Walking in Switzerland

Switzerland is a great choice for walking holidays, with an excellent public transport network and a wide range of well-marked trails for all abilities.

Explore alpine landscapes of high peaks, clear lakes and open meadows, with routes that link easily to trains, cable cars and boats. 

Walking in Switzerland also means passing through traditional towns and villages, with plenty of places to stop, explore and refuel.

And yes, Swiss chocolate is never far away.

Read on for our recommended resorts and walking routes to help you make the most of your time in the Swiss Alps.

Walking in Davos

The town of Davos sits in a scenic Alpine valley and is a strong base for walkers looking to explore the Swiss countryside. A wide network of trails leads through traditional villages, open landscapes and areas known for local wildlife.

For an easy walk, take the mountain railway from Davos to Schatzalp, where you can wander through the Alpine botanical gardens. A gentle riverside route follows the Landwasser River from Davos Platz to the village of Frauenkirch.

For panoramic views over Davos, the Höhe Promenade offers a largely flat path with sweeping scenery across the valley. Wildlife sightings are common along this route, including birds and red squirrels.

Walking in Lucerne

Lucerne sits on the edge of Lake Lucerne, where the River Reuss flows into the lake. It combines lakeside scenery with a well-preserved historic centre, making it a good option for both easy walks and sightseeing.

Walk along the waterfront or explore the old town, known for its historic buildings, cafés and small independent shops. To see the main sights, a guided walking tour is an easy way to take in Lucerne’s key landmarks.

You can also take a lake steamer to nearby villages such as Weggis and Vitznau, or head into the surrounding mountains, including Mount Rigi, Stanserhorn and Pilatus Kulm.

For walkers who want to combine lake travel with gentle trails, take a boat to Beckenried and follow the Klewenalp Flower Trail, which offers seasonal wildflowers and views across the lake and surrounding peaks.

Walking in Grindelwald

Grindelwald, in the Jungfrau Region, is well placed for walkers, with lift access and a wide choice of scenic routes. A well-connected network of lifts and mountain railways makes it easy to reach high viewpoints and trailheads with minimal effort.

One of the area’s standout walks is the Mountain Panorama Trail, a 5.6km route with wide, well-maintained paths. Take the First gondola to the start point, then follow a gently winding trail with open views of the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and the Eiger.

The route is particularly colourful in summer, with alpine wildflowers along the way.

Walking in Wengen

Wengen sits high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with views towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It’s a great choice for walkers, with routes ranging from easy valley walks to longer mountain trails.

For an easier walk, the route from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg follows mostly gentle terrain with wide views along the valley floor. More experienced walkers can take on the Mettlenalp to Wengernalp route, a walk of around three hours with glacier scenery and panoramic mountain views.

Walking in Zermatt

Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts, surrounded by glaciers and high alpine peaks, with traditional wooden chalets beneath some of Europe’s highest mountains. Mountain trains and cable cars make it easy to reach walking routes above the treeline.

A must-do walk is the 5 Lakes Trail, running from Blauherd to Sunnegga. The route passes five mountain lakes, with clear reflections of the Matterhorn in good conditions.

In summer, alpine flowers line the trail and swimming is possible at Leisee and Grünsee. For an easier option, the Blumenweg Flower Trail offers a gentle walk with Matterhorn views.

Walking in Kandersteg

Kandersteg is a small alpine village with a relaxed, welcoming feel, a handful of cafés and easy access to some of the Bernese Oberland’s most scenic walking routes. With many trails starting right from the village, it’s a great choice if you want to explore on foot without relying on transport.

One of the standout walks here is the Oeschinensee Circular Walk, a gentle 4km loop beginning at the Oeschinen gondola station. The route follows the shoreline of Oeschinensee, famous for its vivid blue water. You can extend the walk via Läger, or slow things down with a peaceful rowing boat hire on the lake.

If you’re after something longer, the Gasterntal Valley walk follows the Kander River through the dramatic Klus Gorge, passing waterfalls and protected natural areas before opening out into wide mountain scenery. You can return on foot or take the bus back to the village, depending on how far you want to go.

Walking in Saas Fee

Saas-Fee is surrounded by glacier-shaped peaks and offers a wide choice of well-maintained walking trails. With free use of most resort lifts and local buses, exploring the Saas Valley is easy.

For something more adventurous, the Rope Park Saas-Fee near the valley station is home to Europe’s longest zip wire.

For a gentler option, the Alpine Flower Trail above Saas-Grund winds through wooded sections and open alpine terrain, with over 240 species of mountain flowers on display in summer. Wildlife spotting is a highlight here, with chamois often seen around Hannig and marmots along the Spielboden trails.