All hikes: With panoramic view

In the Creux du Van across Lake Neuchâtel, nature presents itself as a giant natural amphitheatre. Admittedly, though, the prime seats in the 160 metre high wall seem to have been reserved for the ibex!

Whichever direction you walk the Lötschental mountain path - whether from the Fafleralp to the Lauchernalp and on to Goppenstein or the other way round - this must be one of the most impressive high-altitude routes of its kind. Gushing mountain streams rush down from the glaciers on the surrounding mountains, contrasting with the still waters of the picturesque Schwarzsee.

The Freiburger Vorlalpenweg leads in five one-day stages from the medieval town of Fribourg past picturesque Schwarzsee, into the Gruyère region, then along the Gastlosen chain to verdant Pays d’Enhaut and down to the balloonists’ Mecca of Château-d’Oex.

Squirrels accompany one to the Schatzalp, after which every step of the way changes with a view of the Jakobshorn. On over the Strelapass - inhabited in the 14th century by the Walser Arosa - followed by a rocky valley descent to pastures and the Walser settlement, Dörfji – as well as the homely Graubünden mountain village, Langwies.

The varied pre-Alpine tour leads from the famous monastery town of Einsiedeln along an old pilgrims’ path over the Chatzenstrick to the almost as famous upland moors of Rothenthurm, then on over the Raten (views!) to the tranquil Aegerisee lake in the Zug region.

From the Hulfteggpass , the trail leads down into the tiny village of Mühlrüti, from where it climbs again and leads past the legend-shrouded vantage point of St. Iddaburg. At Wurenholz the Höhenweg merges with the Thurweg and ends at the famous abbey town of Wil.

Second section of the Europaweg trail. Challenging, in places hewn from solid rock, running through tunnels, galleries and over bridges. Spectacular panoramic tour with views of the Valais 4000-m peaks, fabulous finale at the Leisee lake above Zermatt.

From the Residence of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the romantic Grüscha Way leads through the Princely Forest to the panoramic Walser high-altitude village of Triesenberg and then via the hamlet of Rotaboda back to Vaduz.

Pure hiking pleasure – the trail that is dedicated to Switzerland is just as diverse as the country itself.

In the late Middle Ages, the «Sbrinz» hard cheese became a top Inner Switzerland export at the markets of Northern Italy. Not least because the mule track over the Grimsel and Gries Passes became a well- developed trade route.

The Vallon des Vaux path takes walkers through the trees up to Tour St-Martin, the only trace of the existence of an important village in the Middle Ages. The path offers a view of countless landscapes as well as a stunning panorama of the lake and the Jura.

This route leads from Oberstammheim to the Schwandegg and Girsberg Castles and back again. This particularly well-kept landscape with it's romantic timber-framed buildings and historic aspects is always well worth a visit.

Many spots with views of the Urnersee lake in all its splendour. Interesting and impressive houses between Seelisberg and Bauen as well as at Seedorf. Plenty of places for refreshment and playgrounds en route.

The first part of this stage is hard going, but worth the effort, as it takes you to the highlight of the tour: the imposing Creux du Van rock arena – Switzerland’s version of the Grand Canyon. Via rolling pastureland, the home of music boxes and music automatons awaits.

The Walserweg Graubünden follows the tracks of the Walsers in the high valleys of Graubunden in 23 one-day stages (total 300 km). The route leads along historic trails through breathtaking nature and intact cultivated landscapes. Hikers gain insights into the culture and history of the Walser folk.

This walk offers exceptional views in an old Swiss stone pine forest and over the lakes of the Upper Engadin.

From Rossinière to the Col de Solomon, via a bridge dating back to 1650. After the descent into the Hongrin Valley, the climb up the Col de Chaude with superb views of Lake Geneva awaits. From there, the route continues uphill to the intermediate station of the Rochers de Naye cog railway.

Wonderful high-level hike above the Rhone Valley through Valais villages, on down into Vallon de Réchy. From the head of the Grand Bisse de Vercorin alongside the open suone (irrigation channels) to Réfuge du Bisse. Lovely old centre at the church in Vercorin.

High-level path in Alpine foothills from Kiental to Kandersteg. High above the Kandertal through forests and over Alpine pastures. Fascinating views down to the trains of the Lötschberg Railway, which roll through the Kandertal like a model railway.

From Vevey the route follows the lake to Villeneuve. The Swiss Museum of Games in the castle at Tour-de-Peilz and famous Schloss Chillon are worth a visit before you reach the Chablais wine region.

A different way of climbing the summit of the Moléson, this walk passes through the mountain pastures typical of Fribourg’s cultural landscape. It offers a fine opportunity for walkers to admire the centuries-old work of the «armaillis».

The itinerary «Valle del Salto» in Maggia leads on nice paths and represents no important differences in height. It winds into the valley passing by pastures, where you can admire paved and cobbled paths, beautiful stone stairs, sturdy retaining walls and many stone constructions.

The last section leads from Pontresina to unteren Schafberg and the Segantini Hut, the place where Giovanni Segantini died. The hike continues to Samedan, over the Muottas Muragl, with impressive views of the Oberengadin.

Explore the unique countryside between the Bodensee and the Säntis on the Appenzellerland Culture Trail, a hike across Appenzellerland. Fifty interesting and varied cultural objects wait to be discovered.

Down between the Rigi Kulm and the ridge leading to Rigi Scheidegg. Views of the Gnipen with the area where the Goldau rockslide started in 1806. Plenty of time in Goldau for a detour to the animal park.

The Benedictine way leads from the cloister in Engelberg to the one at Maria-Rickenbach. The route is quite varied and offers beautiful panoramic views of the valley and mountains.

The high Biber valley, the plain between Rothenthurm and Biberbrugg, ranks as an especially beautiful moorland area of national importance. The well-signed moorland path passes through this unique protected moorland (a model for moor conservation in Switzerland).

This route is very popular with hikers of all ages. From the Rigi Kulm upper station, the gentle descent to Rigi Kaltbad takes just over an hour. This high-altitude hike offers magnificent views over the Swiss Plateau, reaching as far as the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains.

An impressive route over sunny terraces with colourful dry grassland and superb views of the mountain world. On the way: a typical Engadine village, an old convalescent hotel, hanging bridges and mountain trails, passing lakes, waterfalls and glacier residue.

From Rorschach with large granary dating from 1749 and quay up to Wartensee Castle with the best views over the Bodensee. The Grimmenstein ruins on the next row of hills keeps an eye on the lively variety in compact Ostschweiz.