You'll often find different grading systems in ski touring guidebooks. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about these different scales.
Backpacking and Hiking Switzerland: all our tips and favorite places
Welcome to Switzerland! Our country of origin and also where our hearts belong.... We were both born in Switzerland and even if today we spend a lot of time travelling outside our dear little country, it is still the place we call "home" (we have a base in a small mountain village called Morgins) and that we always love to discover and visit. On this page you will find a lot of general information to prepare your trip to Switzerland and at the end of the page you will see all our blog posts.
Table of Contents
- Our Map of Switzerland
- The best time to visit Switzerland
- The best things to do in Switzerland
- Switzerland: Cities to visit
- Get to Switzerland
- Travel Switzerland by car
- Travel Switzerland by train
- Switzerland on a budget: our best tips
- The best hikes Switzerland: our favorite
- Travel Guide to Switzerland: our best resources
- Our Blog posts about Switzerland
Our Map of Switzerland
We have been wandering around Switzerland quite a bit in recent years and are starting to know our pretty little country very well (although we are clearly missing a trip to the Grison-region). At the end of the page, you will find all our articles about Switzerland in chronological order, but if you prefer to take a look at our content by location, you can simply click below to display the map with all our articles on Switzerland.
The best time to visit Switzerland
First things first: there is no such thing as the best time to visit Switzerland!
Why? Simply because the best time of the year will clearly depend on what you want to do/see... To help you decide what would be the best time to visit according to YOUR expectations, here is a little month by month list with good reasons to visit:
Visit Switzerland in January
January is usually our coldest month and is thus the perfect month for skiing and winter sports in general (you can find some of our favorite ski resorts here). I personally would not plan a trip to Switerland in January if it's not for skiing or enjoying our beautiful mountains under the snow. If you like skiing, then you might want to go to Lauterbrunnen (Wengen) as well! Every year, this beautiful little town holds one of the most prestigious skiing world cup races.
Other major event: the hot air balloon festival in Chateau-d'Oex!
Visit Switzerland in February
February is also a very nice month for skiing and winter sports. In addition, February is (generally) also the month of carnival. The dates change from year to year and carnival might be in the beginning of March but usually it's in February. Carnival is very famous and a great reason to come visit! The best carnivals in Switzerland are most probably the ones in Basel, Lucern or Zurich. These are the biggest and the most traditional. But if you want something really authentic, do not hesitate to look at the "Brandons de Payerne". Payerne is a small town close to Fribourg but it holds one of the most famous carnival in the country!
Visit Switzerland in March
March is a nice month for skiing as well! The temperatures tend to go up a bit and it's thus the perfect month to enjoy the sun on the slopes and eat a good swiss fondue on a terrace.
Visit Switzerland in April
It's not exactly what one would call high season... ski slopes are usually closed already (or about to finish their season) and it's still too early for hiking because of the snow. Temperatures are still pretty cool but it's usually quite sunny too. It's a good month if you want to avoid the crowds and visit cities for example.
Visit Switzerland in May - Spring Time
To me May is probably the best month to visit cities in Switzerland. It is usually nice and sunny but not too hot neither. It is not the highest touristic season and thus prices tend to be slightly lower and the weather is really great.
Visit Switzerland in June - Sunny days
June is generally our rainiest month of the year... But it's also one of the sunniest... :) yeah, quite weird, but it's nice I promise! Landscapes are all green and beautiful and it's the perfect month to go on a train ride for example! It's also a good month to start hiking, even though you might not be able to go very high in altitude because there is often still quite some snow on our mountain peaks.
Visit Switzerland in July - Summer Vibe and Festivals
In July the weather is usually the warmest. It's the perfect month to go for a swim in one of our numerous lakes or simply enjoy the "holiday-mood" and spend some time sipping a cocktail on a terrace.
July is also the month of swiss open air festivals. The best ones if you ask me? The Montreux Jazz Festival and the Paleo festival.
Visit Switzerland in August - Party and Hiking
August is a party month! First, there is August the 1st, our national day! On this day you can expect big parties and fireworks in most major cities. In August we also have the Street Parade in Zurich, a gigantic electo music festival that is simply amazing! hundreds of thousands of people in the streets and an incredible atmosphere!
If you are not in a party mood, August is also a really nice month to simply come to enjoy the nice weather and hike! Yes, hiking can sometimes still be difficult in June (or even July depending on the year) because of high altitude and snow. August, is thus the perfect hiking month!
Visit Switzerland in September - Hiking
September is the perfect hiking month as well! Heath is more bearable, there is still no snow to be seen (at least most years) and the colors start changing. It is usually also the month in which there are fewer thunder storms in the mountains (these can be an issue in July or August as these can be very strong).
Visit Switzerland in October
My favorite month for hiking on lower altitude (snow might already be present on high altitude). Why October then? Because of the incredible colors! Whole Switzerland turns orange and it's simply mesmerizing to hike in these landscape.
Visit Switzerland in November
This is probably the cheapest month to visit Switzerland. The reason for this? well, it's most likely because it's not really an ideal month neither... It's getting cold, but most of the years there is still no snow around. November is also quite rainy. If you come to Switzerland for the food and for museums (and maybe for hiking), then this might be an option... other than that? I would skip this month (or at least the second part of the month) ;)
Visit Switzerland in December
I like December a lot! It's not quite skiing season yet (even if some resorts start their season early) but it's a nice month to enjoy the "pre-Christmas atmosphere". Most cities are nicely decorated and some nice Christmas Markets start to pop in many different towns. My favorite Christmas markets? It would definitively be Montreux, Zurich or Bern!
The best things to do in Switzerland
There are many things to be done in Switzerland, especially if you are fond of nature and beautiful cities. It's hard to give you a full list here, but let's start with my favorite things:
- Hiking: Yes, hiking is almost like a religion in Switzerland! Ok I'm kidding, but our country is probably one of the best countries to hike. There are well-marked trails everywhere, it's beautiful and safe.
-
swiss mountain train Travel by train: Our train network is really well developed and it is an amazing experience by itself to travel Switzerland by train. The best rides? Maybe the ones that go through our mountains like the Bernina Express, the Golden Pass or the Glacier Express
- Visit lake Geneva and the Lavaux Vineyards
- Go see the Matterhorn
- Visit the most beautiful cities such as Lucern, Zurich, Bern, Locarno or Lausanne
- Go to the Jungfrau region
- Go see Appenzell! This region is not very touristic but it's a pure gem
- Explore Val d'Herens: a purely authentic and stunning valley in Switzerland
- Eat Cheese! Fondue, Raclette, croûte au fromage... swiss cheese is simply the best cheese in the world (and be warned, it is way better than the "swiss cheese" you would find abroad)
Switzerland: Cities to visit
Switzerland is a country of nature and mountains (cliché? yeah... probably a bit... but it's true!), but promised, we don't only have Heidi and Edelweiss in beautiful mountains! Swiss cities are also a charming asset of our small country.
Of course, all cities have their assets but if we had to give you our 5 favorite cities in Switzerland it would probably look like something like that:
- Lausanne: The city where Fabienne grew up! With its breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alps and a stone's throw from the incredible vineyards of Lavaux, Lausanne is a charming city where life quality, history and new technologies coexist harmoniously! See an (old) article on Lausanne that we had written.
Locarno: This is a bit like our own "south"! So no, Switzerland has no access to the sea, but Locarno is a small part of Switzerland where the sun tends to shine more than anywhere else and where stopping for a coffee on the terrace and hearing Italian spoken around you is a real pleasure! Our article about this region- Montreux: We stay in the Lake Geneva area with the city known all over the world for its jazz festival. A little more upscale than Lausanne, Montreux is a charming city that you can't get enough of!
- Lucern: Oh, she's beautiful Lucern! Overhung by the Pilatus and the Rigi, this city is a little paradise to visit without moderation! Well... even if you have to know that it tends to be on the classic itinerary of Chinese and Indian tour operators so it is not quite the most "calm" city from a tourist point of view, but it is still superb! Our article on hiking around Lucerne
- Bern: Our capital! (yes yes, our capital is neither Geneva nor Zurich). I admit I hesitated for the latter... we lived 4 years in Zurich and I love this city and Neuchâtel, Basel or Fribourg were close to the top 5 too... But Bern and its old center finally won!
Get to Switzerland
It obviously depends on where you are coming from, but Switzerland is fundamentally very easily accessible because of its very central location in Europe. Our common borders with France, Germany, Austria, Italy and even Liechtenstein offer many options to arrive either by road or rail.
Then if you want to come by plane you also have several options. The easiest way to find a flight to Switzerland is to take a look at Skyscanner.
The most served airports (and therefore those that generally offer the best prices) are Geneva and Zurich!
| Airport | annual traffic (passengers) |
|---|---|
| Zurich | 29 361 201 |
| Geneva | 17 259 942 |
| Basel | 7 868 537 |
| Bern | 167 566 |
| Lugano | 135 534 |
| Saint-Gall | 109 776 |
| Sion | 9349 |
Advice: if you plan to come to French-speaking Switzerland and you come from far away, do not hesitate to include Lyon airport in your research! Sometimes you can find better deals for this airport and the journey from Lyon to Geneva can be done in less than 2 hours by train!
Getting around Switzerland
Travel Switzerland by car
If you are travelling by car then you should have no problem visiting Switzerland! The roads are generally in excellent condition and above all they go almost everywhere (over the mountains, at the bottom of the valleys and even over the passes).
Swiss Highways
If you plan to cross Switzerland then it is likely that you will want to take the motorway at some point. Unlike many of our neighbors, we do not have tolls in Switzerland, but we do have our "vignette"! Sold for 40 CHF it is mandatory if you take the highway and is valid for 1 year (calendar year and not from the date of purchase). If you come to Switzerland for the end of the year holidays, there is nothing to worry about, you don't need to buy 2 stickers. Indeed the "valid" is valid from December 1st preceding the year of validity to January 31st of the year following the year of validity!
