Switzerland walks

Rousseau once wrote «I have, opposite my windows, a beautiful waterfall which from the mountain top, plunges from a rocky escarpment into the valley, with a sound heard for miles around, especially when waters are high». From waterfall to waterfall, alongside these impressively steep gorges which once inspired fear (poëta from the latin putidus meaning "altered, fetid"), this trail will lead you through a delightful hike through rocks and water.

From bright, flower-filled mountain pastures, you will climb towards the ridges through the silent Bataillards forest, skirting its steep limestone cliffs, the first slopes of the Jura, cut into needles that offer views of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel. On the other side, the panorama stretches from La Dôle to Chasseral, via the Knoll and the Dent de Vaulion.

A superb hike around Lake Moron, culminating in the Saut du Doubs and its 27-metre waterfall.

Hike from Chambrelien, passing through Champ du Moulin and following the Gorges de l'Areuse trail, with several views of Lake Neuchâtel. You will follow the blue trail, where you may spot chamois, then the gorge trail to admire the waterfalls.

A beautiful hike through woods and pastures with stunning views, including a 360° view of Chasseron (1,606 m) on the French side and the Swiss side with the Romandy lakes of Neuchâtel and Geneva. Depending on the weather conditions, you can see and admire the Bernese, Vaud and French Alps.

A walk through unspoilt nature, across meadows, woods and scree slopes, following beautiful valleys with views of the Alps. The highlight of this walk is, of course, the Creux du Croue, a deep and magnificent depression.

Le Creux du Van is one of the most famous geological formations in the Jura. This immense cirque with its impressive vertical cliffs offers steep landscapes that contrast with the gentle neighbouring pastures. This is the hike to do to discover the Val de Travers. It is very easy to see ibex here, as they are used to walkers.

Coming from Goumois (Switzerland), park at the end of the Vautenaivre leat, next to a small rest area (with barbecue).

Passing through the preserved site of Tanay, with its lake, you climb to a summit that offers a unique view of Lake Geneva and a wide panorama of the surrounding mountains. A popular hike with steep sections but no technical difficulty.N.B. The calculated elevation gain is slightly overestimated; the actual cumulative elevation gain is close to 1,000 metres.

A lovely, easy walk along the Orbe river.

This hike takes place in the Swiss Jura mountains, in the canton of Solothurn, right on the border with France near Kiffis. Varied landscapes in beautiful, well-maintained natural surroundings. The path first runs along La Lucelle, then winds its way up and down hills, passing isolated farms at high altitude, pastures that tumble down to the valley floor and passes that offer breathtaking views of this part of the Jura. A very beautiful route, not to be missed.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards of Lavaux, discovering the different appellations. Lovely views of the lake and the Alps. Local wines can be tasted throughout the hike. N.B. Contrary to what is automatically indicated on the hike information sheet, the Lavaux terraces are located in the canton of Vaud and not in Valais.

The Swiss Jura Belchen, the Alsatian Belchen (Ballon d'Alsace) and the Black Forest Belchen all form the peaks of a right-angle triangle, mystical sunrise observation point dating back to Celtic times (Belchen comes from "Belenus" the celtic god of sun). You'll gain access to this exceptional viewpoint through the "Devil's" gorges lined with steep walls, waterfalls, caves and caverns. The way back, along the "military path" is full of vestiges and ends with typical Jura landscapes.

A family walk in the Chancy woods (Geneva, Switzerland) leading to the banks of the Rhône. There are some lovely surprises to discover along the way, such as a suspension bridge, views of the Jura and Vuache mountains, and streams. The perfect hike for hot summer days!

After reaching Vers les Lacs, you will hike through beautiful scenery to climb to the summit of Pic Chaussy, where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama. The descent is on another slope, still in beautiful surroundings, to the lovely Lac Lioson.

Starting from Col de la Forclaz (1527m), a short and easy out-and-back walk along the Bisse du Trient (irrigation channel) to the Chalet du Glacier (1583m), which offers a fine view of the Glacier du Trient and the Petite Pointe d'Orny (3187m). ⚠️ Part of the trail has been damaged by a landslide. Bypassing is possible, but the walk is not accessible for baby carriages and wheelchairs (see practical info).

