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.
Explore ancient muleteers’ paths, colourful waterside towns and magical lake islands on a discovery of majestic Lake Maggiore and its lesser known neighbour, Lake Orta.
This twin centre holiday immerses you in an unforgettable mountain scene with exceptional walking trails stretching far out across the alpine landscapes.
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
Great small group, bonded quickly and the guide was fantastic. Hotels comfortable and clean and in great locations.
Jacob the guide was very informative both before each days hike and during the hikes providing lots of local information.
Jacob was also more than happy to provide additional guidance for any local hikes outside of the planned daily ones.
We were on the Exodus trip that left on May 24, 2025. The hiking, hotel, meals, hospitality and guide were all excellent. We could not ask for more.
We would highly recommend this trip and the other 4 Exodus trips we have taken to our friends.
The hotel room was spotless and the staff so very accommodating. The breakfast had everything you could ask for. The packed lunches had 3 options for sandwiches plus all the chocolate, fruit and nuts you wanted. The 4 course dinners were amazing, with 3 options prepared by the in house chef.
This trip is the perfect balance of a short break that feels like you have been away for a month, in a good way. You are completely at one with nature and in the wild, the days are demanding and you are often leaving at 0730 each day and not getting back until around 1630/1700. You have a long time on your feet with big ascents and descents, all whilst surrounded by incredible mountains. I went the first week of September and we had a mixture of weather, which really gave us the full hiking experience, instead of being upset that it was raining with zero visibility, you were happy to be out in the elemensta and conquering cols. You will have switchbacks for breakfast and sore legs for dinner, however, if you are up for a challenge and enjoy the outdoors, good food and comradery then this trip is absolutely for you! 1 peiece of advise, pack light, and then if you think you have packed light enough, pack even lighter than that!