To be valid the "vignette" must be stick on the windshield
Its price is relatively low for a year-round use, but it does hurt quite a bit if you only intend to use the highway twice. So think about how many trips you plan to make before you buy it and see if it's worth it (our country roads are free and very beautiful too... but of course it takes more time). ;)
Driving on mountain roads in Switzerland
If this is your first time in Switzerland and you are not used to mountain roads, here are some tips that could be useful on our small, winding and sometimes narrow roads:
- If the road is not wide enough to cross, it is usually the vehicle that goes up that has priority! (Unless the vehicle that climbs has a good spot for crossing just behind it, in this case it is it that car backs up... but if in doubt, it is the one that goes down that backs up to find a place where both vehicles can cross safely).
- The above rule applies only to 2 vehicles of "equal size". If a truck, camper van or bus is in the equation then it is ALWAYS the truck that has priority and it is up to the other vehicle to back up (no matter if it goes up or down)
- In our mountains it is not uncommon to see the impressive post buses. Bus drivers are often the best people to know "whether it will fit or not". If in doubt, stop as close as possible to the edge and wait to see the instructions given by the driver in front of you.
- If you come in winter snow tires are mandatory in the mountains (they are not mandatory in themselves, but if you obstruct traffic because of unsuitable tires you can be fined for this) and having chains in your trunk is highly recommended!
Car rental in Switzerland
Renting a car in Switzerland is quite easy and if there are several of you it will often be cheaper than the train! To rent a car we recommend you to compare the rates for the desired period on Rentalcars. Prices generally start at around 30€ per day for a small car (variable depending on the season and where you take it).
Travel Switzerland by train
If you don't have a car or don't want to rent one, you don't have to worry: Switzerland's public transport network is probably one of the best in the world and you can reach almost every small village by bus or train! But let's get things clear right away, it's not cheap! But there are still some tips to limit costs!
To find an itinerary or timetable you will find everything you need on sbb.ch, the official Swiss transport website. (This includes buses, trains, and boats)
What are the options for the tickets
- Buy tickets as you go: it is the "flexible" option and the cheapest if you do not plan to make several trips per day (and no very long trips). Tip: Ticket prices are cheaper if you book in advance on the site or via the mobile application. Supersaver tickets are available during off-peak hours but only on train lines. So if your trip includes train and bus, do your research in 2 steps to get only the train trip on the one hand (for some reason I don't understand the site doesn't offer the reduced price if a bus is added).
- The Swiss Travel Pass: This is the thing they launched for foreign travelers who visit Switzerland. Being Swiss we never had the opportunity to test it, but the idea here is that you can have a card that offers unlimited transportation (trains, buses, boats and several calble cars) and access to more than 500 museums and half-price discounts on the gondolas. The price is pretty hight, let's face it! The 3-day pass costs 232 CHF (77 CHF per day) or for example 15 days for 513 CHF (34 CHF per day). In short, the more you move and the more you like museums the more it's worth it ;) Quite frankly, if you plan to visit several parts of Switzerland, take boats, buses etc, then the pass will pay for itself very quickly.
There is a "continuous days" version but also a flex version --> you buy a 3,5 or 10 days pass and you use those days as you wish within a month. Buy the Swiss Pass Buy the Swiss pass Flex
If you want to know more about travelling in Switzerland by train we have three blog posts for you:
- Swiss Travel Pass VS Half fare card: which pass should you choose? We compare several possible itineraries and compare the prices.
- Switzerland on a budget: how to buy cheaper train ticket: a detailed guide about our ticket system and how to save money by booking in advance
- The most beautiful panoramic trains in Switzerland: a blog post with our personal selection of trains you should take to get the most amazing views.
Personal opinion: the train in Switzerland is expensive (very expensive even) but it is really a great way to travel! Overall, trains and buses are punctual (we are not Swiss for nothing after all)... and honestly, some train rides in the mountains are just magical!
Switzerland on a budget: our best tips
Switzerland is an expensive country.... That's it, that's it..... We will not lie to you, coming to Switzerland will almost necessarily cost you more than going to Asia (if we ignore the plane ticket of course). But then I reassure you, travelling to Switzerland doesn't necessarily cost a ton of money!
Here are our best tips to reduce expenses a little:
Accommodation in Switzerland
Accommodation: this is most likely the part that will hurt your travel budget the most! If you manage to stay with friends, it's a big plus! If you don't have any swiss friend or if you'd rather not stay at their place, here are the different options:
- Hôtels: there are no miracles... Swiss hotels are often expensive! The quality standards are very good and even the 2 stars offer clean and quality rooms, but the price is accordingly. To find a hotel the reference site for comparing rates on Booking. After that, as always, the further away from the centre or in a less "well-known" place, the more likely you are to find something affordable!
- backpackers and Hostels in Switzerland: I unfortunately have some bad news! There are certainly a few youth hostels in Switzerland, but overall they are still damn expensive for what they are! Prices are probably the most advantageous thing for solo travelers, but once you are 2 or more then other options can quickly become more profitable!
Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouses: the charm and terroir option! The easiest way to find a perfect place to say at much more affordable prices. There are B&Bs on Booking as well, but my best advice for these more charming accommodations would be to type the name of the region followed by B&B or guest house in Google ("auberge" in french and "Gasthaus" in German) and see what comes out (ignoring all the ads for booking, trip advisor and Co)... Googling in french and german will allow you to find as well the local addresses which are not necessarily translated to English.- Vrbo or Airbnb: Renting a single room in someone's house or even an entire apartment can be an excellent option! In addition to often being cheaper than other accommodations, it also gives you access to a kitchen and therefore makes it possible to save a lot on food as well!
