Switzerland Walking & Hiking Tour
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- Heart-pumping hikes reveal quintessential Switzerland
- Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows with soft-eyed dairy cows
- Jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses
- Savor apple strudel and fresh Swiss cheese to your heart's content
- Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, the epitome of luxury, with stunning views of the Matterhorn
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Travel themes.
- Hiking & Walking
- National Parks
- Nature & Wildlife
Destinations
- Switzerland
Attractions
- Adventure & Adrenaline
- Historic sightseeing
- Winetasting
Trip includes
- All meals except 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Internal Transportation
- Accommodation
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Starting with a ridgeline walk above the Adelboden Valley Ascend by gondola to the Wildflower Trail Alpine pastures, tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretch out before you.
Catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village that is blissfully automobile-free En route through the Zmutt Valley, stop for a lager or slice of apple strudel in one of the historic mountain hamlets.
A glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, reached by foot or train As you listen to the ice field groan, creak and rumble, the Monte Rosa and Breithorn peaks stand watch Savor crisp morning air en route to an alpine lake which offers magnificent vistas of Zermatt Enjoy a tour of historical Zermatt with a local expert.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Home » Europe » Switzerland » Backpacking Guide
The BEST Backpacking Switzerland Travel Guide (2024)
Situated in the heart of the Alps, Switzerland is arguably one of the most scenic countries in the world. As small as it is, its pastoral delights have inspired people for centuries.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found literary inspiration from Reichenbach Falls. Einstein developed his theory of relativity in Bern. And the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin loved it so much they never left – they are buried by Lake Geneva.
With this travel guide for Switzerland, I’m going to break down how to experience this amazing country and save a buck (or a few hundred) in the process. ‘Cause – spoiler alert – Switzerland is expensive, yo.
This guide is your best buddy for finding cheap accommodation in Switzerland, good deals on trains to hike the Swiss Alps, and of course the best places to visit in Switzerland on a budget .
See the iconic Matterhorn. Wander around the many alleys and old towns of the Swiss cities. Go skiing just about anywhere.
Eat the world-famous Swiss chocolate! All of this and more is possible when backpacking Switzerland.
Ready to travel to the heart of the Alps? Buckle up and let’s go!
Why Go Backpacking in Switzerland?
Let me tell you that everything that you’ve heard about Switzerland is true. The Swiss Alps are spectacular, the cities are clean, the people are diverse (and beautiful), and the prices are as steep as the mountains.
Well, everyone has to have some flaws, right?
Despite the price tag, backpacking in Switzerland is a dream experience for any backpacker – European or otherwise. This little country has pretty much everything you’d hope to see when you’re travelling ’round Europe .
Postcard mountain views are somehow even better than the pictures. The cities and small towns make you feel like maybe you’ve been put into one of those postcards. And the food… Well, what they say about Swiss chocolate is absolutely true.
Your trip to Switzerland might be short unless you’re an absolute expert in budget backpacking . But luckily, this country is helpfully so small that you can see the highlights of Switzerland in just a few short days.
Plus, you really can’t get much more central in Europe than this. Travelling to and fro from Switzerland is super duper easy from Austria, Germany, Italy, or France – any of the countries that might already be on your European backpacking itinerary.
Well, I could yap on about the beauty of Switzerland all day. But I think it’s better if I show you. Keep reading, and we’ll dive right into the essentials of a budget trip to Switzerland.
Best Itineraries for Backpacking Switzerland
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Switzerland may be small but there’s still much to see! Here you can find three travel itineraries for backpacking through Switzerland to help you decide what to see and do.
4-Day Itinerary for Backpacking Switzerland: Zurich and Lucerne
Just passing through? Then get a taste of the country on this travel itinerary to Switzerland!
Arrive in Zurich and spend a day or two exploring the city. See its top landmarks by day and go clubbing at night. Be sure to make a day trip out to Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in continental Europe.
Head to Lucerne afterwards for a slightly more relaxed experience. Bathe in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes, then hike or take the cable car up to Mt Pilatus for some superlative views of the Alps.
7-Day Itinerary for Backpacking Switzerland: Geneva to Zermatt
Okay, that was cities. If you’re wanting to see a bit more of the natural sights of the Swiss lands, try out this backpacking itinerary. Spend a week between the shores of Lake Geneva and the mountain village of Zermatt .
Start in the international hub of Geneva , and then make your way around the eponymous lake. Be sure to visit the lovely Lausanne and quaint little Montreux .
From the edge of Lake Geneva, catch a train that heads deep into the Alps of Valais. You’ll arrive in Zermatt, which is one of the premier outdoor destinations in Switzerland. See the glorious Matterhorn and then go skiing, hiking, or mountain biking under its shadow.
10-Day Itinerary for Backpacking Switzerland: Berne to Zurich
The Bernese Oberland is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland! Here is where Switzerland is at its most spectacular.
Start in the lovely capital Berne and – after exploring the city a bit – head out to the mountains. Choose between Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Grindelwald . Hell, any village as your base of operations will do, and then just start walking.
Hike to the amazing Kleine Scheidegg and stare in awe at the face of Switzerland’s most impressive peaks: Eiger, Monch , and Jungfrau , to name a few. You could spend several days just touring these mountains and the high passes.
Head back north and spend some time in Interlaken after wrapping up the Bernese Oberland. Do you still have a day or two? Head to Lucerne and pick up the first itinerary in this guide – it’ll be a nice way to round out your trip.
For such a small country, there sure is lots to see and experience in Switzerland, even on a tight budget. Here are some of the top places to visit in Switzerland, sprinkled with my personal favourites!
Backpacking Zurich
Zurich is the financial hub of Switzerland. It’s also Switzerland’s largest city both in terms of size and population which might be why so many people mistake it for the capital. (Spoiler alert: the capital is Bern.) With such prosperity comes a hugely diverse population, a dynamic cultural scene, and some of the best nightlife in Switzerland.
Zurich is close to the German border, and many of the sights around Zurich appear very similar to their German neighbours. The famous Grossmünster, Wasserkirche, and Fraumünster churches look like they would fit right in Munich.
On top of these, there are some awesome places to visit in Zurich . The cobble-stoned Old Town (Altstadt) and Lindenhof Hill are lovely areas for walking around.
For a slightly more modern tour, head over to the Bahnhofstrasse , which is known for being the most expensive shopping strip in the world. Shopping here may not be reasonable for backpackers but it’s still a great place to people-watch.
Zurich has a thriving art scene as well. The Kunsthaus is perhaps the most prestigious museum in the whole country, having an art collection that dates all the way back to the Middle Ages.
When looking for a place to stay in Zurich , consider staying in one of its newly revived areas. I’d especially recommend Districts 5 , which was once decrepit but has now turned into one of the coolest parts of town.
Outside Zurich, you can explore tons of natural attractions. There is Lake Zurich , an alpine lake boasting the most arresting shade of blue, and Üetliberg , which has a number of good hiking trails plus an amazing view of the city from its summit. About an hour away is Rhine Falls , which is the largest waterfall in continental Europe!
