The 5 Dumbest Mistakes We Make Hiking in Switzerland (And How Not to Be That Tourist)

Ever thought you were nailing your Swiss Alps hike… only to realize you’re on a cow path wearing Nike Frees, out of water, with zero francs and no idea what the word Alpwirtschaft means? I have been there. Loved it. I learned the hard way.

Switzerland isn’t just another scenic country — it’s a hiking institution. This place treats trails the way Paris treats pastries: with tradition, pride, and layers. From effortless lakeside strolls to cable-car-to-summit thrillers, Swiss trails are vast, varied, and stupidly beautiful. But if you aren’t clued in, it’s easy to look — and feel — completely out of place.

So, here’s a lovingly sarcastic list of the most common trail mistakes travelers make in Switzerland... and how not to be that tourist who ends up confused, lost, or worse — offending a cow.

1. Wearing Street Sneakers on Alpine Gravel

Mistake: Showing up in all-white gym shoes because the hike looked “easy” on Instagram.

Reality: Swiss “easy” = potential altitude, unpredictable gravel, and sections that lean suspiciously toward cardio death.

Trails like the iconic Five Lakes Walk in Zermatt or Bachalpsee in Grindelwald are labeled “leicht” (easy)…