11 spectacular suspension bridges in Switzerland

Switzerland is the land of bridges and tunnels. So it’s not surprising that our network of hiking trails offers some spectacular suspension bridges – breathtaking views into gorges and valleys included. We have visited many of these bridges in recent years and would like to present you with a list of the most beautiful suspension bridges in Switzerland. If you’re looking for thrills and inspiration for your next outing, then you’ve come to the right place!

 

1. Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge: The longest suspension bridge in Switzerland

The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Switzerland is currently located in Valais. The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, which opened in 2017, is 494 metres long and spans the Grabengufer from the Lärchberg to the Höüschbiel high above Randa. Many, like us, cross the bridge while walking the Europaweg from Grächen to Zermatt. A head for heights is a must at this length – and height!

If you want to visit the spectacular suspension bridge as part of a day trip, then I can recommend the 7-kilometer circular hike over the Randa Suspension Bridge Trail. Note that you will have to climb 700 meters on this tour! Walking over this suspension bridge – whether with or without jitters in front of wobbly, exposed bridges – definitely demands a bead or two of sweat.

Length:	494 m
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	Beginning of July to beginning of October

Important: The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is only accessible during the summer season. In winter, the bridge is impassable.

 

2. Titlis Cliff Walk: The highest suspension bridge in Switzerland

With a proud height of over 3,000 metres above sea level, the Titlis claims the title of the highest excursion mountain in Central Switzerland. At the same time, the mountain station of the Titlis cable car is also home to the highest suspension bridge in Switzerland. Although the Cliff Walk is only 100 m long, it scores with a tremendous view that extends far beyond the snow- and ice-covered Central Swiss Alps. And unlike the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, it is relatively easy to reach. The trip here is particularly worthwhile when the weather is nice and visibility is good – and if you have friends, acquaintances or family visitors from abroad as guests.

By the way, the French-speaking counterpart to the Titlis Cliff Walk would be the Peak Walk by Tissot on the Glacier3000 (Les Diablerets). However, this suspension bridge is almost 100 meters lower than the Titlis Cliff Walk.

Length:	100 m
Cost:	Free of charge (but requires a ride on the Titlis cable car (depending on the discount from 48 CHF))
Ideal time to visit	perennial

Tip: the trip is worthwhile in summer and winter

3. Sigriswil Panorama Bridge: Fantastic view over the Gummischlucht gorge

The Sigriswil Panorama Bridge is one of three suspension bridges already built on the Lake Thun Panorama Trail. It leads over the deeply incised rubber gorge between the villages of Sigriswil and Aeschlen and offers a magnificent view of the majestic Niesen and the striking Stockhorn chain. A visit to the bridge can be combined with a hike along a stage of the Lake Thun Panorama Trail. Alternatively, you can simply combine the bridge crossing with a short Sunday walk.

Length:	340 m
Cost:	Day ticket CHF 8 (discounts with guest card)
Ideal time to visit	perennial

By the way, you can find more excursion tips on the Lake Thun Panorama Trail in this blog post: on foot to five beautiful places on the Lake
Thun Panorama Trail The detour to the Sigriswil Panorama Bridge can also be worthwhile on high fog days!

4. Leiternweide suspension bridge: An insider tip in the Simmental

I have described the excursion to the suspension bridge Leiternweide in the Simmental in detail in this article. In this area of the Simmental, you definitely won’t expect a crowd of people – and even though the suspension bridge may have gained some notoriety in the meantime, there is a good chance that no one will meet you when crossing the 111 m long suspension bridge. The associated entertaining hike between Oberwil and Weissenburg (5.8 kilometres, 300 metres uphill, approx. two hours walking time) is also easily doable with children.

Length:	111 m
Cost:	Free of charge, but there is the possibility of a donation
Ideal time to visit	Beginning of June to end of October

 

5. Belalp – Riederalp suspension bridge: a hiking highlight in the Aletsch region

The 124 m long suspension bridge between the Riederalp and the Belalp is a result of climate change. In the past, it was possible to get from Belalp to Riederalp via the Aletsch Glacier, but this is no longer possible today due to the retreat of the glacier. For this reason, the suspension bridge was implemented in 2008 in cooperation with Pro Natura and the WWF. On this road, you can now cross the imposing Massa Gorge, formed by the glacier, at a dizzying height. The two approaches to the suspension bridge are no less impressive! You can find the detailed route description in this blog post from 2014.

