Switzerland is one of the few countries in the world with a standardised system for “signposted” trails.
DECODING THESE SIGNS
To begin with official hiking paths are in yellow and will have both the destination name and the time required for an average walker to get there.
Mountain hikes are also yellow but with two white and a red stripes; Alpine hike signs are blue with two white and one blue stripe.
Sometimes you will find a diamond shaped yellow mark on a tree or a rock. This is to show that you are still on the trail.
COLOUR CODED ROUTES
Each route is colour coded distinguishing the type of trail:
NUMBERING SYSTEM
When on a trail route you will come across a number of signposts. The numbering on the Swiss signpost system indicates what type of route it is:
One-digit number: National route
Two-digit number: Regional route
Three-digit number: Local route
Switzerland Mobility
www.schweizmobil.ch
Swiss Mobility is the all-encompassing site where you can access information on routes:
Printable route maps
Highlights of the route
Level of difficulty
Route elevation profile
Photo gallery
Helpful hints: SBB timetables, destination websites, tips, etc.
We have an indepth review of the app for you here.
Swiss Alpine Club
The Swiss Alpine Club and its sections operate 152 huts with some 9,200 beds in the Swiss Alps. In a unique mountain setting, the huts offer basic, comfortable accommodation for mountaineers, climbers, walkers, families and nature enthusiasts. A visit to an SAC hut is an unforgettable mountain-experience, and gives visitors the opportunity to come directly into contact with nature, the local environment and culture.
Emergency medical assistance by air
Rega comes to the aid of people in distress, providing swift, professional medical assis-tance by air. In order to do this, it employs state-of-the-art operating resources, such as helicopters and air-ambulances. Rega’s work-force comprises of qualified and experienced staff.
To become a patron of Rega costs about CHF 30.– per person for an annual membership, for more details please visit the website.
Don’t forget your bike ticket for the train!
If you are travelling by train with a bike, remember to purchase an additional ticket. Bike tickets cost around CHF 10.–, failure to do this will cost you a fine of around CHF 20.–. Don’t be like the rest of us and learn this the hard way!
