Hikes in Switzerland Part 1: Trails, Mountain Huts & Alpine Culture with Easy Trek

Matias Caldez
Matias Caldez · Monday, October 6, 2025
Switzerland is a true hiker’s dream. Every outdoor enthusiast, whether experienced or just starting out, will enjoy the incredible variety the country has to offer in all four seasons. From breathtaking alpine meadows covered in wildflowers during spring and summer, to crystal-clear lakes that reflect the mountains in autumn, to snow-dusted peaks that sparkle in winter, Switzerland’s hiking landscape is unmatched anywhere in the world. But hiking in Switzerland does not have to mean steep ascents or challenging alpine climbs. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences are found on easy hikes in Switzerland, where first-time visitors, families with children, and travelers seeking a slower pace can explore the Alps while still soaking up their natural beauty.
This series of posts will guide you through some of the best Swiss hiking experiences by showing how the Easy Trek app makes planning simple and stress-free. With Easy Trek, you can discover not only well-marked trails but also the fascinating world of Swiss mountain huts, which are unique to the region. These huts, often managed by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), serve as welcoming refuges where you can rest, enjoy a hearty alpine meal, or even spend the night surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Exploring these huts is a cultural journey in itself, as they are deeply tied to the traditions of Swiss alpinism and hospitality.
Cabane de Chanrion
Cabane de Chanrion
One of the best things about hiking in Switzerland is how accessible it is. Many trails start just a short ride away from train stations or mountain cable cars, making it easy to reach alpine landscapes without needing a car. The trails are exceptionally well-marked, with gentle slopes and panoramic views that make them suitable for hikers of all ages. Families can enjoy kid-friendly hiking routes in Switzerland, while older travelers or those new to alpine trekking will find countless opportunities to experience nature without the pressure of steep climbs.
Easy Trek brings all of this together in one place. With in-depth hut information. detailed maps and trails, Easy Trek ensures that your Swiss adventure is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. You can check hut availability, plan your route in advance and customize your journey. Whether you are traveling to Switzerland for the first time, planning a family hiking trip, or returning to the Alps for another adventure, Easy Trek is your trusted digital companion for exploring Switzerland’s easy hikes and iconic mountain huts.
Lac de Moiry
Lac de Moiry

Regions in Switzerland for Hiking

Switzerland is a small but highly diverse country in Central Europe. Covering 41,285 km², it is divided into 26 cantons, each with its own culture, traditions, and sometimes even language. Despite its size, Switzerland’s landscapes are astonishingly varied, grouped into three main geographical regions:
The Alps: The Alps cover about 60% of Switzerland. They are mostly located in southern and eastern Switzerland. The cantons included, which are mainly alpine cantons, are Valais (Wallis), Uri, Glarus, Ticino, Graubünden, Obwalden, Nidwalden, parts of Bern, Vaud, St. Gallen, Schwyz. These locations are characterized by high mountains, deep valleys, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Some of the famous peaks are the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and the Dufourspitze (4,634 m, Switzerland’s highest point). These cantons are home to the majority of Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) huts and Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts and alpine hiking trails.
Glacier de Corbassière
Glacier de Corbassière
The Swiss Plateau: The Plateau or Mittelland covers about 30% of Switzerland territory. It is located between the Alps (south) and Jura (northwest). The cantons included majorly on the Plateau are Zurich, Bern (partly alpine), Lucerne, Aargau, Thurgau, Zug, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, Geneva, Vaud, Fribourg, parts of St. Gallen, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft. The Plateau is characterized by rolling hills, fertile plains, large lakes, and dense urban areas. It hosts Switzerland’s largest cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern and Lausanne. They also offer gentle landscapes ideal for easy hikes, lake walks, and vineyard trails.
The Jura Mountains: The Jura occupies about 10% of Switzerland territory. They are located in northwestern Switzerland, along the border with France. The cantons included are the Jura, Neuchâtel, Vaud (partly), Solothurn (partly), Bern (partly). It is characterized: by lower limestone mountains, for example the highest peak is Crêt de la Neige, 1,720 m in the French side and La Dôle at 1677 m in the Swiss Jura. The region offers forested ridges, caves, and natural amphitheaters like Creux du Van. It is also known for cheese-making and traditional Swiss watchmaking valleys. It is excellent for family-friendly hikes and spring/autumn trekking.
View from the Jura
View from the Jura

Plan Your Adventure with Easy Trek

Hiking in the Swiss Alps are more than just trails. They are immersive journeys into alpine culture, history, and nature. From strolling along family-friendly lake paths on the Swiss Plateau to wandering through the flower-filled valleys of the Bernese Oberland, every step brings you closer to the heart of Switzerland. For those who dream of going a little further, Easy Trek also guides you to traditional SAC mountain huts, where you can enjoy authentic Swiss meals, meet fellow hikers, and even spend the night surrounded by peaks.
Whether you want a short afternoon hike with children, a scenic photography walk near Zermatt, or a multi-day hut-to-hut trek through Valais or Graubünden, Easy Trek is your trusted digital companion.
More than just a hiking app, Easy Trek is a gateway to Swiss heritage. It helps you explore not only trails but also the stories of the people, huts, and traditions that shaped the Alps. Safe, reliable, and designed for hikers of every level, Easy Trek makes discovering Switzerland’s landscapes simple, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Whether it’s your first hike in Switzerland or your fiftieth alpine adventure, let Easy Trek be your guide to the trails, huts, and hidden gems that make this country the world’s ultimate hiking destination.
Why not start today? Try one of our top treks which can be done in a few days: a journey along the border of Bern, Vaud, and Fribourg, the scenic trails of Valais, or a picturesque hike through Ticino. Each hike promises a new adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.
Matias Caldez
Matias Caldez

I fell in love with Switzerland two years ago, and since then, I spend almost every weekend hiking. Passionate about Ticino and Graubünden, I don’t hesitate to cross the country to reach their peaks. Between breathtaking landscapes and trails to explore, I savor every moment in nature.