Backpacking Basel
Basel is a bit of a forgotten sibling of Zurich, which is unwarranted. Basel offers many of the same sorts of activities as Zurich does: there is a charming Old Town, several wonderful buildings, and parties that will knock you on your ass. The best places to stay in Basel are close to all the attractions AND parties!
There’s a variety of cultural landmarks to visit in Basel. First and foremost, the red-coloured Basel Munster should be on top of your list. The impressive church has a collection of some of the oldest artefacts and inscriptions in the German world.
The other must-see sight in Basel is the Basel Town Hall or Rathaus . This complex was once a palace and could give Munich’s own Town Hall a run for its money.
Other attractions in Basel include the Kunstmuseum , the largest art museum in Switzerland, the Museum Tinguely, Vitra Design Museum, and the HeK, the last of which showcases various electronic art pieces. (If you’re a museum nerd, clearly Basel is the base for you.) Be sure to also visit the Spalenter and the Old City Walls.
The parties and festivals here, including the awesome Fasnacht , are pretty fuckin’ cool. The theatre scene in Basel is some of the best in the country. If you’re feeling brave, supposedly there’s many a spirit and ghost in Basel to be found.
Backpacking Lucerne
Lucerne is my – and Mark Twain’s – favourite Swiss city. With the imposing Mt. Pilatus at its back, plenty of enchanting architecture, and the gorgeous eponymous lake, Lucerne is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.
Lucerne is a small city and, admittedly, doesn’t have a ridiculous amount of attractions. However, the few sights are cool, quirky, and real pretty. Make sure you’re staying close to the centre when you’re staying in Lucerne .
Lucerne’s Old Town is picturesque as hell. The many wooden bridges that cross the river are among the oldest wooden bridges in Europe.
My favourite is the Spreuer Bridge, which, instead of happy, pretty pictures, sports paintings of Death coming to collect souls. Macabre – but definitely original. Also, check out the Jesuit Church on the other side of Old Town.
North of the lake are more landmarks like the Church of St. Leodegar and the iconic Lion Monument. Built to commemorate the death of the Swiss Guards at the hands of the French Revolutionaries, the Lion is a deeply moving statue (one that apparently made Mark Twain weep).
A local rumour has it that the artist of the Lion Monument wasn’t paid properly. So he made the outline of the monument in the shape of a pig (ha!).
For great views of the city, climb up the Museggmauer. Or enjoy the mountain view on the lakeside with a nice stroll or a dip in the lake.
The most impressive site in Lucerne and perhaps the main reason for visiting is Mt. Pilatus with its amazing views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. You can hike to the summit in a day, though the impressive cogwheel railway – the steepest in the world – is worth the ticket price.
You can visit on a day trip but there are also some great hostels in Lucerne .
Backpacking Interlaken
Now we’re really getting into the mountains! Interlaken marks the beginning of the spectacular Bernese Oberland, one of the Swiss Alps’ most magnificent ranges. If you want to go hiking in Switzerland , this is the place to be!
Interlaken itself is pretty much a village so there’s not much to do here. The Höheweg is Interlaken’s main street with lots of cafes and shops. Unterseen is a pleasant little historical town across the river and is a better place to stay in Interlaken .
Further out along the edges of Thun Lake are the St. Beatus Caves and Schloss Oberhofen , both of which make for a good day trip.
Most come to Interlaken to kick off their adventures in the Swiss Alps, and boy is it a good start. Try your hand at kayaking, paragliding, rafting, or canyoning… Or do like me and start your long-distance trek here.
The Schynige Platte is the most frequented viewpoint in the area as it offers awesome views of the Bernese Oberland and is relatively easy to get to. Be sure to visit the Botanical Alpine Gardens, too.
An intoxicatingly dangerous hike is the Harder . (Ha – an apt name!) This sheer knife-edge mountain can make any adrenaline junkie shake with excitement. It’s one of my favourite day hikes in the world!
Traversing the Hardergrat , you’ll be walking on incredibly narrow trails and facing huge drops along the way. The views from this ridge are unparalleled.
If you’re not into extreme hiking, you can find a decent alternative at the Harder Kulm (no relation to the supermodel), where you can get by public transport. Ask for directions at your hostel in Interlaken 🙂
Backpacking the Bernese Oberland
The Bernese Oberland region is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland ! Here you’ll find some of the most iconic mountains in the country (not named Matterhorn) including the Mönch, Wetterhorn, Jungfrau , and the infamous Eiger . You’ve gotta see and feel these stunning peaks in person while backpacking in Switzerland.
To get to the Bernese Oberland, take the Jungfraujoch (probably the best train in Switzerland) to one of the villages in the region. As you ride deeper into the Bernese Oberland, its peaks dominate the horizon. By the time you arrive, you’ll be sweating with excitement.
Popular villages include Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen , Murren , and Spiez . Each village is located very near to the other and they are all very similar. Some have their own unique attractions – like the picturesque Staubbach Falls of Lauterbrunnen valley – but each one guarantees amazing views and alpine experiences. In fact, you could probably spend a whole week in Lauterbrunnen and discover all of the amazing hikes in the region.
There are many, many trails throughout the Bernese Oberland – most lead to Kleine Scheidegg , which is the centrepiece of the region. This mountain pass is famous from a bunch of movies and offers perhaps the dopest views of Switzerland’s greatest peaks: treacherous Eiger, regal Jungfrau region, and humble Mönch.
The popular Eiger Trail is a good choice for those who want a short walk leading out of Kleine Scheidegg. The hike to Männlichen is probably the best in the area, though.
Consider trekking the entire length of the massif from Meiringen to Murren as well. The trek takes a few days and is doable even for beginner hikers .
Other notable sites in the Bernese Oberland include Bachalpsee, Trümmelbach Falls, the Aare Gorge, the Aletsch Glacier, and Oeschinen Lake.
Backpacking Berne
Berne (or Bern) is the federal capital of Switzerland. This small city that twists and turns with the winding Aare River is actually not terribly exciting.
What it lacks in action, though, it more than makes up for with romance. With its many lovely arcades, towers, and emerald colours of the Aare Lake, Berne is a beautiful stop on your budget trip in Switzerland.
You can see all of the top attractions in Berne in a single day. Take a wrong turn down one of its many labyrinthian alleys and you can easily lose your bearings. But that’s half the fun – getting lost may be one of the best things to do in Bern!
The first place to visit in Berne is the Zytglogge or City Clock Tower . This 800-year old tower is famous for its clockwork figurines, which dance three minutes before every hour.
From the Zytglogge, wander to nearby landmarks like the Bern Munster, the Federal Palace of Switzerland, and the art museum . Scientists may be interested in seeing Einstein’s House and the Einstein Museum in Bern as well. It was in this city that everyone’s favourite goofy scientist formulated the Laws of Relativity.
Like every Swiss city worth two cents, Berne has its fair share of green spaces as well. Bärengraben or Bear Park is home to the symbol of Berne: the brown bear. No, literally – several bears are kept in the “bear pit”. Not that animal tourism is great or anything.
Also worth seeing is the Rose Garden and Gurten Hill , the latter of which offers great views of the city.
