Swiss Alps

Name: Swiss Alps
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (298 reviews)

Highlights of Our Swiss Alps Holidays

Tour du Mont Blanc

This world-famous hiking route circumnavigates the tallest peak in western Europe and leads you on a remarkable tour of the massif. Witness some of the most breathtaking views on Earth and discover the diverse scenery of France, Switzerland and Italy. Led by our expert guides, you can traverse mountain passes, trek through alpine meadows and explore pretty villages.

Wildlife

The Swiss Alps are rich with wildlife. As you walk through scented pine forests and lush meadows, keep your eyes open for eagles, kestrels and buzzards. Additionally, in spring and summer, verdant pastures and valleys are punctuated by shimmering glacial lakes, gushing waterfalls and colourful wildflowers, such as fire lilies, lady slippers and various orchid species.

Alpine villages

Resembling scenes from a fairytale with traditional wooden chalets and mountain backdrops, the villages in the Swiss Alps are truly beautiful. Kandersteg, Gimmewald and Grindelwald are known for their jaw-dropping settings made up of imposing mountains and alpine lakes. They also give you an insight into the heritage and traditions of the Swiss Alps where you can appreciate a simpler and slower way of life.

Stunning lakes

You’re never more than 10 miles from a lake in Switzerland, and some of the most beautiful are in the Alps. Our classic Swiss Alps holidays guide you among two of our favourites – Oeschinensee and the Blue Lake of Blausee. Oeschinensee is considered the jewel of Bernese Oberland with the dramatic peaks of the Doldenhorn and the Bluemlisalphorn reflecting on its cobalt waters.

Swiss Alps trips

Switzerland is renowned for its astounding Alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks and majestic panoramas – it’s even said that hiking enthusiasts have been exploring the Swiss Alps since the Middle Ages. Stretching over both the Western Alps and Eastern Alps, the Swiss Alps also encompass the Mont Blanc Massif and the Bernina Massif, which cross the French, Italian, Austrian and Liechtenstein borders. And when it comes to our Swiss Alps holidays, we give adventurers plenty of chances to get off the beaten tracks.

Most famous of all is the Tour du Mont Blanc, which ranks among the most popular long-distance treks in Europe. We offer several versions of the TMB (which is also known as the Mont Blanc Circuit), including hotel and camping options, plus a fast-and-light version, which takes in the highlight sections. Alternatively, hike the Walker’s Haute Route, which runs from Mont Blanc, France, to the Matterhorn, which is nicknamed the jewel of the Swiss Alps. The whole trek takes just over two weeks, with incredible Alpine views throughout.

Swiss Alps Holidays

15 Days from USD 7348

USD 6615

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 3898

USD 3705

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Walking & Trekking

15 Days from USD 4198

USD 3360

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 2645

Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 2450

Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 1955

Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)

Winter

Walking & Trekking

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I’ve wanted to do this hike for so long and it really didn’t disappoint. The days were long, steep and tough from the very first day to the last but the scenery was just stunning. I loved crossing from one country to the next, seeing the landscape change from alpine cliff to meadow, to glacial valley. It was beautiful. It is full on so get some hill training in but this really was beautiful.

HELEN BRIDGETT Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

Despite unexpected illness we had a wonderful and rewarding trip.

Gary Mullen-Schultz Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

Life Changing sounds dramatic, a little over the top perhaps. But for me, personally that’s what this trip was.

Michael Diskin Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

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FAQs on Swiss Alps Holidays

What is the national dish of Switzerland?

Most widely known for its cheeses, Switzerland boasts delicious cuisine, but you’ll find far more than fondue and Gruyere on the smorgasboard. Much of the food is influenced by German, French and Italian cuisines with potatoes and cheese being popular ingredients. Made from fried grated potato, rosti is an iconic Swiss dish that can be found in most restaurants and is very often topped with cheese, mushrooms, onions or corn. Raclette (melted cheese served with boiled potatoes) is another major player in Swiss cuisine and is delicious!

Where’s best for walking in the Swiss Alps?

Although the Swiss Alps are arguably most well-known for skiing, these rugged peaks also provide an idyllic backdrop for walking holidays. In the spring and summer months the pretty foothills are filled with wildflowers and present fabulous walking trails with uninterrupted panoramas of the mountains and valleys. Two of the most famous long-distance routes include the Tour du Mont Blanc and Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. The alpine village of Kandersteg is another scenic destination for exploring the Alps. Nuzzled high in the mountains, the village is within easy reach of Lake Oeschinen, Blausee Nature Park and the Allmenalp region.

Do I need a visa to travel to Switzerland?

If you’re travelling from either the UK, EU or US, you shouldn’t require a visa under normal circumstances. However, we always recommend that you contact your local government or embassy to check the requirements for your country. We have included some links for relevant countries below that you might find useful.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html

Where is best for cross-country skiing in the Swiss Alps?

While the more famous resorts of Verbier and Zermatt are considered meccas for skiing, Kandersteg provides a fantastic base for cross-country skiers wanting to explore lesser-known trails. Boasting incredible views over the Bernese Alps, this picturesque town is wrapped inside wide valleys and high plateaus which makes it perfect for beginners as well as seasoned skiers. You’ll find approximately 75km of well-maintained tracks that are suitable for various levels of ability.

When is the best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Although late June to early October is considered the best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc owing to the drier weather conditions, mountains can be extremely unpredictable, and you should expect rain at any time. On the higher trails it can also get very cold, even in summer. One of the quieter times when there are less walkers is late June, and you’ll also enjoy the lush scenery of flower filled meadows. July and August tend to be the busier months so you’re probably best avoiding then if you prefer to go off-peak.

Is the Bernese Oberland good for walking?

Crisscrossed by stunning mountain trails, the Bernese Oberland is an exceptional destination for walking and there is a diverse range of routes to choose from. Hike along lofty alpine passes, between traditional towns and villages and below the gaze of majestic peaks such as Jungfrau, Titlis and Eiger. You’ll also be greeted with immense views, cascading waterfalls and some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Along the way, immerse yourself in the wildlife and look out for chamois, golden eagles, red deer and bearded vultures.

Are the Swiss Alps good for cycling?

Home to mountainous and remote trails that wind through magnificent scenery where you’re often accompanied by the sound of cowbells, the Swiss Alps have endless opportunities for cycling. Whether you prefer to climb the high mountain trails or cycle along the lower valleys through pine forests and sun-drenched meadows, there’s a wealth of routes for everyone. For more challenging rides, head to the Valais Matterhorn region where contrasting landscapes of glaciers, vineyards and forests fringe the trails. You can even soothe any aching muscles at the end of your Swiss Alps holidays in the thermal springs at Leukerbad.