best time to hike in switzerland

A wonderful month which is still summery, but usually not as hot as July and August. If you dont stay in Mrren, I suggest at least doing a full day trip here. If you have only one day to spare for a walk here, these eight day hikes are all easily accessible and take you out into the middle of the most exceptional landscapes the country can offer. It was a small gathering in the heart of the village and it seemed like all the locals were there. On this path there is always something spectacular to take in in every direction as its totally surrounded by towering glacial mountains. Hiking near the Aletsch Glacier is a different change of scenery despite still being in the mountains of Switzerland. There are still wildflowers, which are usually gone by September. Temperature management is best done through a layering system. The Swiss town of Interlaken is dubbed the adventure capital of the world. Its a backpackers haven and jumping-off point for adventure. A round trip ticket costs 26 CHF to and from Sunnegga. Best Time To Visit Switzerland (Weather & Seasons) Unfortunately, we dont have many hiking trip guides (yet) but I plan to add more as I do them and I am in the process of looking for an ambassador to specialize in writing hiking trip guides. Autumn would be the next period when hiking in the Alps can be wonderful. From Kleine Scheidegg you can continue on and hike all the way back down the mountain to Wengen which is a few more miles and a very easy walk on a wide dirt road. Read our guide to find out. You dont even have to climb it as a tourist. More about us. During our walk, we passed through the small village of Mrren dotted with flower gardens, cute wood homes, and boutique hotels with colorful shutters, cows and sheep grazing against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, flower fields, paragliders soaring through the air, meadows, hillsides dotted with chalets and so much green in every direction. Thank you. Lake Oeschinen is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and to get to it either requires a quick gondola ride, or a hike up. Here's what you need to know before you go. 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! Schilthorn above Lauterbrunnen. Best Time to Go to Switzerland by Rick Steves Explore Europe Switzerland When to Go to Switzerland Summer in Switzerland means more opportunities to linger over sunsets from vantage points like Lugano's Monte Br. Edelweiss isnt a mountain but a famed flower that grows at high elevations in the mountains of Switzerland and the Alps. Trekking in Switzerland is no exception at any time of the year. So even if you are out in the middle of nowhere it still feels very safe. The Swiss Glacier Trail is a moderately rated trek spanning a nice 14.5 kilometers and is expected to take 4.5 hours but as usual, take your time in the Swiss Alps. Pizol Lake. Skiers and snowboarders love the long groomed slopes and off-piste terrain of big-name resorts such asZermatt, Verbier and Laax, but with a lift in almost every mountain village, Switzerland has something for all levels and budgets. Faulhornweg Best day hike 15km (9.3 miles) one way, 5 hours, moderate Mother Nature pulled out all the stops in the Bernese Oberland, and the Faulhornweg might be the best day hike to take it all in. The first ski slopes of high winter sport resorts like Zermatt, Saas-Fee and Verbier may open, but this is definitely not guaranteed. On a clear day, it offers glacier-laden peaks as far as the eye can see, and even on a cloudy day youll feel totally immersed in the floating white fluffy fixtures. The Eiger Trail Hike is one of the most popular routes to navigate in the country. We often have warm sunny weather in early May, which encourages some mountains to open earlier. Ill email you. The best day hikes in Switzerland for stunningly beautiful views The hike is beautiful, with incredible views looking down at Wengen, and well worth the effort. popular regions for visitors to Switzerland, making it one of the deadliest peaks in the world. Fondue in Switzerland is a rite of passage and one of the most traditional forms of dining in Switzerland (where it originated). 2023 Swiss Family Fun. begins with a panoramic gondola ride up to the Alpine tower. The two weeks around Christmas and New Year are the most popular weeks of the year among tourists. We didnt get a chance to dine here on our trip, but I heard from locals that it is amazing for raclette and fondue! Many locals leave Switzerland, going to Italy or Spain to warmer weather. Duration: 6hrs 50mins. The endless hiking is why I visited. Prices and opening times may change without notice. See also: Best hikes near Interlaken Best hikes near Grindelwald Best hikes near Lauterbrunnen 1. Dont let the high season label scare you off. Bisse du Ro Hike. Elevation The total elevation of this hike is 427 meters. With the mountain lifts closed, and many hotels too, villages can be sleepy and the weather unpredictable. This was by far my favorite hike I have ever done! Kurt Muller Hhenweg Hhbalmen Where: Zermatt Length: 11 miles/18km Duration: 5-7 hours Zermatt is touristy to be sure, but within five minutes of departing the city center hikers are already immersed in wildflower-spangled meadows before leaving those behind in favor of larch forests instead. 