Switzerland Hiking
An Alpine Summer Adventure
Rich with hidden valleys, green meadows and snowy peaks, the Alps thrill travelers like no other mountains on Earth. And where better to enjoy their majestic beauty than in the country that invented five-star service? Discover stunning landscapes with the help of gondolas, cable cars and funiculars that bring you up close to spectacular summits, wildflower-strewn meadows and thundering waterfalls. Experience hikes of all levels, meet our local friends who explain the difference between raclette and fondue, and indulge in luxury accommodations in the most spectacular of settings.
Trip Planning Links
- Experience quintessential Switzerland with breathtaking hikes
- Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows with soft-eyed dairy cows
- Jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses
- Feast on fondue paired with regional wines
- Riffelalp Resort, the epitome of luxury
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kandersteg
Meet in Kandersteg 
Admire mountain meadows brimming with wildflowers and glistening glaciers as you walk along a ridge high above the turquoise waters of Lake Oeschinen Gather for a welcome drink and dinner at our traditional chalet.
Days 2-3 Leukerbad
Hike a challenging route to Leukerbad over the Gemmi Pass, used for centuries as a trade route between the Bernese Oberland and Wallis Weather permitting, walk on the Talli Glacier with our local guide Explore Leukerbad, an alpine hamlet whose healing waters have attracted health-conscious travelers since the 19th century Stride through a stream-laced valley to a small cheese farm and sample the local fare.
Days 4-6 Zermatt
Catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village that is blissfully automobile free Walk through historic mountain hamlets in the Zmutt Valley, perhaps stopping for a beer or a slice of apple strudel Enjoy a dinner of regional wines and traditional fondue Ride the cog railway or hike to the summit of the Gornergrat for spectacular views of the bright blue pools and crevasses of Gornergletscher, a glacier surrounded by the Klein Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Breithorn peaks Listen for the groans, creaks and rumbles of the living glacier.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
It was the trip of a lifetime for me. Every morning I arose excited for what the day held. I was never disappointed. We met terrific people, the scenery was fantastic, we learned so much about the area, and just loved our leaders.- Chathan, NJ More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Switzerland Hiking
DAZZLING PEAK VIEWS: Premiere Inns*
Hotel Victoria Ritter
Kandersteg (1 night) Nestled in a charming village in the heart of town, this family-run alpine oasis is surrounded by stunning snowcapped peaks.
* Casual Inn
Les Sources des Alpes
Leukerbad (2 nights) This elegant Relais & Châteaux-member hotel is celebrated for its spectacular setting, invigorating spa treatments, thermal baths and delightful cuisine.
Riffelalp Resort
Zermatt (2 nights) Ideally located directly across from the Matterhorn, this Leading Hotels of the World member is the epitome of luxury with its graciously appointed guest rooms, full-service spa and artfully prepared regional delicacies.
Switzerland Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 3.6, 6, 6.9 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 5.3, 6.6, 9.3 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 3.4, 8 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.1, 5, 5.4 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- 2.5, 3.2, 4.4 miles
- 2000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Guided Walking Tour of Zermatt
Please note that none of our hikes our flat. Although distances may appear short, hiking is made more difficult by the altitude and significant gains/losses of elevation. We hike on mountain paths with some uneven terrain. Please note: There is NO van support on this trip.