Self-guided walking holidays in Switzerland
Boasting more 4,000 metre peaks than any other country in Europe, Switzerland is one of the world’s great hiking destinations. Switzerland is world-renowned for its well-marked and well-maintained walking trails, and of course the Swiss scenery is second to none. Think snow-capped summits against clear blue skies; gleaming glaciers; shimmering mountain lakes; alpine cows grazing on lush green meadows; charming villages with rustic wooden chalets… Switzerland is a hiker’s dream!
The Bernese Oberland may no longer be home to bears but the famous Bear Trek, part of the longer Via Alpina, is a wonderful hike over spectacular mountain passes and through lovely alpine valleys, passing the three mighty mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The sunny Canton of Valais is located in Switzerland’s southwest and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. It’s high alpine region, in particular, is a real mecca for hikers. The Aletsch Glacier Panorama Path is a hike through the stunning Aletsch UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The Swiss Tour Monte Rosa is a hiking route around the Swiss side of Europe’s second highest mountain, finishing in Zermatt at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. Then, of course there is Mont Blanc. The legendary ‘white mountain’ is Europe’s highest peak and the third most visited natural site in the world. The Tour de Mont Blanc is one of the world’s most popular hiking routes and a rite of passage for many hikers, crossing national borders through Switzerland, France and Italy.
Hikers looking to get a little off the beaten path could do worse than head for the canton of Graubünden, in the far east of Switzerland. Here, the Via Engiadina is a beautiful hike through the stunning Engadine Valley with its shimmering aquamarine lakes.
Switzerland has an excellent public transport system, meaning that mountain areas can be reached surprisingly quickly and easily from the international airports in Geneva, Bern and Zurich.
All of our walking holidays in Switzerland include hand-picked accommodation and luggage transportation as well as detailed route notes and GPS tracks.
