Welcome to
Hiking in Switzerland

When a mule track was built through the Stalvedro-Schlucht (gorge) at the beginning of the 17th century, the mule track a little to the north lost its importance as a transit route to the Gotthardpass. Today, the track, which is lined by drystone walling, is a hiking path.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

Called the «Alte Etzelstrasse», the path between Galgenchäppeli and Horgenberg is a short section of the old trading route from Rapperswil to Einsiedeln, which was also used by pilgrims from Zurich to travel to the Black Madonna in Einsiedeln Monastery.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The section from Altendorf to Etzel is part of the Via Jacobi and rich in chapels and other religious companions. Long ago the path was probably mostly used by pilgrims from Rhaetia and south-eastern Germany on their way to Einsiedeln.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

An especially lovely alp trail has been preserved above Attinghausen as part of the Surenenpass. According to Schiller’s «Wilhelm Tell» this leads into «fearsome mountains», amongst other things, « to where only raucous bearded vultures caw».

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The Axenstrasse, one of the most beautiful main roads in Central Switzerland, has been one continuous section from Flüelen to Brunnen since 1865. Thanks to brilliant technology and panoramic views, it has become a world-famous tourist attraction.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The track from Zug over the Sihlbrücke bridge towards Horgen and Zurich was the most important highway in Canton Zug from the Late Middle Ages into the second half of the 18th century. The cart traffic has left a system of deep sunken paths at Breitholz.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

Basel Cathedral is one of the most significant late-Gothic buildings on the upper Rhine. The prominent location on cathedral hill, the terrace facing the Rhine supported by an imposing wall, the palatinate and cathedral square are an invitation to take a break.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The Belchensüdstrasse served as the backbone for supplying fortifications built in World War I. Today, the remarkable, well- maintained road is an attractive hiking trail, the symbolic importance of which is emphasized by emblems on the rock faces.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

On the historic route from Lausanne to Moudon, you hike east from Epalinges along ancient tracks through the Bois de Peccau forest. The contrast between the sunken paths and the road could not be greater

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The footpath alongside the Reuss from Bremgarten to Eggenwil is an up to 900-year-old link along the banks of the Reuss. The entire path is still almost in its original location and was renovated in 1995.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The route between Heimiswil and Heimismatt passes an impressive sunken cart track. The so-called Brüelhohle is a rare example of this type of path. In addition, one of the oldest trees in Switzerland stands on the edge of the path at Gärstler.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

It wasn’t wanderlust that caused Davos and Prättigau people to travel into the Veltlin in the 17th century; they transported goods to exchange for corn and wine. For example on the stretch between Cavaglia and Poschiavo.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The Lötschepass was practically never considered, from a transport political oint of view, for developing the traffic route from Bern into the Valais and on to Italy. The link from the Gasteretal into the Lötschental was too steep and too complex.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The track from Crémines up the Mont Raimeux is one of four routes linking the Grandval valley with the higher reaches used for forestry and farming. After an impressive ascent, views sweep over a peaceful, rolling landscape.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

Two footpaths lead from Le Mexique near Delsberg to the historic site of Vorbourg with its castle ruins and chapel. Thanks to its unique character and well-preserved remains, the path is considered to be an object of national importance.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

Up to the head of the pass, the mule track from Disentis over the Passo del Lucamagno to Olivone seems to have hardly changed for centuries. With the best-preserved lane around Disentis, the path is a first-class culturally historic monument.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The route from Hinterthurgau monastery town of Fischingen up to the Hörnli is part of the Jakobsweg (Route of St. James). The hike leads along the road through woodlands and fields to Hörnli at 1133 m altitude, a popular excursion destination in the whole region.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The Jaunpass is the only link from the Gruyère region into the Simmental. The section from Gasserenweid to Jaun is a particularly beautiful part of a mule track which has been able to preserve its traditional appearance.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

The Goldau Rigi path, together with the Arth and Weggis Rigi paths are among the most important historic access paths on the Rigi. Its «harmlessness» made the Rigi a much frequented pioneer mountain of Alpine tourism as early as the 18th century.

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA

Follow the path of mule trains, pilgrims, poets and herdsmen over the Gotthard. Goethe crossed the pass three times on his travels in Switzerland. In his descriptions he reports of the «jingle of pack horses in the highest wasteland».

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA