Switzerland has over 65,000km of exceptional walking trails, weaving through flower strewn meadows and riverside woodlands, to high mountain passes and jagged peaks.
With well-maintained paths, clear signposts, and reliable public transport, life as a walking tourist in Switzerland is incredibly easy.
If you’re looking for a long-distance challenge, there are seven national trails that can be enjoyed in sections or on a multiday trek, with comfortable accommodation along the way in mountain refuges. Perhaps the most famous, the Via Alpina, takes hikers almost 400km across the main Alpine ridge, not to mention the Tour du Mont Blanc, of which about 40km are inside Switzerland's borders.
Why Choose Switzerland for Your Walking Holiday?
Switzerland really has everything you could want for a walking holiday; epic scenery, trails for all levels, delicious mountain cuisine, great weather, and excellent public transport that makes getting around extremely easy. The price of eating out and accommodation might be the only thing that Switzerland has going against it, but for a traditional Swiss hospitality, punctuality, and a cheese fondue, we’re prepared to dig into our pockets.
Switzerland’s scenery is second to none.
Mountains occupy 70% of Switzerland’s territory, offering some of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful landscapes to explore. Whether you're hiking through meadows filled with wildflowers, navigating high-altitude passes with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, or walking the shores of crystal-clear lakes, the scenery in Switzerland is nothing short of spectacular.
There are two main mountain ranges, the Jura and the Alps, which are separated by the Swiss Plateau. The Jura Mountains, known for their inviting rolling terrain and dense forests, are relatively low mountain range (by Swiss standards) with the highest peaks reaching just over 1,600m. Conversely, home to 49 summits over 4,000m, the Swiss Alps comprise of almost all of the Alp’s highest mountains. Wherever you decide to walk, and however high you get, you’re guaranteed an epic view in Switzerland.
Switzerland’s world-class infrastructure ensures a smooth trip.
The country's well-marked trails have clear signposts indicating difficulty levels, distances, and estimated walking times. Additionally, Switzerland's public transport is among the best in the world, making it easy to get around, access remote trailheads or return to your starting point after a day of walking. The availability of mountain refuges, guesthouses, and hotels along many trails also means you can choose the level of comfort and service that suits you best. And although the terrain can feel wild and beautiful, you’re never too far from civilisation, with cable cars and chairlifts open throughout the summer months to help you gain altitude without the effort.
Where Are the Best Walking Holidays in Switzerland?
The great thing about Switzerland is that wherever you go you can be guaranteed a little bit of everything, it’s virtually scenic anywhere you look. Here are a few of our favourite spots for a hiking holiday.
Walking in the Bernese Oberland | Dramatic Peaks and Breathtaking Views
The Bernese Oberland is a large region that sits to the south of Bern. It is dominated by the Bernese Alps, home to some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks including the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau. One of the most spectacular sections of the Via Alpina passes straight through the heart of this region, from Meiringen to Kandersteg.
The walking here offers classic, postcard-perfect Switzerland views, from huge mountains with tumbling glaciers and vast Alpine pastures, to charming villages and clear, blue lakes. The region around Lauterbrunnen is known for its stunning waterfalls, and Grindelwald, with its panoramic views of the Eiger, offers walking trails for all abilities and aspirations.
Insider tips for walking holidays in the Bernese Oberland:
• The region sees marginally wetter weather than its neighbouring Valais especially in the summer months, but that means the landscape is especially lush and green.
• For an easy start, try the trail from Grindelwald to the Bachalpsee, a simple hike that incorporates the First Cliff Walk, a knee-trembling suspended metal walkway that skirts the edge of the cliffs.
• Consider staying in Wengen or Mürren, two car-free villages that provide easy access to some of the region's best trails.
• Don’t miss the hike to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, also known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls.” It’s a relatively easy walk with stunning views of cascading falls at every turn.
Walking Holidays in the Valais Alps | Lofty Summits, Tumbling Glaciers, and Fine Wines
Valais covers the southwest corner of Switzerland, sharing a mountainous border with both France and Italy. The vast Rhone valley runs through the middle of the region and on its southside the Valais (or Pennine) Alps rise sharply to form a chain of summits that rarely falls below 3,000m. The Matterhorn is perhaps the Valais’s most famous peak. This iconic mountain attracts climbers and sightseers from around the world.
The Valais region is not only defined by its 41 towering peaks peak over 4,000m, the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, stretches over 23 kilometres and is an impressive sight. Down in the Rhône Valley, vineyards flourish on sun-drenched slopes, producing some of Switzerland's finest wines.
Insider tips for walking holidays in the Valais Alps:
• Base yourself in the car-free mountain towns of Zermatt or Saas-Fee to truly immerse yourself in the range’s mightiest summits.
• For the best views of the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, head to Moosfluh viewpoint in Aletsch Arena.
• Hike through the vineyards, particularly around Sion and Martigny, for a nice contrast to the high alpine landscapes.
Walking in the Engadin Valley | Sun Soaked Hikes, Glacial Lakes, and Tranquility
The Engadine Valley, located in the canton of Graubünden in southeast of Switzerland, is known primarily as a winter playground for the rich and famous. It’s most famous ski resort, St Moritz, is often pegged as the most glamourous in the world. It is perhaps less well known as a summer destination, making it a little more peaceful through the warmer months than the likes of Zermatt.
