Once the leaves have started to turn golden-yellow and temperatures have got a bit cooler, it’s the perfect time for long hikes through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes. We have compiled a list of the 15 best autumn hikes for you. Number 15 is sure to whet your appetite for the coming winter as well.
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1. Nendaz
Hike to the Cleuson dam
From Siviez, you can reach the highest bisse in the municipality of Nendaz. No longer in use as an irrigation channel, the Bisse de Chervé guides hikers along an unforgettable route at lofty heights, straight to the turquoise-blue waters of the Lac de Cleuson. From the imposing dam wall, hikers can enjoy views down into the valley, before making the descent again on their way back.
2. Lavertezzo
Revöira circular hike
It is hard to fathom that this valley in Lavertezzo with its abundance of water once suffered from a water shortage. The leisurely circular hike focuses on just this: it takes hikers on a journey back in time to an era when the search for water was a true art.
3. Aletsch Arena
Hike from Riederalp to the Bettmerhorn
The hike begins at Riederalp and passes through the autumnal Aletsch Forest with its 900-year-old stone pines. On the Moosfluh, hikers are rewarded for their efforts with glorious views of the glacier. The final part of the hike takes hikers up to the Bettmerhorn, where the multimedia exhibition “The World of the Great Aletsch Glacier” and refreshment in the panorama restaurant await.
4. Euseigne
A guided tour to geological highlights
Explore two geological attractions together with a local hiking guide: the earth pyramids of Euseigne, some of which are up to 15 metres tall, and the pale blue Combioula Hot Springs. Refreshed, hikers continue on to the agritourism hamlet of Ossona and over the spectacular suspension bridge back to Luette.
5. Ligerz
Vineyards, wine and a spectacular gorge
From the winegrowing village of Ligerz, the small Vinifuni funicular takes visitors up through vibrant golden vineyards to Prêles. This is the starting point of a stunning hike through the Twannbach Gorge. The route takes around one hour, running between high rock faces and past dark green peat bogs, deciduous trees bursting with autumn colour and waterfalls on the way down to Twann – and the shores of Lake Biel.
6. Neuchâtel
Up Le Chaumont mountain
The red-blue funicular railway takes visitors up Neuchâtel’s local mountain – Le Chaumont. Once at the top, head to the panorama tower and marvel at the magnificent views over the Three-Lakes region and the Alps.
7. Arolla
Hike to the Lac Bleu (“blue lake”)
This idyllic location can be reached by foot in around 45 minutes from La Gouille, or in around an hour and a half if taking the somewhat easier – but longer – route. Observant hikers will discover a wide range of flora on the slopes tinged with autumn colours and will often also be treated to glimpses of marmots and chamois.
8. Monte Carasso
Discover the region from above
The trail then passes through the village of Curzútt, lush vineyards and vibrant autumn chestnut forests with views over the brilliant blue Lake Maggiore. The highlight of the hike is the 270-metre-long Tibetan Carasc suspension bridge, between the municipalities of Sementina and Monte Carasso.
9. Rorschach
Enjoy the “five-country vista” with a fondue backpack
Enjoying a fondue in the great outdoors as part of a hike is a truly memorable experience. Simply pick up the all-inclusive fondue backpack and make your way to the “five-country vista”. There are many trails up the mountain range between Lake Constance and the Appenzell region with unique views of the lake and the five “countries”, namely Austria and Switzerland, plus Bavaria, Baden and Württemberg in Germany.
10. Monte Generoso
Natural refrigeration
The ascent begins with a ride on the cog railway to the peak, which offers 360° panoramic views. From here, take the circular trail to 11 nevère – a series of cylindrical stone huts that were used to keep milk cool, as a precursor to today’s refrigerators. After this historical site, a flat path leads from one alp to the next along a row of limestone slabs to the local railway station.
11. Salenstein
Castle hike to Arenenberg with its unique gardens
Arenenberg Castle majestically overlooks Lake Constance. Those who allow their gaze to wander into the distance will enjoy amazing views. Today, the castle with its Napoleon Museum and extensive nature park is one of the most beautiful around Lake Constance. The Arenenberg can be reached easily within two hours via the 19th stage of the Thurgau circular hiking trail.
12. Swiss South Eastern Railway
From Rapperswil to Schmerikon
The accessible lakeside trail takes less than three hours and leads visitors alongside the blue waters of the Obersee and past vibrant fruit trees. The mountain panorama further adds to the impressive scenery. The return journey by train takes less than 10 minutes. Boost that holiday feeling with a boat trip back to Rapperswil and feel the warm sun on your face and fresh wind in your hair as you take in the glorious views of the Lake Zurich shore.
13. Lugano
High-altitude hike from peak to peak
This challenging hike from Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema takes around five hours. This section of the trail near the Swiss-Italian border offers marvellous views of the Ticino valleys, Valais and even Italy. There is also a cable car that will take you up to Alpe Foppa and Monte Lema.
14. Glarnerland
Hike to Lake Oberblegi
The trail winds through flowering meadows and golden forests before ending up in the Bösbächi valley. After a short ascent, you’ll reach the deep-blue mountain lake, created from a glacier moraine, where you can take in the spectacular views of the impressive Glärnisch mountain massif. After a well-deserved break, the trail leads to the Brunnenberg upper station, which takes you down to Luchsingen in just a few minutes.
15. Aletsch Arena
A guided tour through the eternal ice
Those wishing to get more than just a view of the fascinating ice giant and explore it properly can do so under the supervision of an experienced mountain guide. The qualified mountain guides will ensure an unforgettable adventure, ensuring guests make their way across the glacier safely. Along the way, they will recount interesting facts about glaciers, the ice age, and local flora and fauna.
