best time to hike in switzerland

This hike ends at the First Cliff Walk, which is awalkway suspended from a rocky mountainside, with incredible peak and valley views, that can also be accessed by gondola from the town of Grindewald. Dont let the high season label scare you off. Popular peaks and ski resorts can get crowded. Train travel doesnt get any easier than in Switzerland. A popular hike starts at Zervreila, passes the three remote lakes Guraletschsee, Amperveilsee and Selvasee and descends via Selva Alp to Vals, providing astonishing views the entire way. The higher altitude trails will begin to open, May & June has beautiful wildflowers while September & October has stunning autumn colors and more of the higher trails are definitely open. As the hike starts near the small village of Vals, in the canton of Grisons. This is not a guarantee and varies each year. The best day hikes in Switzerland for stunningly beautiful views This trail will give you a perfect glimpse of the phenomenon of the glacier retreat where you will be able to see the meltwater run out and experience the mysterious world of glacier life. Luckily there are a couple of restaurants at the top where you can get food, rest, get warm (if the weather is chilly), and enjoy a much-earned beer before you take the cable car back down to Wengen. Either way youre in for a tremendous top-of-the-world sensation. Cable cars and cogwheel trains that were closed in low season will be operational again. September is considered the best month for high altitude hiking. The journey takes about an hour from Wengen but is well worth it. Picture this lush meadows, creeks flowing with crystal clear glacial water, and native forests backed by snow-capped peaks thats Switzerland. They open up a marked trail on the glacier in the summer months, but traversing the Glacier in the winter months is a grave affair that requires an experienced local guide with mountaineering experience. By late April/early May, trails up to 2000 m should mostly be clear of snow, but can still be muddy. The trek takes around one hour. At the moment, membership is by invite only. A list of the few Swiss mountains that stay open in November after regular hiking season ends. Required fields are marked *. A wonderful month which is still summery, but usually not as hot as July and August. It is much easier to live in the moment when you are out in nature, surrounded by raw natural beauty (at least for me). The 12 Best Hikes in Switzerland When hiking at altitude or anything over 3,500 meters, take some easier hikes when you first arrive and work your way up to larger hikes. During this time, all services are open and mountain transport runs daily, often earlier and later in the day than in other seasons (usually from about 8:00 to 17:30). It was so picturesque, so charming, so quintessentialSwiss Alps that it honestly didnt seem real. Zermatt 5 Lakes Hike In the southern region of Switzerland, Zermatt is a wonderful starting point for a number of memorable hiking trails. This hotel is in a great location on the water and has a nice rooftop bar with beautiful views. The hike up to the Hrnli hut is difficult and requires a bit of scrambling. The 5 Best Day Hikes in the Swiss Alps - TripSavvy The path starts in a village, easy to access by car or bus. The beginning of September is arguably the best time to do a hiking trip in Switzerland because the weather is still good and most of the tourists have dispersed. The weather is generally pleasant and allows for all activities except winter sports. With Mount Santis, you can hike from one mountain to another with relative ease on a trail called The Lisen Ridge Trail, which can be attempted with perfect weather i.e., no snow or ice. You can read more about attempting an ascent on the Matterhorn here. This means that the lifts are running daily, the trails are free of snow and prepared ready for hiking, restaurants are open and amusements like summer toboggans and rope climbing parks are open. This calendar trails weve done at certain times of the year and what they look like at that time. The two weeks around Christmas and New Year are the most popular weeks of the year among tourists. Lake areas like Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne and Lake Lugano are still lovely in October. 