All hikes: Past castles

The mule track over the Simplon, developed over 300 years ago by Kaspar Stockalper, has long handed over its economic importance to new roads. However, a few years ago it was reborn as a cultural hiking trail.

Gruyères Castle, once belonging to the counts, presides over the medieval town of Gruyères from the top of the hill. The small historic town lies 100 m above the Saane, and that is right where this hike is headed.

From the quay in Ouchy, the ViaFrancigena runs along the Lac Léman shores to Vilette. It then winds through the Lavaux terraces, now a UNESCO World Heritage. Fantastic views over Lac Léman.

Through the village of Blauen, famed for its award-winning historic appearance, an old pilgrims' path leads past the Metzerlenkreuz and Rotberg Castle to the Benedictine abbey at Mariastein, the second-most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland.

Very varied, contoured route via Neuburg, Hochwacht Mammern and the Klingszell pilgrimage church, to Stein am Rhein. En route: picturesque views of the end of the Untersee with the old town of Stein, Insel Werd and Hohenklingen Castle.

The route leads through the Baselbiet Tafeljura along the historic Hauenstein section. The Ergolztal and Homburgertal valleys are home to impressive castles and massive fortress ruins as well as Switzerland's oldest railway bridges.

Gravel banks, footbridges and countless picnic areas line the River Töss between Turbenthal and Sennhof. The hike’s destination is Schloss Kyburg, which towers majestically over the Töss Valley.

The trail leads alongside the Lake Thun via Därligen to Meielisalp above Leissigen. The hanging bridge over the Spissibach stream affords an enchanting panorama. The trail continues via Krattigen past Faulensee to Spiez on the most beautiful bay in Europe with its castle and vineyards.

This hike with its many views offers a unique view of the Thurtal and the distant Alps throughout its entire length. In this vineyard region, you will hike alongside the well-known Iselisberg to the Kartause Ittingen in Warth, a Carthusian monastery and cultural centre of international importance.

From Brugg, climb up to the Gebenstorfer Horn, the perfect viewing platform for the Switzerland's «Wasserschloss». Along the Jura ridgeway to Baldegg with views of the Alps, then down to the former Habsburg Stein Castle and down to the beautiful Baden old town.

The ViaSurprise leads through the Chaltbrunnental valley, over small bridges and walkways, past caves and traces of prehistoric landscapes. Running alongside the Birs river, the trail makes its way to Zwingen and its secluded moated castle.

From Biasca, the route leads through the Rivieratal valley, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other side of the Ticino River. A peaceful hike through alluvial forest and along the riverbank, ending in the middle of the fortifications of Bellinzona.

A gentle walk through times gone by: from the small Habsburg town of Mellingen to a similar little gem. The old town of Bremgarten. The meandering Reuss is the walker's constant companion, fringing the trail with idyllic water meadows.

A valley hike alongside the babbling Jaunbach crossing the language boundary to Charmey, following Lac de Montsalvens, with its many coves, to the dam and the spectacular Jaun-Schlucht gorge down to Broc and the famous Gruyère Castle.