Summer in Andermatt: The 5 most beautiful hikes
Andermatt is one of the few places in Switzerland where you can lace up your walking boots, close the hotel door behind you – and find yourself right in the heart of it all. No journey, no transfer. The mountains begin right on your doorstep.
At 1,437 metres, it rarely gets warmer than 22 degrees, even in August. The paths are well marked, the landscape exceptionally picturesque, and the choice of routes ranges from a relaxed afternoon stroll to a challenging day hike. In this article we present the five most beautiful summer hikes, all accessible directly from The Chedi Andermatt.
Why is The Chedi Andermatt the perfect base for hiking?
Many hiking trails in Andermatt start right on the hotel’s doorstep
Central location between the Gemsstock, Oberalp Pass, Furka Pass and Gotthard Massif
Easy walks, family hikes and challenging mountain tours in the immediate vicinity
Luxurious spa and health club for relaxation after active days
Spacious rooms and suites with an alpine ambience
Excellent restaurants for the perfect end to a day’s hiking
1. Hike around Lake Lutersee: Panoramic circular walk from Andermatt
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 100 m (from the top station)
The start of the route is both convenient and impressive: take the Gütsch-Express cable car from Andermatt up to 2,362 metres – and you’ll find yourself in a whole new world in an instant. From the mountain station, the trail follows the panoramic circular route towards Schneehüenerstock and the Oberalp Pass. After around 45 minutes, Lutersee lies before you: a small mountain lake at 2,357 metres, as smooth as glass, ice-cold, and completely still.
This panoramic hiking trail winds through beautiful Swiss alpine scenery, and is well-marked and manageable without sure-footedness – ideal even for guests who rarely go hiking.
Tip from our outdoor team: You can’t set off early before the gondola station opens at 9 am – but if you take the first ride up, you’ll often have Lutersee all to yourself.
2. Family hike in Andermatt: From Nätschen down into the valley
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 350 m downhill
On this route, you take the train or the gondola up to Nätschen at 1,842 metres and then enjoy a leisurely walk back down to Andermatt in the valley. The trail winds through alpine meadows, offering sweeping views of the Ursern Valley and the Gotthard massif throughout. No challenging climbs, no steep sections – just scenery and a gentle descent.
Particularly recommended for anyone looking for an easy introduction or travelling with children. Once you reach the top, the Nätschen mountain restaurant invites you to linger on its sun terrace with views of the Gemsstock and Furka Pass.
Tip from our outdoor team: The route can also be walked in the opposite direction – in which case it’s a moderate climb from Andermatt to Nätschen, with the return journey by train.
3. Hike through the Schöllenen Gorge to the Devil’s Bridge
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 360 m downhill
One of the region’s most historically impressive hikes, and at the same time one of the most accessible. From Andermatt railway station, the trail leads straight down into the Schöllenen Gorge: steep rock faces, the roaring Reuss, avalanche galleries, and old mule tracks. At the Teufelsbrücke, it’s worth taking a detour for the 20- to 30-minute circular walk through the gorge: historic bridges, the Suvorov monument, views of the rock face from all sides.
From there, the trail continues to Göschenen, from where the train takes 10 minutes to return to Andermatt. An afternoon is more than enough for this tour.
Tip from our outdoor team: There is often a cool breeze in the gorge – pack a light jacket, even if it’s warm.
4. Challenging hike up the Gemsstock
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Duration: approx. 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 1,500 metres (descent by cable car possible)
For those looking for a greater challenge, this is the region’s premier route. The ascent leads from the village via the Vermigel Hut at 2,042 metres up to the Gemsstock at 2,961 metres. The final stretch is rocky and requires sure-footedness. Those who manage it will be rewarded with views of over 600 peaks: Monte Rosa, the Bernese Alps, and the Tödi. The descent by cable car is possible and recommended.
This tour isn’t for everyone. But for those who manage it, it is the highlight of a summer stay in Andermatt. It's also one of the best hikes in Switzerland for those seeking a real challenge.
Tip from our outdoor team: Sturdy footwear is essential. Set off as early as possible in the morning – visibility is usually at its best before 10 am.
5. Urschner Höhenweg: One of the most beautiful hikes in Andermatt
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: approx. 4–5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 500 m uphill, 1100 m downhill
The Urschner Höhenweg is the region’s premier panoramic trail – and one of the most beautiful hiking routes of the alps. It starts on the Furka Pass road near Tiefenbach and leads high above the Urseren Valley along the southern slopes to Andermatt. The trail climbs only slightly, descends gently and offers unobstructed views of the Furka, Gotthard and Oberalp Passes all at once. There are places to stop for refreshments and quiet rest areas at Blauseeli and Lutersee.
If you keep a sharp lookout, you’ll spot merlins, golden eagles and – if you’re lucky – chamois on the rocky slopes above.
Tip from our outdoor team: Take sturdy footwear and a pair of binoculars to really savour every vista in detail.
After the hike: The Chedi Andermatt
All five routes end in Andermatt – right on the doorstep of The Chedi. With its spacious rooms, featuring natural stone, wood and fireplaces, the hotel offers plenty of space to unwind after active days in the mountains. Panoramic windows bring the Alpine landscape right into the living area, enhancing the sense of retreat amidst nature. The Chedi Andermatt is also the perfect choice for a family holiday in Swiss Alps: spacious suites, plenty of room and the peaceful location make the hotel an ideal base for spending time together in the mountains.
The Spa & Health Club, featuring a heated outdoor pool, hydrotherapy area and relaxation lounge, is the perfect way to round off an active day in the mountains. Guests can book a treatment in advance in one of the spa suites – and indulge in a range of treatments specially designed to soothe tired muscles after long days of hiking.
We also welcome you to The Chedi Andermatt with culinary delights to round off your mountain adventure – with multi-award-winning restaurants and a selection ranging from Alpine cuisine to Asian-inspired gourmet concepts. This ensures that your return from the mountains is not just a time for rest, but a seamless transition into enjoyment and tranquillity.
Discover summer activities at The Chedi Andermatt
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about hiking around Andermatt
Which hikes in Andermatt are suitable for beginners?
The panoramic circular trail around Lake Lutersee, the hike from Nätschen to Andermatt and the route through the Schöllenen Gorge to the Devil’s Bridge are particularly suitable for beginners. These trails are well-maintained and require no special mountaineering experience.
Are there family hikes in Andermatt?
Yes. The route from Nätschen to Andermatt is one of the most popular family hikes in Andermatt. The circular trail around Lake Lutersee is also ideal for families with children.
When is the best time for hiking in Andermatt?
The hiking season in Andermatt generally runs from June to October. The summer months of July and August are particularly popular, when the mountain railways are in operation and numerous hiking trails are snow-free and accessible.
Which hike offers the most beautiful views of the Swiss Alps?
The Urschner Höhenweg and the tour to the Gemsstock are among the hikes with the best views in the region. Both routes offer impressive panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine passes and peaks.
Can you go hiking directly from The Chedi Andermatt?
Yes. Many hiking trails in Andermatt are easily accessible from the hotel. Guests can set off directly from The Chedi Andermatt on various summer hikes, panoramic trails and mountain tours.
