The Most Dangerous Animals and Insects in Switzerland (and How to Avoid Them)

Switzerland is known for its stunning nature and low crime rate—but when it comes to wildlife, there are a few pesky beasts you should be aware of.

Sure, the average Swiss Yodelling expert is not going to harm you, and those cows certainly look cute from a distance, but not all is as safe as it looks on the chocolate box!

Here are a few insects and animals you should be on the lookout for when enjoying your Heidi-like experience in the land of chocolate…

1. Ticks (German: Zecken) – Tiny But Full of Nasties!

Ticks are nasty little critters that lurk in the grass and forests of Switzerland. They are not as big a deal at higher altitudes, but it does pay to be aware of them because they are in lower areas even around Interlaken (see map below).

They can be anything from tiny to very small (eg. poppy seed – grape seed in size) , so spotting them once they get on you requires diligence. They tend to go for the hot, sweaty parts of your body, so you should check yourself when you shower at the end of the day, if possible, especially if you have been sitting on the grass or walking through long grass (or ploughing through bushes in the forest).

Although I have never had one in Switzerland, I got one a few years ago in Sweden while not even being in the grass. I guess it fell on me from a bush. Ann also got a tiny one in her groine area in the forests of France. So, they are around.

My friend on the other hand has 3 young kids who get them all the time because they play in the grass and forest alot. He just checks them in the bathroom afterwards and remove them carefully (more on that below).

They can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), especially in forested or grassy areas from spring through autumn.

CAUTION: Removing them

If you find one and want to remove it, be very careful how you do it. (more info here)

• You want to get the whole tick and not leave the head in
• Pull from its head (as far in as possible) with tweezers (not just the end sticking out as they will break in two)
• Disinfect the area afterwards to kill anything in the wound
• Watch for infection and a red rash/circle afters (if this appears see a doctor ASAP as a circle is a sign of Lyme Disease, which is better treated with strong antibiotics as soon as possible)

Tips to stay safe:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking.
• Use insect repellent with DEET if you are going into long grass.
• Stick to marked trails.
• Do a tick check after spending time outdoors.

Here is more information from the Swiss government.

2. Cows – Surprisingly Dangerous

It may come as a surprise, but Switzerland’s famously photogenic cows can pose a danger—especially mother cows protecting calves in Spring.

Each year, hikers are injured (and occasionally killed) by charging or kicking cows.

So, please don’t assume all cows are there for taking photos with, or are as harmless and slow as they look. When they want, they can run fast.

I have stopped hiking when I am unable to move around large herds of cows with young calves in the Spring. At other times, I have passed close by them. You have to use your common sense.

Avoiding risk:

• Don’t walk between a cow and her calf.
• Keep dogs on a leash and under control—or better yet, avoid bringing them into cow pastures.
• Walk calmly and give cows a wide berth.
• Don’t try to pet or photograph them up close.

3. Hornets and Wasps

Swiss summers bring out wasps and hornets. While they’re not aggressive unless provoked, multiple stings or allergic reactions can be serious.

They tend to hang around rubbish bins in the city, and other places where people eat for lunch. So just be aware of them and perhaps move if they get annoying.

Don’t try to kill or swat them as they can get agressive when provoked.

And if they are around, keep your drink covered as they can get inside cans and bottles and surprise you when you go to drink out of them.

To prevent stings:

• Don’t wave your arms or panic if one flies near.
• Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors.
• Know where the nearest pharmacy is if you have allergies.

4. Adders (Vipera berus) – Switzerland’s Only Venomous Snake

I have only seen a snake in Switzerland once or twice in 24 years. But they can be on paths, even in the mountains. They are quite shy and small, so you should not be super concerned about them.

Bites are extremely rare and usually not fatal, but if you’re bitten, seek medical attention – just to be on the safe side.

How to avoid:

• Wear proper footwear when hiking.
• Avoid stepping over logs or into dense grass without looking.

5. Alpine Wildlife

While ibex, marmots, and chamois are safe to admire from a distance, please don’t feed or approach them (if you ever have the chance).

And keep an eye out for large dogs used to guard sheep flocks in alpine pastures—they can be protective. There are not many places where they hang out in Switzerland, but I have seen them marked on maps because they can apparently get very protective of their sheep!

Final Thoughts:
Danger from wildlife in Switzerland is minimal with basic awareness and respect for nature.

If you stay alert and follow the rules, your experience with Swiss nature will be just as peaceful and safe as the country itself.

Plan Your Trip to Switzerland

Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more

Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums.

Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland.

Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland.

Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland.

Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring!