee is a popular spot for relaxation and offers a serene view of the surrounding mountains.
5. Aescher Guesthouse: This mountain guesthouse is built into the side of a steep cliff and is one of the most iconic and photographed places in Switzerland. It’s a great spot to rest during hikes and enjoy the landscape.
6. Wildkirchli Caves: Accessible via a short hike from the Aescher Guesthouse, these caves have revealed artifacts suggesting prehistoric habitation.
7. Accessibility: The region is most easily accessed from the towns of Appenzell and Wasserauen. These areas serve as starting points for many excursions into the Alpstein.
8. Swiss Cheese: The Appenzell region, which encompasses the Alpstein, is renowned for its cheese. When visiting, trying Appenzeller cheese, known for its distinct flavor, is a must.
9. Cultural Significance: The Appenzell region, including Alpstein, is steeped in traditions and customs, with colorful events, unique voting procedures (like the open-air assembly known as “Landsgemeinde”), and vibrant artwork.
10. Climbing Opportunities: Beyond hiking, Alpstein offers numerous rock-climbing routes, attracting climbers from around the world.
11. Accommodation: Throughout the Alpstein, there are numerous mountain huts and guesthouses, providing rustic accommodations and local cuisine to travelers.
12. Weather Conditions: The weather in the Alpstein can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. It’s crucial to be prepared for varying conditions and to check the weather forecast before setting out on hikes or climbs.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

6 AWESOME HIKES IN ZERMATT

In this blog post, you will find a description of each of the hikes in Zermatt and some photos I took as well as a link to the individual blog post I wrote about all of the hikes near Zermatt. You can click on that link for a more detailed review of the hike including maps, starting points, how to get there, photos, directions, difficulty, and a short story about my experience on that Zermatt hike. I visited Zermatt for 8 days and had an awesome experience. I was quite lucky with the weather in the summer month of September.

HORNLIHUTTE HIKE ‘MATTERHORN BASE CAMP’ IN ZERMATT

The Hornlihutte (Hornli Hut) is the most common base camp for the Matterhorn climb. However, hiking from Zermatt town to Hornlihutte is a great hike in its own right as I found out. I took the cable car to Schwarzsee and hiked up to Hornlihutte for sunset and then hiked all the way back down to Zermatt town in the dusk and then the dark for a total journey of 16 kilometers. At an altitude of 3,260 meters, the hut is a base camp for some and a summit for others.

• Hike Distance: Schwarzsee to Hornlihutte is 4km with 715 meters of incline. Obviously, you have to come back down to Schwarzsee so that is a minimum of 8km. However, if you go for sunset or miss the last 4:30 p.m. cable car, you will need to walk all the way back to Zermatt. My total hike distance with the walk back to Zermatt main street was 16.68km.
• Hike Duration: Schwarzsee to Honlihutte should take about 1.5 hours maximum. My entire journey came out to 4 hours with the walk back to Zermatt main street.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike difficulty for Hornlihutte was medium. From Schwarzsee to the start of the ridge, you are on a red and white marked trail that is quite simple, although even on that trail there are rocky sections and a few drop-offs although nothing dramatic. Once upon the ridge, it is a blue and white alpine trail. This means stop walking if you aren’t up for a bit of a challenge.
• Hike Incline: 967m total climb with over 1500m of decline (if you go back down to Zermatt main street)

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HORNLIHUTTE HIKE ‘MATTERHORN BASE CAMP’ IN ZERMATT

THE 5 LAKES HIKE IN ZERMATT (MATTERHORN VIEWS)

The 5 Lakes hike is one of the most popular hiking trails in Zermatt because it is accessible to everyone and has minimal steep climbing. Along the route are five stunning lakes where you can create reflections of the Matterhorn at the right angle. It’s a great day out and relatively easy for the whole family.

From Zermatt town, you catch a train up the plateau (you do most of the incline in the train) and then complete the loop walk checking out each of the lakes on the trail. On a clear day, the Matterhorn reflects in several of the lakes, which is always a great crowd-pleaser. This is a much less intense hike than many due to the lower incline although there are still a few hills to contend with so don’t expect a complete walk in the park. It’s the perfect summer hike in Zermatt.

