I've been having trouble finding information on hiking and burn permits. Can someone please refer me in the right direction to get them?

I'm also looking for people to hike/backpack with. Is there hiking group on this forum?

Don't quite understand your question. Hiking is free in Switzerland, no need for permit. What do you mean for 'burn'. In most areas, unless there is an official restriction due to very dry/hot weather (don't think there is any at the moment in Switzerland) you can make a fire in open areas- providing you make a stone/rock circle around it to restrict its spread.

In order to backpack in California you need a permit. This lets the park rangers know where you will be during your trek in case you get hurt/lost and they need to help you (usually don't have to pay) . In order in make fires in California you need to register for a "Burn Permit" (don't have to pay).

Is that more clear? There should be a similar system in Switzerland, I just cant seem to find the info.

Absolutely no proble with hiking all over Switzerland. Are you away of the National Hiking routes? Thay, and countless regional ones are generally well signposted and there are both national and regional maps to follow.

I have done several days of the Jura National route and found that there are places set aside every so often on all sections, that have either metal or brick bbq's set up. Sometimes, there is actually a supply of wood to use.

Alternatively, there are no restrictions ( that I am aware of) for using portable camping stoves anywhere ie: with fuel cannisters.

A trekking group that I can thoroughly recommend is the mulitnational Zurich based oen that can be contacted through www.meetup.com
THere are generally walks organised every weekend - no fees involved, just meet at either the ZUrich train station, or the station where the ZUrich people are leaving the train. They do walks throughout Switzerland, both day and longer ones and at all levels.

No rangers, no permits here in CH. You are always advised to hike with someone, or tell someone where you are going. I'd advise becoming a 'member' (donor) of REGA air rescue, and if you have a phone with the right ap, they can always work out where you are immediately in an emergency. Best value for money in CH. Enjoy

Why?

Just because the Canadians think they need it for Canada, doesn't mean the Swiss think it should be done in Switzerland

Switzerland is based on common sense, personal responsibility and reasonably well educated people

Ie: if you're hiking in the mountains, its up to you to be safe. You don't need to tell anyone where you are going unless common sense dictates you should (eg: scaling the Eiger north face)

If you light a fire, make sure you do it sensibly, and extinguish it when leaving

Switzerland is a good deal more populated in Canada, making the value of registration less. You have to look to find a trail that doesn't get walked over regularly in the summer. Also, cell phones don't work everywhere in the mountains, but you normally have signal when you have a view of a valley.

All that said, people do die in the Swiss alps, and not just from BASE jumping.

As mentioned, the "Zurich Hiking and Outdoor" group on meetup is fairly active. They generally don't do anything technical, but the hikes are not professionally guided tours either and Swiss terrain can be steep. The SAC is also something to consider, especially if you want to do more technical or otherwise intense things.

Occasionally there have been attempts to arrange hiking meets with this forum, to the best of my knowledge they haven't had great turnouts.