- Camping: Last option and of course one of the cheapest (even if in Switzerland we find that the price of camping is still very high... we prefer the bivouac for that! :) )
- Couchsurfing: the cheapest option is in fact couchsurfing of course. It's a system that works well in Switzerland and will allow you to meet new people.
The Best hikes in Switzerland: our top picks
Hiking is most probably our favorite activity in Switzerland: cheap, we see beautiful landscapes, we meet beautiful people and especially get to do some exercise! In short, on our blog you will find all kinds of hiking ideas: short walks, hikes of a few hours, loops over several days and even our series of articles about our crossing of Switzerland through the Alps!
Here is a list of all the day hikes in Switzerland you'll find on our blog:
| Hike | distance | Difficulty | Elevation change | Duration | Blog post |
| Valais | |||||
| Balavaux larch trees | 12km | Medium | 700m + / 700m - | 4-5h | Balavaux larch trees |
| From Finhaut to Emosson | 14km | Medium | 700m + / 700m - | 4-5h | Balcon du Mont Blanc |
| 4 hikes in Val d'Hérens | 6 to 12km | variable | variable | variable | Hikes in Val d'Hérens |
| derborence valley | 12km | Medium | 650m + / 650m - | 4-5h | Derborence valley |
| Gourmet hike Sion | 5km | Easy | 200m + / 200m - | afternoon | Gourmet hike sion |
| Bisse du Ro / lake Tseuzier | 18.5km | Medium - Difficult | 1600m + / 1600m - | 5-6hh | Ro and Lake Tseuzier |
| Hiking Barrhorn | 18.6km | Medium - Difficult | 1700m + / 1700m - | 9-10h | Barrhorn (3610m) |
| Hiking Haute Cime | 20kms | Difficult | 1700m + / 1700m - | 10h | Haute Cime |
| Tour des lacs de Fenêtre | 12km | Average | 1000m+ / 1000m - | 5h | Lacs de Fenêtre |
| Sanetsch | 8km | Easy | 300m + / 300m - | 3h | Sanetsch |
| Grammont | 13km | Average | 1100m + / 1100m - | 4h | Grammont |
| Snowsheoing - Morgins | plusieurs | variable | N/ A | variable | Snowshoeing |
| Pointe de Bellevue | 13km | Average | 860m + / 860m - | 5h | Pointe de Bellevue |
| Chalavornaire | 12km | Average | 700m + / 700m - | 4h | Chalavornaire |
| Vaud | |||||
| Creux du Van | 12km | Medium | 1000m + / 1000m - | 5h | Creux du Van |
| les gorges de l'Orbe | 16km | Easy | 500m + / 230m - | 4h30-5h | gorges de l'Orbe |
| Dent de Morcles | 14,5km | Difficult | 1050m+ / 1200m- | 6-8h | Dent de Morcles |
| Lavaux | 11km | Easy | 200m + / 200m - | 4h | Lavaux |
| Frinvillier Chasseral | 18-21km | Average | 1350m + / 350m - | 5h | Frinvillier- Chasseral |
| Gorges du Taubenloch | 3km | Easy | 50m | 45 minutes | Gorges du Taubenloch |
| Other parts of CH | |||||
| 5 lakes hike | 11km | Average | 750m + / 1100m - | 4-5h | 5 lacs |
| Wallensee | 10km | Easy | 500m + / 500m - | 4h | Walensee |
| Vitznauerstock | 9km | Average | 1200m+ / 1200m - | 5h | Vitznauerstock |
| Rigi | 9km | Easy | 600m + / 600m - | 4h | Le Rigi |
| Hôtel Aescher | 9km | Easy | 850m + | 3h | Rando Aescher |
| Säntis | 10km | Difficult | 1700m + | 5h | Säntis |
Hikes in Switzerland lasting several days (with nights in a bivouac or in a hut/refuge)
| Name | Distance | Difficulty | Elevation change |
Duration | Article |
| Via Alpina | 380km | Very difficult | 25'000m + / 25'000m - | 21 days | Via Apina |
| Jura Crest Trail | 320km | Difficult | 13'700m + /13'800m - | 15 days | Crêtes du Jura |
| Saint-Bernard tour | 88km – 100lm | Difficult | about 8000m + et - | 6 to days | Tour du Saint-Bernard |
| Dents Blanches tour | 44,4km | Difficult | 4200m + / 4200m - | 5 days | Dents Blanches |
| Dents du Midi tour | 42,5km | Average | 6000m + / 6000m - | 4 days | Dents du Midi |
| Val d'Hérens | 49km | Average | 2300m+ / 2400m - | 3 days | Val d'Hérens |
| Malatraix – Rocher-de-Naye | 30km | Average | 2300m+ / 2400m - | 2 days | Malatraix |
| Salvan-Champéry | 26km | Average | 2'000m + / 2'000m - | 2 days | Salvan - Champéry |
| Churfirsten + bivouac | 22km | Difficult | 2400m + / 1200m - | 2 days | Churfirsten |
| from Evolène to Nax | 23km | Average | 1900m + / 1900m- | 2 days | Evolène-Nax |
| Klein and Gross Bigerhorn | 18km | Difficult | 2000m + / 2000m- | 2 days | Bigerhorn |
| Champex and Val d'Arpette | 19km | Average | 1200m + / 1200m - | 1-2 days | Champex-Arpette |
| Panossière hut | 12km | Average | 1400m+ / 1200m - | 1-2 days | Panossière |
Travel Guide to Switzerland: our best ressources
- cff/sbb website: To search train schedules and buy your tickets online. Note: the mobile application is very convenient too!
- SuisseMobile: A good resource to find your perfect hike
- Getyourguide: You'll find plenty of activities and visits
- Get the Lonely Planet Switzerland guide book
- The official visit Switzerland website
Switzerland: all our blog posts
Evolène Carnival: a festival not to be missed in Switzerland
Discover the traditions and characters of the incredible Evolène carnival in the Val d'Hérens.
Pigne d’Arolla and Vignettes hut, ski touring from Arolla
The emblematic mountain of Val d'Hérens, the Pigne d'Arolla is a magnificent summit for ski touring via the Vignettes hut, with some incredible powder descents guaranteed
5 lakes hike in Zermatt – the best Matterhorn viewpoint
Discover the legendary 5-lake hike in Zermatt. We suggest several variations, depending on your desire to hike and your budget.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail : One of the most stunning hike to do in Zermatt
It's time for a magnificent hike in Zermatt to get as close as possible to the mythical Matterhorn: the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.
The Matterhorn tour: our 4 day trek from Arolla to Zermatt through high alpine passes
Today we bring you with us on the Matterhorn tour, an incredible trek around the most iconic mountain of Switzerland
Climbing the Bigerhorn in 2 days
Europe's highest hike is in Switzerland, in the Valais! Find out all our practical tips for climbing the Gross Bigerhorn!
Hike to the top of Pointe du Tsaté (3077m) from La Forclaz – Val d’Hérens
Let us take you on a hike to the Pointe du Tsaté, a lovely peak right next to our home in the Val d'Hérens. Breathtaking panorama guaranteed!
Binntal: nature park and unspoilt valley in the Valais
A little getaway in a wild and authentic valley in the Valais: the Binntal. Right next to Aletsch, Binn is definetely off the beaten tracks
Val d’Hérens: Hike to Ferpècle (Mont Miné glacier) and the Bricola hut
The Vallon de Ferpècle is an absolutely magical place in the Val d'Hérens. There are a number of hiking routes you can take to admire the Mont Miné glacier.
Grande Dixence dam loop hike: the Prafleuri hut
The Ibex trail from the Grande Dixence dam via the Prafleuri hut - route details with map and pictures + ideas for alternative hikes
The UNESCO ridge trail between the Eggishorn and Bettmerhorn with breathtaking views of the Aletsch glacier
We take you on the ridge between the Eggishorn and the Bettmerhorn for an incredible panorama of the Aletsch glacier
Hardergrat trail: one of the most impressive ridge hike in Switzerland
We finally hiked the Hardergrat, this beautiful ridge above lake Brienz. And here is everything you need to know if you want to go on this adventure
Lac bleu in Arolla: all the hiking routes to get there!
Looking for a hiking route to admire the magnificent Lac Bleu in Val d'Hérens? Look no further!
Hike to the Aiguilles rouges hut and climbing at the top of Mont de l’Etoile for sunrise
The story of a magnificent sunrise at the summit of Mont de l'Etoile after a night at the Aiguilles Rouges hut in Val d'Hérens.
Hiking to the lac d’Arbey from the village of Evolène (or Les Haudères)
Nice walk to the Lac d'Arbey (from Evolène or Les Haudères) which offers a splendid panorama on the Dent-Blanche and the glaciers around
Lac de Soi in Switzerland: hiking to a unique mountain lake
Idea for a hike in Valais: we take you to discover the magical world of the Lac de soi at the foot of the beautiful Dents du Midi
Hike near Lausanne: Dent de Jaman and Merdasson
We take you for a superb hike of 11km (with 800m of ascent) above Lake Geneva: the dent de Jaman from Haut-de-Caux + bonus the ascent of Merdasson
Col de la Forclaz: our hiking ideas (winter + summer)
Our hiking ideas starting from the Forclaz pass in Valais: towards the Mont de l'Arpille and its panorama or the bisse du Trient
Switzerland: our guide of the most beautiful panoramic trains
After our article on how to buy train tickets in Switzerland and the one dedicated to the detailed comparison of the half-fare offer with the Swiss Travel Pass, we propose you a last 100% train article: our selection of the most...
Swiss Travel Pass vs. the Half-Fare Card to visit Switzerland by train
Are you planning to visit Switzerland by train? Then first thing: excellent decision! 🙂 Swiss trains are really a unique experience and a great way to see the country (much easier than renting a car for example if you want our...
How to visit Switzerland by train on a budget: our tips
Switzerland is a very small country compared to its neighbors… However, it is probably also the country with the most trains. 🙂 Switzerland and trains are a love story, and if you decide to travel in Switzerland we can only...
