How Swiss Locals Are Opening Up Secret Trails to Travelers

The Swiss have long had a close relationship with their mountains, and many regions still guard little-known routes passed down through generations. These aren’t the heavily marketed trails that appear in glossy brochures—they are quiet forest paths, ridge routes overlooking forgotten valleys, and ancient smuggler trails winding through remote passes. More and more, locals are inviting respectful travelers to discover these hidden gems. I first learned about this growing trend during a stay in Valais, when a local guide offered to take me off the main network into an area he called “the old way.” The path was narrow, overgrown in places, and completely absent from any official hiking maps. But the views—untouched meadows, crumbling shepherd huts, and glaciated peaks without a single tourist in sight—were extraordinary. Guides like Thomas from Ticino and Elena from the Bernese Oberland are part of a quiet movement to share these routes responsibly. They emphasize small groups, Leave No Trace principles, and an appreciation for local history and ecosystems. “It’s not about rushing to the summit,” Thomas explained. “It’s about moving through the landscape the way people did centuries ago, with respect and wonder.” Many of these guides organize custom tours through Crion.org, matching travelers to trails that fit their interests and fitness levels. A traveler looking for flower-filled valleys will be directed to secret spots in Graubünden; someone chasing high alpine solitude might find themselves hiking unnamed ridges in Uri. The goal is not to advertise these places widely but to create meaningful, low-impact experiences. Locals are also working to preserve these secret trails, sometimes collaborating with small associations to maintain paths that would otherwise vanish. Volunteers clear brush, repair old footbridges, and quietly keep alive the old ways of moving through the mountains. Safety remains a focus. Because these routes are less maintained and rarely waymarked, local guides play a crucial role in ensuring that hikers don’t get lost or encounter unexpected dangers. Many guides also carry knowledge about weather patterns, flora and fauna, and emergency protocols specific to these more remote areas. For hikers willing to trade famous Instagram spots for silence and authenticity, Switzerland’s secret trails offer an unforgettable reward. The experience is not about ticking off summits or following a GPS track—it’s about slowing down, trusting local knowledge, and seeing a wilder, more intimate side of the Alps. Booking a guided experience through platforms like Crion.org is the best way to access these hidden worlds safely and respectfully. As more travelers seek genuine connections with nature, the locals leading the way are showing that true adventure still lies just beyond the beaten path—waiting for those willing to walk it.