Much of the walk takes place in the coolness of the forest and the Versoix river, ideal for hot summer days. When you leave the woods, in good weather, there are magnificent views of the Jura mountain range (the Aiguille de la Faucille and the Boule Blanc de la Dole are easily recognisable) and the Alps (Mont Blanc).

This Swiss hike was done on snowshoes but could easily be done on foot, especially in autumn or spring, to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Col du Marchairuz connects the Vallée de Joux to Lake Geneva.

This is a beautiful hike that has the advantage of being in Switzerland, where hunting is closed on Sundays. The upper part of the route is on a wide ridge with sunny pastures and a picnic area with two tables. There are a few viewpoints on the north side overlooking the L'Ajoie plain with the Vosges mountains in the background. On the other side, you can see the Haut-Doubs and the Jura mountains, including the famous Chasseral. In between, there is plenty of nature to enjoy, with a good portion of the walk taking place in the shade of the trees, which is very pleasant in hot weather.

This hike takes place in the Swiss Jura mountains, both in the canton of Basel-Landschaft and especially in the canton of Jura, right on the border with France near Kiffis. Magnificent, varied landscapes of hills, pastures, forests and small villages clinging to the hillsides or nestled in the valleys. These are picture-postcard landscapes, which walkers can explore via paths and trails that wind their way up and down hills in beautiful, well-maintained natural surroundings.

The Tours d'Aï and Mayen are twin peaks visible from afar. The Tour d'AÏ is slightly higher than its neighbour, and also visited more frequently. It's a progressive climb which offers an aerial tour at the very end. Amazing views of Lac Léman, le Chablais, les Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif from the summit.

As its name suggests, this summit offers a superb panorama, particularly of the nearby Dents du Midi. The proposed route offers a pleasant walk mainly through mountain pastures.

A beautiful walk in the canton of Jura from the charming village of Bourrignon, passing by high-altitude farms, La Caquerelle at the junction between the Delémont valley, Ajoie and Clos du Doubs, Col des Rangiers and Les Ourdons. All these places offer wide open spaces with magnificent panoramic views of the Jura, Alps and Vosges mountains. Very pleasant in all seasons.

A superb walk along the River Areuse with its various gradients and several bridges spanning it, leading out of the gorges to a magnificent view of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. The return journey from this hike will be by train from Bole station.

A walk that varies between forest paths, following streams and crossing vineyards, and the old village of Dardagny.Can also be done by mountain bike (except for one section - from point (7): bypass via Essertines).

Circular hike (figure of 8) with a shared section to the Réclère caves.

A route allowing you to see the heights of Arlesheim via several castles, the Kirschenland (cherry country), the Schartenflue (with its panoramic tower) as well as the Goetheanum and quaint picturesque houses in Dornach.

A superb snowshoe hike takes you to the summit of Dent de Vaulion with a 360° panoramic view of the Alps. Good weather is really a must for this walk if you want to enjoy the exceptional view of the Alps in particular, not to mention the three lakes: Léman, Joux and Brenet.

The Rhine Falls are waterfalls located between Neuhausen (right bank) and Flurlingen (left bank) in Switzerland, downstream from Schaffhausen. With a height of 23 metres and a width of 150 metres, they are among the largest in Europe. When the Rhine has its average flow, 750m3/s of water rushes over the rocks.

This circular route, entirely in Switzerland, takes you through the beautiful valleys of the Jura, near the resort of Les Rousses. After climbing Le Noirmont, you will reach Mont Sâla via Creux du Croue. In clear weather, there are magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The route is not particularly difficult, but the climb up to Le Noirmont is quite steep and quite long.

A short walk along the French-Swiss border, mainly through forest, perfect for getting back into shape after a period of inactivity.

This is a challenging walk, best done in dry weather, with a steady climb followed by a fairly technical descent through undergrowth with roots and stones. Nature lovers will be delighted by the Doubs valley and its banks, the views from the Roches des Sommêtres and the architecture of the churches and houses in the village of Le Noirmont.

An easy walk in the hills above Savièse, combining bisses and fields.

The Tours d'Aï and Mayen are twin peaks visible from afar. The Tour de Mayen is slightly lower than its neighbour, not as busy and provides a more wilderness setting. The climb is progressive with two stages, the Chalets de Mayen and Segray Lake. Just beneath the summit, a very clear view of Lac Léman, les Diablerets, le Chablais, les dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.

