Switzerland is a paradise for mountain enthusiasts. With its spectacular panoramas, perfectly waymarked trails, and mythical summits, the country draws thousands of hikers and mountaineers every year. Whether you are after a committing 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 must-do itineraries to discover Switzerland from a different angle.
#1 Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt: between legends and glaciers
This trek connects two iconic capitals of mountaineering: Chamonix and Zermatt. It follows a high-altitude route through the glacial massifs of the Valais and Mont-White. The route is suited to experienced hikers or ski tourers, depending on the season. It crosses cols 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, remoteness, and stunning scenery make this a committing trek, best approached with solid physical preparation and professional guidance if needed.
#2 Haute Route de l'Oberland: immersed in the heart of nature
In the canton of Berne, the Oberland reveals some of Switzerland's highest summits. The Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau dominate a wild massif, shaped by vast glaciers such as the Aletsch — the largest in Europe.
This glacier crossing takes place over several days, often on ski touring or in crampons. It requires a good level of self-sufficiency in the mountains. Mountain huts allow you to progress from valley to valley in a pristine alpine setting. The passage through the Kranzberg offers a breathtaking panorama over the Bernese Alps. A trek made for true adventurers.
#3 Tour du Cervin: a classic accessible without technical equipment
The Cervin, or Matterhorn, reigns over the Italo-Swiss border. This pyramidal summit has captivated mountaineers for generations. The Tour du Cervin allows you to complete a full circuit of it on foot, following waymarked trails that pass through high-altitude cols and cross the most iconic alpine valleys.
The itinerary spans around ten days, with accommodation in mountain huts or gîtes d'étape. The landscapes alternate between flowering alpine pastures, glaciers, and larch forests. This trek requires no mountaineering skills, making it accessible to regular hikers with a good level of fitness. The Col du Collon and the Theodul Pass mark the key moments of the itinerary.
#4 Couronne Impériale: an exceptional panorama over the giants of the Valais
The Couronne Impériale encompasses several iconic summits around Zinal and Arolla. The Bishorn (4,153 m) and the White de Moming are the main objectives of this trek, with commanding views over the Dent White, the Weisshorn, and the Zinalrothorn.
This trek is aimed at hikers with some prior mountaineering experience. It includes glacier crossings, nights in mountain huts, and significant elevation gain. It offers a chance to discover a more secluded side of the Valaisian Alps, in a raw and grandiose setting. The atmosphere is sometimes reminiscent of the Himalayas, with endless chains of summits stretching to the horizon.
#5 The Peaks of Monte Rosa: an immersive high-altitude experience
The Mont Rosa massif brings together ten summits of over 4,000 metres. This high-altitude trek takes place between Switzerland and Italy, with the ascent of several summits accessible to experienced alpinists.
The itinerary includes a night at the Margherita Hut (4,554 m), the highest in Europe. The high altitude, glacier travel, and demanding weather conditions make this a trek reserved for experienced hikers. In return, the panoramas over the Lyskamm, the Castor and the Parrotspitze are of exceptional beauty. An adventure that belongs on every high-mountain enthusiast's to-do list.
#6 Crossing the Vaudois Jura: nature and freedom on a gentle journey
For those seeking a more accessible adventure, the crossing of the Vaudois Jura offers a fine alternative. This trek follows the regional natural park of the same name over several days of walking in the heart of nature, with little elevation gain and very clear trail marking.
The path alternates between forests, open ridges, and meadows. It offers clear views over Lake Geneva, the Alps, and sometimes as far as the Vosges. The ascent of Mont Tendre (1,679 m), the highest point in the Swiss Jura, is one of the highlights of this journey. The route can be completed in full autonomy with a bivvy, or in a semi-guided format with gîte accommodation. An ideal trek for families or hikers who prefer a peaceful atmosphere.
Choosing the right trek in Switzerland for your level
Switzerland offers a uniquely diverse range of routes. For beginners, the Jura crossing or the Tour du Cervin 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 before the 4,000-metre peaks.
