Embark on a life‑changing journey through the Swiss Alps with these 10 iconic multi‑day hiking routes, each offering breathtaking vistas, alpine villages, and an authentic taste of Swiss mountain culture. Whether you dream of glacier‑topped peaks, serene lakeshores, or panoramic ridgelines, these trails promise unforgettable mountain adventures. Lace up your boots, pack your gear, and let’s discover the best hiking routes in the Swiss Alps!
1. Great Aletsch Panorama Trail (5–7 days)
Highlights: Glacier views, UNESCO World Heritage site, alpine huts
Distance: ~85 km
Elevation gain: +5,000 m / –5,000 m
Best time: July to early September
Winding along the edge of the Aletsch Glacier—the largest glacier in the Alps—this trail treats hikers to spectacular views of ice flows, jagged peaks, and lush valleys. Start in Riederalp, cross to Bettmeralp, and ascend to Eggishorn for panoramic glacier vistas. Descend to Fiescheralp, then trek past the historic Moosfluh station, before finishing in Mörel. Comfortable mountain huts (e.g., Berghaus Eggishorn) make each night a cozy alpine experience, offering easy access to some of the most scenic hiking routes in the Swiss Alps.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc (10–12 days)
Highlights: Three countries (Switzerland, France, Italy), varied terrain, alpine villages
Distance: ~170 km
Elevation gain: +10,000 m / –10,000 m
Best time: Late June to mid-September
Although this classic circuit loops around Mont Blanc, its Swiss section between Trient and Champex-Lac offers quintessential Swiss Alpine scenery. Hike the Fenêtre d’Arpette pass, descend into the remote Col de la Forclaz, and stroll along the shores of Lake Champex. Accommodation ranges from rustic refuges to charming B&Bs in mountain villages, providing ideal bases for exploring the incredible hiking routes in the Swiss Alps.
3. Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt (8–10 days)
Highlights: Glacial landscapes, iconic Matterhorn approach, high‑mountain passes
Distance: ~180 km
Elevation gain: +12,000 m / –11,000 m
Best time: Late June to early September
The Haute Route is the ultimate multi‑day hiking route in the Swiss Alps, connecting two legendary mountaineering towns. Beginning in Chamonix, France, you climb to the Trient Glacier, traverse to Champex-Lac, and cross multiple high passes (e.g., Fenêtre du Saleina, Col de la Forclaz), before the grand finale: approaching Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn.
4. Bernese Oberland Traverse (6–8 days)
Highlights: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau region, glacier valleys
Distance: ~90 km
Elevation gain: +7,500 m / –7,500 m
Best time: July to mid‑September
Link the classic resorts of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren via high‑alpine trails. Cross the Faulhorn ridge for sunrise over the Eiger North Face, descend to Schynige Platte, and summit First for panoramic views. End with a serene trek through the Mürren Valley, one of the most peaceful hiking routes in the Swiss Alps.
5. Matterhorn Glacier Trail (4–6 days)
Highlights: Matterhorn views, alpine lakes, glacier panoramas
Distance: ~60 km
Elevation gain: +4,000 m / –4,000 m
Best time: July to early September
Starting in Zermatt, this route circles the base of the Matterhorn, hugging the Gorner Glacier. Hike past the glacial lakes Riffelsee and Stelli, and sleep in Schwarzee Hut or Stafelalp. Each morning, capture mirror‑like reflections of the Matterhorn in the lakes below.
6. Via Alpina Stage: Sion to Zermatt (5–6 days)
Highlights: Valais vineyards, high passes, mountain villages
Distance: ~80 km
Elevation gain: +6,000 m / –6,000 m
Best time: July to mid‑September
Part of the greater Via Alpina network, this section links Sion—the wine capital of Valais—to Zermatt. Walk through terraced vineyards, cross the Col de Sionne, and traverse the Theodul Pass toward the Cervinia side. Finish with a rewarding descent into Zermatt’s car‑free village, a perfect end to your hiking routes in the Swiss Alps.
7. Via Spluga (6–8 days)
Highlights: Historic mule tracks, alpine passes, Italian‑Swiss culture mix
Distance: ~110 km
Elevation gain: +5,500 m / –5,500 m
Best time: Late June to early September
Follow the old Via Spluga trade route from Thusis (Graubünden) into Italy and back. Cross the Splügen Pass, stay in mountain inns, then return via Splügenbach valley. Experience remote villages, centuries‑old chapels, and rustic hospitality.
8. Graubünden Trek: Ofenpass to Davos (5–7 days)
Highlights: Swiss National Park, alpine wetlands, Davos panorama
Distance: ~75 km
Elevation gain: +4,500 m / –4,500 m
Best time: July to September
Through Ofenpass, enter the Swiss National Park for wildlife encounters, trek past alpine wetlands, and climb to Fuorcla d’Agnel. Descend toward Davos—Europe’s highest town—where you can relax by Lake Davos after days of solitude.
9. Albula/Bernina Traverse (4–5 days)
Highlights: UNESCO Albula Railway, glacier lakes, remote huts
Distance: ~65 km
Elevation gain: +4,000 m / –4,000 m
Best time: July to early September
Combine hiking with rail travel: take the scenic Albula Railway from St. Moritz to Preda, then trek over Albula Pass, stay in Fuorcla d’Err Hut, and cross into the Bernina Range. Finish with a descent to Poschiavo via the Morteratsch Glacier.
10. Panoramaweg Engadine (7–9 days)
Highlights: Engadine Lakes, Engadine architecture, alpine wildlife
Distance: ~140 km
Elevation gain: +8,000 m / –8,000 m
Best time: June to September
This luxurious trek links mountain villages like Pontresina, Sils, and Scuol. Hike along sparkling lakes (St. Moritz, Silsersee), pass Val Fex, and explore the eastern Engadine’s wild valleys. Stay in charming guesthouses and savor regional specialties while exploring the incredible hiking routes in the Swiss Alps.
Essential Tips for Your Multi‑Day Alpine Adventure
- Permits & Passes: Check if a Swiss Travel Pass or regional cards (e.g., Graubünden Card) can save you on mountain railways and post‑buses.
- Booking Huts: Reserve mountain huts well in advance (June‑August). Use the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) booking system.
- Gear Checklist: Waterproof jacket, trekking poles, thermal layers, sturdy boots, headlamp, map/GPS, first‑aid kit.
- Nutrition: Pack high‑energy snacks (nuts, dried fruits), and re‑stock at valley villages.
- Safety: Download the Swiss Safe App, check weather forecasts daily, and inform huts of your arrival.
Final Thoughts
These 10 iconic multi‑day hiking routes in the Swiss Alps span from leisurely glacier‑side strolls to challenging high‑pass treks, each promising unforgettable mountain adventures. Plan according to your fitness level, reserve accommodations early, and embrace the Swiss tradition of alpine hospitality. Whatever route you choose, the stunning panoramas, crystal‑clear lakes, and charming mountain villages will create memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to explore? Bookmark this guide, pack your backpack, and set off on the multi‑day hike of a lifetime through the Swiss Alps!