• Hike Distance: The entire loop is 6km
• Hike Duration: The hike should take about 3 hours if you stop at each lake and wander around a bit. Total walking time should be no more than 2 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: Very low difficulty. Suitable for families.
• Hike Incline: 241 meters

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE 5 LAKES HIKE IN ZERMATT (MATTERHORN VIEWS)

THE GORNERGRAT HIKE FROM RIFFELALP IN ZERMATT

The hike from Riffelalp to Gornergrat takes you along one of the most scenic routes in Zermatt. The Matterhorn is in your sights for most of the journey as you pass by several lakes with perfect reflections of the mighty Matterhorn.

There are two highlights of this hike in Zermatt. The first is the reflections of the Matterhorn in the Riffelsee (lake). Many come all the way to Zermatt and spend big bucks on the train up here to see this very reflection.

You can hike your way up if you prefer the challenge and it’s one of the best day hikes in Zermatt. The second highlight is looking out over the incredible Gornergrat Glacier, which is mindblowing in size and you really get an idea of the evolution of the glacier over time.

When you reach the Gornergrat Hotel you can relax, enjoy lunch, and take in the views of the epic Gorner Glacier (Gornergletscher), which is located directly below the hotel.

• Hike Distance: The total distance from the Riffelalp train station to Gornergrat Hotel via Riffelsee is 6 kilometers. You can then catch the Gornergratbahn back down to Zermatt. My total loop was 20km from Riffelalp to Riffelsee to Gornergrat to Hohtalli to Zermatt.
• Hike Duration: From Riffelalp to Gornergrat you are expecting it to take about 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike difficulty for Riffelsee from Riffelalp was very low. There was some incline but the path was always very clear and quite flat. Suitable for children. From Riffelsee to Gornergrat the trail is quite steep but there are no sections with any real danger. From Gornergrat to Hohtalli (I’ll explain later in the blog), there was some exposure and rock scrambling.
• Hike Incline: From Riffelalp to Hotel Gornergrat Kulm the incline is 900m. The altitude at Hotel Gornergrat Kulm is 3,100 meters.

THE MATTERHORN GLACIER TRAIL HIKE IN ZERMATT

The Matterhorn Glacier Trail hike in Zermatt is a great walking trail that winds underneath the Matterhorn. It is one of the best day hikes in Zermatt and definitely one of the top places to see the Matterhorn from a very close distance without having to do any crazy incline or hiking. For an epic view of the Matterhorn with lots of lake reflection shots, this is my top recommendation for a hiking trail in Zermatt.

This hiking trail is one of the top picks for families and tourists who would like to experience the Matterhorn but aren’t looking for a huge adventure. With just 150m of the total incline, it’s one of the best easy hikes in Zermatt. By taking the cable car all the way up to the top, you actually do a point-to-point route instead of a loop so a lot of the trail is downhill and you finish at a different cable car station to get back to Zermatt town. It’s 500m downhill and 150m of uphill work so you can see it is less challenging the many other hikes in Zermatt.

• Hike Distance: 6.4km from Trockener Steg to Schwarzsee
• Hike Duration: 2-3 hours
• Hike Difficulty: Very low. The total incline is 150m and the decline is 500m Sometimes rocky trails but never any dangerous or exposed trail.
• Hike Incline: 150m total climb with 500m of decline.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MATTERHORN GLACIER TRAIL HIKE IN ZERMATT

HOHBALMEN SUNRISE HIKE IN ZERMATT – MATTERHORN VIEWPOINT

The Hohbalmen sunrise hike in Zermatt is an aggressive way to start your day with a 1,100m climb to a beautiful viewpoint with clear views of Matterhorn. It isn’t the most popular hike in Zermatt, which is because it is a very aggressive hike and you can get similar views with much less effort on other trails. However, this is a beautiful viewpoint for sunrise and you won’t share this trail with many others. I really loved the early wake-up and the adventure up to this viewpoint and it was one hell of a workout.

• Hike Distance: The hike from Zermatt to Hohbalmen viewpoint and to return is 10km. However, there are lots of routes that continue from Hohbalmen that can make it a 20km loop. I just went up to the viewpoint and down and it was 10km.
• Hike Duration: The hike took me 2 hours and 50 minutes although it would be more likely to take 3-5 hours round-trip for an average pace of hiking.
• Hike Difficulty: The hike is not exposed and there are no dangers. The incline to the viewpoint is very aggressive with 1000m of incline within the first 4km, which is a lot to handle for many people…, especially before a coffee!
• Hike Incline: Starting point at Zermatt Town: 1608m – Hohbalmen Viewpoint: 2,673m 

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HOHBALMEN SUNRISE HIKE IN ZERMATT – MATTERHORN VIEWPOINT

RIFFELSEE LAKE HIKE IN ZERMATT WITH MATTERHORN REFLECTION

The Riffelsee (Riffel Lake) Hike may just be the best spot in Zermatt to find the perfect reflection photo of the mighty Matterhorn. A train takes you to Riffelalp before you hike around the mountain with constant views of the Matterhorn until you end up at Riffelsee and witness the amazing reflection.

