Per square kilometre, Switzerland is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. The European Alps run right across southern and central Switzerland, creating a huge expanse of spectacular, high-country scenery. Snow-clad peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls and lush valleys abound. To state the obvious, Switzerland is an idyllic playground for walkers.
Switzerland has long recognised the attraction of its natural-world treasures and has worked industriously to make them accessible. This has resulted in an outstanding public transport network that extends to mountain railways, cable-cars, gondolas and chairlifts. Many of these draw upon Switzerland’s renowned engineering expertise and provide breathtaking rides.
The Swiss have also created a phenomenal number of walking trails, with marked trails said to total more than 65,000 km. The Swiss hiking trail authority has developed many multi-day routes and gives particular emphasis to seven national routes and 60 regional routes.
For walkers who wish to mix mountains with creature comforts, Switzerland is probably unparalleled for options. The mountain infrastructure, as well as the popularity of recreational activities in the Swiss Alps, means that hotels, restaurants and mountain huts can be found in the most extraordinary locations. It can be almost surreal at times when, after hours of apparently remote walking, you round a bend and there’s a hotel/restaurant establishment offering a three course lunch!
The creature comforts can be dialled up or down depending on your preferences. Similarly, you can choose paths that will provide solitude or paths that will provide company. And while the mountainous terrain means that incredibly challenging walks are on offer, the deep valleys deliver moderate and easy walking options.
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Some of the best multi-day walks in Switzerland are set out below. For further detail on these walks, click the ‘Learn More’ button. A map showing the approximate location of each of the walks is at the bottom of this page.
Bernese Oberland Trails
The Bernese Oberland is in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It boasts the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains as well as numerous others. The Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys sit beneath these iconic peaks. There are a number of small mountain villages nestled into plateaus above the valleys, including Wengen and Murren. A variety of wonderful walks, including the Grindelwald Circuit, knit the valleys, villages and mountain flanks.
Via Alpina
This is a long route that crosses the Swiss Alps from east to west. During its course, it passes through the famed Bernese Oberland, home to the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains and the Grindelwald valley. But it also visits quiet realms where, even in high summer, you’re likely to have the trail to yourself. The Via Alpina can be readily split into segments, which is the approach many walkers take.
Walkers Haute Route
A section of this walk is in France, but the bulk of it is in south-western Switzerland. It’s one of Europe’s biggest name walks, which is not surprising when you think it delivers you from underneath Mont Blanc to the slopes of the Matterhorn. From Chamonix to Zermatt. It’s a challenging walk, with 11 passes and an accumulated height gain of 12,000m. For the seasoned walker, it’s one of the most enticing offerings in Europe.
Tour du Mont Blanc
One of the world’s most iconic walks, the TMB circumnavigates the highest mountain in western Europe - the majestic Mont Blanc. Walkers generally start at, or just out of, Chamonix and finish at the same spot. During its 168 km circuit, this mighty trail passes through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walkers from all over the world tackle the TMB, adding to the international flavour already provided by its route.
