Whether you are looking to see towering peaks and massive glaciers or emerald blue lakes and magnificent valleys, the number of possibilities for hiking in Switzerland are endless.
First hike is like a first kiss, you will remember it forever. But where to go for the first hike? Well, basically anywhere. Switzerland has amazing scenery, and you can find nice places for a hike in each canton. Mountains are so accessible, just an hour or two by train and you can hike in the nice area of well-maintained trails. However, based on my personal experiences, I want to share with you a list of “5 best places in Switzerland” where you can go for the first hiking trip.
The hiking season depends on where you are planning to hike. In general, the best time for high Alpine trekking or mountain hiking is July and September. In lower areas and in the foothills the season extends from May to October, and in the southern part, like Ticino you can make a hike already in March. But don’t forget to check the weather forecast before the hike, as I recommended in my video. Now the weather is so unpredictable.
Another thing you need to pay attention to is a level of difficulty of the path or route you chose for a first hike. The Swiss hiking scale is divided into six levels that range from T1 (the easiest) to T6 (most difficult) and are mainly based on the characteristics of the trail. Since this post is about places for a first hike, I will include here a table only about hiking routes with levels from T1 to T3.
One of my first hikes was to Seealpsee, so I will suggest it as a first option. The path begins with a fairly steep ascent through the forest, but you can make stops on the way and admire the nature around.
1. Seealpsee
Seealpsee is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland and can be found in the Alpstein region of Appenzell. Wasserauen Train Station is the start point for the Seealpsee hike and is easily accessible by train or car.
Distance: Wasserauen – Seealpsee [ 3 km]
Time: about 1-2 hours
2. Stoos
Stoos is also a great choice for an easy, impressive and picturesque hike. The steepest funicular in the world whisks you up the mountain to an adorable alpine village at 1300 metres. From there, you can ride chair lifts up to a panorama viewpoint with spectacular views of Lake Luzern and the surrounding mountains. There’s an easy 1.5 km stroll along the cliffs at the top. This hike requires secure footing.
Distance: Klingenstock – Fronalpstock [4.4 km ]
Time: about 2 hours
3. Lauterbrunnen
This hike starts with a tram ride from Lauterbrunnen to Grüschalp, then a relatively flat but scenic hike to Murren. The paved road with gorgeous mountain views up at Mürren gradually transitions to gravel road with the continuity of gorgeous mountain views to Grüschalp, where the path becomes much grassier and less apparent. Easy and flat hike, at a height of around 900 meters offers you a relaxing and picturesque view of the surrounding snowcapped mountains and glacier.
Distance: Grüschalp – Murren [4.48 km]
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
4. Ponte Tibetano
If you want to get new fresh impressions, this hike is a good solution. Ponte Tibetano, one of the longest suspension bridges, located in warm Ticino. To get there you need to take a bus from Bellinzona to Monte Carasso. From there you can use a cable car and get off at the middle stop Curzútt. Explore the village and follow the walking signs to the Tibetano bridge via the ‘San Bernardo’ church. Here you can cross the bridge and then make your way back to the village of Curzútt. The view is breathtaking and the hike itself will take 2 hours both ways.
Distance: Total distance [9 km]
Time: 3 hour, 30 minutes
5. Rigi
This popular panorama path is simply stunning, affording magnificent views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, as well as of the imposing Alps in the distance. The trail starts at the top at Rigi Kulm, passes through Rigi First and finishes at Rigi Scheidegg, where you can take a cable car back. Some parts of the hike can be a little steep, so please wear proper boots.
Distance: Rigi Kaltbad – Rigi Scheidegg [6,5 km]
Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Inspiration! Energy! True emotions! – that’s what we need. Did you check the weather forecast for the upcoming weekend? I am glad to share it with you – MeteoSwiss.
The weather seems to be warm, so if you were doubting when should you start your hiking activities. The answer is – now.
⇒ Do you like challenges? Hard, but interesting, right? In my next post I will tell you about upcoming hiking challenge, stay tuned.
Here are the links to my previous posts:
My God! So amazing ! Need to try Rigi and Seealpsee! Of course the others too, amazing views!
And thank you now i have an idea of the signals what do they mean.
My favorites are Lauterbrunnen and Rigi! Such great suggestions for easy hikes, thank you for sharing them in an informative and inspiring way!
I like how you created a table explaining about T1-T3. Thanks for sharing.