Wine trails of Switzerland

These six hiking trails are convincing in terms of taste and lead to the most beautiful places in Switzerland. 

#1 Across the “Bündner Herrschaft”

This “small region of big wines” provides plenty of inspiration for hikers. Three trails lead through the vineyards of Maienfeld/Fläsch, Malans/Jenins and Trimmis/Zizers. They can each be explored separately or in combination. Whatever you choose, you will surely appreciate a refreshing glass of wine on the terrace of the Alter Torkel inn when you arrive in Jenins! graubuendenwein.ch

Vineyard with autumn-colored leaves and mountains in the background.
What could be more enjoyable than a hike along the vineyards? © Heidiland Tourismus

#2 Wine trail Weinfelden

In the Ottenberg hills between Thurtal and Lake Constance, some innovative winegrowers take pride in producing characterful local wines. On this 9-kilometre trail starting and ending in Weinfelden, you will enjoy beautiful views of the Alpstein. Along the trail, 30 boards provide information about wine-growing and aspects such as the changing weather, which are also part of a winegrower’s life. weinweg-weinfelden.ch

Couple hiking up a hill between two rows of grapevines.
Why not take a detour between the vines? © Thurgau Tourismus

#3 Through the vines of Lake Biel

The vineyards on the northern shores of Lake Biel form a particularly graceful parcel of Switzerland. Hikers on the four-hour wine trail from Biel to La Neuveville enjoy a gentle stroll through pretty wine-growing villages with uninterrupted vistas of the Three-Lakes Region. There is an educational trail between Twann and the Winegrowing Museum in Ligerz. bielersee-tourismus.ch

Two benches within the vineyard looking down at Lake Biel.
This stunnig view invites you to stay a while. © Bielersee Tourismus

#4 Stunning views over Lake Lugano

Vico Morcote above Lake Lugano is one of the prettiest villages in the Ticino region. This is the point of departure for a 45-minute panoramic hike through the Tenuta Castello di Morcote estate up to Alp Vicania, where the Ristorante Vicania awaits with its delicious risottos! For those who would like to stay forever, the delightful Relais Castello di Morcote is the perfect address. relaiscastellodimorcote.ch

An old big tree and a luscious green vineyard on the side of Lake Lugano whose surface is glistening in the sunlight.
High above Lake Lugano, the vines grow particularly well. © Tenuta Castello di Morcote

#5 Picturesque terraces of Lavaux

In the Lavaux, the vineyard terraces tumble into Lake Geneva as if on a Dionysian stairway to heaven. The Terrasses de Lavaux trail runs from Saint-Saphorin to Lutry, right across this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site with its picturesque villages and sunny slopes: 11 kilometres, 3 hours – marked with signposts. Take a train or a steam-boat back to your point of departure. lavaux.ch

Group of people enjoying a hike up a tarred road along vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva.
Lavaux is the Swiss wine region par excellence. © Montreux Vevey Tourisme

#6 Wine trail in the Rhone Valley

You can quite literally hike your way through the wines of canton Valais. From Leuk to Martigny in the lower Rhone Valley, a magnificent wine trail meanders through the area in gentle ups and downs. The total distance of 65 kilometres takes four days on foot, but any of the individual legs, for instance the one which runs from Sierre to Sion in just under four hours, is also very enjoyable. cheminduvignoble.ch

Vineyards in a valley in autumn colors glistening in the evening sunlight.
Vineyards along the Rhone as far as the eye can see. © swiss-image.ch/Giglio Pasqua

Photos & Text: Claus Schweitzer