The well-marked network of hiking trails around the Engadin Valley stretches to almost 600km. Thanks to the area’s south facing aspect and dry, sunny climate, you can expect to enjoy great weather throughout the summer months for ticking off plenty of miles.
Insider tips for walking holidays in the Engadin Valley:
• The easy 7km Panorama Trail from Muottas Muragl to Alp Languard offers sweeping views of the Engadine Valley and the surrounding peaks - a good place to get started.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Bernina Express panoramic train. You can do a day trip from St Moritz to Tirano and back and enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.
• Spend a night or two in one of Engadine’s nine mountain huts and wake up to breathtaking Alpine views, high above the valley. From here, you can step right onto some of Switzerland's most scenic hiking trails, all while enjoying traditional Swiss hospitality and plenty of cheese.
Walking in Ticino | Hiking, Lakes, Piazzas and Pizzas
This Italian speaking region of Switzerland offers a unique blend of Swiss and Mediterranean cultures. Its biggest draws are Lakes Maggiore and Lugano with their lakeside towns, lush, forested hillsides, and sugarloaf hills that rise straight from the water. Think brightly coloured tiers of villas overlooking crystal clear, azure lakes, pristine tree lined promenades, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
The lakes and pre-Alpine mountains occupy a small area on Ticino’s most southerly border which extends down into Italy, however much of this region is extremely mountainous with several peaks over 3,000m. With such a variety of terrain to explore, Ticino is excellent for hiking holidays.
Insider tips for walking holidays in Ticino:
• The Sentiero Lago di Lugano is a nine-stage trail that sweeps 130km up and around the mountains between Lakes Lugano and Maggiore. Jump on for a section or take on the whole route.
• Lakeside towns of Locarno, Lugano and Ascona are not to be missed, plus many of the mountains around the lakes can be ascended or descended by cable car (a great way to gain some height, views, and access to the trails beyond).
• Check out the Valley Verzasca (made famous by the James Bond Golden Eye bungee jump off the incredible Verzasca Dam) for some excellent walking followed by a cool dip in the clear blue natural pools, sculpted by rushing water.
Walking in the Jura Mountains | Rugged Rolling Hills, Lush Meadows and Local Delicacies
The Jura Mountains offer an idyllic setting for walking holidays. Stretching along the Swiss-French border, this lesser-known range boasts rolling hills, dense forests, deep valleys and steep limestone cliffs.
The terrain is diverse offering both gentle walking trails and more challenging hikes, including the 320km Jura Crest Trail which links Geneva and Zurich. Known as Switzerland’s oldest long distance walking route, it offers impressive views across to the Alps and the Black Forest, as well as ample opportunities to sample local cuisine in the many traditional Swiss villages it passes through, from speciality cheeses to the Jurassian Totché cream cake. The Jura is also home to several UNESCO sites including the Besancon Citdel and the watchmaking towns of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle.
Insider tips for walking holidays in the Jura Mountains:
• Consider visiting in autumn when the Jura's forests burst into a riot of colour, plus the paths are a little quieter and cooler.
• Head for the Upper Jura Regional National Park to explore the higher summits and get closer to wildlife.
Types of Walking Holiday in Switzerland
Self-Guided Walking Holidays
Switzerland's well-marked trails and reliable public transport make it easy to plan your own routes and move from one destination to the next. With a self-guided holiday, you have the flexibility to decide how far you want to walk each day, where you want to stop for breaks, and to go at your own pace. The Switzerland Mobility website and App make planning your walking routes, transport and accommodation incredibly easy and are great resources to help you get started.
Guided Walking Holidays
There are many guided walking tours on offer in Switzerland. Whether you’re looking to get lost in nature on lakeside trails or pound out the miles on mountainous treks, there’s something for everyone. As you’ll be part of a group, it’s a great option for solo travellers looking to meet like-minded hikers. Alternatively, you could hire a mountain guide to take you a few walks in the area you’d like to explore and get them to suggest routes that would be suitable for you to tackle alone on the rest of your trip.
Planning Your Walking Holiday in Switzerland
Choosing the Right Time to Visit
Whatever time of year you decide to visit Switzerland, you’re likely to enjoy some incredible walking and spectacular views. Summer is the most popular time for walking holidays in Switzerland, as the weather is generally warm and higher-altitude trails that may be snow-covered in spring and autumn are usually clear. However, temperatures can still soar into the high thirties so be sure to check the forecast before you venture out into the wilderness.
Shoulder seasons are cooler and quieter in Switzerland, and September is particularly beautiful in lower regions as the leaves change colour. While winter offers snowshoeing and winter hikes on snow laden trails, many routes are impassable at this time of year.
Packing Essentials
Depending on what kind of walking holiday you choose in Switzerland, your packing list will vary, however we’d always suggest taking a variety of layers to cope with fast changing mountain weather.
• Walking boots or approach shoes are essential.
• It’s always worth having a good waterproof jacket or a lightweight waterproof jacket if you’re moving fast and light. Just remember, short, sharp summer storms can still soak you to the bone!
• Lightweight, technical trekking trousers are good idea.
• Depending on the time of year, you'll probably want a lightweight fleece or mid-layer—something that packs down small but gives you extra warmth at night.
• You'll want a decent hiking backpack, to fit all your kit into.
• Walking poles are strongly recommended, especially if you're heading towards the mountains. They really help with stability, especially on steep descents.
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat or cap
• A reusable water bottle or a hydration bladder that fits into your backpack.
• A first aid kit.