Length:	124 m
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	End of June to mid-October

 

6. Furi Suspension Bridge: Deep Views in Zermatt

For once, a visit to Zermatt does not focus on the Matterhorn, but on the view down into the Gorner Gorge. Walking over the steps of the 100 m long steel cable suspension bridge requires a bit of nerves due to the height and exposure. On the other hand, the almost three-kilometre-long circular hike with start/end at the Furi gondola station is child’s play.

Length:	100 m
Cost:	Free of charge (but cable car ticket from/to Furi or alternatively walk up directly from Zermatt)
Ideal time to visit	End of June to mid-October

We made the hike to the Furi suspension bridge in autumn 2021 and blogged here.

7. Ponte Tibetano Carasc: Thrills in Ticino

Oh yes, the walk over the Ponte Tibetano Carasc takes effort! The 270 m long suspension bridge is quite wobbly and has relatively “steep” entrances on both sides. The bridge is part of the nine-kilometre-long “Giro del Ponte Tibetano” circular hiking trail. The varied circular hike (which is a cable car, thanks to which it can even be shortened a little) leads past the beautifully renovated hamlet of Curzùtt and the Romanesque church of San Bernardo over old stone steps through a dense chestnut forest to the imposing suspension bridge. Once this has been overcome, there is a leisurely descent via San Defendete, past parts of the old city wall of Bellinzona back to Monte Carasso.

Length:	270 m
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	May/June or October/November

Tip: In the summer months, it can get very warm here on the sunny slopes of Ticino. Therefore, I would recommend the hike in early summer or late autumn.

8. On the Bhutan Bridge over the Illgraben

The 134 m long Bhutanese suspension bridge near Susten VS is not only a centrepiece of the Pfyn-Finges Regional Nature Park, but also symbolically connects the Upper and Lower Valais. The construction was launched as part of the “UN – Year of the Mountains 2002” campaign and implemented in 2005 in cooperation with the Kingdom of Bhutan. I can warmly recommend a trip to the Pfynwald! The pine forest, which has been under protection since 1997, impresses with its unique flora and fauna.

Length:	134 m
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	May/June or October/November

Tip: We combined the detour to the Bhutan Bridge with a two-day hike. You can find the route description here: Albinenleitern – Bhutan Bridge – Pfynwald

9. Goms Bridge Suspension Bridge: High above the Lamma Gorge

The views from the Goms Bridge of the Rhône, which still flows wildly down into the valley, are among the most popular photo motifs in the Upper Valais, along with the Matterhorn and the Aletsch Glacier. The 280 m long suspension bridge, which leads from Fürgangen to Mühlebach, can be visited all year round. In summer and winter, it is worthwhile to combine the detour to the Goms Bridge with a visit to the idyllic mountain village of Ernen or a hike/snowshoe tour to the Berghotel Chäserstatt.

Length:	280 m
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	perennial

10. Val Sinestra Hanging Bridge Trail: more than a bridge

If you don’t like long, exposed suspension bridges, you can approach the shaky affair on the Val Sinestra suspension bridge path. Back here in the Lower Engadine, you can expect a really casual long-distance hike from Sent via Zuort to Vnà. On the way, you will be guided over some shorter suspension bridges over the “Brancla”.

Length:	Only short bridges
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	Mid-June to mid-October

In addition to the Val Sinestra Suspension Bridge Trail, two other recommended hikes around Scuol are described in this blog post.

11. Handeckfall Suspension Bridge: On the way to the Gelmerbahn

While the detour to the Trift Bridge will only be worthwhile to a limited extent in the summer of 2023 – the path to the Trift Hut, which was massively damaged by avalanches in January 2021, will remain closed – there is an equal alternative in the Grimsel region with the Handeckfall suspension bridge. The 70 m long bridge leads from the Hotel Handeck to the valley station of the Gelmerbahn. Here, the walk over the suspension bridge is only the start of an adventurous day. The subsequent ride on the steepest, open cable car in Europe will definitely require strong nerves.

Length:	70 m
Cost:	Free
Ideal time to visit	End of June to beginning of October

Tip: The Gelmerbahn will be in operation from 3 June to 22 October 2023. Remember to reserve your ticket for the train journey in advance.