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Hiking in Switzerland

Swiss hiking routes

Hiking trail network

The hiking trail network comprises all hiking trails, mountain trails and Alpine routes that are linked together. It is generally outside built-up areas, providing access in particular to recreational areas, scenic landscapes, and cultural sights worthy of note as well as touristic facilities. It also includes historic trail sections where possible.


Hiking trails

Hiking trails are generally accessible trails and usually determined for foot traffic. They generally lead aside from roads carrying motorized traffic and are usually not surfaced with asphalt or concrete. Steep sections are negotiated with steps and areas with the danger of falling are protected by hand rails. Streams are crossed by catwalks or bridges.

Hiking trails make no special demands upon the users.
See also manual for Grades of Difficulty for Non-Motorized Traffic NMT

Signalization for hiking trails is yellow. (Illustration below)
See also Signalization.


Mountain trails

Mountain trails are hiking trails, which partly access difficult terrain. They are mostly steep, narrow and exposed in places. Particularly difficult sections are secured with ropes or chains. In certain circumstances streams can only be crossed via fords.

Users must be surefooted, have a head for heights, be physically fit and have knowledge of dangers in the mountains (rock falls, danger of slipping/falling, sudden changes in the weather). Solid boots with good sole profiles, equipment appropriate to weather conditions and topographical maps are preconditions.
See also manual for Grades of Difficulty for Non-Motorized Traffic NMT.

Signalization of mountain trails is a yellow signpost with white-red-white tip. White-red-white painted stripes confirm the route. (Illustration below)


Alpine routes

Alpine routes are challenging mountain trails. They sometimes lead across glaciers and scree, through rockfall areas and through rocks with short climbing sections. It can not be assumed that any structural provisions have been undertaken and these would in any case be limited to securing particularly exposed sections with a danger of falling.

Users of Alpine routes must be surefooted, have a head for heights, be physically very fit and know how to use ropes and pick axe as well as being able to negotiate climbing sections with the aid of their hands. They must have knowledge of dangers in the mountains. In addition to the equipment for mountain trails, an altimeter, compass, rope and pick axe for crossing glaciers are essential.
See also manual for Grades of Difficulty for Non-Motorized Traffic NMT

Signalization of Alpine routes is a blue signpost with white-blue-white tip, white-blue-white painted stripes confirm the route. The information panels at the beginning of Alpine routes indicate special requirements. SwitzerlandMobility websites do not include Alpine routes.

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