Winter hiking in Switzerland: five beautiful winter hiking trails

A man and a woman hiking in winter; the winter hiking trail is groomed, and in the background you can see a snowy mountain landscape.

Published on: 10.12.2024

Winter hiking trails are often above the fog line, making them ideal for enjoying snowy landscapes and the sun. Here are five winter hikes – in the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden, Central Switzerland and near Zurich.

Winter hikes have a different charm than summer hikes. The snowy landscapes, the view of the blanket of fog, or simply the cold, fresh air make your winter adventure something special. Whether you’re in the Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland, Graubünden or near Zurich, you’re sure to find the right winter hiking trail for you. The most beautiful winter hiking trails often start in winter sports areas, but then head out into nature. This is major advantage because the sports areas are well connected and are usually easily accessible by public transport.

Winter hiking with children: on the road in the Graubünden

Winter hikes are more exciting for children if they can discover something along the way. One place where this is possible is on this winter hiking trail in Graubünden. The Morteratsch winter hiking trail starts at Morteratsch railway station. From there, it takes about an hour to reach the glacier. The gigantic ice tongue is sure to impress the whole family. You head back the same way. This winter hiking trail covers a total of seven kilometres and 170 metres in altitude. With seven kilometres of winter hiking with children, it’s definitely worth taking a picnic.

Winter hiking in Graubünden

A snowy winter landscape; the Morteratsch glacier is visible in the distance. — On the winter hiking trail in Graubünden, you get closer to the glacier tongue with every step.
Photo © Engadin Tourismus AG

Winter hike around the Schwarzsee lake (Fribourg)

The winter hiking trail around the Schwarzsee lake stretches over four kilometres. The trail is regularly groomed if there’s enough snow. A detour to the Seeweidbach waterfall is worthwhile, as it is often frozen during the winter – a very special sight. In a very cold winter, not only does the waterfall freeze, but also the Schwarzsee lake is covered with ice. If the ice is thick enough, the winter hike can also go over the lake.

To the winter hike in Freiburg

Two people on a winter hike, walking across the frozen Schwarzsee lake. — Lake Schwarzsee in the foothills of Freiburg freezes in cold winters. In this case, the winter hike will even take you over the lake.
Photo © Lorenz Richard

Winter hike near Zurich: strolling through Toggenburg

There are numerous winter hiking trails in Toggenburg. A slightly longer tour starts at the Wildhaus Lisighaus bus stop. From there, take the chairlift to Oberdorf, about 200 metres in altitude. This route takes just under an hour by foot. The winter hiking trail intially runs along a ski lift, but soon leads away from the hustle and bustle into the woods. It goes over snow-covered hilly landscapes, and the Alpstein massif and the Alvier group are in constant view. Two loops lead you back to the chairlift station.

To the Toggenburg winter hike

A picture of the Churfirsten from Toggenburg; there is a lot of snow. — The Churfirsten are the landmark of Toggenburg.
Photo © Toggenburg Tourismus

A winter hike in Central Switzerland: around the Engelstock

The Engelstock circular trail starts at the Mostelberg mountain station. From there, the relatively flat path leads to Ängelstockweid, Blüemlisberg, Mostelegg, Herrenbooden and back to the mountain station. The snow-covered mountain panorama of the Alps is always in your sight, and along the groomed trail you’ll enjoy a fairytale winter landscape.

To a winter hike in Central Switzerland

A family on a winter hiking trail in Central Switzerland. — In good weather, you can always enjoy spectacular views along the entire circular route.
Photo © Remo Inderbitzin

Bernese Oberland winter hiking trail: out and about in the Diemtig Valley

From Anger, PostBus stop Zwischenflüh, this winter hiking trail leads along the cross-country ski trails to Weid. It continues to Tiermatti, via Seeboden to Geissboden. The Blauseeli on the Senggiweid is a special highlight of this tour. Arriving at the Gimmialp, you’ll cover five kilometres and almost 200 metres in altitude. There are various ways to shorten the hike along the way.

To the Bernese Oberland winter hiking trail

A partially snowed-over lake in the Bernese Oberland – you’ll pass by it on your winter hike. — The Blauseeli, covered with a thin layer of ice, nestled in the snow-covered landscape of the Bernese Oberland.
Photo © Naturpark Diemtigtal

Tips: well prepared for winter hiking trails

With the right preparation, your winter adventure is sure to be a great one. The following tips will help you plan:

Weather: find out about the weather conditions on site. You can find information on the tourist destination websites or in the avalanche bulletin.
Equipment: wear sturdy winter shoes with a good tread on winter hikes. Hiking poles provide more balance and better grip on icy sections.
Clothing: wear several layers. This allows you to adapt quickly to changing temperatures. Take gloves with you as well.
Emergency equipment: pack a first aid kit. A flashlight or headlamp should also be in your backpack in winter.
Keep others informed: it’s best not to go alone; tell someone about your planned route and the approximate time when you plan on being back.
Sun protection: it may be winter, but sunscreen and sunglasses should be part of every winter hike.