On hot summer days, leave your budget accommodation in Bern for a float down the Aare River! Playing in this river is one of the locals’ favourite pastimes.
Backpacking Zermatt
Whereas the villages of the Bernese Oberland may be the most sublime in Switzerland, Zermatt holds the title of being the adventure capital of the nation.
This village is the starting point for many of the top hut-to-hut hikes in Switzerland, including the world-class Haute Route and the Tour de Monte Rosa . Dedicated alpinists may attempt the iconic Matterhorn (AKA the Toblerone mountain).
Skiers will love the slopes around the peak. Day hikers, be sure to check out the Gornergrat Trail , the Five Lakes Trail , and the Edelweiss Hut .
For the casual traveller, staying in Zermatt is ideal for just kicking back and watching the sun set behind the mountains.
Just a note: this small town is RIDICULOUSLY expensive. You’ll want to stay in a hostel in Zermatt or find a local campground.
Zermatt is also a great place to participate in one of Switzerland’s favourite summer activities: mountain biking! Biking under the Matterhorn is a surreal experience. Even novice riders should give it a try.
The best way to get to Zermatt is by train since no cars are allowed in the village. Most major cities in Switzerland offer regular services to Zermatt.
Don’t try to drive in the city at all – the police will fine you 350 francs on the spot. Once inside the village, everything is within walking distance.
Backpacking Geneva
Great international distinction and importance? That is Geneva , which over the years has been the grounds for many diplomatic missions. Stay in a cool hostel in Geneva to really absorb the vibe!
The city of Geneva itself doesn’t have any grandiose landmarks – just little cafes and lots of charming houses. The Cathédrale St-Pierre is worth checking out, as are the Palais des Nations and Musée Ariana .
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Geneva is just chilling at a café and watching life go by. The Vielle Ville (Old City), with its narrow, cobblestone streets is one of the best places to do this. While people-watching, you may notice that the majority of the population is speaking French, which is appropriate as Geneva is a part of French Switzerland.
Geneva’s most well-known feature is the eponymous Lake Geneva or Lac Leman in French. No doubt the lake is one of the best places to stay in Geneva .
It’ll be hard to miss the Jet d’Eau (the water fountain) as it blasts huge plumes of water into the air. Visit the Bains des Pâquis on the shores of the lake as well. This is one of the favourite swimming holes of city residents.
Lake Geneva is actually quite enormous. It’s split between two countries and home to a multitude of other towns.
If you’re not staying in Geneva, I’d highly recommend Lausanne , the beginnings of the “Swiss Riviera”. There are also some unique things to see in Lausanne, like the Olympic Museum and Collection de l’Art Brut, art made by non-traditional and non-professional artists.
Also worthwhile would be a visit to Montreux , a small city at the eastern tip of the lake known primarily for its jazz festival, inviting visitors to partake in the magic of Swiss festivals .
Backpacking Lugano
Switzerland famously has three main language areas; one of them is distinctly Italian. Lying on the border of Lombardia is the Ticino Cantone.
To get a taste of the Italian side of Swiss life, Lugano is the most important city in the region. Located next to the gorgeous Lake Lugano, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Lugano definitely feels more Mediterranean. The climate is warmer, the architecture is more earthy, and the churches are of the Catholic sort that you see while backpacking Italy . Just looking at the pictures alone, you could mistake Lugano for Lake Como or Lago di Garda.
In the summertime, Lake Lugano is full of bathers and sailboats just looking to catch a bit of sun or a puff of wind for the sails.
There are several peaks around Lugano with breathtaking views – Monte San Salvatore and Monte Bre are the two best examples. You can on all sorts of adventures around the valley too! The canyoneering and mountain biking are particularly good around here.
There are a couple of interesting attractions in the city of Lugano itself. Chiesa di Santa Maria Degli Angel and Cattedrale San Lorenzo are both prime examples of Italian-style churches. Via Nassa is the main street in Lugano and a good place to have an espresso.
Bookworms may also be interested in visiting the Hermann Hesse Museum a bit out of town. The exalted German author spent 40 years in the Southern Alps and his former home is right across from the museum.
Off the Beaten Path Travel in Switzerland
If you’re feeling a little depressed at the sight of all of the ski lifts and resorts while backpacking Switzerland, fear not; there are still plenty of wild and unseen places left in the country! Head to the train station and hop on a train going east to Switzerland’s less-visited cantons including St. Gallen and Grisons.
The Grisons – or Graubünden or Grigioni or Grischun – is perhaps the most rugged and isolated province of all of Switzerland.
The capital of Grisons is Chur , which is one of the oldest cities in Switzerland, founded by the Romans. Chur is a quiet city, famous for being the starting point of the Bernina Express , which is one of the best train rides in Europe .
Grisons is also home to Davos and St. Moritz , some of the most scenic mountain villages in Switzerland, and the gorgeous Swiss National Park .
St. Gallen is a medium-sized city in the east of Switzerland that would appear unremarkable to the common tourist. What few foreigners don’t realize is that St. Gallen has the most magnificent man-made structure in the country: the Abbey of Saint Gall .
Trekkers may find worth in the nearby Alpstein and Appenzell mountains. These ranges are known for their uniquely jagged profile and offer great opportunities for more daring hikers – the Säntis massif is the most frequented portion.
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So, now we know what the best places to visit Switzerland are. But what to do while you’re there? Here are some of my favourite things to do in Switzerland, including some truly iconic activities!
There are not a plethora of cheap things to do in Switzerland. You might have to compromise some of your Switzerland budget here. But I promise these activities are worth the lost bucks.
1. Visit the Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in continental Europe and is only a short train away from Zurich. Visit the falls on a quick day trip – and prepare to get wet!
2. Dip Cheese in Swiss Chocolate and Fondue
The Swiss are famous for many things but the most delicious exports are their chocolate and fondue! Sample some of the rich flavours of Switzerland in one of the many chocolate or cheese-themed cafés. Pro tip: a steaming fondue pot hits the sweet spot especially hard on the mountains on a winter’s night.
3. Catch Mad Views from the Top of Mt. Pilatus
The views from Mt Pilatus are among the best in Switzerland. Hike or take the world’s steepest railway up to the top of the summit for glimpses of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. You might even catch a whiff of a mythical beast; legend has it that a dragon with healing powers lives on this mountain.
4. Try Paragliding
You can go paragliding pretty much everywhere in Switzerland with breathtaking aerial tours over the Swiss Alps. You’d think that such an amazing experience would cost an arm and leg as well but, depending on where you go, prices can actually be pretty reasonable.
5. Chill by an Alpine Lake
The lakes of Switzerland are world-famous and for good reason: they’re absolutely gorgeous! Spot the shades of green, sapphire, cerulean, and many more when visiting these Swiss lakes. Go for a swim, take a boat or just chill on the shores.
6. Hike from Hut to Hut in the Alps
Hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland is the best way to spend some time in the Swiss Alps. Switzerland has many world-class hut-to-hut hikes that allow hikers to skip the tent and stay in some comfortable refuges with epic views.
7. Go Clubbing
Switzerland has a very active clubbing scene, one of the best parties in Europe some might say. The parties in Zurich or Basel are epic – if you can shell out the money for the drinks.
8. See the Matterhorn
You’ve seen the Matterhorn in postcards and probably on the wrapper of the Toblerone bar. But nothing compares to the real thing! Catch a train to Zermatt and see for yourself why the Matterhorn is so iconic.
9. Ride a Train
What do you get when you cross Alpine views and super-comfy trains? Some of the best train journeys in the world , of course! Travelling in Switzerland by train is in itself an experience that takes you to nearly every corner of the country. Grab a seat and soak in the majesty of the Swiss countryside.
10. Pay Your Respects to Eiger
Mountaineers all know its name and the prestige that goes with it: Eiger. Once a forbidden peak due to the extreme difficulty of its north face, Eiger is now a reminder of how far the sport of climbing has come. See the hallowed fortress of stone and consider all those who died trying to subdue this mountain.
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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.
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Switzerland is one of the planet’s premier tourist destinations and so has plenty of different types of accommodation. Finding a place to stay in Switzerland shouldn’t be a problem. Finding one that is affordable is a whole other ball game, though.
Switzerland’s top destinations usually have youth hostels, although for an experienced budget backpacker, their prices will still seem staggeringly high. In peak season, a bed in a dorm might cost as much as $50. Still, hostels in Switzerland are gonna be your cheapest form of accommodation, unless you’re keen on couchsurfing or bivvying.
Couchsurfing will always be your greatest ally when it comes to backpacking Switzerland on a tight budget. If you’re lucky enough to find hosts consistently, you’ll save heaps of cash.
Staying with a local will also open many doors that you didn’t know existed. Hanging out with a Swiss person means that you’ll see the secret spots, the local cafes, and a more authentic side of Switzerland.
Of course, if couch surfing seems a little too scary for you, you can also find plenty of private rooms in Airbnbs in Switzerland where you can interact with your host.
Camping is also a popular means of lodging in Switzerland. The rates for official campgrounds will still be quite high but if you have a good backpacking tent , you can always pitch up camp outside of them. And lucky you – wild camping is actually allowed in Switzerland.
Where to Stay in Switzerland
If you’re trying to cut your Switzerland travel costs, it’s important to know where to stay at. Here you’ll find some cheaper youth hostels and Airbnbs in Switzerland.
Before starting this section, let’s all join hands and tell each other “everything is going to be ok.” I’m here for you, my broke backpackers.
Switzerland is probably the most expensive country in the world. Many are intimidated by the high cost of living in Switzerland and don’t bother to even start planning a trip there.
But you’re the adventurous sort, right?! You never let anything dissuade you from visiting a country.
Backpacking Switzerland can be accomplished so long as you do everything right. You won’t get by on a shoestring budget but there are always ways to save a few bucks.
So how expensive is Switzerland for tourists? Most budget-minded travellers get by on $80-$100 per day. You can, with proper habits, get by on less.
A basic dorm room will cost between $30-$50. If that number seems high (it is), then rely heavily upon couchsurfing.
Official campgrounds will, unfortunately, end up costing around the same. While in the mountains, I suggest you try bivvying in the wilderness. It’s free and, if done properly, an acceptable practice.
Meals will cost you $30-$40 minimum in a Swiss restaurant. Look for lunch deals or sustain on fast food.
Usually, in these kinda guides, I suggest allocating some cash to eat out once a day while travelling. But in Switzerland, I suggest eating out once or twice the entire trip .
Cook 95% of your food at home to save cash. Best become a vegetarian too while backpacking Switzerland to avoid buying expensive meat.
The cost of food in Switzerland per day could be as low as 30-40 francs (around $30- $40).
If you get sick of cooking at home, try hitting up some of the Switzerland street food markets to switch it up a bit
Transport will be the most expensive and, frustratingly, the most necessary cost while backpacking in Switzerland. A full-priced train ride lasting a few hours can cost upwards of $100 – which is ridiculous.
To save the most on transport you’ll need some serious tactics. Hitchhike, use BlaBlacar, use a push bike, fuckin’ walk. Just, whatever you do, DON’T BUY A FULL FARE TICKET! If you’re planning on a lot of travelling, definitely look into getting the Swiss travel pass .
Daily Budget for Switzerland
So, now that you’ve got over the biggest shock – you know that Switzerland is not your go-to destination for travelling Europe cheaply . Let’s look at some example budgets for Switzerland travel costs.
Money in Switzerland
The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc . In April 2022, the official exchange rate for the franc is 1 USD=0.93 CHF or 1 Euro=1 CHF.
Many Swiss businesses will still accept euros as a form of payment. When paying in euros in Switzerland, 99% of the time you’ll receive francs as change. Most products or services are listed with prices in both euros and francs as well, so exchange rates should remain official.
ATMs are widely available all over Switzerland. Many require a minimum withdrawal of usually 20 or sometimes 50 francs. Withdrawing only a bit for, say, a single pint will probably be impossible.
Note that many ATMs also charge a withdrawal fee on top of whatever your bank charges internationally. To avoid these fees, I’ve got one recommendation that’s really gonna elevate your travel banking game…
For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods.
Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.
Travel Tips – Switzerland on a Budget
Broker than broke? There are many ways to stretch your measly pennies even further through these Switzerland travel tips. Here are some of the tried-and-tested penny-pinching ways of Broke Backpackers, tailor-made for backpacking Switzerland on a budget.
- Camp : There are lots of opportunities to camp in Switzerland! If you’re feeling real adventurous and don’t want to lug around a tent, consider picking up a backpacking hammock .
- Cook your own food : Switzerland is one of those places where you have to cook your own food. Bring a portable backpacking stove for wilderness exploits or hostels without kitchens.
- Book your transportation early : Both plane and train tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance. This rule sometimes also applies to buses, especially in Europe.
- Couchsurf : Swiss people are awesome. Couchsurfing is a great way to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.
- Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!
Why Should You Travel to Switzerland with a Water Bottle?
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You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .
Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.
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The best time to visit Switzerland is at any time of the year, depending on what you’re looking for. Every season in Switzerland offers a wide variety of unique activities. You could use an old cliché and say that there’s something for everyone. In fact, there are so many things to see and do in Lauterbrunnen that you should go in both winter and summer to get a different flavour each time.
Switzerland has warm, semi-humid summers, and cold, snowy winters.
Summer in Switzerland (June-August) is usually considered the peak season as the European holidays have begun and the majority of trails are open. Higher alpine trails should be free of snow by July. Prices during this period will be higher and everywhere will be crowded.
Winter (December-March) is ski season in Switzerland, which means that the cities will be emptier, and the resorts will be jam-packed. This time is usually best for those trying to backpack Switzerland on a budget as most urban accommodation will be cheaper. The ski resorts, on the other hand, will be at their most expensive of the year.
Autumn (September-November) and Spring (April-May) are the best times to visit Switzerland. Prices will be lower, tourists will be more sparse, and the weather should still be pleasant, albeit April and November can still feel frigid at times. Hikers and skiers should be able to catch the tail end of their respective seasons as well: snow can linger on the slopes well into May and trails will usually be open until the end of September.