2) Hornliweg 3) Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail 4) Burgenstock Felsenweg 5) Pizol Lake Hike 6) Creux du Van 7) Uina Gorge 7 Trails For Hiking In Switzerland Let's start with some of the best trails for hiking in Switzerland. The beginning of September is arguably the best time to do a hiking trip in Switzerland because the weather is still good and most of the tourists have dispersed. Waterside hikes Lace up your hiking boots and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the most expensive and popular mountains to summit in Switzerland is Jungfraujoch. There are some hikes that are around cities, towns, and villages that can be done all year, although it might be rainy and cold during early spring and late fall. On our sixth day in Wengen, we took a much-needed rest/work day, caught up on emails, did yoga, and relaxed in our chalet. Best Time to Visit Switzerland - Seasons, Activities, and More We ate tons of cheese (of course! The Via Alpina. Required fields are marked *. Opening dates vary per season and per pass. Most mountains in Switzerland have multiple routes depending on difficulty, but most mountains are quite far away from one another or the route getting from one mountain to another is too long or too far. Mount Rigi Panorama Trail View of Lake Lucerne from the Mount Rigi Panorama Trail An easy, mostly flat (except for some short steep sections), seven-kilometer hike, the Rigi Panorama Trail offers some of the best views you'll find while hiking Switzerland. We traveled here for the Mountain Coaster Oeschinensee Kandersteg, but truly fell in love with bright blue Lake Oeschinen. And you must do your own research to understand all the requirements for entry into the country you want to visit and re-entry into the US or wherever you are traveling home to. During this time, he established a passion for conservation and environmental sustainability. This article may contain affiliate links, if you purchase something using one of our links we may receive a commission. For dinner, we ate nearby at Hilt, which claims to be the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. In the . The train stops briefly at Wengwald on the way up and then the next stop is Wengen. This is a wonderful time for hiking. We respect your privacy. Most Swiss schools have a two week spring break at the end of April. They are all arguably some of the best ski destinations in the world! These hikes focus on lower elevation areas, particularly along lakes and rivers, where the wildflowers come early. We also do local low elevation walks, just to get some fresh air. As a bonus, access to the Matterhorn comes from one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland Zermatt. All the information provided on swissfamilyfun.com is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Schwarzhorn is the highest point above the town of Grindelwald and is another challenging hike but fairly straightforward. One of our favorite things to do in the alps besides hiking is get out a via ferrata. But don't worry! When is The Best Time to Visit Switzerland? April is the time to chase flowers. The higher mountains have snow on them all year round. This is a beautiful circuit that takes hikers past three lakes, and plenty of cows. Switzerland is without a doubt one of the top hiking locations in the world. Pass roads start to close for winter in October. How to avoid crowds when hiking in Switzerland, Top 10 Swiss hikes for April & Easter Break, 20 Best Things to Do for Easter Weekend in Switzerland, 15 Best Autumn Hikes in Switzerland for Fall Colors, Best mountains to visit in Switzerland in November. The highest trails may still be inaccessible because of snow, but the majority will be open. Connect with other travel lovers, gain valuable travel advice, and make unforgettable memories through our events, meet-ups, and luxury getaways. Some trails are covered in snow longer than others. The Lake Lucerne and Lake Thun areas offer plenty of hiking and sightseeing options in this season. Here are my top suggestions for hiking in Switzerland in spring, from April to June. Several Swiss villages will let you try out the alphorn on tour. The Best Time to Hike in Switzerland. I was especially nervous about entry into Switzerland and re-entry into the US, but everything went smoothly. Eight Best Day Hikes in Switzerland From snowy peaks and alpine meadows to vineyard-carpeted valleys, Switzerland's stunning scenery makes for some of Europe's best hiking. This is the real beginning of mountain hiking season. There was also not one time that I was over it and wanted to go home. By late June, all pass roads that were closed for winter should be open. In general, July and August are the best months to go hiking in Switzerland. The etliberg railway (with regular scheduled trains) takes summiteers to Zurich's "own" mountain, 871 meters high. See also:Switzerland mountains open year round. We then took the cable car from Gimmelwald back up to Mrren and didthe Mrren Flower Trail which was another easy 1.4 mile point-to-point hike. Saas Fee is the oft-forgotten neighbour of the more famous Zermatt, but it is a place that is almost as jaw-dropping to visit. Today, the Bisse du Ro Hike is an incredible adventure that offers beautifully scenic views of the surrounding landscape. A trip to the Swiss Alps involves looks of walking and hiking so you want to pack accordingly. Feb 15, 2023 - Find out about the best time to visit Switzerland. The most popular bases for exploring the Jungfrau region are Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. Oeschinen Lake. BEST TIME TO HIKE IN SWITZERLAND . It takes adventurers straight under the famous north face wall of Eiger Mountain, which is known for being one of the toughest climbs in the entire world. It is also best to check weather forecasts before going up Schwarzhorn, as it wouldnt be great getting to the top to be blanketed in by cloud! But the following options are open in November. Here are some of our top picks for what to bring along with you to hike comfortably in in the Swiss Alps. the entire country has a lot to offer, from the lakes in the lowlands to the Alps; popular places can get crowded. Where else can you enjoy drop-dead gorgeous mountain scenery and never have to carry anything more than a light daypack? Food and transport are, Most places in the Bernese Alps accept credit cards but it is good to keep some Swiss Francs on you. The Jungfrau region attracts some of the worlds best photographers, adventurers, mountaineers, and skiers. Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel! Thank you so much! 3. Finally, don't miss the chance to approach the glacier on the Matterhorn Glacier trail, especially mid-July to the end of August. . In short, summer hiking season in Switzerland is generally between mid-June and mid-October. You can learn more about Cameron on The World Pursuit About Us Page. Of course, I missed my four-year-old daughter who was at home with her dad, but I was honestly having the time of my life on this trip, thoroughly enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and a part of me wished it would never end. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Vineyard Hike in Lavaux. Hi! A white Christmas is not a guarantee, although still common in the high mountains. On the downside, prices can be higher for hotels, camping and mountain transport, especially in tourist areas like Zermatt and Jungfrau Region. If you are well prepared, you'll have a wonderful trip regardless of the time of year. If youre planning to do a proper hiking trip in the Swiss Alps you will need a, What Youll Need For A Hiking Trip In Switzerland, Day 2: Mrren Gimmelwald Trail & The Mrren Flower Trail, Day 4: Mnnlichen Kleine Scheidegg Wengen, Day 7: Mnnlichen Kleine Scheidegg Wengen, Traveling Internationally As A Vaccinated American, Day 2: Mrren Gimmelwald Trail & TheMrren Flower Trail, Day 7:Mnnlichen Kleine Scheidegg Wengen. At the halfway point on this hike, you will find yourself at a chalet called Berghaus Mnndlenen which is a great spot to stop and use the bathroom and enjoy a cold beer with an amazing view. It was the perfect way to end the trip because it is such a beautiful, easy hike. Although popular areas will be full on sunny days, there are so many mountains and trails in Switzerland, that its easy to lose the crowds without much trouble. When not traveling, he's obsessed with finding the best gear and travel products. I think Wengen is a better place to stay for a hiking trip, purely from an accessibility standpoint, but if you dont mind the trek, spending a few nights in Mrren would be idyllic. July to August is the best time for hiking and partying Peak summer in Switzerland is tip-top, to borrow the Swiss German phrase. Jun People interested +35 Something wrong? do you advise us getting a swiss pass for your proposed itinerary? Posts on here have inspired us to do some of the same hikes and others too; regardless of how I'm feeling or the weather outside, the posts here always make me want to do a hike now or least organise one for the next available free time , Your email address will not be published. Its up to all of us to slow the spread of COVID so please wear a mask and travel responsibly. If you dont stay in Mrren, I suggest at least doing a full day trip here. Now for the fun part of the guide. Make sure to be on time punctuality is key in Switzerland! Swiss schools have fall break between the end of September and end of October (the exact weeks depend on the canton and school). It's cold and days are short. A large lake often reflects the peaks that lay across the valley on its surface, making it the reason why so many photographers come from across the world to see it. So here are some posts with our favorite hikes for these shoulder seasons. The best month to visit Switzerland is September. From Grindewald you have to take a train to Zweiltschinen Railway Station, and from there you take another train back up to Wengen. Enough food to last longer than the hike is expected to take, 16 Things To Do In Grindelwald, Switzerland in the Winter. While we might have nice warm sunny days in the valley, up in the mountains the snow is still melting. Eurail passes work well in Switzerland, as you can purchase a Swiss Rail Pass for extensive travel. If you are well prepared, you'll have a wonderful trip regardless of the time of year. Mrren is incredible! Suggested hikes for spring and fall in Switzerland. This