The Swiss Alps - A Hiker's Haven

Ah, Switzerland! The land of wine, cheese, and breathtaking scenery. With this spectacular scenery, it should come as no surprise that Switzerland is home to some of Europe’s best hiking. From gentle strolls through picturesque valleys to challenging treks that really test your limits, there’s something for everyone. In fact, there’s such a plethora of great hikes that picking somewhere to go can actually be quite a challenge. But, have no fear, as listed below are the top three destinations for hiking in Switzerland this summer, alongside some recommendations on the best routes and trails in each.

‍Zermatt:

Nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a paradise for hikers and instagrammers alike. This charming mountain village has an array of well-marked, versatile trails with the world’s most photographed mountain forming the perfect backdrop. And now, with the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing (completed just this month), if you want a break from the hiking trails, you can pop over to Italy for lunch within an hour! Perhaps my favourite hike in Zermatt is the Five Lakes Walk, a gentle, mostly downhill walk through alpine meadows with five crystal clear lakes to admire and maybe even swim in along the way.

‍Jungfrau Region:

Located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, the Jungfrau Region is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and is a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself. From the adventure playground of Grindelwald First to the tranquility of Wengen, the options are endless in the region. A must-do hike, however, is the Eiger Trail. After a scenic train ride to Kleine Scheidegg (or cable car to Eigergletscher) you take a winding route along the base of the legendary Eiger North Face on your way back down to Grindelwald. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Faulhornweg trail leads you to the summit of the Faulhorn, offering panoramic views of the famous trio - the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

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‍Nendaz:

Situated in the heart of the Four Valleys ski area, Nendaz is a bit of a hidden gem for hikers. The traditional Swiss village has a number of historic irrigation channels, known as bisses, which form the basis for a network of fantastic 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 hike, 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.

So, there you have it. The three best destinations for your next hiking holiday to Switzerland. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the many fantastic hiking options in the country, but they represent the very best of the Swiss Alps.