Easy Hikes in Switzerland for Beginners (Big Views, Little Effort) — 2026
"Easy" in Switzerland doesn't mean boring. The trick is that lifts — gondolas, cogwheel trains, funiculars — take you above the tree line, and the walking from there is gentle. Here are the best low-effort, high-reward trails, all on yellow-marked hiking paths.
EasyBachalpsee from Grindelwald First
3.7 mi · 390 ft up · 2 hours round trip
♨ Soak after: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel, Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald
EasyRigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad
2.5 mi · 100 ft up · 1–1.5 hours
♨ Soak after: Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa, Hotel Rigi Kaltbad
EasyFive Lakes Walk, Zermatt
5.6 mi · 790 ft up · About 2.5 hours
♨ Soak after: Mont Cervin Palace, The Omnia
EasyMürren to Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley
1.9 mi · 70 ft up · 45 minutes to 1 hour
♨ Soak after: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
EasyGemmi Pass & Daubensee, Leukerbad
4.0 mi · 260 ft up · 1.5–2 hours
♨ Soak after: Leukerbad Therme, Walliser Alpentherme & Spa
EasyUetliberg Planet Trail, Zurich
3.7 mi · 660 ft up · About 1 h 40
♨ Soak after: UTO KULM – Top of Zurich, Thermalbad & Spa Zürich
EasyLavaux Vineyard Terraces
3.7 mi · 490 ft up · 2 hours (plus tastings)
♨ Soak after: Le Mirador Resort & Spa, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
Easy-hike tips
- Go downhill. Ride up, walk down: Rigi, Mürren–Gimmelwald and the Five Lakes are all mostly descent.
- Watch the trail color. Yellow signs = easy hiking path. White-red-white = mountain trail, more demanding.
- Altitude: above 2,000 m you'll feel short of breath at first. Slow down.
- Weather turns fast. Pack a rain shell even in August.
Easiest hike & soak combo
Rigi: cogwheel train up, one hour downhill, then Rigi Kaltbad's mineral baths. It's the most relaxing mountain day in Switzerland.
FAQ
What is the easiest hike in the Swiss Alps with a great view?
Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee: about 1 hour each way with only 120 m of climbing, ending at a lake that reflects the Bernese Alps.
Are there easy hikes in Switzerland for seniors?
Yes. Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad (downhill, wide path), the Gemmi Pass Daubensee loop (flat) and Mürren to Gimmelwald (downhill) are all gentle.
Can kids do these hikes?
All of them. Bachalpsee and the Five Lakes Walk are particularly kid-friendly, with lakes to throw stones in.