is the only way we have ever traveled to Switzerland, and its very enjoyable. Getting around the backcountry of Switzerland is a lot easier than you think, with an endless amount of trails that lead to some pretty incredible summits. But for the most part, you cant ski or hike during this time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Join our global travel community where we inspire women to explore the world with confidence! Some mountain transport opens much earlier than others. By the end of October, daylight hours in Switzerland have decreased to 10 hours and temperatures turn noticeably chilly. This chalet is literally in the middle of nowhere, so much so that they have to fly supplies and water for the toilets up to it with a helicopter! Or you can hike from Wengen to Mnnlichen which is what we did since this was a hiking trip, after all. The highest point is a staggering 2751 meters meaning that youre going to be in for some spectacular views no matter which way you look, so whatever you do, dont forget to charge your camera batteries and wipe your SD cards. So here are my tips for when to plan a hiking trip to Switzerland. for hiking I think the best time in late September/early October. This is when early hiking season begins, even though most mountain transport and high elevation trails are still closed. Best hikes in Switzerland - Lonely Planet Switzerland is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, making it an ideal destination for a hiking trip. Switzerland is not the best destinationfor Easter and spring break. More about us. The Lisen Ridge Trail begins at St. Gallen, a few hours drive from Zurich. The Best Hikes in Switzerland | Swiss Alps Hiking Guide ), Rhein Gorge Forest Hike to Swiss Grand Canyon Viewpoint, Oeschinensee Easy hike to this famous alpine lake, Stoos Ridge Hike Klingenstock to Fronalpstock, Creux du Van easy hike along the cliffs, 20 Best Hikes in the Jungfrau Region for Families, Valais Region: 8 Best Destinations for Families, Saas Fee Switzerland 5 day itinerary for families. Hiking is only possible in lower elevations or on prepared winter trails. The hike begins in Wangs and takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete a stunning hike. Home Destinations Europe Western Europe Switzerland Hiking in Switzerland: 20 BEST Hikes in Switzerland. In addition, starting mid-August when kids go back to school, some mountain resorts start reducing their operating hours for mountain transport, restaurants and amusements. Even in a country with beautiful hikes, this one stands out as exceptionally breathtaking. For winter sports or simply enjoying the snow, January to mid March is best. Hardergrat: Interlaken - Brienzer Rothorn - AllTrails Most mountain transport stays open through the fall Swiss school holidays (Herbstferien), which usually means through the third weekend in October. Santis is a classic Swiss peak again with breathtaking views as you reach a decent 2,502 meters above sea level. 6. for Easter and spring break. November, December and April can be attractive too. So its important to check the website to see whats open. I have an international plan with T-Mobile and I had at least a few bars almost everywhere we hiked. Ive done many of my favorite hikes in September. If you submit this form, you explicitly agree to the terms described in our privacy policy. Frick Cherry Blossom trail usually mid April This easy trail has hundreds of cherry trees that blossom around mid-April, a perfect time for a spring stroll. We rented our chalet from Wengen Apartments and could not be more pleased with our accommodations. When is the worst time to come to Switzerland? You can watch my Instagram stories @VanessaRiverswhere I share our experience climbing this trail, which was challenging but very rewarding. 1. On our last day in Wengen, we wanted to do an easy, relaxing hike and we didnt feel like traveling to get there so we decided to do the Panorama Trailagain from Mnnlichen to Kleine Scheideggand then on down to Wengen. This spectacular hiking trail takes you on a trek through the majestic mountains of Zermatt. At the end of the trail, we stopped to have a beer at the Mountain Hostel which is right next to the Gimmelwald cable car, and of course, has an incredible view. It was $75 for 6 tests and I took two tests with me in case I received a false positive. Towards the end of this hike, you will come around a bend and see beautiful lakes with towering, snow-capped mountains as their backdrop. We only used our car a couple of times. Some high elevation mountains may have snow on the trail as late as mid-July, so always check trail conditions before heading out. In the South of Switzerland, Zermatt is a mountain resort town known for outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and climbing. At first, the weather called for rain all week but we lucked out and got mostly sunny days, and it was actually quite warm. Even though many tourists visit during this time, its easy to avoid the crowds by picking less touristy destinations. The days are an average of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and the evenings are cooler at an average of 53 degrees. Mount Pilatus is an amazing hike in Switzerland and was the first Swiss mountain I had the pleasure of going up; in fact, it was the first-ever real and sizeable mountain I had set foot on! Wengen is a car-free town so when you arrive in Lauterbrunnen you can leave your car there at the multi-level parking garage at the Lauterbrunnen Railway Station. 