Switzerland is a paradise for mountain enthusiasts. With its spectacular panoramas, perfectly waymarked trails and legendary summits, the country draws thousands of hikers and mountaineers every year. Whether for a committed high-altitude adventure or a gentler crossing at a moderate pace, the Swiss Alps offer a wide variety of treks suited to all levels. Here are six essential routes to discover Switzerland in a new light.
#1 Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt: between legends and glaciers
This trek links two iconic mountaineering capitals: Chamonix and Zermatt. It follows a high-altitude route through the glacial massifs of the Valais and Mont-Blanc. The route is aimed at experienced hikers or ski tourers, depending on the season. It crosses passes perched at over 3,000 metres and offers views of iconic summits such as Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn.
The ascent of the Pigne d'Arolla is one of the highlights of the itinerary. The glacier travel, isolation and beauty of the landscapes make it a committing trek, best approached with solid physical preparation and professional guidance where needed.
#2 Haute Route de l'Oberland: immersion in unspoilt nature
In the canton of Bern, the Oberland reveals some of Switzerland's highest summits. The Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau dominate a wild massif, shaped by imposing glaciers such as the Aletsch — the largest in Europe.
This glacial crossing takes place over several days, often on ski touring or crampons. It requires a good level of self-sufficiency in the mountains. The huts allow you to progress from valley to valley in an unspoilt alpine setting. The passage through the Kranzberg offers a breathtaking panorama of the Bernese Alps. A trek made for adventurers.
#3 Tour du Cervin: a classic accessible without technical equipment
The Matterhorn, or Cervin, reigns over the Italian-Swiss border. This pyramidal summit has fascinated mountaineers for generations. The Tour du Cervin allows you to complete a full circuit on foot, following waymarked trails that cross high-altitude passes and traverse the most iconic alpine valleys.
The itinerary unfolds over around ten days, with overnight stays in mountain huts or gîtes. The landscapes alternate between flowering alpine meadows, glaciers and larch forests. This trek requires no mountaineering skills, making it accessible to regular hikers in good physical shape. The Col Collon and Teodulo Pass mark the key moments of the itinerary.
#4 Couronne Impériale: exceptional panorama over the giants of the Valais
The Couronne Impériale groups several iconic summits around Zinal and Arolla. The Bishorn (4,153 m) and the Blanc de Moming are the main objectives of this trek, with breathtaking views of the Dent Blanche, the Weisshorn and the Zinalrothorn.
This trek is aimed at hikers with some prior mountaineering experience. It includes glacier crossings, overnight stays in mountain huts and significant elevation gain. It reveals a more secluded side of the Valaisian Alps, in a mineral and grandiose atmosphere. The setting sometimes evokes the Himalayas, with ridge after ridge stretching to the horizon.
#5 The Mont Rose summits: immersion at altitude
The Mont Rose massif brings together ten summits above 4,000 metres. This high-altitude trek takes place between Switzerland and Italy, with ascents of several summits accessible to experienced mountaineers.
The itinerary includes an overnight stay at the Margherita Hut (4,554 m), the highest in Europe. The high altitude, glacier travel and demanding weather conditions make it a trek reserved for seasoned hikers. In return, the panoramas of the Lyskamm, Castor and Parrotspitze are of exceptional beauty. An adventure to add to every high-mountain enthusiast's bucket list.
#6 Traverse of the Vaud Jura: nature and freedom on a gentle journey
For those seeking a more accessible adventure, the traverse of the Vaud Jura offers a great alternative. This trek follows the regional nature park of the same name, across several days of walking in unspoilt nature, with little elevation gain and very clear waymarking.
The trail alternates between forests, open ridges and meadows. It offers unobstructed views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and sometimes as far as the Vosges. The ascent of Mont Tendre (1,679 m), the highest point of the Swiss Jura, is a highlight of this journey. The route can be done in full self-sufficiency with a bivvy, or in a semi-guided format with gîte accommodation. A trek ideal for families or hikers who prefer peaceful surroundings.
Choosing the right trek in Switzerland for your level
Switzerland offers a unique diversity of routes. For beginners, the Jura crossing or the Matterhorn circuit allow you to immerse yourself in spectacular landscapes without any technical commitment. For experienced mountaineers, the high routes of the Valais and the Oberland offer challenges worthy of their reputation.
Each itinerary offers a unique atmosphere: the solitude of glaciers, ridge crossings, flowering alpine valleys or mountain huts perched above the 4,000s.
