Hiking in Switzerland — A Practical Guide for New Residents

Yellow signposts (Wanderweg) mean easy valley walks suitable for everyone.

White-red-white markings (Bergweg) mean mountain paths requiring sure-footedness and appropriate footwear.

White-blue-white markings (Alpinweg) mean alpine routes requiring experience and equipment.

Most expats do not know this system exists and underestimate difficulty as a result. Always check the marking colour before choosing a route.

The Swiss Alpine Club membership costs approximately CHF 130 per year. It gives access to mountain huts at member rates, mountain rescue insurance, and detailed trail maps. For anyone planning to hike beyond easy valley walks this is highly recommended. Membership is open to all Swiss residents and can be applied for online at sac-cas.ch.

A helicopter rescue in Switzerland costs CHF 10,000 or more without insurance. A Rega partner card costs approximately CHF 40 per year for a family and covers the full rescue cost. This is one of the most important and least-known financial facts for new residents who hike.

Standard Swiss health insurance does NOT cover mountain rescue. Sign up at rega.ch.

Switzerland's SBB train and PostBus network connects almost every major trailhead. Most trail starting points are reachable without a car. The Halbtax card halves all SBB fares and costs CHF 185 per year — strongly recommended for anyone using trains regularly.

• Zurich area: Uetliberg (20 minutes from city centre by S-Bahn), Albis ridge.
• Bern area: Gurten (funicular from the city), Gantrisch nature park.
• Geneva area: Salève just across the French border, Jura foothills.
• Zug area: Zugerberg with views over the lake.

• Download the swisstopo app for offline Swiss maps.
• Check MeteoSwiss for mountain weather, not a general weather app.
• Wear proper walking shoes on any white-red-white route.
• Tell someone where you are going.
• Bring water, snacks, a fully charged phone and a power bank.

Exploring Switzerland is one of the best parts of living here. But before the adventures begin, make sure your first 90 days of admin are sorted. Get your free personalised canton checklist — permits, registration and health insurance deadlines all in one place.