Hiking

The first steps of every hike should be good planning and preparation. How challenging is the ascent to the sun terrace of the mountain restaurant? How sure-footed do I need to be to safely reach my hiking destination? Whether you are a Sunday walker or an ambitious long-distance hiker, here you will find the most important tips for choosing the right route, what you should not forget before setting off and what you should bear in mind along the way, so that nothing stands in the way of perfect hiking happiness.

When choosing the perfect hike, the information on difficulty level, duration and ascent and descent, which you can find for each tour on our Tour portal, and the official route categories of the Swiss Hiking Federation organisation will help you. Pay attention to the colours of the signposts along the way and learn the difference between hiking trails, mountain hiking trails and alpine hiking trails here.

Yellow signposts and lozenges

Hiking trails often run along wide paths, but they can also be narrow and uneven. Steep sections have steps and guardrails to protect against falls. Hiking trails have no special requirements and are generally suitable for everyone.

Yellow signposts with white-red-white tips, white-red-white markings

Mountain hiking trails sometimes run through rough terrain and are mostly steep, narrow and sometimes exposed. Ropes or chains are used to secure particularly difficult sections. Mountain hiking trails require sure-footedness and a good level of physical fitness. In addition, you should be free from giddiness and be aware of the dangers in the mountains, such as rockfall, the risk of slipping and falling, as well as rapid changes in the weather.

Blue signposts with white-blue-white tips, white-blue-white markings

On alpine hiking trails, you may encounter snowfields, glaciers or scree slopes, as well as sections through rock with short climbing sections. There is not always a path and structural precautions cannot be assumed. Similar to mountain hiking trails, you should be sure-footed, in good physical condition, have a head for heights and be well aware of the dangers in the mountains. If you are still unsure which hike is right for you, contact our tourist information office. They will be happy to advise you.

Have you found a hike that matches your interests, abilities and fitness level? Then it's time to start preparing for it:

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that are suitable for the hike and clothing appropriate for the weather. Also pack sun, wind and rain protection, a pocket first-aid kit, a pocket knife, a mobile phone, a hiking map (topographic hiking maps can be purchased at the tourist information office) and sufficient food and drinks in your backpack.
• Check the weather forecasts, opening hours of restaurants or huts where you might want to stop for a bite to eat, as well as public transport stops and timetables if you are planning to use them for part of the route or for your return journey.
• Inform family, friends or acquaintances about your hiking destination and the planned return time.

Welcome to the Engadin hiking dream. We hope you enjoy the fascinating flora and fauna and the breathtaking views to the full. Don't forget to take a break now and then and to drink enough. Signposts regularly provide information about the remaining time to the destination. Stay on the marked path and watch out for weather changes. If you feel unwell or a route is closed, please turn back or choose a suitable alternative route. And please keep the environment clean – so that those who follow in your hiking tracks can also enjoy the wonderful nature of the Engadin mountain world.