Switzerland’s Most Dangerous Hike?

🏔️What is the deadliest hiking trail in Switzerland?

Usually, my hikes combine legends, myths, and Swiss folklore with breathtaking trails. But this time, there was no ancient story waiting at the top — only a modern legend: the reputation of Mythenweg as Switzerland’s deadliest trail. Curious whether the fear matched the reality, I decided to experience it myself.

Each summer, headlines quietly return: Mythenweg, the winding trail to the top of Grosser Mythen, holds that title.
According to 20 Minuten, this seemingly well-marked  route has tragically claimed more lives than any other trail in Switzerland.

After reading about it , I decided to experience it myself.
Having hiked it last week with a good friend by my side, I can say — yes, it’s a bit dangerous, but definitely not the deadliest.
We weren’t there just for the views or the photos; we wanted to feel the trail with all its challenges.

I love risk and the pulse of adrenaline.
I feel most alive when the clouds roll in, the wind picks up, and the path demands full focus.

For me, hiking isn’t just about scenery — it’s about sensation, about stepping into uncertainty.
And sometimes, the clearest kind of self-awareness comes when you realize someone else is walking through that same silence and breath beside you.

Starting the ascent — the trail to Grosser Mythen begins here.

🥾Facing Mythenweg: Preparation or Pure Instinct?

When I first read the article about Mythenweg being called the most dangerous trail in Switzerland, I wasn’t scared — I was excited.
There was no fear, just a quiet curiosity that grew stronger with every paragraph.

I checked the weather forecast and saw rain and fog ahead. 🌧️

I knew that meant low visibility, slippery paths, and a serious challenge, but I still wanted to go.✨

I wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone, and I wasn’t chasing a rush of adrenaline — I simply felt that I needed to experience it.

Sometimes, a place draws you in without a clear reason, and when it does, you just have to listen and follow.

A brief glimpse of the valley before the fog closed in.

🌫️ Heights, Fog, and Heavy Breathing

The hike started in nice weather. The sky was clear and the trail looked wide and safe. We felt relaxed and even stopped for some photos.☀️

But as we went higher, things changed.

The air got colder. The path became narrow. Then the fog came in. At first it was thin, but soon we could barely see ahead. The trail didn’t feel safe anymore.

There were no birds now. No sounds, except our feet and our breathing. We didn’t talk much. We were focused.

Some parts of the path were steep and slippery. We took our time and moved carefully.

Then we reached a spot where the trail was quiet — no wind, no voices, no sound at all.

For a moment, we both stopped walking.
Not because we were tired, but because everything around us felt heavy. The fog, the silence, the height — it all made the mountain feel more serious.

Above the clouds, yet still lost inside them.

☁️The Summit: Silence and Sky

When we reached the top, the fog was still thick.
We couldn’t see the beautiful views people always talk about. The lakes, the peaks, the open sky — they were all hidden behind clouds.

There was a small restaurant at the summit, but it was closed.
Still, just seeing it there made the place feel more real — like a secret spot waiting for better weather.

Even without the view, the mountain looked perfect to me. The way the fog wrapped around the rocks made it feel mysterious and peaceful. I didn’t feel disappointed. I felt lucky to be there.

We stayed for about half an hour.
We found a quiet place to sit, took out our coffee, and just watched the clouds move.
It was silent, cold, and slow — and I enjoyed every second.

The summit hut — empty, silent, wrapped in mist.

🎯Was It Worth It?

Yes.
Every step. Every cold breath. Even the fog, the rain, and the wind.

I knew the weather would be difficult. I knew this trail had a reputation — not just for beauty, but for danger. There have been many accidents on this path, and I was fully aware of that before going.

But when a mountain calls, it’s hard to ignore.

Of course, I didn’t go without thinking.
I checked the forecast, studied the risks, and decided it was still possible. This wasn’t a blind decision — it was a personal one.

I like taking measured risks.
The kind that makes your heart beat faster, that sharpens your focus, and somehow, makes you enjoy the moment even more.

For me, all of it — the bad weather, the challenge, the silence — made this trail even more beautiful.

So yes, it was definitely worth it.

But if you’re thinking of hiking Grosser Mythen, I suggest you wait for better conditions.
A month or two from now, the trail will be safer and the views will be clearer.

📣Tell Me Your Story

I’d love to hear your stories!
Have you ever hiked a trail that pushed your limits?
Tell me in the comments — or share your favorite mountain moment below.

You can also find more trail stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram.
@swissmythhikes

Thanks for hiking with me through this story. See you on the next adventure! 🥾✨

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wabirinc

Hi, I’m Samet — a Master’s student at HSLU and a passionate hiker exploring the hidden corners of Switzerland, one trail at a time. For me, hiking is more than just reaching the top — it’s about the stories, the silence, and the sense of connection to nature. Through this blog, I share not only paths and peaks, but the legends, feelings, and moments that turn each hike into something unforgettable. Follow along on Instagram for photos, behind-the-scenes, and trail previews — @swissmythhikes

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4 thoughts on “Switzerland’s Most Dangerous Hike?

  1. Oh, wow, super interesting. I’ve never heard about Mythenweg trail before, but as I very much enjoy adrenaline you convinced me with this blog that I have to check it out in the summer. Thanks for the tip that now it’s clearly bad time, hahaha.

    Answer to your questions, for me if there is no push I don’t enjoy so much, so yes, pushed quite a lot of times while hiking.
    My favorite mountain moment was in my home country, I was really desperate, out of water, it was 35 degrees and was one of this moment when I was questioning my lifetime choices, but than I met 2 deers and gosh, they were so so beautiful and was so unexpected to see them on this trail, it made me to forget every discomfort and I made it to the waterfall luckily.

    1. Thank you for sharing your story! Meeting those deer must have felt like pure magic after such a tough hike:)
      I’m so happy the blog inspired you — and yes, definitely wait for better weather before tackling Mythenweg, haha!
      Hope you’ll have many more unforgettable trail moments!

  2. Damn, this was such a cool read! You really made me feel the fog and the crazy steep path sounded both epic and terrifying. Didn’t know Grosser Mythen was that dangerous lol. Big respect for making it up there safely! Thanks for the honest tips too, definitely bookmarking this for a (hopefully sunny) future hike

    1. thanks so much for the awesome comment! Super happy you felt the vibe through the post — and yeah, Grosser Mythen can be a real beast sometimes! Hope you’ll catch a sunny day for your hike!

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