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Top 5 hikes in Switzerland

Top 5 hikes in Switzerland

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user-photoby Eliã Batista|calendar_monthLast updated: June 17, 2025
Ready to explore Switzerland’s most stunning trails? Here are 5 hikes you can’t miss!

From towering peaks to serene lakes, Switzerland is full of unforgettable hikes. In this list, we’ll explore 5 must-do trails: Pilatus, Stoos, Hoher Kasten, Rigi, and Saxer Lücke — each offering stunning views and unique experiences for all levels.

#5 Mount Pilatus

Some photos from Pilatus Kulm.

#4 Stoos Ridge Hike

Some photos of the hike.

#3 Hoher Kasten

The Hoher Kasten (photo by Simon Spring, Unsplash).

#2 Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi: the queen of the mountains (photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan, Unsplash).

#1 Saxer Lücke

The Saxer Lücke rock formation.

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Mount Pilatus is one of the most iconic mountains in Central Switzerland, offering a perfect blend of adventure, accessibility, and breathtaking alpine scenery.

More details in this separate post.

Hike Overview 🚶‍♂️

  • Location: Near Lucerne, Central Switzerland
  • Starting Point(s): Alpnachstad (cogwheel train) or Kriens (gondola)
  • Top Altitude: 2,128 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Duration: 1.5–5 hours depending on route
  • Season: June to October

Suggested Itinerary (Family-Friendly) ⏱️

  1. Take the gondola from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg (20 min)
  2. Optional stop at the rope park/adventure zone
  3. Hike to Pilatus Kulm (1.5–2 hours)
  4. Enjoy the summit views and lunch
  5. Descend via cogwheel train to Alpnachstad, return by boat/train to Lucerne

Practical Info 🧭

  • Getting There: Bus to Kriens (~15 min) or train to Alpnachstad (~30 min) from Lucerne
  • Tickets: Golden Round Trip or one-way options available
  • Costs: CHF 72–110/adult (50% with Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass)
  • Weather: Check before going – the summit is often foggy
  • Clothing: Bring layers, hiking shoes recommended
  • Food: Restaurants at Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm

Highlights 📸

  • Panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps
  • The world's steepest cogwheel railway
  • Viewing platforms and cliff walks
  • Dragon legends and mountain stories
  • Paragliders and stunning photo ops!

🎥 Check out the live Pilatus summit webcam below:

Updated every few minutes — click here for the full experience.

Stoos Ridge Hike offers spectacular panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and is perfect for adventurous families looking for a scenic yet accessible mountain trail.

More details in this separate post.

Hike Overview 🚶‍♂️

  • Location: Stoos, Canton Schwyz, Central Switzerland
  • Starting Point(s): Stoos village (reachable by funicular)
  • Top Altitude: Approx. 1,300 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 2–3 hours
  • Season: May to October

Suggested Itinerary (Family-Friendly) ⏱️

  1. Take the funicular from Schwyz or Muotatal up to Stoos village
  2. Start the ridge hike towards Fronalpstock (about 2-3 hours)
  3. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps
  4. Return via the same path or descend to Stoos village
  5. Explore the village or take a ride on the famous Stoos toboggan run (summer) or visit local restaurants

Practical Info 🧭

  • Getting There: Train to Schwyz or Muotatal, then funicular to Stoos (SBB)
  • Tickets: Funicular tickets available at station or online
  • Costs: Around CHF 15–20 for funicular one-way
  • Weather: Check local forecast before hiking
  • Clothing: Hiking shoes and layers recommended
  • Food: Restaurants and snack bars in Stoos village

Highlights 📸

  • Stunning views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding peaks
  • Ridge walking with panoramic alpine scenery
  • Family-friendly with options for stops and play areas
  • Fronalpstock summit viewpoint
  • Summer toboggan run and hiking paths

🎥 See current weather and views from Stoos/Fronalpstock here:

Updated every few minutes — click here for the full experience.

The Saxer Lücke hike is one of Eastern Switzerland’s most spectacular trails, featuring the iconic rock gap formation with dramatic views of the Alpstein range and valleys below. It's a stunning day hike that rewards every step with panoramic alpine beauty.

