The Swiss Alps are not just for skiing! When planning your Switzerland itinerary from May through October means hiking in the Swiss Alps, the world’s most breathtaking landscape! Walk alongside cows and sheep, listening to the ringing of the cowbells, surrounded by wildflowers, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and taking in the views of the Alps – pure bliss. So what are you waiting for? Trade in your ski boots for hiking boots and plan your trip to the Swiss Alps!
Popular itinerary in Switzerland:
Interlaken
Situated on the banks of two connecting lakes, Interlaken is an incredible place to enjoy boat rides on the lake, lots of water sports, and it is located right near some incredible mountains! We recommend heading to the Niederhorn. You can hike or take a cable car to the top of this beautiful mountain, where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Bernese Oberland Alps. At the top of the Niederhorn, you can reward yourself with a rest in the sun on wooden lounge chairs. Traveling with kids? There is also a small playground at the top with a big dragon slide! You can have several options for getting back down the mountain, including the cable car, renting a scooter to ride down, as well as several beautiful hiking paths – we recommend hiking – there’s nothing quite like making touring plans to go hiking in the Swiss Alps!
Grindelwald
Summer in Grindelwald means hiking, biking, and tons of other leisure activities! With over 300 kilometers of excellent hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, Grindlewald is an alpine paradise for hikers and mountaineers. No visit to this area is complete without a day trip to Lauterbrunnen. This valley is so beautiful that it inspired JRR Tolkien’s fantasy city of Rivendale. While there, take in the stunning scenery, hike behind waterfalls, and get to know this charming Swiss village.
St. Moritz
Explore Engadin! This alpine valley is home to a stunning lake, surrounded by mountains. There is no shortage of hiking and exploring to do in this area. Rent a bike, enjoy water sports on the lake, or just wander around town. Accessible from town, Corviglia is a beautiful mountain, known for its amazing hiking trails and excellent mountain biking opportunities. Take a train ride out to Corvatsch, the highest peak in Engadin, and to Diavolezza, a mountain known for the best views in the region, as well as the Morteratsch Glacier. Each of these mountains offers hikes of varying difficulty and levels of experience.
Gstaad
Tennis fans should make sure to get to Gstaad in July – the Swiss Open takes place in this charming mountain town. Gstaad is also a great place for families – with a variety of hiking paths of all difficulty levels – including family friendly trails, biking, swimming, and alpine slides and coasters! No visit to Gstaad is complete without a trip to Glacier 3000, which offers amazing hiking trails, a walk across a suspension bridge, and even a rope course. Glacier 3000 simply offers a totally unique experience of hiking in the Swiss Alps.
Zermatt
Head south to Zermatt for absolutely amazing alpine scenery. At 3,089 meters, Gornergrat offers incredible panoramic views of the Matterhorn as well as 19 other peaks! I know we said to ditch the snow boots, but Zermatt is actually home to year round skiing! You can see skiers sliding down the mountain in tee shirts. Ski down the mountain in warm, beautiful weather, enjoying the views of the majestic Matterhorn for a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Did we miss anything amazing? Where is your favorite place for hiking in the Swiss Alps? Let us know in the comments!
