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Huguenot and Waldensian Trail

ModerateZurich · Switzerland

GPX
Distance
1.9 km (1.2 mi)
Elevation gain
187 m (614 ft)
Typical time
40 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
591 m (1,939 ft)

About Huguenot and Waldensian Trail

Huguenot and Waldensian Trail is a 1.9 km hiking route in Zurich, Switzerland. It climbs roughly 187 m (614 ft) along the way, topping out at 591 m (1,939 ft). Most people take around 40 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Zürich (Kreis 6), about 1.0 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Council of Europe.

In short, Huguenot and Waldensian Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate1.9 km187 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+187 m
Descent
0 m
High
591 m (1,939 ft)
Low
404 m (1,325 ft)
382 m440 m498 m555 m613 m0.0 km0.4 km0.9 km1.3 km1.7 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 25 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Waymarked route
  • Waymarked and signposted

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
48/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
16/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
9/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
82/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
45/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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