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.
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
Although I travelled from quite far away, (Vancouver Island, Canada), I was so very pleased at the kindness and friendly attitude of everyone in the group. I was the eldest in the group (73 years young), but had absolutely no trouble keeping up. I would say this trip is not for the feint of heart; even at the end of October/early November the days were quite hot (although the evening temps were perfect). We experienced no bugs and no rain throughout the week. Definitely expect long days and some arduous climbs as well as steep descents. Hiking poles were essential. It was occasionally windy and cool at each summit but I was able to hike in shorts all week. I’m quite used to climbing mountains and found this itinerary to be just perfect. The accommodation was basic but comfortable; the food was good but at times limited for me as a vegetarian. Breakfasts outside were fantastic and the triple-decker sandwiches that José made for us were to die for. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
Who would have thought (without this trip) that there could be such astonishingly lively, unspoiled and (for the most part) unfrequented mountain terrain – and such beautiful and varied walking – just a stone’s throw from the infamous high-rise resort of Benidorm?
Who would have thought (without this trip) that there could be such astonishingly lively, unspoiled and (for the most part) unfrequented mountain terrain – and such beautiful and varied walking – just a stone’s throw from the infamous high-rise resort of Benidorm?
