Walking holidays in Switzerland

Get the ultimate photo from the First Cliff Walk - an exciting metal walkway that clings to the edge of the cliff and a 45-metre-long terrace that juts out over the valley below. It's a short walk from the top of the Grindelwald First gondola and is definitely worth a visit.

Grindelwald-First is nicknamed Top of Adventure - so it's no surprise you'll find heaps of fun things to do here.

It's the starting point for some amazing walks, home to the exhilarating Cliff Walk and packs a punch when it comes to views. But if it's adrenaline you're looking for, you're definitely in for a treat here - there are plenty of activities that adventurous teens and adults will love.

First Flyer zip line

Whizz down the mountain on the zip lines - race your friends at up to 80 kilometres an hour down the First Flyer zip line - there are four, 800-metre-long zip lines next to each other perfect for an exciting race against friends.

First Glider zip line

Fly like an eagle on the First Glider which carries up to four people beneath a huge model eagle. 

Trottibikes

Make your mountain descent more exciting by hiring a Trottibike scooter. Trottibikes are like a cross between a mountain bike and a scooter - ride past flower meadows and pretty farm houses as you journey down from Bort back to Grindewald.

Mountain carts

Mountain carts are three-wheeled carts almost like a cross between a sled and a go-cart. The route follows a three-kilomtre track from Schreckfeld to Bort along a gravel road.

Book locally - Grindelwald First Adventure Package

First Flyer, Glider & Trottibike or Mountain Cart from CHF64 per person

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: ©Jungfraubahnen

There's fun to be had for all the family at the top of the Pfingstegg lift. Feel the thrills on the summer toboggan run or meander through the trees high above the ground on the Fly Line - this is a calmer version of a zip line that still offers lots of fun.

For little ones, enjoy a trip to the playground or complete the treasure hunt adventure.

Image: ©Pfingsteggbahn Pascal Imhof

A cable car links Wengen to Männlichen, a 2,343-metre mountain that watches over the Lauterbrunnen Valley on one side, and Grindelwald on the other. You can choose to ride inside… or on the open-air balcony on top of the cable car for the 'Royal Ride' (just clutch your phone tight while taking a selfie). Many trails can be trodden from the mountaintop, including the Royal Walk to the crown viewpoint, the Treetop Trail and beautifully maintained trails between mountain huts. Come August, alpenhorn aficionados gather to play tunes in full traditional dress.

Families should head to the Sennen playground at Männlichen and see Lieselotte, the famous cow, with her own play area (there are trampolines, climbing frames, swings, and a huge wooden cow that hides a fun slide) and themed walking trail with fun stations along the way. 

Head to Grindelwald's main street and take on the family at Minigolf - 18 holes offer fun and challenge for all the family. Keen navigators and families looking for a challenge will love the Swiss-O Finder orienteering challenges - two walking routes from the Grindelwald Sport's Centre allow you to experience the glacier village in a different way and take you to the best viewpoints in Grindelwald.

Switzerland's first indoor high ropes pare is in Grindelwald and offers five exciting routes of varying difficulty - follow the routes between wooden platforms, wire ropes, and knotted nets, all under cover. Climbers will love the indoor boulder hall, and there's Grindelwald indoor swimming pool for the water-lovers - there's a dedicated children's pool and a 'black-hole' slide. 

Swiss engineering is as good as rumour has it, with trains and cable cars allowing wanderers to easily explore car-free. One of the most famous train journeys include the track that runs all the way up to the Jungfraujoch – not only the highest railway station in Europe but the Jungfrau-Aletsch area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a must-see for all visitors making it the ultimate rail journey through the Eiger and up to 3,454 metres, for breath-taking views including the 14km-long Aletsch glacier and the Ice Palace. 

Pre-book your Jungfraujoch ticket

As well as the incredible views, there's a lot to do at the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Head in to the Ice Palace to see the fascinating glacier from within and some impressive ice sculptures, try some Lindt chocolate in the highest Lindt shop in the world, or head out onto the snow fun park (snow activities payable locally).

This ticket includes travel from your resort - if you've pre-booked a Travel Pass some of your journey may be covered by it so we recommend checking the validity as it may be best to buy the Jungfraujoch supplement locally.

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken, Wilderswil, Grindelwald and Wengen. Tickets are bookable locally from Mürren.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: ©Jungfraubahnen

A trip up the spectacular Schilthorn peak above Mürren, famous for being the set of the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Visit the museum and enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks. If you have a good head for heights, the 'Thrill Walk' at Birg is an exhilarating metal walkway that clings to the mountain edge, providing an exciting walk and some unbeatable photo opportunities.

Pre-book your Schilthorn ticket

This ticket includes travel from your resort - if you have a Travel Pass, some or all of your journey may be covered by it, so we recommend checking the validity as it may be best to buy the Schilthorn supplement locally if required.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: ©Benedetta Barbanti

One of the best places to relax around Interlaken is undoubtedly aboard one of the cruises - book a culinary cruise for an extra special treat, and gaze at the view while you enjoy lunch on board. The shores of Lake Thun, with castles, vineyards, and the St. Beatus caves invite you to hop off and explore along your route.

