ANY TIME of the year is the right time to go hiking on Switzerland’s well-marked-and-maintained hiking trails. But after a hot summer, the cooler temperatures of Autumn make it more appealing than ever.
Whether trekking on a forest path, in an alpine meadow, through a deep gorge, along a mountain ridge, through charming villages or past historic monuments, hiking’s now easier and more accessible to hikers of all levels.
That’s down in large part to excellent public transport links, affordable gear, and intuitive, easy-to-use smartphone apps like SwitzerlandMobility.
With detailed maps and indicators of distance, level of difficulty and duration, local transit links, descriptive write-ups and photos, a planning feature, search bar, and GPS tracking, this indispensable tool frees you to link up with a multitude of trails.
SwitzerlandMobility online
While the app is great for using on the go, first check out the recently updated internet version with its larger format that makes for easier viewing and also for cross-checking, for example, with Google maps, when you want even more local detail.
To get you going, let’s armchair explore some of the site’s main features.
On the SwitzerlandMobility homepage select Hiking in Switzerland, from where you can access seven National Routes; nine Regional Routes; hundreds of Local Routes and over 80 Obstacle/Barrier-Free Routes for people with disabilities or with baby carriages.
Let’s say you’d like to learn more about the 33 stages of National Route 4, the Via Jacobi (St. James Way/Camino de Santiago) that in Switzerland runs from Rorschach near St. Gallen in Switzerland’s northeast corner to Geneva in its southwest.
Just click on National Routes and then on the text box for “Via Jacobi” (or “to the route”). You’ll find an overview of the entire route’s length, levels of difficulty, elevation changes, a description and photographs of architectural, natural and cultural highlights along the way.
Scroll your cursor up to the top of the page to see a map of the entire Via Jacobi route indicated with red dots. Click on any of the dots to see the different hiking routes that intersect in that one spot on the trail.
In the lower right corner of the map, you’ll find two icons: click on the lower, map-shaped icon to enlarge or minimize the map (+ or -), for a GPS locator, and a print/email/share-to-social media icon.
Click on the upper, three-stacked-squares icon to select additional map contents: I recommend activating Route Numbers, Photos (small black boxes appear along the route to click on for snapshots of local identifiers, helping you stay on track), Closure/Diversion, to alert you to current changes to your planned route, Public Transport (for essential train and bus info); and Map in Colour for easier viewing.
Back on the main page below the map, check out the menu items from which you can choose to learn more about the hike’s various Stages; Arriving at/getting around each stage via public transport; Travel reports (in German only); Bookable trips (hiking tours); Accommodation along the way; Places (major cities and towns) and Places of special interest (for example, St. Gallen’s Textile Museum).
Focus on the Via Jacobi – Rolle to Coppet
Now let’s get even more specific. Click on Stages and select Stage 18: Rolle to Coppet. You’ll see photographs, a descriptive overview, elevation variations, hike distance and approximate duration, and level of difficulty (click on the (i) next to the word “easy” or “difficult” for SwitzerlandMobility’s definition of easy, medium and difficult trails).
Scroll up for the map at the top of the page where Stage 18 is indicated with red dots. Using the same two map icons in the bottom right corner, enlarge or minimize the map (or use your mouse to scroll in or out), email/print/and share the map and adjust the map contents to suit your preferences.
If you’ve selected Public Transport in the legend, you’ll be able to click on a train, bus or boat icon to find the name of the closest or most convenient transport stops to get to and from your chosen route. Plug that name into the SBB/CFF/FFS app and your journey falls into place.
Find a trail by search bar
Say you want to hike in one particular area. Simply enter the name of a location in the Search bar in the top menu and you’ll be offered a selection of trails available in that region.
Choose to do as much or as little of the trail as you wish, transfer to another adjacent trail, or vary the route according to your whims (perhaps to accommodate ending up at your favorite café).
Wherever you choose to explore, familiarize yourself first with SwitzerlandMobility’s map legend and trail signalization so you’ll be symbol and sign savvy.
Hiking on the go with the SwitzerlandMobility app
Now let’s take a quick look at the smartphone app, which functions in much the same way as the online version. If you haven’t yet done so, download the free app now.
When the main map page appears, click on the upper, three-stacked-squares icon and select Summer (or Winter in Winter months, though I tend to stay with Summer throughout the year), then Hiking in Switzerland. Scroll down and select whichever map features you want, for example, Route Numbers, Closures and Detours, Photos, and Public Transport).
With the middle, Search icon, enter the name of any Swiss city, town or area – the names of your most recent searches come up first.
The bottom, GPS arrow icon, will prove helpful if not essential when you’re trying out the twists and turns of a route for the first time, but you’ll need good connectivity to benefit from it. And carry a battery charger to make sure you have enough ‘juice’ to go the distance.
Activate the GPS icon: a little red circle with a pointed tip will appear indicating exactly where you are on the map – the tip shows in which direction you’re walking.
Sometimes the tracker sticks, so I just leave the app, reenter and reactivate it, but by and large it’s very dependable and incredibly helpful.
To access a legend with the meaning of every map marking, select the app’s logo (a white ‘star’ on a red square) in the upper left corner and choose “Legend” from the pop-up menu.
SwitzerlandMobility Plus – extra features for a reasonable price
For 35 Swiss francs a year, SwitzerlandMobility Plus gives users access to exclusive functions to help plan your own tours on the web map and share them to the smartphone app so you can use them along the way.
It’s especially useful when combining different trails, as you can then determine how any adaptations you make will affect the hike’s distance, altitude and duration. This is very handy when you want to extend or shorten a hike or go out of your way to see something special.
And a major plus is that these “swisstopo” maps can be accessed even without network reception.
It’s gratifying to know that your fee supports the work of SwitzerlandMobility to maintain its incredible network of trails that bring so many benefits – of mind, spirit and body – to so many.
Tips for safe hiking
- Before leaving for a hike, consult the weather forecast and don’t take unnecessary chances – postpone or be adequately prepared
- Bring water and food to stay well-hydrated and keep energy levels up
- Carry insect spray and any medication you may need
- Be honest with yourself about your fitness level and consult a doctor beforehand, if necessary
- Dress and equip yourself well, particularly with non-skid, stable hiking shoes or boots; no-blister socks; walking poles for stability and less stress on your back and joints; a warm, rain-proof jacket; a sunhat; suncream and a cell phone charger (lots of photos to take!). And, of course, a comfortable multi-tasking backpack to store your essentials and extras
- Don’t put yourself in danger, be realistic about your level of hiking competence and stay on paths that are safe and you can comfortably handle.
- Start with a simple trail and work up from there. Enjoy yourself!
Contact The American International Women’s Club of Geneva for more info about its popular Friday and Monday Hiking Groups.
Do you have a hiking app that you enjoy using? If so, please share it with us in the Comments box below. We’d love to hear about your recommendations.
This post was originally published in its entirety on Creative Living Geneva.
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