Switzerland

Hiking trails are generally accessible footpaths that are usually intended for pedestrians. If possible, they should run away from roads used by motorised traffic and should not have asphalt or concrete surfaces. Steep sections are managed with steps, and sections prone to a risk of falling are secured with railings. Watercourses can be crossed via footbridges or bridges. Hiking trails do not place any special demands on users. The signposting for the hiking trails is yellow.

Mountain hiking trails are hiking trails that sometimes provide access to difficult or rugged terrain. They are predominantly steep and narrow, and partially exposed. Particularly difficult sections are secured with ropes or chains. Streams may have to be crossed via fords. Users of mountain hiking trails must be surefooted, have a good head for heights, be in good physical condition and be aware of the dangers in the mountains (falling rocks, danger of slipping and falling, sudden changes in the weather). Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles, equipment that is suitable for the weather and topographical maps are required. The signposts are yellow with a white-red-white tip; while confirmation signs and markings are white-red-white.

Alpine hiking trails are challenging mountain hiking trails. Some of them lead through pathless terrain, over snowfields and glaciers, over scree slopes, rocky slopes or rock ledges with short climbing sections. Structural measures cannot be assumed and are, at most, limited to safety installations at particularly exposed spots with risk of falling. Users of alpine hiking trails must be surefooted, have a good head for heights, be in very good physical condition and be proficient in handling ropes and ice axes, as well as in tackling climbing sections using their hands. They must be aware of the dangers in the mountains. In addition to equipment for mountain hiking trails, an altimeter and compass are required, as well as a rope and ice axe for glacier crossings. The signposts are blue with a white-blue-white tip, while confirmation signs and markings are white-blue-white. The alpine hiking trail information board at the start of the trail lists the special requirements.

Source / Further information

Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA und Schweizer Wanderwege (Hrsg.) (2013): Signalisation Wanderwege. Handbuch. Vollzugshilfe Langsamverkehr Nr. 6. - Bern. online: https://www.schweizer-wanderwege.ch/de/media/download/d2b3e6921c5476fccc67b4c0f66771f169539373 .

Responsibility for the preparation and publication lies with the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) in cooperation with Swiss Hiking Trails. The content was developed by specialist authors of Swiss Hiking Trails as well as experts from the cantonal hiking trail departments. The manual establishes the foundations for the uniform signage and categorisation of Swiss hiking trails and is based on the nationally binding signage standard SN 640 829a.