Roadtrip in Switzerland: Itinerary and budget for a 7-day trip in autumn (October)
What is the budget for a roadtrip in Switzerland? We give you our figures after 7 days between Oeschinen, Aletsch and the lake of the 4 cantons
Stoos: panoramic loop via Fronalpstock and Klingenstock
An easy and stunning loop-hike from Stoos to the Fronalpstock and Klingenstock for the best view of lake Lucern and the alps.
The Aletsch glacier panorama trail in Valais (Aletsch panoramaweg)
The Aletsch glacier is an emblematic place of Switzerland and the least we can say is that it has not stolen its reputation
Panoramic hike on the Brienzer Rothorn (+ a little bit of the Hardegrat)
Embark on a wonderful day on a steam train and a panoramic hiking route over Lake Brienz
Oeschinen lake (Oeschinensee): a practical guide to hike and discover one of the best lakes in Switzerland
Here is all the information you need to hike the Oeschinensee, one of our favorite lakes in Switzerland
Switzerland: the best hikes in the valley of Lauterbrunnen
We continue our little roadtrip in Switzerland by a region which is often quoted as being a must: the valley of Lauterbrunnen and its 72 waterfalls. Coming here in October (just after visiting the Oeschinen lake), we took the...
Hiking in the swiss Alps: From Hohsaas to Saas Grund (via Saas Almagell)
A 14 km panoramic hike from Kreuzboden - Hohsaas (Saas Valley). An easy route with a great view!
3-day hike between the Zermatt and Tourtemagne valleys via the Topali hut (difficult hike)
3 days of hiking between the valleys of Zermatt and Tourtemagne through the demanding pass of the Schöllijoch
Tour des Combins: our complete trekking guide for this stunning hike in the Swiss and Italian Alps
Find all the information and detailed stages of the Tour des Combins, a 5 to 7 days hiking itinerary between Switzerland and Italy
Petit Mountet: a kid-friendly mountain hut near Zinal, Val d’Anniviers
Hiking in the Val d'Anniviers: the Petit Mountet hut from Zinal. An ideal hut to do with children!
Balcon du Mont Blanc: Hike from Finhaut to Emosson
How about a hike facing the Mont Blanc? We take you for a superb loop starting from Finhaut in direction of the lake and the dam of Emosson
Multi-day hike in Switzerland: The Dents du Midi tour – ebook
The complete topo-guide of the Dents du Midi tour containing all the information you will need to prepare this hike
Hike between the Val des Dix and the Val d’Hérens via the la Meina pass
A beautiful hike that starts at the base of the Grande Dixence dam to pass the Meina pass towards Chemeuille and the Mandelon mountain pasture
Hiking the Chalin shelter from Chindonne, via the Dents de Valerette and Valère
An aerial hike along the impressive Dardeu ridge to reach the Chalin shelter, at the foot of the Haute Cime des Dents du Midi
Travelling to Graubunden: Alp Flix, Landwasser viaduct and Viamala gorges
We take you to the heart of Graubünden, to discover the Alp Flix, the Viamala gorge and the famous Landwasser viaduct
Our favorite hikes and things to do in Engadin and in the Swiss National Park
Lots of ideas for hiking and sightseeing in the beautiful Engadine region, east of Graubünden.
From the source to the Rhine Gorge, via the Caumasee and the Safiental
Roadtrip at the heart of Graubünden, to discover the source and the gorge of the Rhine but also the Caumasee, Crestasee, Il Spir, the Safiental
Graubünden: 8 days along the Alpine Circle route
8 days road trip in the Graubünden in the west of Switzerland. All our best tips to prepare your camper van trip in Switzerland.
Getaway in Switzerland: Visit the Gruyere village in winter
Small winter getaway in the village of Gruyère. What's on the agenda? The incredible HR Giger museum but also a nice walk around the lake of Montsalvens.
A beautiful hike near Zurich: Sihlsee and Stöcklichrüz
A beautiful panoramic hike in the canton of Schwyz: the Stöcklichrüz. A 10km long route with a magnificent view of Lake Zurich is presented to you.
The mount Rigi panorama trail, Lucerne
A stunning hiking trail to the top of Rigi Kulm. Enjoy a breathtaking view over Lake Lucerne and the alps.
Haute Nendaz: autumn hike in the larch trees to Balavaux
In this article you will find a superb autumn hike in the surroundings of Haute Nendaz to observe the oldest larch trees in Europe.
Our ideas for autumn hikes in Val d’Hérens
Here are 4 ideas of hikes to discover the Val d'Hérens in the fall season, when the larch trees get their golden colors.
Autumn hike around the Derborence valley in Valais, Switzerland
A beautiful hike of 12kms that goes all the way around the Derborence valley, passing by its lake and its famous landslide.
A gourmet walk along the bisse de Clavau in the vineyards, Sion – Valais
If you’ve been reading us for a while, you certainly know that we are particularly fond of beer hikes. Well today we will give you a small alternative with the wines from the Valais region: The gourmet walk along the Bisse...
Hiking in Crans Montana: The Bisse du Ro and Grand Bisse de Lens
This is a beautiful hike one can do between may and october in Valais. Starting from Crans Montana you'll walk along 2 typical "Bisses" and reach Lake Tseuzier and its impressive views.
