Hiking in spring: 5 beautiful routes for a spring hike

What spring walks are there in Switzerland? Don’t want to go too high up, but still want to go on a hike with some elevation? Finding spring hikes isn’t so easy. That’s why we’ve put together 5 routes that are suitable for hiking in the spring. At the end, you’ll find a few tips to ensure you’re safe and well equipped.

Spring hike #1: Hiking through vineyard terraces by Lake Geneva

The vineyards of Lavaux stretch across the hillsides above Lake Geneva, between Lausanne and Vevey. This sunny spot can be wonderful for a hike in spring. From St. Saphorin, a signposted path leads to Lutry. You can quickly get back to Lausanne by train from both locations. Be sure to pack suncream and a sun hat – the sun can warm the hillside, even in spring. Additional tip: a short detour to the village of Morges is worthwhile, where a large tulip exhibition takes place in spring.

Duration: approx. 3 hours
Route distance: 11 km
Ascent: 400 m

Spring hike #2: above Lake Walensee

The start of this hike in Näfels, which is in Glarnerland. After a short ascent, you can see the extremely straight Escher Canal, with a view of the Glärnisch massif at the back of the valley. The trail continues uphill to Filzbach and Obstalden. From here, the view of the Churfirsten and the Lake Walensee is particularly impressive. A little later, head downhill to Mühlehorn. The start and end points of this hike are easily accessible by public transport.

Duration: approx. 4 hours
Route distance: 13 km
Ascent: 600 m

Spring hike #3: on the move in Central Switzerland

In the Melchtal valley in the canton of Obwalden, you can hike throughout the year. In winter, beautiful icicles form in the gorge, and in spring, melt water causes the Kleine Melchaa river to swell to a large stream. The starting point for the hike is Giswil railway station. From there, a hiking trail leads to the Melchaaboden and further into the gorge. Deep down, the Kleine Melchaa river churns through glacier mills and water rapids. The hike ends at the Rinderhüttli, and the same path leads back.

Duration: approx. 3 hours
Route distance: 11 km
Ascent: 550 m

Spring hike #4: hike along the Alte Aare

This spring hike leads through riparian forests and open country along the Alte Aare. From Aarberg, you can either hike for a few hours (9 km) or hike further on to Büren an der Aare (17 km). This means you’ll be on the road for between 2 and 4 hours, and the path is mostly flat.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Route distance: 9 to 17 km
Ascent: approx. 200 m

Spring hike #5: crocuses in the Bernese Oberland

Around April, crocuses cover the meadows of the Gurnigel Pass. The hills in the Gantrisch Nature Park are ideal for a particularly beautiful spring hike. You can admire the blooming flowers on the Gantrisch Panorama Trail, for example. From the Gurnigel Bad bus stop a path leads to the Gurnigel Berghaus. From there via Schlüfeflue, branch off at Schwarzenbühl to Zollhaus im Freiburgischen.

Duration: approx. 6 hours
Route distance: 20 km
Ascent: 930 m

Hiking in spring – top tips

• Many birds breed in the spring. Be careful not to disturb them or damage the nests. Likewise, many young animals are on the move, such as foxes. Always keep your distance and don’t feed the animals.

• Many plants are sprouting, and the first shoots are rising upwards.   Stay on the path and don’t pick flowers.

• Check the weather forecast before you set off. The weather changes frequently in spring, so you should be prepared for rain and drops in temperature. Stormy weather can be dangerous if you’re hiking along a stream, for example. If this rises quickly within a short period of time, possibly due to a thunderstorm further upstream, you should avoid being near the stream or river if possible.

• Dress in layers. This is the best way to cope with the fluctuating temperatures.

• Even if you’re not planning to do an alpine tour, wear sturdy shoes with a good tread. This gives you a safe grip in slippery areas.

• Be sure to use suncream. Although it’s only spring and the sun’s rays are rather weak, it’s enough to cause your first sunburn of the year.