What could be better than enjoying a glass of wine surrounded by nature? We have collected the most beautiful wine hiking trails in Switzerland.
The vineyard educational trail with 17 information panels leads to Visperterminen, the highest vineyard area in Europe at 1,150m/3772ft above sea level. This is the home of the Heida grape (also known as Savagnin Blanc). It is worth planning enough time not only for the hike but to visit vintners in Visperterminen, such as the St. Jodern winery, or to stroll around the city of Visp in the canton of Valais.
Website: heidadorf.ch
Opened in 2007, the wine trail consists of three parallel routes so you can explore the wine regions of Valais on foot, by bike or by bus. The 65km/40 mile trail mainly consists of natural paths.
At various stages of the trail, nature and Valais wine can be combined and a wine tasting in one of the numerous wineries rounds off the hike nicely. If you're hungry at the end of the hike, you can indulge yourself in a nearby restaurant. Those who want to spend a whole weekend in the Valais vineyards can stay overnight in one of the charming guest rooms at a winegrower's home.
Website: lesvinsduvalais.ch/winepath
The stretch from Sierre to Salgesch is included in the route from Martigny to Leuk, but this 6km/3 mile wine trail deserves special attention. The marked tour is accessible all year round and leads along paths with very little traffic. The trail leads along winegrowers' quarters, crosses vineyards and the Raspille Gorge.
Eighty information and educational panels focus on the landscape, the different grape varieties, viticulture and the history of the vine. If you want to enjoy yourself at the end of the hike, go to Didier de Courten's restaurant in Sierre.
Website: sierretourisme.ch
The wine terraces of Lavaux, built into the hillside, have been protected by UNESCO since 2007 and are thus part of the World Heritage Site. With more than 800 hectares, Lavaux is the largest contiguous wine-growing area in Switzerland. The 11.7km/7.3 mile hike begins in mediaeval St. Saphorin, which has narrow streets and characteristic winegrowers' houses.
For refreshments before the hike, the Auberge de l'Onde is well worth a visit, with its centuries-old tradition of hospitality. The route to Lutry leads through vineyards dating back to the 12th century and picturesque villages. In the local wine cellars fine wines made from the Chasselas grape can be tasted.
Website: myswitzerland.com
The 13km/8 mile long hillside hike from Boudry to St. Aubin entices with dream-like views of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alpine chain. During the hike you will cross forests and vineyards where the local Chasselas grape so typical of this region is grown. In Boudry you can visit the castle which houses an 18th-century wine cellar and a winegrowers' museum.
Website: myswitzerland.com
The northern shore of Lake Biel is used for growing vines. There, an approximately 15km/9 mile long vineyard trail leads from Biel to La Neuveville. The trail offers an insight into the work of the regional winegrowers. Between Twann and Ligerz there is also a vineyard educational trail that provides information about wine in general, but also about viticulture on Lake Biel.
During the hike you not only have constant views over Lake Biel, you also enjoy a wonderful view of St. Peter's Island. Once you arrive in La Neuveville, it's worth visiting the pretty old town or the lakeside promenade. Most Lake Biel winegrowers also offer tastings.
Website: vinsdulacdebienne.ch
With a gradient of up to 80%, the Schiterberg is the steepest contiguous vineyard in the canton of Zurich. The wine trail is about two hours long and leads from Andelfingen to the vineyard slopes in Kleinandelfingen. At the very beginning of the hike, a detour can be made to the romantic Andelfingen Castle Park.
Thanks to the steep slopes, the vines are ideally inclined towards the sun. Wine has been grown on the Schiterberg since the 14th century - today 18 different grape varieties grow in the vineyards. Some winegrowers offer guided tours of the vineyards, tastings as well as aperitifs.
Website: zuercher-weinland.ch
The nine kilometre hiking route leads from Weinfelden station via Ottoberg and Boltshausen back to Weinfelden. At the beginning of the hike, you can pick up a wine trail rucksack with provisions and a glass at the SBB counter in Weinfelden for 25 CHF/€24/US$27 (only during SBB counter opening hours). The backpack also contains the code to the wine safe, where Weinfelden wines are available for tasting.
From the vineyards of the Ottenberg, hikers have a wonderful view of the Thur valley. Thirty panels provide information about vine development, varieties, winemaking and the Weinfeld winegrowers. In the wineries along the way, wine can be bought to take home.
Website: weinweg-weinfelden.ch
The Rhine Valley beckons with the fine wines of the Bündner Herrschaft. The entire signposted wine hiking trail covers 40km/25 miles. The three circular hikes Fläsch/Maienfeld, Malans/Jenins and Zizers are a special highlight. The trail from Fläsch to Malans is also a beautiful route and a detour to the spa village of Maienfeld is well worthwhile. The wines can be tasted in inns along the wine trail or by appointment at almost every winery in the region.
Website: graubuendenwein.ch
Merlot has been grown in the Mendrisiotto for more than 100 years. There are three wine trails here equipped with a total of 30 information panels. They provide details about the local viticulture and wine production.
This is a sunny area with lakes, olive trees and green hills to be enjoyed. Along the slopes of Monte San Giorgio and Monte Generoso, you will repeatedly pass winegrowers‘ houses, some of whom open their cellars or even offer an evening tasting programme.
Website: ticino.ch
Note: This list of wine walks was researched by the authors and compiled with the help of tips from the community. If you have further recommendations - we are very grateful for suggestions and news via Mail.