Climb to the top of Barrhorn (3610m): the highest “hiking” summit in the Alps
I take you to the summit of Barrhorn (Valais, Switzerland) which is officially the highest summit in the Alps you can hike without mountaineering equipment.
Climbing the Haute Cime of the Dents du Midi (3257m)
An article with all the practical information to climb to the highest summit of the Dents du Midi: the Haute Cime and its 3257m.
Working in a mountain hut in Switzerland: my experience in Susanfe
At the foot of the "dents du Midi" is a lovely little refuge: the Susanfe hut. During the summer of 2020 I was lucky enough to be able to work there as a helper. In this article I share my experience and daily tasks in the...
Jura Crest Trail: from the col du Marchairuz to la Dôle
On the route of the Jura crest trail we passed the Marchairuz pass, the Mont tendre and the summit of the Dôle. All of them offer a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva.
Hikes around Creux du Van and Noiraigue on the Jura crest trail
We take you with us on the magnificent rocky formations of Creux du Van, one of the most beautiful places on the swiss Jura crest trail.
The Tour Du Saint-Bernard: a stunning hike in the swiss and Italian Alps
Marked out since 2016, this hiking tour is a real little gem to discover! We tell you averything there is to about this alpine route between Switzerland and Italy.
A beautiful hike to the Lacs de Fenêtre from the Grand Saint Bernard Pass
This is a hike between Switzerland and Italy to discover lots of beautiful mountain lakes in the swiss alps. A sporty itinerary with 3 pass in one day (and an option to go through the Pointe de Drône for an extra challenge)
Switzerland: visit the Taubenloch Gorge and hike from Frinvillier to Chasseral
A trip in French-speaking Switzerland for a hike between Frinvillier and the Vue ees Alpes pass via the Chasseral and the Taubenloch gorges.
Champex and the Val d’Arpette: our ideas for a nice weekend in Valais
Our suggestions of hikes to do from Champex-lac. Find in the article our photos, the practical information as well as the maps for the walks.
Jura Crest Trail: why did we choose to follow this long distance route?
In the spring of 2020 we decided to discover the paths of the Jura crest trail by following National Route 5 from Dielsdorf to Nyon. In this post we share the motivations that pushed us to leave in this journey
Hiking with a view of Lake Geneva: Malatraix and the Rocher de Naye
A beautiful sporty hike starting from Roche which will offer you a breathtaking view from the ridge between Malatraix and the Rocher-de-Naye.
Spring hike to the Chalavornaire mountain pasture above Le Bouveret
A beautiful hike in the Chablais region to the Chalavornaire mountain pasture and its magnificent view over the Lake Geneva.
Neon: the online bank for Swiss travellers
The Neon application has been a hot topic in the Swiss banking world in recent months. Intrigued, we have created an account for ourselves and in this article we’d like to introduce you to this application. We had already...
Switzerland: Which bank should you choose for a trip around the world?
This is a question that comes up VERY regularly on our blog and in e-mails: which Swiss bank should you turn to when you want to go travel around the world? When we set off on our round-the-world trip in 2013, we also asked...
The Swiss Via Alpina: our ebook and complete guide
Our brand new guide and ebook on the Swiss Via Alpina has just been released! A digital book that contains everything you need to know to prepare this beautiful 380 km trek through the Swiss Alps.
The Gastlosen circle hike in Switzerland
We take you with us on a hike on the Gastlosen tour, to discover the small Dolomites of Switzerland
The most beautiful villages of the canton of Vaud to visit
What are the most beautiful villages in French-speaking Switzerland? Here is our selection of 5 villages to discover in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland
Le Chasseron and the gorges of Covatannaz: 2 hikes in the canton of Vaud
Looking for ideas for a hike in the canton of Vaud? we offer you 2 magnificent itineraries to do with your family (with maps and details)
Switzerland: how to visit Vallorbe and the Orbe gorges, the caves and the Dent de Vaulion
A perfect day in French-speaking Switzerland: the Gorges de l'Orbe, the caves and an evening at la dent de Vaulion. Hiking map and practical information
Hike in Wallis: 2 days from Salvan to Champery in the Swiss Alps
A superb 2-day itinerary from Salvan that goes through Salanfe Lake, Susanfe Pass and the Susanfe hut. Finish the hike in Champéry.
Morgins: Our best snowshoeing itineraries
What to do in the mountains when you do not feel like skiing? In this article we share our favorite snowshoeing itineraries around Morgins in the swiss alps
Swiss Via Alpina: Facts and numbers after our hike
How much did we spend during our Via Alpina? We tell you everything about the budget to plan to cross Switzerland on foot
Via Alpina: Our last week from Kandersteg to Montreux
We take you with us on the last kilometers of this Swiss Via Alpina, between Kandersteg and Montreux with the magnificent arrival at Les Rochers de Naye
Via Alpina: our first impressions after hiking across Switzerland
First impressions after returning from the Swiss Via Alpina. We followed the green route from Sargans to Montreux through the Swiss Alps.
Hiking Switzerland: from Lauterbrunnen to Kandersteg (Via Alpina)
We take you with us to the 2 highest passes of the Swiss Via Alpina: the Sefinenfurgge and Hohtürli passes between Lauterbrunnen and Kandersteg.
