Hiking remains a leading leisure activity in Switzerland and Austria

Recent studies highlight the enduring popularity of hiking as a primary leisure and sporting activity in Switzerland and Austria. In Switzerland, the ‘Sport Schweiz 2026’ study by the Federal Office of Sport (BASPO) reveals that approximately half of the population engages in hiking, making it the most widespread activity, ahead of cycling and swimming. While the overall growth of sports participation has stagnated since 2020, those who do hike are doing so more frequently, with the average number of hiking days increasing from 15 to approximately 20 per year.

In Austria, data from Austria Werbung indicates that hiking is the most common sporting activity during the off-season (spring and autumn). The study notes that off-season tourists, who are often older, more financially stable, and traveling as couples or solo, prioritize nature, landscape, and culture over price. While fewer people engage in sports during these shoulder seasons compared to summer or winter, hiking remains a central component of the regional tourism experience.