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Switzerland's hiking trail network is considered one of the densest, most varied and over all, best posted one in the world. More than 65,000 km of mountain and hiking trails are marked: lined up, all of these trails would circle the globe about 1.5 times! Please remember that the weather can change very rapidly in the mountains. Even though the sky may be clear when you set out, you should still take along warm clothes or a fold up jacket for inclement weather. Always tell someone at your hotel where you are hiking.

The categories are distinguished as follows:

Hiking trails
Usually leave the road and are not asphalted

Requirements: generally do not need any previous experience. When it is wet, snowy or icy, there is some danger that trails become slippery
Equipment: good hiking boots, all-weather gear, warm clothes, snack, sun screen, small first-aid kit
Marked: yellow

Mountain trails
Generally rather narrow and steep, sometimes with extreme exposure

Requirements: well-trained in mind and body, treacherous conditions and possible dangers may need to be estimated, sure footing, vertigo-free in exposed areas
Equipment: hiking boots with grip-soles, all-weather gear, warm clothes, snack, sun screen, small first-aid kit, map, if possible collapsible walking sticks
Marked: white-red-white

Alpine routes
Sometimes routed through trail-less areas, climbing may be necessary in some places

Requirements: well-trained in mind and body, mountain experience necessary, sure footing, vertigo-free in exposed areas, know how to use cable and ice pick, it is recommended that one only hikes with an experienced mountain guide.
Equipment: hiking boots with grip-soles, all-weather gear, warm clothes, snack, sun screen, small first-aid kit, map, altitude meter, compass, and if possible collapsible walking sticks, cables and ice picks
Marked: white-blue-white