Via Alpina: 4 wonderful stages between Engelberg and Lauterbrunnen
4 fantastic stages of this Via Alpina on which we discovered some of the most beautiful mountains in Switzerland such as the Eiger and Jungfrau
Via Alpina: Our first week from Sargans to Engelberg
Our first week of hiking on the mythical Swiss Via Alpina. 100 km rich in emotions from Sargans to Engelberg - travel diary
A hike between France and Switzerland: Le tour des dents blanches
The tour des dents blanches can be done in 1 to 5 days depending on the chosen itinerary. Description of the steps and story of our 5-day adventure
Via Alpina: Crossing the swiss alps on foot / the idea
Walking through Switzerland via the Alps on the Via Alpina is a great challenge. Here are the reasons why we decided to embark on the adventure
My absolute favorites in Valais, Switzerland
A small selection of our favourites in Valais. Exit Zermatt and the Aletsch glacier, in this article we share our tis for much less-knows places.
Getaway in Ticino: our 3 days in Monte Bre, Val Verzasca and Lavertezzo
A 3-day weekend in Ticino: idea of an itinerary for nature lovers with short hikes and nice views. Including: Lavertezzo, Val Verzasca and Monte Bre
The Dents du Midi Tour: A stunning hike in the swiss Alps
Report about our hike around the Dents du Midi, a 3 to 5 days itinerary with breathtaking landscapes
Churfirsten Hike: Get a panoramic view of the Walensee from Selun and Chäserrugg
Our feedback to a 2-day hike in the Churfirsten (German-speaking Switzerland) with a spectacular bivouac over the Walensee
Hike in Switzerland: From Evolène to Nax, Val d’Hérens
3 days of hiking in the Val d'Hérens between Evolène and Nax via the Lac Bleu. On the program one night in Les Haudères then the hut of becs de Bosson
Hiking in Morgins to the Pointe de Bellevue
Proposal of a hike to do in Morgins (Valais) that ends with a Swiss artisanal beer. Destination? The pointe de Bellevue for the view of Lake Geneva.
A perfect week-end in Switzerland
We had 4 friends from Singapore coming over and we decided to show them the best of Switzerland in 72 hours. Here is what we decided to see.
Scenic hikes over Lake Lucerne: From Mount Rigi, Mt Pilatus and Vitznauerstock
Panorama from Pilatus Mountain, Rigi or Vitznauerstock: our best hikes in the region to admire a breathtaking view over Lake Lucerne
Switzerland: hiking in the vineyards of Lavaux
We take you through the sumptuous vineyards of Lavaux, overlooking Lake Leman. A beautiful 10Km walk that will make you fall in love with Switzerland
Hiking in Appenzell: Seealpsee and Hotel Aescher
An easy little autumn hike that we did to discover the Appenzell region and more particularly the Seealpsee and the Aescher
Hiking in Switzerland: all you need to know for the ascension of the Dent de Morcles
the ascent of the Dent de Morcles: a demanding hike but which offers sumptuous views over the entire plain of the Rhône and the Valais mountains
Val d’Hérens Tour: A hike from Thyon to Les Haudères, Switzerland
A 3 to 5 day hike in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in a valley that rhymes with traditions, nature and authenticity. Welcome to the beautiful Val d'Herens!
Hiking to the Panossière hut via the Corbassière footbridge
A cool hike with a night at the Panossière hut offering beautiful views on the Corbassière glacier and the Combins range
The five lakes hike in Switzerland: welcome to the Pizol
the Five lakes hike near the Pizol mountain. On the agenda: alpine lakes, spectacular landscapes among the most beautiful in the country
Free pass: Testing the carte Bienvenue in Villars and les Diablerets
A weekend getaway in the Vaud Alps to villars on ollon and diablerets to test the free access card. Trottin' grass, tree climbing, and much more to get the adrenaline pumping
Hike in Appenzell: Our ascent to the Säntis
During our stay in Appenzell we decided to hike the highest peak in the region: the Säntis
Celebrate the swiss national day in Appenzell
This year we celebrated the Swiss National Day in the canton of Appenzell.... A magnificent stay punctuated by quite a few clichés about Switzerland! A quick look back in pictures....
Hiking in Switzerland: The Sanetsch
Switzerland is well known for its mountains and chocolate. Today we take you for a hike towards the Sanetsch glacier in Valais
Hike in Switzerland: Le Grammont
Here is the story of a not too difficult hike through Lake Taney to the summit of the Grammont, with a magnificent view of Lake Geneva.
Things to do in Lausanne in a day, Switzerland
Lausanne is the city where we grew up and we share our favorite things to see as well as our best addresses. Geneva Lake region, Switzerland
Zurich: Walensee, a little paradise to hike
Switzerland is an incredible country for hiking... We take you to tge Walensee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland
Skiing in Switzerland: the best ski resorts to discover
You want to ski in Switzerland but don't know where to go to enjoy it? So here's a little article that should be useful to you!
Valais and Lavaux, our home and forever favorite regions in French-speaking Switzerland
Valais and Lavaux are our two regions of origin in Switzerland. We wanted to write an article on this subject and make you want to visit these places...