Switzerland Tourism asks visitors to take a hike

Switzerland Tourism asks visitors to take a hike
By Travel Weekly


Switzerland Tourism has launched its 2019 summer campaign which encourages visitors to take a hike – literally.

A continuation of the tourism board’s overarching ‘Nature Wants You Back’ campaign, which kicked off in 2017, this year’s hiking theme aims to showcase the 65,000 kilometres of trails on offer around the country.

Known for its pristine natural assets of majestic snow-capped mountains, glassy lakes, waterfalls, verdant valleys and moors, Switzerland also has a dense network of hiking trails, all of which are clearly marked by 50,000 signposts and way-markers, thanks to the work of 1,500 volunteers who help to set up and maintain the signage.

With about half the visitors to Switzerland embarking on at least one hike during their stay, the tourism board reports that 85 per cent of these hikes are independently arranged.

The three key hiking trails in this year’s campaign where travellers and hikers can go classic, go wild or go soft are the Via Alpina, the Alpine Passes Trail and the Jura Crest Trail.

The Via Alpina (pictured above) is the classic among the long-distance hikes in Switzerland. Crossing 14 of the most beautiful alpine passes, it leads through the northern Alps of Switzerland, where hikers can experience the picture-postcard scenery first hand.

The Alpine Passes Trail is challenging and wild, with a promise to deliver an amazing experience in the great outdoors.

Alpine Passes Trail

The Alpine Passes Trail

Connecting Chur with Lake Geneva via some of the most stunning passes in the Graubünden and Valais Alps, this trail is ideal for long-distance hikers, where they will enjoy endless pristine nature, views of 4,000-metre peaks and classic mountain huts.

Gentle and relatively unknown to non-Swiss hikers, the Jura Crest Trail is the oldest long-distance trail in Switzerland.

Jura Crest

Jura Crest

Connecting Zurich and Geneva via the Jura mountains, the untouched landscape and tranquil appeal of the remoteness and glorious views make this easy graded hike a local favourite.

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