The best day hikes in Switzerland for stunningly beautiful views

So you want to plan a day hike in Switzerland, and are looking for the most beautiful options out there – especially if you’re short on time?

That’s something I can help you with.

I spent four magical years living in Switzerland – my first year living with some work colleagues in Interlaken, and the next three alone by the mountains in Meiringen. (I share all about this in my book, Mountain Song: A Journey to Finding Quiet by the Swiss Alps).

During my time in Switzerland, I spent most of my hiking time in the beautiful Berner Oberland where I lived, but I also headed out often for hikes elsewhere in the country – especially as part of my project to hike across Switzerland on the Via Alpina. That said…

The best place to base yourself in Switzerland for hiking

I know I’m biased, but I’d still always say that the Berner Oberland is the best place to base yourself for hiking in Switzerland. You’re so spoilt for choice here – everywhere you look there are stunning mountain trails.

Many people on hiking trips to Switzerland decide to stay in Interlaken, but I actually think that’s a bit of a mistake. There are so many places near Interlaken that have all of the same advantages – incredible scenery, proximity to lakes and mountains – but just without the huge crowds of tourists everywhere.

Again, I write a lot about this in my book! But the main summary is that I decided to move thirty minutes train ride down the road to Meiringen, and I still think it’s a perfect base for a hiking trip to Switzerland. It’s quiet, slightly off the beaten track, and surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. And you can get a direct train to either Luzern or Interlaken to easily navigate the rest of the country.

Slightly closer to Interlaken is Brienz, which is another incredible choice. In some ways, it’s perhaps better situated than Meiringen, as it’s closer to Interlaken for travel connections and you get the stunningly beautiful Lake Brienz on your doorstep (as well as the old steam train up the Brienzer Rothorn mountain). But it all depends on the places you want to be close to.

My pick of the best hikes in Switzerland

Now, the main reason that you’re reading this is probably to figure out the best hikes in Switzerland. So without further ado, here’s my round-up of the most beautiful day hikes in Switzerland that I wish I could be doing right now…