October can be a magical time in Switzerland, as the mountains are beginning to take on their white winter coats, and the trees start to turn golden. Photographers will probably enjoy this month the most when visiting Switzerland.
What to Pack for Switzerland
On every adventure, there are some things that I always have on my backpacking packing list .
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
If you’re worrying, is Switzerland safe to travel? Well, good news. This is one of if not the safest countries in Europe and has very little crime. Urban areas are extremely secure by most international standards – when you’re backpacking in Switzerland, you have very little to worry about.
Still, petty crime is always a possibility. Regardless of Switzerland’s security, travellers should always follow the usual travel safety practices .
While backpacking Switzerland, the most danger lurks in the outdoors. Being a (very) mountainous nation, Switzerland’s weather can change at the drop of a dime and sometimes in dramatic ways. If you’re caught in a storm while out trekking in the mountains, you could be in a lot of trouble.
Luckily, Switzerland’s infrastructure is pretty expansive, which means there really isn’t too much true wilderness here. When hiking the Swiss Alps, the nearest village or outpost is never too far away.
Should you be hurt while trekking, a rescue team should be able to reach you within a reasonable amount of time. Cell service is often reliable as well though nothing beats a good satellite phone or messenger.
In general, Switzerland is very safe to travel.
Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Switzerland
Contrary to the repressed, unadventurous reputation that they unjustly receive, the Swiss actually like to party quite a bit. Whether they’re at a festival, hanging with friends, or just walking on the streets (yes, you can drink in public here!), Swiss people love to have a good time.
Since Switzerland is a pretty strict 9-5 working culture, the best parties are usually on the weekends. Many head to the nearest cafe, pub, club, whatever, on Friday night. Bars stay open as late as 5 am in some places.
Zurich and Basel are the best cities to party in Switzerland. Due in part to their proximity to France and Germany, techno clubs are the best form of after-hours entertainment in these cities.
As this is Switzerland, the costs of partying will not be gentle. Drinking will absolutely bankrupt you and very quickly. There are no drink specials or happy hours in this country either – you’ll have to be truly steadfast in your budgeting while backpacking Switzerland in order to go out partying.
Buy a (only slightly less expensive) bottle of booze at the store and drink before going out. Since drinking in public is legal, you can drink just about anywhere outdoors; walk around or head to the park, or literally sit outside the bar you want to go to and get buzzed first.
While at the bar, stick to beer as it’s usually the cheapest liquor at around $8. You’ll see most of the locals drinking beer as well as they too feel the strains of the local prices.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Switzerland
Travelling without insurance is risky business. Even if you like to live dangerously, some risks are not worth taking! Consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure, and you can hike and party to your heart’s content without worries.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Being a modern European nation, Switzerland has some amazing public transportation routes leading in and out of the country. Transport is obviously very damn expensive but at least it is very easy to get in!
Entry Requirements for Switzerland
Though not a part of the actual European Union, Switzerland is still a part of the Schengen Zone.
The Schengen Agreement/trans-European agreement enables visa-free travel between participating nations. This is extremely convenient for those backpacking Europe. You can easily cross the borders between nations and get little to no attention from authorities.
Schengen Zone residents only need an EU ID card to enter another Schengen country. All other world nations need to have a passport on them.
Most non-EU nations can qualify for a 90-day visa that is valid in any European nation in the Schengen area. There are always exceptions though, so be sure to check official Schengen requirements before you start backpacking in Europe.
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Switzerland has an amazing public transport system – one that can get you just about anywhere. You can seriously travel from an airport to the top of a mountain using just public transit, sometimes in less than 2 hours. That’s impressive!
What’s even more impressive, though, is how high the ticket prices can be. Seriously, train rides can cost hundreds of dollars depending on how far you’re going. Big yikes.
Your best bet to stick to reasonable travel costs in Switzerland is buying some sort of discount card. Half-fare cards, Day cards, Swiss Passes… Luckily, there’s a plethora of options to save on transportation tickets.
The most well-known travel package in Switzerland is the Swiss Travel Pass . This card enables unlimited and free travel on most forms of transport – trains, buses, boats, trams – in and between the cities.
Mountain railways and cable cars can come at a 50% discount, and all museums are free to enter with this pass. Sure, it’s damn expensive, but if your Swiss travel dreams include lots of train travel and culture, it might be worth it.
Another option is the Swiss Half-Fare Card with a slightly more reasonable price tag. This card gets you half off in most forms of transport (some urban transport may be discounted less). A Half-Fare Card is the most popular deal among locals and may be best for a backpacker, too.
Finally, Day Cards enable unlimited travel for one day. They are available at most COOP Supermarkets. These cards would be a great way to save cash if you know that you’ll be travelling far or a lot in one day.
Hitchhiking in Switzerland
Hitchhiking is by far the cheapest way to travel in Switzerland and, thankfully, it’s an acceptable practice.
Hitchhiking is easiest around Switzerland’s most popular outdoor areas and little villages. There are lots of travellers passing through these regions and, in general, small-village people are helpful to backpackers!
There’s a belief that hitchhiking would be illegal in Switzerland but this is not true! Hitchhiking IS illegal on motorways – the same as everywhere – but you can still hitch a ride on smaller roads and petrol stations.
If you’re crossing the border as a hitchhiker, I recommend not telling the border guys that you are one. They can be a little uppety about it and guide you to the nearest bus station.
I fully expected hitchhiking in Switzerland to be tough – blame my prejudice towards non-sociable Central Europeans – but it was actually great. I felt super safe, and it never took too long to find a car to take me.
Onwards Travel from Switzerland
Lying at the heart of Alps, Switzerland shares a border with many other European nations that are popular on the backpacking trails. Crossing into any one of them is an extremely straightforward and easy task.
Most borders, in fact, don’t even stop you to check your passport. So you’ll most likely end up in another country without even knowing it.
Head south to magnificent Italy for some quality Roman culture time, or to France to experience the majesty of the Provence region. Travel north to Germany and Bavaria for some of the best beer in the world. Jump over to Austria for more Alpine adventures.
And don’t forget Liechtenstein ! The sixth smallest country in the world may be tiny but it’s well worth a day trip or a couple of days of hiking adventures.
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Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Switzerland that you can dabble in, including teaching, construction, agriculture, and hospitality.
Obviously, Switzerland doesn’t need volunteers in the same way less-developed nations do, but you’ll still find opportunities to donate some time and skills. Housekeeping and hospitality are reliable options that usually provide accommodation in return. Most people won’t need a visa to volunteer in Switzerland for less than 3 months, but it’s always good to double-check the requirements for the work you’ll be doing.
Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers , are generally very well-managed and come highly recommended by yours truly.
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Over the course of my travels, I had heard very few Swiss stereotypes. Perhaps the occasional banker joke or maybe some quip about yodelling, but nothing terribly serious. Even after meeting the Swiss in person, I wasn’t really left with any strong impression about them: the Swiss mentality seems to be very normal and level-headed.
There are a few stereotypes that do hold. The Swiss are very punctual people which may either be a consequence or a cause of their hyper-efficient nation. Things in Switzerland are a little overly-organized and sometimes happenings are planned too far in advance.
