5 of the most beautiful wine hikes in Switzerland
Stroll through the vineyards on foot and taste wine: Go on a wine hike.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Wine walks in Switzerland combine light to moderate activities with wine tastings, regional cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Many routes pass directly by wineries, wine-growing villages, or restaurants and can be perfectly combined with wine tastings or culinary breaks.
Among the most beautiful routes that combine scenic highlights with Switzerland’s traditional winegrowing heritage are the trail from Lake Hallwil to Heidegg Castle, the Valais Wine Trail from Martigny to Leuk, the vineyards around Salgesch, the Weinfelden Wine Trail in Thurgau, and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux terraced vineyards on Lake Geneva.
Wine hike near Lucerne: from Lake Hallwil to Heidegg Castle
This wine hike north of Lucerne is considered a gem for all outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine hiking with wine tasting. The route from the southern end of Lake Hallwil to Heidegg Castle near Gelfingen winds through beautiful countryside, passing castles, lakes, and a palace. Along the way, you’ll pass by five wineries.
The hike through Lucerne’s Seetal valley takes about two to two and a half hours without any extended breaks. However, it’s worth taking the occasional detour – such as to the Lourdes Grotto near Hitzkirch. You’ll be treated to culinary delights at Heidegg Castle, where, on sunny Sundays, the Buvette serves local specialties and Heidegg wine.
Wine hike in Valais: the wine trail from Martigny to Leuk
Arguably the most famous wine hike in Switzerland follows the 65-kilometer-long wine trail in Valais from Martigny to Leuk. You can choose one of the four stages or complete the entire route in four or five days. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque wine-growing regions, historic villages, and small wine-growing towns.
In addition, spontaneous wine tastings are available in many towns along this Swiss wine trail. Alternatively, you can also complete the route on the 83-kilometer-long bike path, which is part of the “Veloland Schweiz” network, or by car on the signposted roads.
“Salgesch Wine Hike”: a culinary hiking experience with food and live music
Valais is Switzerland’s largest and most important wine-growing region. At the “Salgesch Wine Hike,” which will celebrate its premiere on September 12, 2026, the region’s oenological diversity will be complemented by select culinary delights at various food stands. Musical entertainment will also be provided.
But even on other days, the walk along the approximately eight-kilometer route from the center of Salgesch through the vineyard landscape up to the Mengis suone is well worth the effort. Afterward, the route takes you along the flat suone path above Salgesch, offering impressive views of the Rhône Valley.
Enjoy Italian wine culture at its finest: With your American Express Platinum Card, you’ll enjoy exclusive shopping benefits at the renowned Vergani wine shop. On your next wine purchase at Vergani of CHF 150 or more, you’ll receive a credit worth CHF 25.
Wine hike in Weinfelden: circular trail through the Thurgau vineyards
On your circular hike through the Thurgau vineyards, you can watch the winemakers at work and enjoy the view of the Thur Valley and the Alps beyond. Portraits of the winemakers and informational signs along the way provide anecdotes about local viticulture.
The nearly nine-kilometer route through the vineyards of Weinfelden, Boltshausen, and Ottoberg can easily be completed in three hours, including tasting breaks. It will only take longer if you stop along the way at one of the many restaurants and taverns to sample Thurgau specialties.
Interesting fact: On the Weinfelden Wine Trail, you can book a tasting backpack, which you can pick up at the Weinfelden indoor pool. It includes a map, a wine glass, homemade herb chips, and a safe code. With this code, you can open two safes along the way that contain fine wines from the region for tasting.
Wine hike in the Vaud region: through the Lavaux vine terraces
The hike through the Lavaux vineyard terraces is a Swiss classic; it winds through a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site – Switzerland’s largest contiguous wine-growing region.
The route stretches just under twelve kilometers from Saint-Saphorin through Rivaz to Lutry, offering views of the beautiful Lake Geneva. Including a wine tasting or two in the picturesque wine-growing villages along the way, four hours is a realistic estimate. You can make your return trip by train or ferry.
Wine Hikes in Switzerland: an active delight
On wine hikes through Switzerland, you can usually expect a mix of easy to moderate hiking, picturesque landscapes, numerous opportunities for wine tasting, and regional cuisine – simply an active delight. Even though Switzerland produces relatively little wine by international standards, the quality of its wines is nothing to be ashamed of.
Here’s a tip: There are also highly recommended wine tours in other European countries. Why not spend the night in France, Spain, or Portugal at a winery hotel nestled among the vineyards? If these hotels are part of Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection by American Express, you’ll receive special perks during your stay with your Platinum Card.
You’ll also enjoy attractive travel benefits while on the go with your Gold Card or Platinum Card – such as comprehensive insurance coverage, special car rental rates, and dining benefits.
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Frequently asked questions and answers
On a wine hike, you walk along marked trails through vineyards, often with views of lakes, the Alps, or historic villages. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to taste wine at winemakers’ homes, in cellars, at wineries, or at temporary stands along the route.
One of the most beautiful wine hikes in Switzerland is the hike through the Lavaux vineyard terraces on Lake Geneva – from Saint-Saphorin through Rivaz to Lutry.
A wine tasting is a social experience that sharpens your senses and helps you understand aromas, acidity, and tannins. You’ll also refine your personal taste in wine and develop a sense of what offers good value for money.
