The Top 5 Destinations for Hiking in the Swiss Alps

The Best Places to Explore in Switzerland this Summer

The Swiss Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes, crisp mountain air, and a multitude of hiking trails. This summer, if you're looking to embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure but you can’t quite decide where to go, then look no further. In this blog post, we'll explore the top five destinations for hiking in Switzerland, alongside some of the best trails and routes in each. Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of these alpine wonderlands.

Photograph: © Pascal Gertschen

Zermatt:

Nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a paradise for hikers. This charming mountain village boasts an array of well-marked trails that cater to all levels of experience. At OTP, one of our favourite hiking routes is the Gornergrat Ridge Walk, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and sparkling mountain lakes. Another fantastic option is the Five Lakes Walk, a gentle, mostly downhill walk through alpine meadows with five crystal clear lakes to admire along the way.

Stopping for a break along the Five Lakes Walk

Photograph: © Pascal Gertschen

Jungfrau Region:

Located in the heart of the Bernese Alps, the Jungfrau Region is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic landscapes and iconic peaks. The region offers a plethora of hiking opportunities suitable for all levels of experience. A must-do hike is the Eiger Trail, which winds its way along the base of the legendary Eiger North Face. For a more challenging adventure, the Faulhornweg trail leads you to the summit of the Faulhorn, offering panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The Jungfrau Panorama Trail is another gem, taking you through picturesque meadows and charming Swiss villages.

Hiking in front of the mighty Eiger

Engelberg:

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Engelberg is a picturesque alpine village that serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Switzerland. The highlight of hiking in Engelberg is the Trübsee-Härzlisee Trail, a serene route that takes you through flower-filled meadows, pristine alpine lakes, and dense forests. For a shorter but slightly more vertigo-inducing activity, the Titlis Cliff Walk offers an exhilarating experience and breathtaking views whilst navigating the highest suspension bridge in Europe.

Titlis Cliff Walk - the highest suspension bridge in Europe!

Davos:

Renowned for its winter sports scene, Davos also offers endless hiking opportunities during the summer months with over 700 kilometres of hiking trails. The Rinerhorn Panorama Trail is a fantastic choice for those seeking stunning views without too much physical exertion. For a more challenging hike, the Jakobshorn to Sertig route rewards you with awe-inspiring vistas of the valleys and peaks, including the majestic Sertig Waterfall. Davos is also known for its well-maintained network of themed trails, such as the Alpine Botanical Garden Trail and the Wellness Trail, which offer unique experiences and insights into the region's natural wonders.

Admiring the views over Davos and the Davosersee 

Photograph ©Destination Davos Klosters / Martin Bissig

Nendaz:

Situated in the heart of the Four Valleys ski area, Nendaz is a hidden gem for hikers. Nendaz has a number of historic irrigation channels, known as bisses, which form the foundation of a fantastic network of hiking in the area. The Bisse du Milieu trail, for instance, offers a gentle and picturesque walk with stunning views of the Rhone Valley. For a much more demanding trek, the Col des Gentianes trail, which crosses some breathtaking alpine landscapes, is almost 1,200 metres in elevation. From the top, you can take the cable car to the summit of Mont Fort, giving you a spectacular view of the Swiss and French Alps, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. 

Exploring one of Nendaz's many 'bisse' walks

The Swiss Alps offer an unbeatable playground for hikers, and Zermatt, the Jungfrau Region, Engelberg, Davos, and Nendaz all stand out as the top choices for an unforgettable hiking adventure this summer. Whether you're seeking gentle walks through flower-filled meadows or challenging treks to soaring peaks, these places provide a diverse range of trails that cater to all skill levels and reward hikers with awe-inspiring natural beauty. 

All of these destinations, and more, are available on OTP Holidays with a huge range of accommodation, great discounts on mountain lifts, airport transfers and the services of our very own on-call representatives all included.  So book now at otp.co.uk, grab your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and set off on an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps. Happy hiking!