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 Daysfrom£ 3399
£ 3059
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Walk the classic circuit through France, Switzerland and Italy
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom£ 1999
£ 1799
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit.
Walking & Trekking
15 Daysfrom£ 2299
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Walk the iconic alpine trail through France, Switzerland and Italy
Walking & Trekking
15 Daysfrom£ 2999
£ 2699
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Trek the classic 'Haute Route' from France to Switzerland
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom£ 1399
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 Daysfrom£ 1899
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Cross alpine meadows and skirt crystal clear lakes set high amongst the mountains.
Walking & Trekking
8 Daysfrom£ 1879
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 Daysfrom£ 1239
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 Daysfrom£ 1099
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
The family run hotel was perfectly located, clean, welcoming and personal service from the wonderful staff.
The food was great, so much on offer too. Couldn’t be faulted.
Leave your book behind as the days are exhilaratingly long!
The hiking was very varied, I went in July ‘24 and the flowers in the meadows and along all routes were stunning.
Tomas was our wonderful local guide, we were with him during his first year. This made no odds as he knew the location so well. Every view looked down on a village of one relative or another!
Try the local blue cheese , it’s delicious and the hotel stocks the award winning product produced by Tomás’ mum.
This was a great trekking experience with plenty of good advice available from the Exodus team beforehand in terms of preparation and what to expect. We started in the second week of the trekking season and so encountered a good deal of snow, which for us was a first in terms of trekking. We also had two fairly short ‘river’ crossings, which we had to negotiate and again a first for us. Our group leader was an extremely experienced mountain guide who made a great deal of effort to keep the group focussed on the trail ahead especially when it mattered. Amazing views at the tops of climbs and probably not a good trek for those with a fear of heights!
A really enjoyable week trekking in the High Atlas. The trip was very well paced with several challenging days but still enough time to rest, acclimatise and enjoy the spectacular scenery prior to summitting Mount Toubkal itself. There is also a mix of wild and arranged camping which gives a nice contrast throughout the week.