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 trail from Mrren to Gimmelwald is a 1.7 mile (mostly downhill) point-to-point trail that is accurately rated as easy. All rights reserved. This is mostly covered within the first few kilometres which makes this a pretty steep start. Wengen is a car-free mountain town in the Interlaken area that isat the heart of summer hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities. About the time in Switzerland and when to expect sunrise and sunset. drive to Lauterbrunnen. I have an international plan with T-Mobile and I had at least a few bars almost everywhere we hiked. Oeschinen Lake is such a beautiful, bright, sparkling blue color that it almost looks fake! Manage Settings If you are planning a ski trip to the Swiss Alps the ideal time to go is obviously the winter and spring months, December through March, when there is good snow coverage. One of our favorite things to do in the alps besides hiking is get out a via ferrata. But the following options are open in November. 11.3 km. Days are getting shorter. A few popular things to do here are canyoneering, rafting, hang gliding, paragliding, and more! Really appreciate it! The Matterhorn tops the list of best hikes in Switzerland to do and is definitely some of the best hiking in Europe. The Via Alpina is a challenging mountain . During this time, all trails and services in the Swiss alps are open and you have the best chance for good weather. Its a spectacular view nonetheless and an incredible experience year-round as it operates in winter and summer. Hiking in Switzerland: 20 BEST Hikes in Switzerland - The World Pursuit This was such a magical trip (honestly my favorite trip to date) so I spent most of the run plotting my return to the Swiss Alps! Summer has started. Over 500 feet of walkway traverses along the cliffside, and is actually built right into it. Traveling as a vaccinated American in Europe was actually a great experience. Some high elevation mountains may have snow on the trail as late as mid-July, so always check trail conditions before heading out. Thanks! Oeschinen Lake is about an hours drive from Lauterbrunnen so we took the train from Wengen down to Lauterbrunnen Railway Station then hopped in our rental car for the scenic drive over. Hi, my husband and I are planning to visit and hike Switzerland next September probably towards the end of September! One of the most expensive and popular mountains to summit in Switzerland is Jungfraujoch. These hikes focus on lower elevation areas, particularly along lakes and rivers, where the wildflowers come early. Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel! On our fifth day in Swizterland, we did theKandersteg Oeschinensee Trail around Oeschinen Lake. THE 10 BEST Switzerland Hiking Trails (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Switzerland uses, A lot of the trails that I am sharing here in my Switzerland hiking trip guide take at least a few hours and some take a half-day or longer. Check out big names in music at theMontreux Jazz Festival, theGurten Festival near the Swiss capital,Bern, and the huge techno festivalStreet Parade inZrich. Required fields are marked *. Titlis being a 3,000-metre mountain means there are plenty of routes to take and all levels of difficulties, but in general, its one of the best hikes in Switzerland. There are good chances of snow from elevations of 1500 m. There can also be snow in the lower valleys and larger cities, but huge amounts are unlikely there. There are also annual festivals and people who play to keep the tradition alive. This is far from most of these well known hikes 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. Visiting Switzerland in shoulder season brings its own advantages. On our first day in Switzerland, we went on a jog to explore Wengen, had a delicious buffet breakfast (with lots of cheese!) Subscribers may login below. The lake is fed through a series of mountain creeks and is rounded by snow-capped mountains, trees, and greenery in every direction. Wengen stole my heart on this trip and I have to admit by this point I was feeling a little sad that it was our last day in the Bernese Alps. All regions recommended for summer high season are still wonderful now, but so are the lake areas recommended for October. Its important to note that most places in Europe require you to be fully vaccinated. Please see our Disclosures for more information. When is The Best Time to Visit Switzerland? The Jungfrau Region, Lucerne and Zermatt would all be good choices. But don't worry! I dont remember feeling anything but pure gratefulness on this trail. Vanessa Rivers, Co-Founder We Are Travel Girls, Your email address will not be published. Mnnlichen is a 7,687-foot mountain in the Swiss Alps. This is also waterfall season, when the snow is melting and the waterfalls are roaring! Since many of the best hikes in Switzerland are on or around the mountainside, the weather can be a major factor when hiking. The train drops you off at the base of Berghotel Schynige Platte where you can have breakfast with an incredible view (check out my Instagram Reel). Your email address will not be published. 