There is no better place to get active in the Alps than among Switzerland’s unrivalled, dramatic scenery. From the mountain peaks to the shores of crystal-clear lakes, Switzerland is the perfect destination for a peaceful yet invigorating getaway. And with its many hiking trails and sightseeing spots, it is an ideal location for passionate walkers.
Here are our recommendations for the best places to go walking in Switzerland:
Ascona, Lake Maggiore
Situated in the foothills of the Swiss Alps and bordering Italy, the region of Ticino enjoys a warm, sunny climate and is home to Ascona, the ‘Pearl of Lake Maggiore’. A pleasant one-hour stroll along the lakeside will take you from this quaint town to neighbouring Locarno.
Hikers can find more challenging alpine adventures in the hills of the Verzasca Valley, where the Ticino scenery will take your breath away.
New for summer 2017, Inghams is offering a seven night holiday on a half board basis at the four-star Romantik Hotel Castello Seeschlos, including return flights and rail transfers, from £1,309 per person in September.
Interlaken
‘Gateway to the Jungfrau region’ and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Interlaken is located between the sparkling waters of lakes Thun and Brienz. With two railway stations and regular boat services on both lakes, easy exploration is right on your doorstep.
Inghams excursions include the famous Schynige Platte Alpine Garden, the train to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe (Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454m), and the James Bond Schilthorn.
Inghams is offering a seven night holiday on a half board basis at the three-star Hotel Sonne. Prices including from £889 per person in September include return flights and rail transfers.
Lucerne
This historic city on the shores of Lake Lucerne is an excellent base for venturing into the surrounding mountains of Rigi, Stanserhorn and Pilatus, all of which offer great scope for walking and unforgettable panoramic views across the lake.
Rigi is rich in flora and boasts over 100km of well-marked trails suitable for all levels. The ‘Flower Path’, which runs from Rigi Kaltbad to Staffel, is ideal for botanists. Signs along the route explain the rich variety of wild flowers found in the area.
We recommend pre-booking the Tell Pass, a regional travel and walking pass which is a cost effective way of exploring Lake Lucerne and further afield.
Inghams is offering a seven night holiday on a half board basis at the three-and-a-half-star Hotel Waldstätterhof, including return flights and rail transfers, from £1,129 per person in September.
Davos And Klosters
With 700km of marked trails, Davos & Klosters are one of Switzerland’s top walking destinations. Easily accessible routes via mountain railways, funiculars, gondolas and cable-cars present visitors with a tapestry of traditional villages, alpine forests, staggering scenery and abundant wildlife. A personal highlight for us at Inghams is exploring the alpine botanical garden at Schatzalp.
We’re currently offering a seven night holiday on a half board basis at the four-star Hotel Silvretta Park in Klosters. Price includes return flights and rail transfers, and starts from £899 per person in September.
Grindelwald
In the heart of the Jungfrau Region, Grindelwald is a walker’s paradise. Located at the foot of the awe-inspiring and iconic north face of the Eiger, the dramatic glaciers are in full view. The ‘Eiger Trail’ runs along the base of the mountain, past gushing streams and jagged rock formations.
We recommend pre-booking the Jungfrau Travel Pass to gain unlimited use of the mountain transport in the region, including destinations as far as Interlaken and boat trips on lakes Thun and Brienz.
Inghams is offering a seven night holiday on a bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Eiger Apartments. Price includes return flights and rail transfers, and start from £699 per person in September.
Zermatt
Surrounded by some of Europe’s highest mountains – the Matterhorn, Dom and Monte Rosa – and their glistening glaciers, Zermatt is a charming, traffic-free village with superb walking opportunities.
A highlight of this beautiful destination is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise excursion. Here, guests have the opportunity to glide up to Europe’s highest cable-car station on the Klein Matterhorn (3,883m), and enjoy phenomenal views stretching far into the Swiss, French and Italian Alps
Inghams’ wide range of Swiss destinations provide endless opportunities to walk among some of nature’s most magical creations. In addition, in many of our resorts, Inghams guests can receive a FREE Resort Card, which entitles you to unlimited travel on the local trains and buses. So what are you waiting for? Get your hiking boots on, and head to the hills with Inghams this summer.