The Riffelsee is amazing at sunset or sunrise but quite difficult to get to at those hours as the train is usually finished. Therefore it is quite a mission to hike in the dark before sunrise or after sunset.

Adventurers love this challenge to see the alpenglow on the Matterhorn reflecting in the lake. There are usually some diehard photographers at the lake who have made the effort. Once you are up there at the lake it is one of the nicest walks in Zermatt in my opinion. 

• Hike Distance: The total distance from Riffelalp train station to Riffelsee via the Riffelseeweg is just 4.1km. You can then catch the Gornergratbahn back down to Zermatt. However, I suggest you continue hiking up to Gornergrat and keep exploring. My total loop was 20km from Riffelalp to Riffelsee to Gornergrat to Hohtalli to Zermatt.
• Hike Duration: From Riffelalp to Riffelsee you are expecting it to take about 1.5 hours. 
• Hike Difficulty: The hike difficulty for Riffelsee from Riffelalp was very low. There was some incline but the path was always very clear and quite flat. Suitable for children.
• Hike Incline: From Riffelalp to Riffelsee the incline is just under 600m of climbing. Riffelsee is at 2,762 meters above sea level.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: RIFFELSEE LAKE HIKE IN ZERMATT WITH MATTERHORN REFLECTION

THINGS TO KNOW FOR HIKING IN ZERMATT IN THE SUMMER

Zermatt in the summer is a completely different experience than during its snowy winter months. Here are more summer-specific details for hiking in Zermatt:

1. Summer Hiking Season: In Zermatt, the main summer hiking season typically runs from June to September. During this period, most of the hikes in Zermatt are snow-free and accessible.
2. Wildflowers: Summer brings a burst of alpine flowers to Zermatt’s meadows. Trails like the Edelweissweg and the trail from Schwarzsee to Zermatt showcase beautiful blossoms and offer great photo opportunities.
3. Daylight Hours: With longer daylight hours in the summer, you can plan lengthier treks or multiple short hikes in a day. However, always remember to start early if you’re going on longer treks to ensure you get back before dark.
4. Hydration: Summer hiking means warmer temperatures. Carry sufficient water with you, as the alpine sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is crucial.
5. Sun Protection: The combination of higher altitudes and clear summer skies can lead to a higher risk of sunburn. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and consider sunglasses with UV protection.
6. Mountain Huts: Many mountain huts are open for the summer season. These provide not only food and shelter but also an authentic Swiss alpine experience. Consider stopping at one for a meal or even an overnight stay.
7. Glacial Areas: Some hikes, like the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, will take you close to glacial areas. Even in the summer, these can be chilly and can have patches of snow. Wear sturdy shoes and carry layers.
8. Crowds: Summer is a popular time to visit Zermatt, so expect more fellow hikers on the trails, especially the more famous ones. If you’re looking for solitude, consider starting early in the morning or exploring less popular routes.
9. Safety: Summer in the mountains can sometimes bring afternoon thunderstorms. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared to change your plans if storms are predicted.
10. Equipment: For most summer hikes in Zermatt, regular hiking boots, a good backpack, and trekking poles should suffice. However, if you’re planning to go on more challenging routes or cross glacial areas, consider consulting a local guiding company or mountain expert for advice on additional gear.
11. Local Produce: Summer is also the season for local produce. After your hikes, indulge in some fresh Swiss cheese, chocolates, or berries. You might also come across markets or stalls selling local summer fruits like apricots from the Valais region.

HOW TO GET TO ZERMATT

Zermatt is a car-free village nestled in the Swiss Alps, making it a unique destination. To get there, most travelers opt for the efficient Swiss rail system. Starting from major Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva, one can take a train to Visp or Brig, and then transfer to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, a cogwheel train that will take you directly into the heart of Zermatt. Those driving by car can only go as far as Täsch, where they’ll need to leave their vehicle in one of the parking facilities and then take a short train ride or taxi into Zermatt. The journey showcases stunning alpine landscapes, ensuring the travel experience is as memorable as the destination itself.

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.