The six most beautiful spring hikes through Switzerland's wine regions

Switzerland's wine-growing regions not only offer excellent wines, but also picturesque landscapes that are perfect for hiking. Tours through these areas are particularly worthwhile in spring, when the vines sprout and nature shines in fresh colours.

In this article, we present six hikes that lead through Switzerland's wine regions. Not only do they offer impressive views, but also the opportunity to taste local wines and specialities.

Start: Visp

Finish: Visperterminen

Duration: approx. 3 hours

Distance: 8 km

Highlight: A vineyard trail leads to the highest vineyards in Europe.

The vineyards of Visperterminen are well known for being the highest in Europe, growing at up to 1,150 metres above sea level. The hike begins in Visp and leads along a vineyard nature trail through sunny terraces with views of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Alps. This route is particularly worthwhile in spring, when nature is ablaze with green and the mountain peaks are still crowned with snow.

A perfect way to round off the tour is to sample the famous Heida wine in one of the local cellars. The high altitude creates a special microclimate that gives the wine a pronounced minerality.

Start: Lutry

Finish: Rivaz

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

Distance: 7 km

Highlight: the spectacular vineyard terraces with a view of Lake Geneva.

The UNESCO-protected vineyards of Lavaux are a dream destination in spring. The route from Lutry to Rivaz leads through steep slopes lined with the famous Chasselas vines. The view of the deep-blue Lake Geneva and the Alps, still covered in snow, is stunning. This route is ideal for families as it is well developed and offers numerous opportunities for rest stops along the way.

Lavaux is best known for its Chasselas wines, which grow here on poor soils and develop particularly fresh, mineral notes. There are numerous small wineries along the route where tastings are possible.

Start: Siblingerhöhe

Finish: Trasadingen

Duration: approx. 3.5 hours

Distance: 14.2 km

Highlight: the gentle vineyards of the Klettgau in the Blauburgunderland.

The wine trail leads through the Klettgau in Canton Schaffhausen, one of the most famous wine-producing regions in German-speaking Switzerland. The route passes through picturesque villages and vineyards, and traditional Torkelhäuser, where wine used to be pressed.

Pinot Noir grapes are mainly grown here and are characterised by fruity and elegant aromas. Hallau is worth a stopover: for example, at the famous mountain church of St. Moritz or at the Weinkrone, the museum of the Schaffhausen Blauburgunderland. Spring brings a real splendour of flowers here, from cherry trees to blooming meadows.

Start: Meyrin

Finish: La Pleine

Duration: approx. 5 hours

Distance: 19 km

Highlight: Satigny vineyards – the largest wine-growing area in Switzerland.

The Balade Viticole Rive Droite wine trail passes through the diverse Geneva wine region, combining nature, culture and impressive landscapes. The route begins near CERN, a centre of scientific discovery.

From there, the trail passes through the charming hamlets of Satigny, Switzerland's largest wine-producing municipality. Another highlight is the picturesque village of Dardagny, whose castle towers over the vineyards. Along the route, information boards provide fascinating insights into the local grape varieties and cultivation techniques. There are also numerous opportunities to taste Geneva specialities such as Gamay along the way.

Start: Seseglio

Finish: Seseglio

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Distance: 13.1 km

Highlight: Mediterranean landscapes and charming Ticino villages.

Ticino, Switzerland's southernmost wine region, is known for its Merlot wines and hilly landscape. The circular hike starts in Seseglio, at the foot of the Penz hill, and leads through a vast vineyard landscape. Along the way, information boards provide interesting facts about traditional winemaking techniques.

The trail leads to the southernmost point of Switzerland, with a view of the imposing Monte Generoso massif. On the way back, the route passes the chapel of S. Stefano al Colle, from where there is a view of the entire region.

To round off the day in style, stop off at a traditional grottino and enjoy a Ticino speciality with a glass of regional Merlot.

Start: La Neuveville

Finish: Twann

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

Distance: 7.8 km

Highlight: the idyllic wine-growing villages on the shores of Lake Biel.

This route leads along Lake Biel, past picturesque vineyards and small wineries. The well-maintained trail is mostly flat. The church in Ligerz, in the middle of the vineyards, is a worthwhile stopover: from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of St. Peter's Island and, on a clear day, as far as the Alps.

Springtime brings a special atmosphere to the region, when the trees are in blossom and the water glistens in the sun. Arriving in Twann, you can stop for a wine-tasting session in one of the traditional cellars. A glass of Chasselas, which thrives here, is highly recommended.