Hiking trails and tips for the autumn
Wake up refreshed, tuck into a hearty breakfast and pull on your hiking boots – set the tone for a perfect day’s hiking at one of our Swiss youth hostels. The adventure begins right on the doorstep – and it’s up to you to choose how and when. Take the next mountain railway or get walking right away. Catch the PostBus to your chosen hiking trail or jump on the train to the next village. Anything is possible. We offer you a wide range of trails and activities:
Alpine and mountain hikes
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Tip 1: Wildhorn hike: Auberge Sanetsch – Geltenhütte
This route from the Restaurant Barrage du Sanetsch (where you can enjoy the famous local apricot tarts in an idyllic setting) to the Geltenhütte cabin is part of the popular Wildhorn hike.
Duration: 6 h
More information on this stage of the Wildhorn hike
Suitable Hostels: Gstaad Saanenland Youth Hostel
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Tip 2: Glorious glacier worlds
The classic descent from Fuorcla Surlej to Pontresina starts in Murtèl and heads towards Fuorcla. Once you’ve reached the summit, it’s downhill all the way. The route winds tortuously through the rock formations that have been carved out by the ancient glaciers.
Duration: 4 h
More information on the hike (in German)
Suitable Hostels: Pontresina Youth Hostel / St. Moritz Youth Hostel
Easy hikes
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Tip 1: Jörisee lakes round trip
The Jörisee route offers hikers the chance to witness a stunning natural spectacle, with turquoise lakes in the heart of a barren mountain landscape.
Duration: 5 h
More information on the Jörisee hike
Suitable Hostels: Davos Youthpalace Hostel / Klosters Youth Hostel
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Tip 2: Five-lake hike
This largely flat route rewards hikers with a phenomenal mountain panorama and plenty of chances to stop and refuel. And if you’re feeling daring, why not take a dip in the crystal-clear, icy cold Grünsee before taking the Gornergrat mountain railway from Riffelalp back to Zermatt.
Duration: 2 h 30 mins
More information on the five-lake hike (in German)
Suitable Hostels: Zermatt Youth Hostel
Family hikes & walks
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Tip 1: Rhine Falls round trip
The Rhine Falls form the centrepiece of this hike. The route starts at Laufen Castle, standing majestically above the Rhine Falls, unfazed by the raging waters crashing at its feet. From here, walk down towards the water, cross the bridge and continue your hike on the opposite bank.
Duration: 2 h
More information on the Rhine Falls round trip (in German)
Suitable Hostels: Dachsen Youth Hostel
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Tip 2: The Apple Fritter trail – hiking heaven in the Jungfrau region
The Apple Fritter trail – or Öpfelchüechliweg – is ideal for families. The trail runs through the beautiful Grindelwald/Männlichen landscape, with plenty of interesting facts along the way for young and old alike.
Duration: 1 h 30 mins
More information on the Apple Fritter trail
Suitable Hostels: Grindelwald Youth Hostel
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Tip 3: Ibex promenade
The Ibex Trail offers varied and above all colourful view. It is an ideal trail for families and to learn more about these mountain goats and their favourite habitat.
Duration: 1 h 30 min
More infos on the Ibex promenade
Suitable Hostels: Pontresina Youth Hostel / St. Moritz Youth Hostel
Originally published by Swiss Youth Hostels