On Lake Brienz, take a boat to the impressive Giessbach waterfalls, or all the way to Brienz, at the opposite end of the lake to Bönigen. Here you'll find the Brienzer Rothorn steam train which takes you high into the mountains, for - you guessed it - more incredible views.

Pre-book your cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Spend a day cruising with this ticket, valid for one day on your choice of either of the lakes, Thun, or Brienz. Upgrade to 1st class for seats on the top deck!

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism)

Interlaken is already a remarkable mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty - but even here, some experiences stand out. One of these is the Ballenberg open-air museum, Switzerland’s only museum of its kind. Set across 66 hectares, it’s a journey back in time, with centuries-old buildings and demonstrations of traditional crafts that bring rural Swiss life vividly to life.

Image: (Copyright: Ballenberg Freilichtmuseum Der Schweiz David Birri)

There's no shortage of adventure and water sports on offer in Interlaken, from paragliding and bungee jumping to speed boats and canyoning. There's something for everyone, regardless of how full-throttle you want your adventure - head out for a relaxing afternoon on a paddleboard or kayak, or jump full-swing into the canyon on the canyon-swing. For the water lovers, there's rafting too, and of course, plenty of opportunities to swim. And, if you prefer your adventures up high, try the high ropes or some rock climbing and via Ferrata, the opportunities are endless.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism)

Put your aprons on and have your chocolatier hats at the ready as the Funky Chocolate Club allows children to create and decorate their very own chocolate bars. There is even some chocolate tasting during the process – what's not to love about that?

Harness up, you're about to experience the thrill of zip lines, swings and over 160 obstacles. Climbing up to heights of 23 metres, the rope park in the centre of Interlaken offers non-stop fun for all the family. You will be spoilt for choice with multiple courses, including the Butterfly path for smaller children.

Image: (Copyright: Outdoor Switzerland AG)

Take the charming cogwheel railway up to Schynige Platte at 2,000 metres and visit the wonderful Alpine garden with some 600 different Swiss alpine plants including Edelweiss and Enzian.

You'll need plenty of time to admire the view from the top of the Schynige Platte. In one direction, the peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger dominate the skyline, and in another, the bright blue waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz glisten in the sun. It's the starting point for many great walks, or if you're keen on a more relaxing visit, enjoy lunch in the panorama restaurant and a live Alphorn concert (daily between 11am - 2pm by the railway station). Children will love the playground and treasure hunt. 

Pre-book your Schynige Platte ticket

Ticket will include travel from your resort to Wilderswil and return travel on the cogwheel railway up to Schynige Platte.

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken, Wilderswil and Wengen. Tickets are bookable locally from Grindelwald and Mürren.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

A 15-minute funicular from Interlaken to the spectacular Harder Kulm viewing platform - a sight not to be missed - look down on Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Pre-book your Harder Kulm ticket

Pre-booked tickets are available from Interlaken and Wilderswil.

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Despite its small size, Kandersteg packs a punch, and a summer holiday will be full of pleasant surprises. The charming town, with River Kander flowing through its centre, is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides - there are only two ways in and one is via a train through a mountain. Head into the Kandersteg Museum to learn a bit about the town's history, from its scouting past to the history of the Swiss Cableways. Keep a look out for the Ricola herb garden where herbs are grown for the famous Swiss Ricola sweets. You can also try a game of bowls, take a dip in the outdoor village pool, or if the weather's bad, head to the indoor climbing wall.

Prepare for jaw-dropping beauty! With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the mountains in the background, Lake Oeschinen is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps and makes for some amazing photos! Hire a rowing boat and drift lazily from the shore, linger lakeside for something to eat in one of the restaurants or huts, or try the 750 metre toboggan run with a drop of 150 metres! There's some beautiful walking up here too - take one of the higher trails towards Unterbergli or Oberbergli mountain huts to enjoy spectacular views of the lake from above.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism)

It's worth the ride for the view from the lift alone - jaw-dropping beauty as you look down on the Gasterntal remote valley and Kandersteg village. From the top, a leisurely loop will take you to the pretty little mountain lake of Arvenseeli, or for a longer hike you'll be at Daubensee in around two hours - another hour and you'll get to enjoy the view from the historic Gemmi Pass viewing platform above the village of Leuk.

You can catch the lift up, or if you like a challenge and have a good head for heights (and via Ferrata experience) the Allmenalp via Ferrata is one of Switzerland's most famous climbs, following a metal ropeway of iron pegs and swing bridges hundreds of metres above the ground, plus a suspended ladder - this isn't for the faint-hearted. Opt for the lift for a much more leisurely ascent, and be rewarded with spectacular views and the cutest of mountain huts where the beer fridge is an old wooden trough filled with ice-cold water and classic mountain refreshments (you'll need cash to buy them, though).

Hidden in the forest near Kanderstag is the the deep blue lake of Blausee was formed by a huge rockfall 15,000 years ago and is now part of Blausee Nature Park, where you can switch off and enjoy some time in nature. Take a peaceful wander around the lake and woodland paths, or head out onto the water on a glass-bottomed rowing boat. There's a gourmet restaurant for refreshments and a play area for the kids, too.