Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Swiss Alps may not seem the most exotic mountains to visit. However, as the pretty foothills, decorated with chocolate-box chalets, pine woods and lush meadows, give way to towering granite peaks carved by glaciers into sharp serrated ridges, there’s no denying this is a dramatic and majestic range of global prominence. Our hiking tours in Switzerland guide you along trails-less-travelled and among beautiful scenery that could have been plucked straight from a fairy tale.
Walking in Switzerland also allows you to immerse yourself in the beautiful towns and villages scattered along the valleys, where you can explore local culture and sample some of the region’s delicious cuisine. Meanwhile, the higher routes and passes offer some serious challenges and adventures for those looking to really test their limits on walking holidays in Switzerland.
From the famous Tour de Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn to walking in Kandersteg, this stunning country is a walker’s paradise with countless fabulous trails that wind through the Swiss Alps.
Walking Tours in Switzerland
15 Daysfrom4 138 €
3 735 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Walk the classic circuit through France, Switzerland and Italy
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom2 398 €
2 160 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit.
Walking & Trekking
15 Daysfrom2 638 €
2 375 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Walk the iconic alpine trail through France, Switzerland and Italy
Walking & Trekking
15 Daysfrom3 598 €
3 410 €
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Trek the classic 'Haute Route' from France to Switzerland
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom2 255 €
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Cross Switzerland’s high mountain passes, from Mürren to Gstaad through lush, alpine valleys nestled between traditional Swiss villages.
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom1 680 €
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
A walker's paradise, 1000's of kms of well-marked trails, stunning Alpine flowers, rare birds of prey in the Swiss Alps
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom2 280 €
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Cross alpine meadows and skirt crystal clear lakes set high amongst the mountains.
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom1 490 €
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
This twin centre holiday immerses you in an unforgettable mountain scene with exceptional walking trails stretching far out across the alpine landscapes.
Walking & Trekking
6 Daysfrom1 320 €
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
A walker's paradise with 000's of kms of well-marked trails in stunning Swiss Alpine scenery
Mont Blanc Bovine Route: Being the tallest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc is a beautiful beast of a mountain and a seriously challenging trek, but the scenery you’ll encounter is well worth the effort. The Tour de Mont Blanc is split into 11 stages and the Bovine Route to Champex is a popular trail on walking holidays in Switzerland, which leads you through high alpine pastures and larch forests overlooking the Sion Valley. Along the trail you’ll pass pretty mountain cafes, perfect for taking a quick break and enjoying the traditional Swiss Rosti. From Champex Lac, a magnificent alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks, you can peer over to the Val Ferret from its eastern shore.
The Gasterntal and the Klus Gorge: The UNESCO-listed Gasterntal, known as Kandersteg’s ‘Hidden Valley’, sets the scene for one of the best trails on Switzerland walking holidays. Cascading waterfalls tumble down its rugged rock faces into the River Kander and the sound of water and scent of pine trees is like a sweet elixir for the senses. You can opt to walk higher up the valley or continue through the alpine meadows and woodlands to the Waldhaus Nature Reserve, where the landscape erupts with orchids and fire lilies. Following the stunning ravine of Klus Gorge with its roaring waterfalls, you’ll walk beneath the lofty slopes of the Balmhorn, Tatlishore and Atels.
Blausee and the Nordrampe: Imagine a dreamlike scene where bright turquoise and emerald waters are fringed by a canopy of towering firs and gnarled trees and it will give you some idea of how idyllic Blausee Nature Park is. Its natural beauty is so intense, it almost seems unreal, but then walking in Switzerland never ceases to amaze you at every turn. From here you can continue through the Kanderground valley to join the Nordrampe Bahnwanderweg. Walk along the mountain railway and past the ancient ruins of Felsenburg Tower where you’re hugged on all sides by breath-taking views.
Edelweiss Trail, Zermatt: Perhaps most synonymous with the song from ‘The Sound of Music’, Edelweiss is a pretty, alpine flower that carpets Swiss meadows, creating a sea of white stars across the landscape. The Edelweiss Trail in Zermatt is one of the most picturesque you’ll find on walking holidays in Switzerland and guides you up to a spectacular vantage point where the views are beyond compare. From here, as you ascend to Trift, views of the unmistakable Matterhorn begin to unfurl. With one last push uphill, you’ll reach Höhbalmen for even more spellbinding views of the Matterhorn.
The Golden Madonna Pass: Gazing down over the Monto-Moro Pass, which lies on the border of Italy and Switzerland, the Golden Statue of Mary takes centre stage atop a rocky summit. Winding around the central lake, explore this ancient walking route along the pass. The menacing peaks of Monte Rosa soon come into sight, and you can pause to inhale some of the most remarkable views you’ll find while walking in Switzerland
This trip leans more toward moderate walking rather than leisurely due to the terrain which is quite rocky.
The weather the week I was there was clear, sunny, and warm. The countryside was filled with beautiful spring flowers which offset some of my disappointment in the general scenery and the walks through pasture lands where it was sometimes difficult to navigate holes hidden by grass, limestone outcroppings, and cattle paddies.
The Cortijo Rosario was lovely and the staff very welcoming and accommodating. The dinners were very good and the staff very obliging to dietary requests without sacrificing taste or portions of substituted dishes. The only hiccup as far as our stay was being without hot water one evening. I would not mention it as we made do, and no one seemed upset over it, including myself, but I have read in other reviews that the same thing has happened.
Algámitas is a very rural village with very few businesses (take what you will need), but the couple of times we made pre-hike morning stops for coffee at two of the cafes there were nice.
Excellent trip with a variety of terrain and something different to offer every day. As described, it’s a grade2 level, with leisurely/moderate walking.
The accommodation is homely and comfortable, the food great quality and variety, and the staff couldn’t be more helpful and friendly. There’s also a very reasonable honesty bar!