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. Mrren is incredible! Some are already closed and some trails already have snow, so its very important at this time to check the websites and weather reports beforehand before heading out. But it can also snow in September, as it did almost all month in 2020. Mount Pilatus is your classic Swiss peak with lush green meadows trailing into a rocky alpine zone overlooking the city of Lucerne. Most ski resorts will be closed by the end of April. I definitely would love to hike Interlaken and Grindelwald I went to school for a semester in Neuchatel and I am very excited to get back to this beautiful country! Barring the odd storm, it's nearly always hot and sunny - oppressively so, sometimes, meaning the best place to be is in the cooler air of the high mountains. The best month to visit Switzerland is September. So in fall, its critical you check the resort operating times before booking a holiday or planning a weekend away. It's a perfect time for hiking in high terrain. With the help of an experienced guide, many with a reasonable amount of fitness choose to summit the mountain. All rights reserved. At first, the weather called for rain all week but we lucked out and got mostly sunny days, and it was actually quite warm. Its a jaw-dropping journey that youll never forget. You are taking all the provided information at your own risk. 5 Epic and Easy Hikes in Grindelwald, Switzerland - By Olga Maria It's still low season until mid-December. If youre in mountain huts while hiking in Switzerland, expect to spend 10 CHF on french fries (we paid 1 CHF more for each ketchup packet). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From Wengen, you can access a multitude of hikes and you can take the train and cable cars all around the area so you wont need your car often. Sightseeing and scenic trips can be done year-round. Some of the best Swiss cities in December are Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Geneva and Zurich. It is such a magical spot and an ideal place to stop and take photos. This time of year gives you warm weather and clear skies. If youd rather be on the water than in it, summer is also peak season for the ferry companies, which offer trips on all the major lakes. The Eiger Trail - #1 Must-do Hike in Grindelwald DISTANCE: 6km (3.8miles) one way DURATION: 2.5 - 3 hours DIFFICULTY: easy to moderate The Eiger Trail, view of Grindelwald in the valley Finishing the Eiger trail at Alpiglen | Best Hikes in Grindelwald Hiking the Eiger trail is an absolute MUST-DO when you are in Grindelwald. This post may contain affiliate links. The shorter is one of, the more easy hikes in Switzerland. Some of the small chalets along the hiking trails only accept, The voltage in Switzerland is 230V/50 Hz which is the same as most of Europe. If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, the best time to visit is July through mid-August, particularly if you want to hike. Anyone with a few hikes under their belt should be able to get to the hut. A base in a central larger town or even a big city is recommended, so you'll have plenty to do, regardless of the weather. Ive talked to many tourists who planned their big Switzerland trip for mid-May, then found out they couldnt do any of the hikes they wanted to. The Bernese Alps are a mountain range of the alps made up of three peaks (Eiger, Mnch, and Jungfrau), located in Western Switzerland, in the canton of Bern. This is one of the most dramatic stages of the 400km Via Alpina hike across Switzerland, especially when you get to the Bunderchrindepass at 2385m that stands in the middle of this hike. It was the perfect way to end the trip because it is such a beautiful, easy hike. Its a great time for camping. So our hikes are all focused on the places we can see the best flowers at lower elevations, often around lakes. When does hiking season end in Switzerland? The cable car also runs in April, October, November and December, however . Long ago, the Bisse du Ro had its source in the Ertenze Valley and flowed towards Crans-Montana, bringing water needed for crops. Although its possible and often wonderful to hike in Switzerland as early as mid-April and as late as mid-November, you have to choose your hikes more carefully, checking check trail conditions and opening times as you plan. Pizol can be explored during the colder months and the warmer months. There was also not one time that I was over it and wanted to go home. Expect to pay at least 25+ CHF per person for a nice meal out. 1. Fondue and Rosti are two of the main dishes you will find in Switzerland. If you are planning a holiday in the Swiss Alps, its probably best to book the last week of July or into August. The town is so cute and the landscape aroundMrren is breathtaking. It is important to note that the requirements for every country are different and the tests that are accepted seem to change constantly so it is imperative that you do your own research before your trip and ensure you choose a test that is approved based on where you are traveling from and to. How to Hike the Eiger Trail in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland September is considered the best month for high altitude hiking. See Terms & Conditions. This calendar trails weve done at certain times of the year and what they look like at that time. Spring is coming, especially in the lowlands and around the lakes. We traveled here for the Mountain Coaster Oeschinensee Kandersteg, but truly fell in love with bright blue Lake Oeschinen. We would love to follow more. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Your email address will not be published. 25 Best Spring Hikes in Switzerland (2023) - Swiss Family Fun It connects Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grnsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee lakes with awe-inspiring views of surrounding peaks, like the Matterhorn, reflected in their shimmering waters. Youll unlikely find many others on this hike as its rather remote. Hiking in Switzerland isnt complete until you cross this one off your bucket list! Switzerlands vast number of hiking trails, whether in the Alpes Vaudoises, theBernese Oberland orGraubnden, offer cow-strewn meadows, vertiginous views and glimpses of ibex, marmots and eagles. But for the most part, you can't ski or hike during this time. If you have questions please let me know in the comments below. The route takes hikers on a journey through the picturesque Pizol region, famous for its five stunning alpine lakes. The elevation gain is about 3,200 ft over the course of the hike, but the trail itself is not very steep or strenuous, especially compared to the Wengen toMnnlichen hike (which was much shorter but exhausting). This site was already great, and then I come here again after a year or so and it's got even better! most tourists focus on the Alps: thats where snow can be found; there are fewer intercontinental tourists. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Photo by Domenico Convertini. Its also a great time to eat, with many restaurants serving game meats with traditional accompaniments (chestnuts, sprouts, red cabbage, berries and Sptzli a sort of Swiss pasta). The half price swiss train pass has been perfect for our group and weve added on some via Ferrata climbs to your suggestions. Hi! Its hard to explain how beautiful this walk is. As a bonus, access to the Matterhorn comes from one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland Zermatt. Finally, don't miss the chance to approach the glacier on the Matterhorn Glacier trail, especially mid-July to the end of August. How to Hike in Zermatt, Switzerland: Best 6 Trails - The Lovers Passport hiking partner. There's day light from about 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and the weather is mild or warm. We took the gondola up to the top ofMnnlichen for this hike and did the Panorama Trail, making our way over to Kleine Scheidegg which is a mountain range that has a small railway station, a couple of shops, and a few cute chalets where you can get drinks and food. 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. If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, here are the best times to visit (and the worst!). Days are really short, which adds to the cosy atmosphere. We stayed in theChalet Brgsunna Penthouse which sits on a hillside overlooking Wengen, just a short walk from theWengenMnnlichen aerial cableway. This is when early hiking season begins, even though most mountain transport and high elevation trails are still closed. If you want to hike in Switzerland, do not come in April. There are many trails to choose from in Jungfrau that range from easy to difficult, but one, in particular, stands out from the rest, Bachalpsee. The Matterhorn isnt for the faint of heart, but the experience of being on such a majestic mountain and the views from the top are completely worth the effort! Another top Switzerland hike for first timers! Cameron Seagle is one of the principal writers and photographers for The World Pursuit. I suggest you do the same. Read all about the best time to visit Switzerland here. Switzerland is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, making it an ideal destination for a hiking trip. Most Swiss schools have a two week spring break at the end of April. Since this was a wellness getaway we ended our Switzerland trip with a run around Zurich. Hanging out by a lake or river is another typically Swiss summer experience. Were here to help you plan what to wear in Switzerland. It was the most picturesque area we visited in Switzerland and possibly the most charming place I have seen on all my travels. As expensive as Switzerland is, I expected alcohol to cost more money. 15 Spring Flower Hikes in Switzerland (April to June) But for the most part, you cant ski or hike during this time. For such a small country its interesting that Switzerland has three major international airports:Zurich,GenevaandBasel, Its also possible to fly into Milan, Frankfurt, Munich, and Lyon travel right into Swizlernad. Difficulty: Pretty difficult if you walk up all the way (and back again). 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! The grand finale of this via ferrata is the long suspension bridge over a canyon that youll have to cross. Popular peaks and ski resorts can get crowded. We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Switzerland. This gives you more time at the top of the mountain rather than on the trail. TIP: The last cable car from Mnnlichen to Wengen is around 5pm so plan your hike accordingly otherwise you will be walking back down the mountain. Starting mid-May, lower elevation mountains start opening, but sometimes only on weekends or only in sunny weather and even then, not all services may be open. May and June, as well as September and early October are the best times to be visiting Switzerland for hiking. I was so inspired by it that Im following most of your itinerary and am currently in wengen! Its a fairly easy Via Ferrata, except for one long section that will definitely test your fear of heights. There is more down than up on this particular hike which is strange considering you are high in the mountains of Switzerland, which is a hikers dream! There are many Swiss mountains to hike on, but Jungfraujoch provides the opportunity for the less able bodies to experience standing on a Swiss Alpine summit. Also, bring a power bar with you for this hike. The 12 Best Hikes in Switzerland | The Planet D 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. I cant even count on my hand the amount of time PB&J served as my lunch and dinner in Switzerland while I was on a budget. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It's just after the summer high season, so it's no longer crowded. Switzerland is not the best destinationfor Easter and spring break. Im Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. But spring and autumn have their own appeal: cheaper flights, milder temperatures, quirky festivals and the chance to catch the countryside in flux, from the new bloom of alpine flowers in May and June to the fiery orange blaze of larch trees and vineyards in the fall. In March, we are usually still skiing on the weekends. Although the weather is generally better than at other times in the year, you should still plan for rain and possibly cold temperatures since you are in the mountains. The most stunning hikes in Switzerland | 10Adventures If you want freedom and flexibility when hiking in Switzerland, youll need to get youre own rental car in Switzerland. Don't expect snow in the valleys and large cities like Zurich. Mount Titlis is one of those hiking trails in Switzerland where its recommended hiking in winter. The alphorn used to be a way of life in Switzerland and neighboring countries. Road cyclists are also spoiled for choice, with the gruelling switchbacks of mountain passes including theFurka, Gotthard andGrimsel presenting the biggest challenges, while mountain bikers hitch their wheels to a ski lift in Verbier to tackle its downhill trails. Come in May for blossoming trees, the start of the swimming season (many outdoor pools open in mid-May) and the very enjoyablecaves ouvertes/cantine aperte (open cellars) weekends in the vineyards ofGeneva,Vaud,Valais,Neuchtel andTicino. Try Zermatt in the Valais region that boasts the Haute Routea challenging trail that takes several days to complete, from Mont Blanc to Zermatt. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For a white Christmas, you can consider Saas-Fee, St. Moritz and Zermatt. By late June, all pass roads that were closed for winter should be open. This is the test I used, which (at the time) was approved for re-entry into the US for international travelers. Having lived and worked in New Zealands Franz Josef Glacier, I have always loved the natural wonders of a glacier. A few of our favorite family hikes in May in Switzerland, away from the tourist crowds, but just as beautiful. This was by far the hardest hike we did during our trip, not because it was long or technical, but because you are literally hiking straight up a ski hill with an intense elevation gain. Not only is it cheaper (deals can be found on flights and hotels) but the heat is less intense than in high summer and each shoulder has a certain appeal. This support helps us keep our website free to use. The weather is generally pleasant and allows for all activities except winter sports. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It's possible but uncommon. Saxer Lcke weather and the best time to hike. However you dont have to be a climber to hike up to the Hrnli hut as anyone can visit and take in the views. For winter sports or simply enjoying the snow, January to mid March is best. Every traveler, will debate about what to pack for the famous alpine country. As the hike starts near the small village of Vals, in the canton of Grisons. But what is the best time to visit Switzerland? Join 2 million+ readers and get travel tips, event invites, trip discounts, giveaways and more! Although the weather varies by the day throughout the year, it's usually pretty warm in July and August. Here you will learn about the traditional techniques used in Gruyre cheese production and get to taste samples that are great for energy before taking a hike to the Vounetse mountain, which provides a fantastic view of the region. The picturesque town of Wengen exudes Swiss mountain charm and offers an array of great hiking trails, as well as good restaurants and upscale rentals and hotels. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Its a true photographers heaven! The Brienzergrat Loop is the equivalent of running a half marathon or 21 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,293 meters which means youll get stunning elevated views basically from start to finish. the entire country has a lot to offer, from the lakes in the lowlands to the Alps; popular places can get crowded. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. During May, we pick hikes that dont require mountain transport and are usually in lower elevation valleys. We arrived in Mrren in the late morning and had breakfast at Cafe Liv which has excellent coffee and yummy vegan pastries. Japan sounds amazing. For dinnerwe went out to Maya Caprice Boutique Hotel, an upscale (white tablecloth) restaurant with great vegetarian options and an amazing view of the Swiss Alps. Prices and opening times may change without notice. On our fourth day in Switzerland, we woke up, went on a jog, did a yoga session,and then set out on an easy hike from Mnnlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, and then back down to Wengen. Mount Titlis is a classic peak in the Swiss Alps, and its views are some of the best in Switzerland, especially during summer and spring. We tell you the best time to hike in Switzerland, explain what to expect in different seasons and give suggested trails for each month. along with gorgeous views of Wengen. To hike up from Kandersteg will take you 3km (one way) and about 400 meters of climbing. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases.

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