Hike Overview 🚶‍♂️

  • Location: Alpstein, Appenzell Alps, Eastern Switzerland
  • Starting Point(s): Hoher Kasten or Staubern
  • Top Altitude: ~1,650 m asl
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 3–5 hours depending on route
  • Season: Late spring to autumn (check snow conditions early in season)

Suggested Itinerary ⏱️

  1. Take the cable car to Hoher Kasten or Staubern ridge
  2. Hike along the ridge trail towards Saxer Lücke, enjoying dramatic views throughout
  3. Stop at Saxer Lücke for photos of its unique rock gap and valley views
  4. Continue to Bollenwees for lunch at the valley near Fälensee lake
  5. Go back to your starting point, or descend to Brülisau and take the bus back to your starting point

Practical Info 🧭

  • Getting There: By public transport: Bus stop at Frümsen, Luftseilbahn Staubern; By car: cable car parking at Frümsnerbergstrasse 9467 Sennwald; then take the cable car to Staubern
  • Tickets: Available at cable car station
  • Costs: Cable car round trip ~CHF 45 (NO Half-Fare or discounts)
  • Weather: Check forecast here before departure
  • Clothing: Good hiking shoes and layers; windproof jacket recommended
  • Food: Restaurant available at Bollenwees; bring water and snacks for the hike

Highlights 📸

  • Iconic Saxer Lücke rock formation views
  • Panoramic ridge trails along the Alpstein
  • Fälensee lake views from Bollenwees
  • Wildflowers and alpine meadows in summer
  • Option to combine with Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant visit

Hoher Kasten is a stunning mountain in Eastern Switzerland, offering panoramic views over the Rhine Valley, Appenzell region, and into Austria and Germany — all from a rotating restaurant at the summit.

Hike Overview 🚶‍♂️

  • Location: Eastern Switzerland, near Appenzell
  • Starting Point(s): Brülisau (hike or cable car)
  • Top Altitude: 1,794 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate (via cable car) to challenging (hike up)
  • Duration: 2–5 hours depending on route
  • Season: May to October

Suggested Itinerary (Family-Friendly) ⏱️

  1. Take the cable car from Brülisau to the summit
  2. Walk the Europa Circular Trail (easy, panoramic)
  3. Enjoy a meal in the rotating restaurant with 360° views
  4. Visit the geology museum or play in the summit area
  5. Descend by cable car or hike down to Brülisau

Practical Info 🧭

  • Getting There: Train to Weissbad, then bus to Brülisau
  • Tickets: Purchase cable car tickets at the valley station or online
  • Costs: Around CHF 40 round-trip (discounts with Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass)
  • Weather: Check conditions here before your visit
  • Clothing: Layers and sturdy footwear recommended
  • Food: Rotating summit restaurant and snacks available

Highlights 📸

  • 360° views of 6 countries from the summit
  • Europa Circular Trail – safe and scenic
  • Unique rotating restaurant with alpine views
  • Kid-friendly walking paths and museum
  • Peaceful alpine meadows and geology exhibits

🎥 Check out the live Hoher Kasten summit webcam below:

Updated regularly — click here for more angles and info.

Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” offers stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. It’s easily accessible year-round and perfect for families looking for a scenic but relaxed mountain day.

Hike Overview 🚶‍♂️

  • Location: Central Switzerland (near Lucerne)
  • Starting Point(s): Vitznau, Goldau, or Weggis
  • Top Altitude: 1,798 m
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: 1–4 hours depending on route
  • Season: Year-round (hiking in summer, sledding in winter)

Suggested Itinerary (Family-Friendly) ⏱️

  1. Take the cogwheel train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm
  2. Walk the scenic trail from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad (wide and safe)
  3. Stop at one of the playgrounds along the trail
  4. Enjoy lunch or cake at the Rigi Kaltbad resort café
  5. Take the cable car down to Weggis and ferry back to Lucerne (if doing a loop)

Practical Info 🧭

  • Getting There: Train to Lucerne, then ferry or train to Vitznau, Weggis, or Arth-Goldau
  • Tickets: Available online or at mountain railway stations
  • Costs: Around CHF 72 round-trip (free with Swiss Travel Pass, 50% with Half-Fare Card)
  • Weather: Check forecast here before departure
  • Clothing: Bring layers — even in summer, it can be chilly at the top
  • Food: Multiple restaurants at Rigi Kulm, Kaltbad, and along the way

Highlights 📸

  • 360° panoramic views of lakes and mountains
  • Historic cogwheel railways (first in Europe!)
  • Playgrounds and family-friendly stops
  • Multiple scenic trail options for all skill levels
  • Possibility of combining with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne

🎥 Check out the live Rigi summit webcam below:

Updated regularly — click here for more angles and weather conditions.