10 Best Easy Hikes in Switzerland for Beginners
Switzerland's 65,000km trail network includes thousands of easy, well-marked paths perfect for beginners. You don't need special equipment — just comfortable shoes and a sense of wonder. Here are the **10 best easy hikes** in Switzerland.
1. Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk
**Distance:** 5km one way
**Duration:** 1.5 hours
**Elevation gain:** Minimal (flat valley floor)
**Highlights:** 72 waterfalls, including Staubbach Falls (297m drop), lush green meadows beneath sheer cliff walls
Walk along the flat valley floor from Lauterbrunnen village to Stechelberg. The scenery is so dramatic it inspired Tolkien's Rivendell. Accessible by wheelchair for most of the route.
2. Oeschinensee Lake Loop
**Distance:** 3.5km loop
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Elevation gain:** 100m
**Highlights:** Stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by peaks, picnic areas, swimming in summer
Take the gondola from Kandersteg (CHF 32 return) and walk 20 minutes to the lake. The loop trail around the shore is gentle and breathtaking. One of Switzerland's most photogenic spots.
3. Five Lakes Walk, Zermatt
**Distance:** 9km one way
**Duration:** 2.5 hours
**Elevation gain:** 100m up, 500m down
**Highlights:** Five crystal-clear alpine lakes, each reflecting the Matterhorn differently
Take the Sunnegga funicular (CHF 26 return) and follow the well-marked trail downhill past five alpine lakes. Mostly downhill and accessible to anyone with basic fitness.
4. Blausee Loop (Bernese Oberland)
**Distance:** 1.5km loop
**Duration:** 30 minutes
**Elevation gain:** Negligible
**Highlights:** Crystal-clear blue lake in a forest setting, trout visible at the bottom
A very short and gentle loop around one of Switzerland's most beautiful small lakes. Entry costs CHF 9. Perfect for families with young children or anyone wanting a peaceful nature walk.
5. Rigi Panorama Trail
**Distance:** 6.5km one way
**Duration:** 2 hours
**Elevation gain:** 150m
**Highlights:** 360° views of 13 lakes, wildflower meadows, gentle ridge walk
Take the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm and walk the panoramic ridge trail to Rigi Kaltbad. Mostly flat to gentle downhill with views that stretch from Germany to Italy on clear days.
6. Gorner Gorge, Zermatt
**Distance:** 2km return
**Duration:** 45 minutes
**Elevation gain:** 80m
**Highlights:** Dramatic narrow gorge with wooden walkways, rushing glacial meltwater
A short walk through a spectacular gorge just outside Zermatt village. The wooden walkways and bridges are safe and well-maintained. Entry CHF 5. Suitable for children.
7. Swiss National Park: Nature Trail
**Distance:** 4km loop
**Duration:** 1.5 hours
**Elevation gain:** 100m
**Highlights:** Pristine wilderness, chance to spot marmots and deer, interpretive panels
Starting from the Nationalparkhaus in Zernez, this gentle loop trail introduces you to Switzerland's only national park. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting.
8. Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
**Distance:** 11km (can be shortened)
**Duration:** 3 hours
**Elevation gain:** Moderate (rolling terrain)
**Highlights:** UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards above Lake Geneva, wine tasting stops
Walk through centuries-old vineyards between Lutry and St-Saphorin. The combination of lake views, mountain backdrop, and wine tasting makes this feel more like a Mediterranean experience than a Swiss hike.
9. Trümmelbach Falls Walk
**Distance:** 1km inside the mountain
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Elevation gain:** Via elevator and stairs
**Highlights:** 10 glacial waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible by elevator
Located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, these are the only glacier waterfalls in Europe accessible inside the mountain. Entry CHF 15. The sound and power of the water is thrilling.
10. Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
**Distance:** 1.4km one way
**Duration:** 30 minutes
**Elevation gain:** Negligible
**Highlights:** A narrow gorge with walls just 1 meter apart, wooden walkways, dramatic lighting
Near Meiringen, this short walk through a narrow limestone gorge is easy, safe, and incredibly dramatic. Entry CHF 10. Combine with a visit to Reichenbach Falls (where Sherlock Holmes "died").
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (trail runners are fine for all these hikes)
Water bottle (refill at fountains — Swiss tap water is excellent)
Sunscreen and hat (UV is stronger at altitude)
A light rain jacket (mountain weather changes fast)
Snacks — mountain restaurants exist but are expensive
**Pro tip:** Download the free SchweizMobil app or use Komoot for detailed trail maps with real-time GPS navigation. Every trail in Switzerland is marked with yellow signs showing destination and walking time — follow the yellow diamonds.