Hiking and walking
in Switzerland (Part I)
Part: 1 2
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| There is no better place for hiking than Switzerland! |
 The
only problem is that the hiking season is rather short: July through September. In the mountain towns the hiking ranges from
easy walks to difficult climbs and is made easier by the mountain rides to the hiking areas.
For example, in Grindelwald, you can take a bus up a mountain, spend several hours walking across the mountain (stopping
for lunch in a restaurant, which is accessible only by walking or by gondola), and then take a gondola or bus back to the town.
Vacation rentals in these mountain towns are plentiful, inexpensive and easy to book when you are there or before you go.
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| When to go |
 The
best time for hiking in Switzerland is July. This is the warmest month (although it doesn't get that hot in the mountains) and
the wildflowers are in bloom.
Usually there is not much rain in July. Both August and September are also good months
for hiking, although there can be a light snow.
By October it can get very cold. The winter starts early and ends late in the mountains.
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| Where to go |
 For
the first hiking trip in Switzerland, it is recommended to go to Grindelwald or Zermatt. Both are spectacular locations and
very popular tourist destinations.
Grindelwald is in a big valley and has great hiking, and there are many other towns close
by (by train, bus or driving).
Zermatt is more isolated, at the end of a long valley with no other towns close by. But there is good hiking. There is no need
in a car for either of these locations.
Part: 1 2
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Switzerland-4You: be Swiss-Happy!
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| Duration |
The duration is given only for the climb up, unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g. for a circuit).
It usually takes half the time for the return into the valley. The duration should be considered as
nothing more than an indication. The effective time depends on the conditions and on your
physical shape.
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| Clothing |
In the mountains, the weather can change very quickly. You would be lucky enough to be
able to decide the night before, whether a hike should be undertaken or not, depending on
the weather forecast. This is obviously not the case for tourists, who stay in Switzerland
for a limited time. In any case, always be prepared for the worst: take a rain jacket, warm
vest, long sleeved t-shirt, a first aid kit, compass and detailed map of the area.
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| Food supply |
Although most huts are guarded, don't rely on that for food and beverages. Early or late in the
season, there might be no guardian at all. Some less visited huts don't have anybody. Get
informed before you leave. Or better: carry all you need with you. It is recommended to take
a lot of water, and energetic bars.
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