Fall Hikes with Your Dog: Our Most Beautiful Trails in Switzerland

Our Hiking Tips for Fall

There’s hardly any other season as perfect for hiking as fall. The summer heat is over, and nature is at its most colorful. We’ve put together a few of our favorite hikes for you and your four-legged friend.

Via Engiadina, Stage 1: From Maloja to Silvaplana (GR)

Moderate, 12 km, approx. 3:45 h, 560 m elevation gain and loss

The first stage of the Via Engiadina starts in Maloja and winds its way up and down high above Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. Along the way, views of the Engadin lake landscape open up time and again. Especially in the fall, it’s a postcard-perfect scene that makes a stop worth your while—for you and your furry friend! Passing through Grevasalvas—which became famous as the filming location for the Heidi movie—and continuing toward Sils, the trail eventually winds its way to the stage’s destination, Silvaplana, where the lake of the same name invites you to linger. Since the route leads through open alpine pastures, extra caution is needed here: keep your four-legged friend securely on a leash near grazing livestock. You can find more information about the tour at graubuenden.ch.

Walk to Gantrischseeli, Gantrisch Nature Park (BE)

Easy, 2.1 km, approx. 1:00 h, 109 m elevation gain and loss

Those who prefer a leisurely hike will find the perfect fall hike in Gantrisch Nature Park: Starting from the parking lot at the Untere Gantrischhütte, the trail leads along an alpine road and through a short, rocky section and open forest clearings up to Gantrischseeli. The small lake is idyllically situated in a hollow and, with a few lovely spots along the shore, invites you to take a break. The return trip takes you through the sparse forest back up to the Gantrisch Hut and then slightly downhill along the alpine road to the starting point. You can find more information about the route on the Gantrisch Nature Park website.

Circular Hike from Bettmeralp to the Chatzulechern, Aletsch Arena (VS)

Moderate, 11.6 km, approx. 4:30 h, 688 m elevation gain and loss

For energetic four-legged friends, a trip to Valais is well worth it: From the Bettmeralp cable car’s upper station, the route leads past Lake Bettmer and Lake Blausee up to the upper station of the Moosfluh Glacier Cable Car. There, one of the region’s most beautiful views awaits: the panoramic vista of the Great Aletsch Glacier and the Valais four-thousanders. The trail continues down to the Chatzulecher Lakes, which lie emerald green right at the edge of the glacier and are perfect for a long rest. The return trip follows the same route back to Bettmeralp. Since a large part of the trail runs along narrow paths and open terrain, you and your four-legged friend should already have some hiking experience. The Aletsch Arena website offers more information about the tour.

Around Lake Klöntal (GL)

Easy, 12.7 km, approx. 3:30 h, 145 m elevation gain and loss

This gentle loop trail winds around Lake Klöntal, the “Pearl of the Glarus Region,” with almost no elevation gain—perfect for a peaceful fall day with your furry friend. The trail winds along the shore, past the Bärentritt and the Gessner Monument, while the surrounding forests take on vibrant colors and offer frequent views of the striking Glärnisch mountainside. Please note: The PostBus service runs only until mid-October, so it’s best to plan ahead. More information can be found on the Glarnerland website.

Keeping an Eye on Hunting Season and Shorter Days

In much of Switzerland, hunting season takes place in the fall—usually between September and December, depending on the canton. Check in advance to see if hunting is taking place in your hiking area, and make sure to keep your dog close by and on a leash at all times. Twilight also sets in much earlier than you might think, so starting in October, a headlamp for you and a reflective collar for your dog should be standard items in your backpack.

What to Pack

Be sure to pack plenty of water and a collapsible bowl, a small first-aid kit with tick tweezers and bandages, and a dog coat if your dog gets cold easily. With a little preparation, nothing will stand in the way of relaxing fall outings with your furry friend.

Our tip: As a Calingo customer, you’ll find a few discount codes in our loyalty program, so you can get everything you need for your fall hike—for both you and your four-legged friend—at a discount.

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Calingo hopes you have a great time on your next hike!