Walking holidays in Switzerland

Your Switzerland holiday will always be set against a dramatic and breath-taking backdrop, with over 7,000 lakes and 4,000 snow-capped peaks to explore including the legendary Matterhorn, Eiger, and Jungfrau, as well as miles of mountain trails, lush forests, and deep valleys.

But apart from being big on adventure, Switzerland manages to combine traditional mountain villages, ice palaces, and the occasional yodel with a seamlessly efficient transport network, and incredible engineering that gives you access to hidden waterfalls, plateaus, and gorges. And back in town, you’ll love the tranquility and calm, the pure air, and the many flower-lined promenades and lakeside cafés.

Will you tackle the iconic Eiger Trail in the shadow of the brutal north face of the Eiger mountain in Grindelwald or try the famous Via Valtellina, an ancient wine route that takes you 2,000 meters up over the Scaletta Pass in the Graubünden region? Is a scenic trail from the Medieval town of Thun across the spectacular Sigriswil bridge high above the lake and some easy lakeside meanders from Interlaken more your thing? Or maybe you'd rather head off the beaten track to Nendaz, where the gorgeous bisses make up 98-kilometres of walking routes, running through apricot orchards, alpine villages, pastures, forests and meadows.

Stroll around the colorful old town of Lucerne with its Medieval bridge, unusual fresco-painted houses, and 17th-century church. Or from Kandersteg, take the gondola up to the turquoise waters of Oeschinensee (a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1,578 meters above sea level). It’s so easy to hop on a bus or a train to explore - take the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch - the highest railway station in Europe - at the top, you get the most impressive view of the Aletsch glacier.

Fly down a zip line in Grindelwald, swing through the treetops at Davos Adventure Park, or take the kids to Switzerland’s largest mountain adventure park - Madrisa Land in Klosters. And we dare you to try the magic of paragliding high in the fresh mountain air above the Alps or kayaking down one of the fast-flowing rivers. And of course, there are always the bike trails to explore.

Chocolate making has been engrained in Swiss culture since the 17th Century, so you must dip into one of the many chocolate-tasting experiences while you’re here - there's even a Chocolate Train experience from Montreux. And when you’re hiking in the mountains, it’s almost compulsory to stop at the many mountain huts and enjoy wholesome local dishes like rösti, raclette, or fondue.

For an exciting summer holiday that the kids will remember, Switzerland is just the place. Discover the fascinating world of ice from inside the glacier at the Jungfraujoch in Grindelwald, whizz down the First Glider zip line, or try some exhilarating mountain carting. In Saas Fee, you can spot wild marmots from trails near the village, and Interlaken - nicknamed the adventure capital of Europe - offers just about every activity an adventurous teen could want. 

Switzerland is a pleasure to explore independently using the world-renowned network of trains, mountain railways, boats and buses. All transfers from the airport to your destination in Switzerland are by rail (and boat/bus/taxi for some places) and you'll get a Swiss Half Fare Card worth over £100 included in your holiday as part of your transfer tickets. You can also opt to travel to Switzerland by rail all the way from the UK to most of our Swiss destinations (except Mürren and Weggis). 

The best of Switzerland

Popular walking destinations in Switzerland

Multi-centre holidays in Switzerland

Can’t decide on just one destination? Our multi-centre holidays in Switzerland can combine iconic resorts, scenic rail journeys, and world-famous peaks including the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and Matterhorn. Itineraries like our Grindelwald & Zermatt twin-centre offer everything from alpine hikes to lakeside views and family-friendly adventures - showcasing the very best of Switzerland in one unforgettable holiday.

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Zermatt & Lake Lucerne multi-centre holiday

A multi-centre holiday to Zermatt and Lake Lucerne means you get to experience two contrasting regions of Switzerland on a holiday packed with spectacular views, culture and activity. 

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Swiss Classic Tour

Experience the alpine charm of Lucerne, St. Moritz, and Zermatt while cruising through the Alps on the iconic Bernina and Glacier Express trains.  Sit back, and relax as you take in the stunning views.

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Grindelwald & Zermatt multi-centre holiday

This is a perfect trip for ticking off the mega mountains in Switzerland - see the Matterhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau all in one trip. 

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Glacier Express multi-centre holiday

Stay in three of Switzerland’s prettiest towns and enjoy a ride on the iconic Glacier Express train. You’ll start in the pretty lake town of Interlaken before heading to Zermatt and finishing your trip in Davos.

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Switzerland Insider Guides

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Switzerland FAQs and travel information

Switzerland is a great destination for those wanting to walk or hike, with access to a vast supply of trails through traditional Swiss villages, abundant wildlife and past dramatic views. With over 7,000 lakes and 4,000 snow-capped peaks to explore, Switzerland is a must for walking enthusiasts who crave adventure with a breathtaking backdrop.

Definitely! Switzerland is a dream for walkers, with trails that cater to all levels of hikers and an amazing public transport system. From shimmering lakes and rolling meadows to snow-capped peaks and storybook villages, Switzerland has it all.

The walks in Switzerland vary in difficulty. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenades from Interlaken, or complete a steep ascent to one of the summits in Grindelwald. Discover our Walking in Switzerland guide to find out more about the beautiful Swiss walking routes available.

Yes! Included in your holiday at a number of our Swiss resorts you'll have the chance to join a small group of fellow travellers on up to two exclusive Inghams guided day walks, led by a professional guide. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.

Switzerland has some incredible viewpoints, including the fantastic view of the world’s most photographed mountain, the Matterhorn in Zermatt. Or, the Top of Europe - a visit to Jungfraujoch - by the cog railway, puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Grindelwald, Wengen or Interlaken