Switzerland has a few prominent language regions, and each comes with its own little quirks that also affect its inhabitants. This also means that the culture and traditions in Switzerland can be quite diverse, getting influence from the countries around them.
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian , and Romansh . Each is, essentially, a variation of their respective mother tongues.
Most speakers of standardized French and Italian will be able to understand the Swiss variations. However, if you learned your German in school, you’ll find yourself a lil’ puzzled over their German variant. The running gag is that even native German speakers can’t understand the Swiss.
Even though Switzerland is a very polyglottal nation and nearly everyone speaks multiple languages. You should get by fine with English.
Useful Travel Phrases for Switzerland
Even if you have no intention of learning the local language, speaking a Swiss phrase or two will impress the locals. You can find easy travel phrases in Italian and French in our respective country guides for them (and you can find our country guides a few sections above, under “Onwards Travel”!).
I’ve listed Swiss German phrases below since it’s the weirdest local language variant.
- Grüezi – Hello
- Wie goots Ihne? – How are you?
- Uf Widerluege – Goodbye
- I heisse … – My name is…
- Merci – Thank you
- Broscht! – Cheers!
- Fröit mi – Pleased to meet you
- Keine Plastiktüte – No plastic bag
- Kein Stroh bitte – No straw please
- Kein Plastikbesteck bitte – No plastic cutlery please
- Es duet mir leid – Sorry
- Entschuldigung – Excuse me
- Yo – Yes
What to Eat in Switzerland
Due to Switzerland’s somewhat rural nature, Swiss cuisine is usually a very simple and hearty affair. Most of its dishes can be considered “farmers’ food” with strong cheeses, rich bread, red meats, and robust vegetables constituting the majority of the diet. Cream is used in abundance in Swiss cooking.
Along the edges of Switzerland, the cuisine does take on shades of the neighbouring countries. Near the border of Italy, cured meats and risotto are very common. On the French border, cheese reigns supreme as national heroes like fondue and raclette are found here.
Germany’s love for wurst and bread has certainly had an effect on Switzerland as well.
And don’t forget the chocolate. There’s a reason Swiss chocolate is so famous around the world. You’ll probably know at least Milka; even though the world-famed chocolate brand is now manufactured in Germany, it originated in Switzerland.
Must-Try Dishes in Switzerland
To kick off your culinary tour of Switzerland, I have compiled a list of several of its most popular dishes. See if you can taste all of them.
- Fondue – liquified cheese w/ various items for dipping
- Rösti – fried potato shavings in patty form (think hashbrowns)
- Raclette – melted cheese that has smokey properties
- Birchermüesli – (the original) muesli
- Polenta – cornmeal and butter porridge
- Bündnernusstorte – nut filled pastry w/ caramelized sugar and cream
- Zurchergeschnetzeltes – veal cooked in the “Zurich style” w/ mushrooms, wine, onions, and cream
- Zopf – fluffy bread that’s similar to challah
- Bündner Gerstensuppe – barley soup
- Capuns – Spätzle dough and cured meats wrapped in chard leaves
A Brief History of Switzerland
For most of its early years, Switzerland was valued as a crucial strategic point for commerce and militaries. Being at the nexus of many powerful and competitive European dynasties over the centuries, Switzerland was essentially a giant access point – its mountain passes were vital for controlling the region and enabling free trade.
Up until the early stages of the Modern Age, Switzerland was juggled between kingdoms. The Romans subjugated the barbarians and founded cities. In the Middle Ages, Burgundians, Italian savoys, Habsburgs, and Germanic kingdoms would compete for the mountain passes of Switzerland.
The Holy Roman Empire would eventually hold the majority control over the Alps. Under their rule, the first aspects of Swiss nationalism developed.
In 1300, the Old Swiss Confederacy formed within the Holy Roman Empire. This formation of Swiss cantons, though far from stable and not technically independent, can be considered the first version of modern Switzerland. For about 500 years, this organization lasted until Napoleon arrived and swiftly swept the territory under his reign.
After Napoleon’s death, the Swiss quickly consolidated and reimposed former laws. Following some bumps in the road – mostly of the religious and political kind – the federal state of Switzerland was established in 1848. This iteration of Switzerland has lasted to this day.
Swiss politics are most well known for their neutrality. It didn’t take part in any of the World Wars and remained uninvaded. And it still isn’t part of the EU, even though it does co-operate with other European countries extensively.
Switzerland is one of the top hiking destinations in the world. Situated in the heart of the Alps, there are copious amounts of mountain trails to explore.
Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.
Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!
The number of trails means that all hikers who can stay on their feet for a few hours can find something to tickle their fancy. There are viewpoints that require basically no hiking at all and day hikes all over the place.
The best way to experience the Swiss Alps, though, is to go hut to hut hiking in Switzerland. By staying in cabins in the mountains, you cut down on the weight you have to carry since you won’t need camping gear.
Since Switzerland is such a popular hiking destination, it also means that its hiking infrastructure is excellent. Getting astray from the right trail is difficult, and if you get into any trouble, you’ll likely soon run into other folks who’ll be able to help.
Here are some of the best hikes in Switzerland.
Some Top Trails in Switzerland
- The Eiger Trail(s) (1-4 days) – The hiking distance of the true Eiger Trail is only 6 km but it can be combined with several other local trails to extend your trip. An excellent walk would be the Bernese Oberland portion of the long-distance trail Via Alpina Route.
- Tour des Combins (6 days) – A seemingly forgotten trail around some of the finest mountains in Switzerland. Classic alpine hikes involving lakes, glaciers, and soaring peaks.
- Tour de Monte Rosa (8-10 days) – A lesser-known hike around the second highest peak in the Alps. Wilder and more demanding than the Haute Route.
- The Haute Route (2 weeks) – One of the most impressive trails on the planet . Walk from Mont Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Can be done in winter (as a cross-country ski route) or summer.
- The Trans-Swiss Trail (40 days) – Hike across the entire southern half of Switzerland. Start in Porrentruy and end in Lugano. Includes a wide variety of landscapes and not just mountains.
Got questions about how to travel Switzerland on a budget? I’ve got answers!
What does it cost to backpack Switzerland?
Prepare yourself: we’re looking at a budget between $70 – $100 a day to travel in Switzerland. *Cringe* I know, it’s not exactly a budget backpacker haven. That being said, there are loads of ways to bring that budget down considerably. Heck, if you are a real dirtbag, you could have a daily budget of $10.
Is it safe to hike in Switzerland?
Yes. Lots of effort is made in Switzerland to ensure all the paths and walking routes are well kept. This doesn’t mean it’s without risk though: ALWAYS do your research beforehand, know the route and how long it should take, and the local emergency numbers, etc.
Can you travel to Switzerland alone?
Hell yes, you can! It’s not just possible to travel Switzerland solo, it’s awesome. The infrastructure is great and it’s super easy to get around. Plus, it’s absolutely beautiful. So make your own itinerary to see everything you want to see.
Do they really have the best chocolate in the world in Switzerland?
Let’s not beat around the bush: it’s good chocolate. Is it the best in the world? I know plenty of people that would say yes. Is it worth the excessive price tag? I don’t think so.
