Most Scenic Hikes in Switzerland

Switzerland is a hiker’s dream! Every trail seems to lead to another jaw-dropping view. You could spend a lifetime exploring and never run out of panoramas, but these six hikes stand out as some of the most scenic in the country.

Schäfler Ridge (Appenzell)

This hike is pure drama. Schäfler sits along a knife-edge ridge in the Appenzell region, where jagged limestone peaks rise like teeth against the sky. This is the hike I think about when I think of my favorite Swiss hike.

The hike begins from Ebenalp (reachable by cable car), then climbs steeply to Schäfler hut. From there, you can continue along the ridge for endless photo ops. The sunrise here is legendary and I highly recommend spending a night in the hut here. We were able to catch sunset and sunrise with no crowds due to the limited hours the cable car runs.

Stoos Ridge (Central Switzerland)

One of the most photogenic ridge walks in Switzerland, the Stoos Panorama Trail links Klingenstock and Fronalpstock above Lake Lucerne. Don’t be fooled by its accessibility (the funicular to Stoos is the steepest in the world). Once you’re up top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360° views of lakes, valleys, and snowy peaks. The ridgeline was so rough on my knees, but I would do it again in a heartbeat! If you aren’t up for the hike, you can take the gondola up to the Fronalpstock restaurant and viewpoint.

Saxer Lücke (Appenzell)

This is one of those places where you can’t believe the landscape is real. Saxer Lücke is a dramatic notch in the Alpstein massif, with vertical cliffs plunging into green valleys below. The hike is moderate, weaving through rolling meadows before revealing the iconic gap between peaks. Take the Staubern lift for a shorter route. If you are afraid of heights, some of the ridgeline walking may not be to your liking.

5 Lakes Hike (Zermatt)

One of the most famous family-friendly hikes in Switzerland, this loop near Zermatt takes you past five alpine lakes, each reflecting the Matterhorn in different angles and moods. It’s accessible by gondola from Sunnegga or Blauherd, making it manageable for kids but still jaw-dropping for adults. I highly recommend staying at the Fluhalp hut near Lake Stellisee for incredible views of the Matterhorn at sunset and sunrise.

Augstmatthorn (Interlaken)

High above Lake Brienz, this hike rewards you with turquoise water views on one side and the Bernese Alps on the other. The trail is part of the harder Hardergrat ridge, but even just hiking to Augstmatthorn itself gives you that dramatic ridgeline feeling without committing to the full challenge. Herds of ibex are often spotted grazing on the ridges.

Oeschinensee (Kandersteg)

If there’s a hike that feels like stepping into a postcard, this is it. Oeschinensee is a glacial lake ringed by cliffs and waterfalls, with trails leading to viewpoints high above or down to the shoreline for a swim. You can take a cable car from Kandersteg to shorten the climb, or hike the full route for a bigger challenge.