The Best Hikes Around Leysin

Leysin, a Hiking Paradise in the Vaud Alps

With its 300 km of marked trails, ideal altitude, and breathtaking panoramas, Leysin is a top destination for hiking enthusiasts. Whether you're a casual walker or an experienced hiker, the Vaud Alps offer routes for all levels, always rewarded with exceptional views of the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, and the surrounding peaks. Here's our selection of the best hikes starting from Leysin.

Lac d'Aï Circuit — The Unmissable Classic

Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation: +600 m

This is Leysin's signature hike. The trail leaves from the village and gradually climbs through lush Alpine pastures to Lac d'Aï, nestled at 1,893 meters altitude at the foot of the imposing Tours d'Aï and de Mayen. The turquoise lake is a true Alpine gem, ideal for a picnic break. The return can be taken via a different route through the Col de Bretaye, offering varied perspectives on the valley. The Lac d'Aï restaurant serves simple food with local products for those who prefer to travel light.

Berneuse Ascent — 360-Degree Panorama

Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Duration: 2-3 hours (ascent) | Elevation: +800 m

The Berneuse is Leysin's iconic viewpoint. At 2,048 meters, its summit offers an absolutely spectacular 360-degree panorama. It's accessible on foot via a well-marked trail winding through fir forests then Alpine pastures, or by cable car for those wanting a more relaxed ascent. At the top, the Kuklos revolving restaurant — the only one in Switzerland — completes a full rotation in 90 minutes, allowing you to admire the entire panorama while savoring local specialties. Walking back down allows you to enjoy varied descent trails.

Tour de Mayen — For Athletic Hikers

Difficulty: Difficult | Duration: 5-6 hours | Elevation: +900 m

The Tour de Mayen (2,326 m) is one of the iconic summits visible from Leysin. Its ascent is reserved for experienced and well-equipped hikers. The route passes by Lac d'Aï then climbs along a steep trail to the summit. The reward is an extraordinary panorama over the entire Alpine arc, from Mont Blanc to Grand Combin via the Dents du Midi. The feeling of conquest at the top is incomparable. Plan a full day and start early in the morning for the best conditions.

Cheese Trail — A Gourmet Hike

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 2-3 hours | Elevation: +200 m

This gourmet walk is perfect for families and food lovers. The trail connects several Alpine pastures where cheese makers still craft cheese the traditional way. You discover the Alpine cheese-making process, taste fresh products, and enjoy bucolic landscapes filled with bell-wearing cows. It's a hike that appeals to children and adults alike and offers immersion in traditional Alpine life.

Leysin to Les Mosses Crossing — The Panoramic Route

Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation: +500 m / -600 m

This crossing between Leysin and the Col des Mosses is one of the region's most beautiful hikes. The trail winds through varied landscapes: spruce forests, flower-filled pastures, protected peat bogs, and panoramic ridges. The Col des Mosses, at 1,445 meters, is a historic crossroads between the Pays-d'Enhaut and the Rhône Valley. The return is easy by postal bus or shuttle. It's an ideal hike for those who love landscape diversity and long mountain routes.

Grand Hotel Promenade — Family Walk

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 1 hour | Elevation: +100 m

For a quiet stroll accessible to everyone, including with strollers on certain sections, the Grand Hotel promenade is ideal. This flat, shaded trail offers magnificent views of the Rhône Valley and the Dents du Midi. Benches are installed along the route for resting and contemplating the scenery. It's the perfect hike for a calm morning or a sunny late afternoon, accessible directly from Chalet Les Mayens in just a few minutes.

Practical Tips for Hiking in Leysin

Before heading out, always check weather conditions and choose a route suited to your level. Bring sufficient water, sunscreen, a hat, and warm clothing for altitude. Trails are well-marked with the Swiss signposting system (yellow for hiking, red-white for mountain routes). The SwitzerlandMobility app is a valuable tool for planning your hikes and following routes in real time.

Set Out to Explore from Chalet Les Mayens

All these hikes are accessible from Chalet Les Mayens, your ideal starting point for exploring the trails of Leysin and the Vaud Alps. After a day of walking, return to the comfort of your chalet for a well-deserved rest. Book your stay and lace up your best hiking boots.