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Being respectful in Switzerland comes down to not confusing its many cultures.
Swiss Germans are Swiss Germans and not Germans; Swiss French are Swiss French and not French; Swiss Italians are Swiss Italians and not Italians. Just refer to everyone in Switzerland as “Swiss.”
Swiss people do love to have a good time and definitely drink their fair share of spirits. If you plan on going out in Switzerland, I’ll just give you my usual advice of “don’t be an asshole on holiday”. Drink only what you can handle, be respectful, and don’t be a shit-stirrer.
Backpacking Switzerland on a budget might be a bit of a tricky pony. But if you’re wondering, is Switzerland worth visiting? Oh, yeah, 100%.
Hell! I’d even take it as a challenge!
How long can you stay in Switzerland on a shoestring budget? I certainly wouldn’t mind crashing on couches and hitching rides if it meant I could see those glorious mountains a few more times.
I challenge any and all of you broke backpackers to travel to Switzerland in the ways that would do this website proud.
Happy backpacking!
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Updated in April 2022 by Elina Mattila from @wayfarover .
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
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Simply beautifully captured shots. I loved going through this handy and useful guide that will be useful for those traveling to Switzerland.
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7 of the most spectacular road trips in Switzerland
Dec 8, 2023 • 7 min read
There are picturesque landscapes at every turn in Switzerland © swissmediavision / Getty Images Plus
Switzerland might look tiny on paper, but with most of its land gobbled up by the Alps, this little European nation packs in a lot of elevated space.
Wherever you go, you’re in for one hell of a drive: roads unfurl along the shores of great lakes and glaciers, mountain passes corkscrew up to fairy-tale medieval castles, and on the high roads, every glorious bend makes you want to screech to a halt and yodel in delight.
Neatly wrapping it all up is the big one – the 1,643km (1,021-mile) Grand Tour of Switzerland – an epic, efficiently signposted lap of the country that links 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites and shows off the Alpine nation from its most flattering angles.
Short on time? Don’t worry – here are seven other incredible road trips in Switzerland to give you a head start.
1. Furka Pass
Best road trip for glaciers and mountain peaks Obergoms–Andermatt; 35km (22 miles)
The wows never leave your lips, and the Alps never leave your rear-view mirror on this astonishingly steep, snaking, stop-the-car-and-grab-the-camera drive from the remote valley of the Goms in Valais to mountain-encrusted Andermatt in Uri.
If you begin to feel rather Bond-like behind the wheel, it’s no coincidence: this road starred in the car chase scene in the 1964 movie Goldfinger and brings out the 007 in everyone.
Swerving precariously around switchbacks, it tops out at the 2,429m (7,969ft) Furka Pass, where you can peer across the lunar rockscape of a wind-battered plateau and park to see the deeply crevassed Rhône Glacier and its ice grotto before the long, sweeping descent to Andermatt.
Planning tip: Drive the Furka Pass west to east for full-on, hairpin-riddled drama and views of austere peaks and glaciers that will draw constant gasps. Open roughly from June to October, the best time to go is the summer, as the road closes when the snow arrives. Check conditions before heading out.
2. The Appenzell rural route
Best road trip for rural Switzerland Appenzell–St Moritz; 200km (124 miles)
Switzerland’s rural, folksy heart beats loudest in the Appenzell region, snuggling up to Liechtenstein in the country’s northeast. It’s a terrifically unsung region for a road trip, with rolling dairy country giving way to lavishly frescoed towns. A week? Doable. Two weeks? Now you’re talking…
The route passes Säntis mountain (at the summit of which you can see six countries), the seven wavy limestone peaks of the Churfirsten range and the pretty medieval hamlet of Werdenberg before crossing little-but-lovely Liechtenstein, with an essential stop-off at its castle-topped capital, Vaduz .
The mountains soar ever higher as you cruise south to vine-rimmed Maienfeld – the setting of the beloved Swiss children’s book Heidi – and the gorge-spanning Salginatobel Bridge, a feat of engineering described as a work of art.
Lovely Engadine villages like Guarda and Zernez entice you into the nature-gone-wild Swiss National Park before your drive south to St Moritz , where sky-high mountains promise further adventures.
3. Southern Switzerland's peaks
Best road trip for mountain scenery Lugano–Zermatt; 264km (164 miles)
The Alps are your constant companion on this ravishing drive through the high mountains of southern Switzerland, which takes in both the Gotthard and Furka passes. You'll want to allow at least a week to do it justice.
Begin at the route’s end in lakeside Lugano , which shoulders up to Italy and delivers a shot of dolce vita in its cafe-rimmed piazzas and palm-fringed parks. From here, the road cruises north to Locarno – another beauty with its botanical gardens and palazzo-filled Renaissance Old Town – and UNESCO World Heritage Bellinzona with its trio of hilltop medieval fortresses.
The language switches from Italian to German as you power north into the Alps proper and Airolo at the foot of the Gotthard Pass. This drive is simply too good to rush, so factor in time for a break in Andermatt, where big wilderness, high-elevation hikes and sensational Alpine scenery await.
Just west of here, the heart-quickening, hairpin-bend-riddled Furka Pass leads you up and over into the glacier-encrusted mountains of Valais. The final stretch of the trip encompasses Bettmeralp, the epic Aletsch Glacier and Brig, with its whimsical Stockalper Palace, building to a crescendo in Zermatt , where the mighty Matterhorn holds you in its thrall.
4. Gotthard Pass
Best road trip for gorges and canyons Andermatt–Airolo; 26.5km (16.5 miles)
Sure, you could take the tunnel (one of the world’s longest) through the St-Gotthard Massif, but where’s the fun in that?
If it’s Alpine highs you’re after, the old road over the 2,108m (6,196ft) Gotthard Pass enthralls. Buckle up, roll down the window and prepare for a feast of wild, lonely, bleakly beautiful mountain scenery on this serpentine road linking the Italian-speaking Swiss region of Ticino to the German-speaking region of Uri. If the curvy road seems a challenge today, just think of the poor souls that once made the arduous journey on foot and with pack animals.
In a former customs house at the top of the pass, the seasonal Museo Nazionale San Gottardo gives insight into the history and culture of the pass, but it’s the heart-quickening views you’ll remember most.
Even the Romans shied away from the Gotthard, and it wasn’t until the Devil’s Bridge was built in the 1300s that the pass became properly accessible. The bridge straddles the Schöllenen Gorge, where walls of sheer granite plunge to the raging Reuss River far below. On the south side of the Gotthard Pass, the cobblestone Tremola is a tour de force of 37 switchbacks that send you pinballing down to Airolo.
Planning tip: The road is weather-dependent – it's usually open from May to November.
5. Julier Pass
Best road trip for getting off the beaten track Chur–St Moritz; 157km (98 miles)
Scenery like this should come with a drumroll. Unfurling through the otherworldly gray, jagged, moraine-streaked Alps of Graubünden , the 2,284m (7,494ft) Julier Pass is the icing on the cake of a lovely, long, winding drive that connects the Alpine city of Chur to St Moritz in the Engadine Valley.
