Walking holidays in Switzerland

For such a small country, Switzerland really does pack a punch. From dramatic peaks and glacial valleys to picture-postcard mountain vistas, there's so much to experience here. To explore all this country has to offer, walking in Switzerland is a great way to capture it all.

We're firm believers that Mother Nature intended for Switzerland to be explored on foot, and a Swiss Alps walking holiday allows you to witness some of the region's truly unique treasures.

Take on a tour of the country's highest peaks and clearest waterfalls. Experience the sweet scent of flower-strewn meadows and remarkable rambles among glossy mountain lakes. See some of the most widely recognised and spectacular views in the world, with famous peaks such as the Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn dominating the Swiss skyline.

There's also an abundance of history and culture in Switzerland that you can really sink your teeth into. Its alpine villages overflow with the kind of charisma you only ever read about in fairy tales. Imagine pretty wooden chalets clinging to the mountainsides, and laid-back cafes where you can listen to the church bells chime as you watch the world go by.

The long summer days are ideal for walking holidays in Switzerland and from the end of September, the Indian summers flood the land with vivid hues of red and gold as the autumn spreads its spellbinding beauty across the landscapes. With the Alps accounting for more than 60% of the country, it's no exaggeration to say that the walkable wonderments on offer in Switzerland are almost too numerous to mention.

All of the above and much, much more is on offer with our expertly packaged walking tours of Switzerland. All of our self-guided, single-centre walking holidays in Switzerland include full accommodation and meals - meaning all you need to think about is how best to discover every inch of this one-of-a-kind country.

Where can I go on a walking holiday in Switzerland?

Here are just a few of the major locations you can visit as part of our handpicked walking trips to Switzerland.

Bern

The canton of Bern, and more specifically the Bernese Oberland region, is one of Switzerland's premier walking spots. It's revered for its breathtaking views and outstanding, untouched natural beauty.

Offering a postcard-ready visual at virtually every turn, the peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau sit among the region, as do hundreds of kilometres of some of Europe's best hiking and skiing trails. Such is the extent of the opportunities on offer in the region, we offer walking tours for both the east and west side of Bernese Oberland, taking in the best mountain passes alongside the area's lush meadows and idyllic villages.

Valais

Often described as a land of contrasts, Valais couples 4,000-metre-high glacial peaks with deep valleys and expansive vineyards. The many contrasts you see will depend on timing of your visit, with the winter and summer versions of Valais offering two rather separate but equally stunning experiences.

Winter offers the opportunity for crunchy hikes and snowshoe treks through snowy forests and sprawling alpine landscapes. In the summer, more than 300 days of sunshine a year brings a sun kissed aesthetic to the thousands of kilometres of countryside, meadows and vineyards in the region.

Zermatt

The famous alpine town of the Valais region, Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn. It welcomes millions of visitors every year who are keen to take on the massive number of excursions and adventures that start here. A legendary location among the mountaineering community, high-skill international trails like the multi-day-long Haute Route are complemented by a series of less challenging but equally brilliant historic hiking pathways.