1. Got a yearning for boundless horizons? All regions recommended for summer high season are still wonderful now, but so are the lake areas recommended for October. In his free time, you can find him hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, and snowboarding. Your email address will not be published. I am a hiker and I have a huge passion for climbing also. One of the best hikes I have done in this region is a day-long walk from Grachen to . Zermatt closes most everything after the first week of October. Schwarzhorn is guaranteed to give you exceptional 360-degree views if you get good weather at the top. Simply put, the Swiss Alps are perhaps the best supported hiking destination in the entire world. Its free to do the cliff walk, which I highly recommend, and then you simply take the gondola down to Grindewald. The trail has been modified with steel cables attached in some sections so you can grab on when things start getting a bit scary. Fondue and Rosti are two of the main dishes you will find in Switzerland. The best time to visit Switzerland is October if you want to avoid crowds and get the best rates. We've done the research for you. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It's possible but uncommon. Traveling as a vaccinated American in Europe was actually a great experience. 8 Best Hikes in Switzerland for Everyone - The Crowded Planet Starting from Eigergletscher and ending at Alpigen, the total trail is about 6 km long, and though theres some incline, its manageable for most skill levels. Thank you for explaining each hiking trail in Switzerland. 25 Best Spring Hikes in Switzerland (2023) Its alluring terrain of towering mountains and verdant valleys is full of natural wonders and quaint villages, Grindelwald is easily one of the best places in Switzerland and well worth a visit. In the flatlands, temperatures in September can reach nearly 20 degrees Celsius on nice days. This 400-kilometer trail lasts days and provides an extraordinary view of the Alps. This site was already great, and then I come here again after a year or so and it's got even better! You also need to check up on this daily leading up to your trip because if we have learned anything about traveling during a pandemic, it is that things change constantly and what is true one day might not be true the next. Some days can actually be too hot for some activities, like city trips. Suggest an edit Hiking and Trekking Featured in europe Switzerland Put on your hiking boots and find out why the Swiss love hiking so much. Various hotels, Switzerland Tourism and tourist offices provide various types of guidance on Nordic walking in different Swiss areas apart from Charmey. Parking is about $20 per day. We chose the small village of Wengen (population 1,300), as our home base here for the duration of our getaway. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below. The best month to visit Switzerland is September. You must take into consideration that, even in the summer, the temperatures in the mountains are never too hot and snow is still a possibility. Its most well known for the wild train ride that departs from Kleine Scheidegg, possibly Switzerlands prettiest train station, and takes tourists up to a futuristic building/research station with restaurants, chocolate, and shops. Switzerland is world-famous for its skiing. We went on our girls wellness and hiking getaway in Wengen during the second week of September. For example, the ropes course might only be open in the afternoons or on weekends. 1. There are via ferratas all over the world, but they are most common in Europe where you can enjoy them by yourself without a guide (experience in the mountains and non fear of heights needed). Difficulty: Pretty difficult if you walk up all the way (and back again). During this time, all trails and services in the Swiss alps are open and you have the best chance for good weather. When you are almost back in Wengen you can stop for a celebratory beer and food at Bergrestaurant Allmend which is right along the trail and serves up delicioous cheese raclette (a must-have when you are in Switzerland!) Depending on what you like doing, there are different times to visit Switzerland. Spring is coming, especially in the lowlands and around the lakes.
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