A tour of Geneva city centre that takes in the main tourist attractions of the old town, including the port and all its hustle and bustle.

This circular route, just a few kilometres from the city, immerses you in nature in a surprising way, allowing you to discover two rivers in the Canton of Geneva, then the vineyards of Dardagny. It can be done in either direction.

After passing through Swiss stone pine forests, this circular hike leads to an impressive record-breaker: the Charles Kuonen Footbridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.

A pleasant walk along the "Riviera of Lake Geneva", with superb panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, the grand residences of Montreux and the famous Château de Chillon. This walk is proposed as a one-way trip with the option of returning either by boat or on foot.

This hike begins in the magnificent medieval town of Sainte-Ursanne on the banks of the Doubs. I suggest you walk in the Clos du Doubs region, in the heart of the Swiss Jura. We will first head up to the hills, to the villages of Montenol and Epauvillers. The panoramic views here are stunning. You will gradually descend towards the Doubs, which winds its way between pastures and forests. The sound of the water, the tinkling of cow bells and the scents of the countryside will transport you to another world...

A circular hike that follows the ridge of the Aiguilles de Baulmes. Magnificent views all along the way of the Alps, which seem very close, and, at both ends, of some of the peaks of the Jura. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to follow the tracks all along the route.

A not too busy hike up to a summit offering a vast panoramic view. A relatively challenging route with some aerial passages requesting a certain sense of itinerary at times. The beginning of the hikes passes through Tanay site and its lake.

6th stage of the Mont Blanc tour: from the Relais d'Arpette to the Forclaz Pass via la Fenêtre d'Arpette.

The peaceful village of Pleigne is located on a Jura plateau at an altitude of around 800 metres. It is the centre of a commune that stretches north to the French-Swiss border marked by the Lucelle, the river that gave its name to the lake and the small town famous for its Cistercian abbey.The route begins with the Pleigne panoramic trail and observation tower, then leaves the plateau, its pastures and farms, to descend around Lake Lucelle. Return along the river, passing close to the caves, to climb back up to the plateau through the Côte de May forest and its legendary Rocher de la Fille de Mai (Rock of the May Girl).

Starting in Vitznau, climb to the summit of the Vitznauerstock/Gersauerstock for a superb view of Lake Lucerne.

An uphill hike taking you to the foot of the Eastern Peak (Cime de l'Est), eastern peninsular of "les Dents du Midi", with mind-blowing mountain view points and a panoramic view extending towards the Vaudois Alps. A challenging itinerary with a short aerial path through ridges.

The Cabane du Vélan (2,642 m) is nothing like a traditional Swiss hut. Its bold, futuristic architecture, adorned with solar panels (inaugurated in 1993), makes it look more like a ship than a refuge and has earned it the Ligue de Protection du Patrimoine award. It enjoys an exceptional location above moraines and glaciers, with magnificent views of the Grand Combin massif (4,312 m) and Mont Vélan (3,727 m).

Lac de Salanfe is located in a large cirque, which is most easily accessed from the east via the Vallon de Van d'En Haut. From the Emosson dam, two passes offer access to this magnificent lake. In a high mountain setting, you can admire the Ruan massif to the south-west and the Dents du Midi massif to the north-west. During these two days, you will cross the Barberine, Emaney and Fenestral passes.

The Dent de Lys is a summit that lives up to the elegance of its name and offers superb panoramic views! Its ascent includes steep and exposed sections that make it suitable only for experienced hikers.

A magnificent hike starting from the Auberge de la Cergniaulaz restaurant with free parking. Accessible in summer with the chance to see fields full of daffodils in early May, and in winter on snowshoes or touring skis. It's quite a climb at the start, but the surrounding mountain scenery and the beauty of the forests and wildlife make you forget the effort. The view of the lake on the descent from the summit of Folly is breathtaking, and if you're there around August, you can refuel with thousands of wild blueberries on the way down from Molard. The Cergniaulaz restaurant offers semi-gourmet dishes but is very hiker-friendly, and you can also enjoy some typical dishes such as planchette, fondue or rösti. Their tart of the day was to die for. 

The second stage of the route involves crossing two passes, the Louvie and the Prafleuri, both of which were snow-covered.