Switzerland is often imagined as the land of dramatic Alpine peaks, ski resorts, and luxury watches — but it’s also one of the best countries in Europe for low-effort, high-reward hiking. Whether you’re dipping your toes into hiking for the first time or just want stunning trails without breaking too much of a sweat, these seven walks deliver big on views, with just the right amount of effort.

From turquoise lakes and cliffside paths to glacier views and a barefoot forest trail (yes, really), here are our seven favourite Swiss hikes that don’t require crampons, but will still fill your camera roll and your soul.

1 | Oeschinensee Panorama Hike (Bernese Oberland)

Take a short cable car up from Kandersteg and you’re already halfway to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lake views. The colour of Oeschinensee is almost too much – like someone turned up the saturation. Loop around the lake, wander into the forest trails, and don’t miss lunch at the Berghotel Oeschinensee. Order rösti, grab a table with a view, and just sit back.
Time: 1.5–3 hours
Trail type: Loop, easy to moderate

2 | Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail (Valais)

Start in the car-free village of Bettmeralp and follow the trail along the ridge for continuous views of the Aletsch Glacier – the longest glacier in Europe. It’s mostly flat, so you can really take your time, and there are plenty of wooden benches to sit and snack while you stare in awe.
Time: 3–4 hours
Trail type: Linear, mostly flat

3 | Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk

If you ever wondered what inspired Tolkien’s Rivendell, it might just be this valley. With 72 waterfalls, green meadows, and cliff walls that tower above you, Lauterbrunnen feels unreal. The path from the village to Stechelberg is a gentle one, and there’s even a detour to Trümmelbach Falls – a thunderous series of cascades hidden inside the mountain.
Time: 1.5 hours (one way)
Trail type: Flat, easy

4 | Creux du Van (Jura Region)

The natural amphitheatre of Creux du Van is like stumbling into a secret geological wonder. Start from Noiraigue and make your way up through the forest until you reach the ridge. The view from the top is huge, with ibex often spotted nibbling grass near the edge. Bring a picnic, take your time, and don’t get too close to the drop.
Time: 4–5 hours
Trail type: Loop, moderate

5 | Zermatt 5-Seenweg (5 Lakes Trail)

If you’ve come to Switzerland hoping to spot the Matterhorn, this is your hike. Starting at Blauherd (you’ll need to take a funicular from Zermatt), this trail passes five mountain lakes – each offering reflections of the mighty peak. It’s mostly downhill, so it’s kind on the legs, and there are a few excellent rest stops along the way.
Time: ~2.5 hours
Trail type: Linear, mostly downhill

6 | Bürgenstock Felsenweg (near Lucerne)

More of a scenic walk than a hike, but the wow-factor here is strong. The Felsenweg clings to the cliffside above Lake Lucerne and finishes with a ride on the Hammetschwand Lift – the tallest outdoor elevator in Europe. You can make this one into a loop or simply do the out-and-back trail and treat yourself to a spa break at the Bürgenstock Resort.
Time: ~1 hour
Trail type: Loop or out-and-back, easy

7 | Elgenberg Loop (Engelberg)

This alpine loop starts and ends in Engelberg and is more about the vibe than the vertical gain. Meadows, barns, grazing cows, and cheese farms—you’ll be stopping often. Pack a picnic or buy cheese from a farm along the way. It’s not hard, but there are a few gentle ups and downs, which means you’ll feel like you earned your picnic spot.
Time: ~3 hours (longer with detours)
Trail type: Loop, moderate

Your Challenge | Go Barefoot on the Toggenburg Barefoot Trail

You’ll start near Jakobsbad and walk 2.5 km over forest mulch, grass, pebbles, and even a stream – all without shoes. It’s a playful, slightly strange experience, but there’s something wonderful about feeling the ground in such a direct way. Think of it as nature’s foot massage.

Challenge rating: (2/3) – Takes a little bravery (especially for city feet), but ends up being oddly soothing and very memorable.

Travel essentials: what you need to know

Getting around Switzerland is almost unfairly easy. The trains and cable cars run like clockwork, and many of the trailheads are reachable with just a short walk from the station. If you’re planning to do several hikes, look into the Swiss Travel Pass – it covers trains, buses, and many mountain lifts. Also, if you are staying in a hotel in the major towns like Luzern, Interlaken, Lausanne, you will get a travel pass that gives you free travel in the local area.

English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, and the tap water is not just drinkable, it’s delicious. Mosquitoes are not a major issue at higher altitudes, but pack some spray if you’re hiking near lakes. And bring layers – even in summer, mountain weather can change in minutes.

Why Switzerland is worth hiking in

You don’t need to be a mountaineer to fall in love with Swiss trails. These hikes offer some of the best scenery in Europe without the need for serious gear or training. From glacier views and mirrored lakes to barefoot forest trails and al fresco cheese picnics, Switzerland does hiking in a way that’s both epic and easygoing. So pack your walking shoes (or don’t, for that last one), and start exploring.