Trans Swiss Trail
~29 days · 321.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Trans Swiss Trail is known for
The Trans Swiss Trail crosses Switzerland from Porrentruy to Mendrisio in 32 stages, linking the Jura, the Swiss Plateau, central Switzerland, the Gotthard Pass, and Ticino. This whole-route itinerary follows about 510 km of SwitzerlandMobility national route 2;
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,530 ft to 19,482 ft over 321.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 142.6 mi · 44%
- Downhill 123.7 mi · 39%
- Flat 54.4 mi · 17%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Trans Swiss Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Trans Swiss Trail scores 85/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Trans Swiss Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Trans Swiss Trail in about 29 days (28 nights out) over its 321.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Trans Swiss Trail?
The Trans Swiss Trail climbs roughly 82,936 ft total — about 258 ft per mile, topping out near 6,919 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.