All hikes: Over a pass

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.

The circular trail brings the history of the Heinzenberg landslides to life. With stunning views of Piz Beverin and the Safien valley, various stops along the way offer insight into a unique landscape that has been shaped by both nature and man.

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.

Descent on the south side of the Simplonpass through fascinating Alpine cultural and natural landscape with alp settlements and hamlets to Simplon village. Almost always along the Stockalperweg trail. Museum on the history of the pass in Simplon village.

A tough climb to Stöcklichrüz and a superb high-level hike around the northern end of Sihlsee lake to Einsiedeln. The St. Meinrads Chapel on Etzelpass and the house where Paracelsus was born are popular resting places, not just for pilgrims.

Gentle climb alongside the Glisbach stream, through forest and moorland, over the Hahnenmoos Pass, then down to Lenk, superbly set in the Hinter Simmental basin, with spectacular waterfalls and the perfect backdrop of the Wildstrubel massif.

Brünig offers a magnificent mountain panorama with the high Bernese Oberland summits and eternal snow. The trail leads along sunny slopes above the Brienzersee lake, allowing you to experience an exceptionally lovely landscape.

Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from the mountain chain with the Tête de Ran and Mont Racine peaks. From the Rocher des Tablettes, you can take in the breathtaking view down to Lake Neuchâtel before you begin the steep descent to Noiraigue.

The Jura Crest Trail links Zurich and Geneva in a sweeping arc. Running through two linguistic regions, the long trail boasts extensive views and the discovery of a varied landscape. A respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and mass tourism.

The hike from Siebnen to St. Meinrad is uphill. But efforts are rewarded and not only with views of the Obersee. The St. Meinrad Chapel and Inn both make an impression with their long history and stunning location on the Etzelpass.

The long-distance Trans Swiss Trail from Porrentruy to Mendrisio is one of the last great adventures in highly-developed Switzerland. A variety of landscapes, cultures and places of interest await along the 32 stages of the 488-km trail.

The Schauenberg offers magnificent views of the Alps. After idyllic Bichelsee lake, the ridge walk begins, with views into countless valleys. Over Pro Natura’s Alp Ergeten with a pre-Alpine character and extensive farming, to the head of the Hulftegg Pass.

The Alpine Panorama Trail from Bodensee to Lac Léman promises many views of Alpine peaks as well as of the Mittelland and Jura. The route leads through the traditional agricultural landscape of the Alpine foothills, still dominated by milk and cheese production.

From charming Schwarzsee to Breccaschlund and into the jagged limestone landscape of the Greyerzer Alps, over the relatively low Euschelspass, carved out by glaciers, to Jaun, the only German-speaking village in the Gruyère region.

Splendid hike to Lutertannen and over the Risipass vantage point to Stein in Toggenburg. Meadows and Alpine pastures, near-to-nature low-moor marshes and coniferous forests alternate in colourful sequence.

Towering 1,679 metres above sea level, Mont Tendre is the highest peak in the Swiss Jura and offers superlative 360-degree panoramic views.

A spectacular climb high above the Saltinaschlucht (gorge) and through the lonely Taverntal valley to the Simplonpass. Impressive historic trail and buildings such as Stockalper Castle in Brig and the Hospiz (hospice) at the head of the pass.