ABOVE: The Wengernalp cogwheel railway passes near the main hiking route from Grindelwald to Wengen in the Jungfrau district of the Bernese probably has more kilometers of marked hiking paths per capita than any other nation. 50,000 km (30,000 miles) of trails fall under three headings: Wanderwege are found in valleys, by lakes, and between towns. identified by signs with yellow markings. (In some cases, yellow metal markers or paint blazes are used to help you stay on the route.) If you're in good health and wearing rubber-soled shoes, the average Wanderweg shouldn't pose any challenge. Bergwege are higher-altitude "mountain paths" with white and redMost aren't difficult, but you'll need to take it easy if you're in poor shape or have heart problems. Alpine Routen or "alpine routes" are marked with white-and-blueThey tend to be rugged (often with dropoffs), and you may encounter steep sections with cables or other handholds. Unless you're an experienced mountain hiker, you shouldn't

try these paths without a guide. Signs generally show estimated walking times to route junctions, villages, or huts. It's best to regard these times as minimums, since they don't allow for resting, picnicking, or sore feet. Well-marked paths won't do you much good if you're lost in a blizzard, so you'll need to plan your trip for the right time of year. In general, the alpine hiking seasons runs from mid-June through mid-September. earlier, and you may find snow on shady paths at higher elevations; arrive later, and your hiking plans might be spoiled by an early snowstorm. At lower elevations and on the south side of the Alps, the hiking season begins in May and continues through October. Hiking on paved paths around major Swiss cities or towns is enjoyable at any time of year unless the weather is wet and miserable (which it can be--why do you think Switzerland is so green?). During the winter, many ski resorts keep local paths clear for walkers.

paths can be icy at times--my husband once broke the wheel off our baby's stroller when he made an involuntary glissade down a St. Moritz path--but on sunny days, it's possible to to hike the plowed hiking trails in shirtsleeves or a light sweater. ABOVE: A hiking trail near Lenk, Switzerland. It's hard to give a definitive answer to the question, "Where should I hike inStill, here are a few suggestions to help you make a decision: The Berner Oberland is one of Switzerland's most popularMost hikers gravitate to the Jungfrau district around Interlaken, and with good reason: The area's resorts offer hotels and hostels in every price range, hiking distances are short, and an excellent network of cogwheel trains, funiculars, cable cars, and other lifts make it easy to reach spectacular scenery. For more information, see our articles about M�rren, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald-First. If you're coming early or late in the season, or if you aren't comfortable at high altitudes, you may enjoy the hiking

paths near Thun and Brienz.buy red wing safety boots uk The Valais (Wallis innike shoes for babies in south africa German) tends to be drier than the Oberland, so it may be a good bet if yourrunning shoes for someone with flat feet vacation is short and you can't afford to lose a day or two to rain. ladies nike golf shoes on sale information with Web links, see our article on Zermatt (including the Matterhorn) and thenike shoes pics with price Graub�nden (and especially the Engadinewhere to buy nike yoga shoes

district near St. Moritz) is justifiably popular for its beautiful scenery and accessible mountain trails. The Swiss National Park is worth a visit if you'd like to see ibex, chamois, and other wild animals in their Eastern Switzerland is the perfect destination if you consider yourself a "walker" rather than a "hiker." region has a few mountains like the S�ntis, most paths lead through green hills and valleys where miniature cows are more common than mountain goats. Distances are short and public transportation is excellent, whether you make your base in a small city like St. Gallen or (preferably) in a cozy town like Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton on the south side of the Alps, is a good place to hike in spring and fall. Cardada Cable Car article.) Finally, cities like Z�rich, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, and Lucerne offer plenty of hiking opportunities nearby--especially if you combine your hiking with local excursions by train, postal

bus, or lake steamer. ABOVE: A farm near Lauterbrunnen, in the heart of the Jungfrau hiking region of the Bernese Oberland. There's no need to bring a special wardrobe unless you plan to spend most of your time above the treeline, climbing mountains or hiking between Swiss Alpine Club huts. The main things you'll need are: Lightweight hiking boots or Vibram-soled walking shoes are adequate for short hikes on the paths you're likely to encounter around towns and resorts. desirable, since they provide foot support and won't fill up with gravel on unpavedIf you're venturing into rougher terrain, you'll need a sturdy pair of hiking (But don't bring heavy, stiff-soled mountaineering boots unless you're planning to scramble up an Alp. There's an old saying that a pound on the feet is like five pounds on the back--and in any case, rigid half-inch soles can make it difficult to get a footing on gravel or uneven terrain.) Tip: Make sure your boots are broken in before you leave home.

"artificial skin" and moleskin in case you get blisters. And when you're hiking, be aware that downhill walking can be very hard on the knees. (My husband once spent two days limping in pain after a morning's descent from Grosse Scheidegg to Meiringen on paved Wool, polypropylene, and special hiking blends are preferable to cotton, which tends to wrinkle and hold moisture. (Tip: Buy hiking socks and wear them when you're fitted for A sweater (wool or synthetic) Temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains, and a drizzly day can quickly chill you to Gore-Tex or similar clothing is a wise investment if you plan to do extensive hiking. occasional hiking, you can get by with a water-resistant parka or jacket. umbrella is also worth bringing if you're hiking on lowland paths.)An Irish tweed hat or a brimmed outdoor hat with a cord under the chin is more appropriate than a cotton baseball cap. A lightweight daypack is ideal for most hiking.

You can send heavier luggage ahead to the next village by train for a modest fee. A regular guidebook such as the Michelin Green Guide is adequate for local sightseeing, but an English-language walking guide is worth buying if hiking ranks high on your agenda. Look for these titles, some of which may be available in used editions: A Walking Vacation in a World Apart Philip and Marcia R. Lieberman (Countryman Press) Easy in the Swiss and Austrian Alps Chet and Carolee Lipton (Gateway) Clem Lindenmayer (Lonely Planet) Switzerland - The Swiss Way: From Vacation Apartments, Hotels, Mountain Inns, and Huts Philip and Marcia R. Lieberman (Mountaineers Books) Most hikers sleep in hotels, inns, hostels, or--in the high mountains--Swiss Alpine ClubCamping outdoors is illegal (except in official campgrounds), so you're unlikely to need your Kelty Pack and pup tent. You'll find a wide variety of topographical and hiking maps at Swiss bookstores and resort