Little-trafficked and thrillingly wild, the pass has been used since Roman times, and remains of a Roman temple are still visible. The road dives deep into the heart of the Albula Alps, ticking off pristine mountain landscapes like Parc Ela , Switzerland’s biggest nature park, where you might be tempted to temporarily swap the open road for a hiking trail or two.
Unspooling like a ribbon, the Julier Pass frequently tops polls of Switzerland’s most beautiful drives, and for good reason: its remote, far-away-from-everywhere feel adds to its appeal tenfold.
Planning tip: While the drive is technically open year-round, take care with snow and ice. You’ll need winter tires and snow chains in the cold months.
6. Wheel through Western Switzerland
Best road trip for lakes and forests Geneva–Neuchâtel; 190km (118 miles)
The Alps get a lot of love, but sidling up to France in Switzerland’s not-so-wild west, the deliciously off-the-radar Jura region has its own quiet, unexpected beauty with lakes and vineyards rolling to châteaux and pine forest-cloaked hills.
Begin with a powerful hit of culture in worldly Geneva , reclining gracefully on the shores of its croissant-shaped lake. From here, the route tiptoes off the beaten track north into the Jura Vaudois Nature Park for hikes with lake views and tastings of Gruyère cheese at rural Alpine huts.
Devote at least a couple of days to the second half of the drive as you cruise north to serene Lac de Joux, with its watchmaking heritage, and Vallorbe, where Switzerland’s most astounding limestone caves reveal a wonderland of subterranean rivers, waterfalls and rock formations.
Near Lac de Neuchâtel, you’ll find the lushly rolling Val-de-Travers, birthplace of the “green fairy” (absinthe) and the great crescent-moon canyon of Creux du Van . The drive ends with a metaphorical bang at Neuchâtel , topped off by a turreted fantasy of a medieval castle.
7. Switzerland's top cities
Best road trip for nature amidst urban Switzerland Zürich–Bern; 315km (196 miles)
Bookended by Switzerland’s de facto capital Bern and the country's largest city Zürich (commonly mistaken for the capital), this sensationally varied road trip leaps joyously from the urban to the outdoors, winging you from culture-crammed cities to great abbeys, medieval castles, lakes and mountains of myth.
Bidding Zürich ’s big-hitting museums and cool waterfront bars a reluctant adieu, the drive swings south along the shores of Lake Zürich with tantalizing views of the Alps on cloudless days. Stop off at ludicrously pretty towns, such as vine-ribbed, castle-topped Rapperswil, before heading south to Einsiedeln and its whopping Benedictine abbey.
Lucerne hits the cultural sweet spot with its perfect-looking Old Town and galleries. Detour to fjord-like, exquisitely turquoise Lake Uri for a taste of the country’s geographical and spiritual heartland. Squeeze in dairy tours and meadow strolls in mellow Emmental as you ease your way southwest to Bern , the city of Einstein, elegant arcades and wild swims in the Aare River.
Planning tip: Aim for at least a week behind the wheel – preferably more.
This article was first published December 2020 and updated December 2023
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Active Tours in Switzerland
Switzerland
- Panoramic mountain views accompanied by gently clanging cowbells in the Engadin
- Travel by rail through the heart of the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
- Experience traditional alpine huts and the camaraderie on the Walker's Haute Route
- Relaxed cycling along Lake Constance, crossing from Switzerland into Germany
- Indulge in locally produced Gruyère and Eviaz cheese in the chic village of Gstaad
- Follow in Thomas Cook's footstep on the Gemmipass, from the Bernese Oberland to the Valais
The magic of snow-capped alpine peaks, mountain meadows, glacial scenery, and oh-so-indulgent food is waiting to be explored in Switzerland. Fuel your adventure with mouth-watering cheese and chocolate as you discover Switzerland on a walking holiday or cycling adventure. See for yourself that it's everything you imagined it would be.
In Switzerland, all the mountain exhilaration can be enjoyed just as much on a relaxed pace adventure as on an Alpine challenge. There really is a Swiss adventure to suit everyone. If you are looking for a challenge, take on the Tour of the Matterhorn or if you wish to take it easy, sit back and watch the world go by on our Glacier Express Rail and Hike . We have been creating active holidays in Switzerland since 2008, and our team can answer any questions to help and match you with the perfect-fit adventure for your needs.
On our holidays in Switzerland, you can expect traditional chalet accommodation, luggage transfer, detailed route notes and emergency backup. You only have to think about putting one foot in front of another. From the rewarding Alpine classics like the Walker's Haute Route , or the Via Alpina (a complete traverse of the country!), to the gentle Lake Constance Cycle Path or more relaxed hiking in the Bernese Oberland , we have all the angles covered so you can explore Switzerland at your own pace.
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Macs Adventure has been running self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Switzerland since 2008. Whether you like mountains and hills, lakes, rivers and glaciers, dreamy villages and well preserved medieval cities, Switzerland has something to offer for everyone. This abundance of wonderful places to explore lead us to seek out more and more areas where we could help people to discover Switzerland on bike and foot.
From humble beginnings, we now send over 2000 walkers and cyclists to Switzerland every year , each walking and cycling the route that excites them the most. We provide the freedom to choose your route, itinerary and travel companions and discover Switzerland at your own pace.
We know how daunting it can be, setting off on an adventure of this scale and we quickly realized how important it was to have amazing partners on the ground in Switzerland to deal with any issues that you might come across. We are proud to say that we work incredibly closely with all our accommodation suppliers and luggage transfer teams and should you have the slightest issue, they will fall over themselves to help you out.
We offer a flexible, tailor-made hiking experience that gets you in comfortable, friendly overnight accommodation in local B&Bs and guesthouses. We carry your bags to lighten your load so you can concentrate on simply putting one foot or pedal in front of the other and enjoying the unique culture, food and scenery of Switzerland. No hostels, no leaky tents, no heavy bags on your back just a straightforward active holiday that you can book with confidence that we have it all covered for you.
We want to showcase our expertise, by giving you all the resources you will ever need. In the planning stage, we have free guides, comprehensive videos and a host of staff with their own Swiss experiences , waiting to answer your questions. On the route, we use high-quality digital mapping as well as the best maps and guidebooks to make sure you find your way.
We love the diversity of walking and cycling in Switzerland and our main aim is to make sure that you do too.
Bernese Oberland - The Berner Oberland is a stone through from the capital, Bern, an easy train ride takes you into the mountains which are dominated by the spectacular mountain trio, the Eiger, Monch and the Jungfrau. This region is filled with walks for all abilities if this is your first walking holiday or you are a veteran. There are multiple trips which will take you through this region, such as our Best of the Bernese Oberland or the Via Alpina . Each takes you through breath-taking scenery and wanders through lush meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. Along the way, hikers are treated to a diversity of Swiss villages from small hamlets, such as of Lauterbrunnen, the car-free Murren or to the popular ski resort of Grindelwald.
Valais – Deep in the alps you find Valais, in the south-west corner of Switzerland. The region is split between German and French-speaking villages. Walk amongst some of the most dramatic alpine scenery Switzerland has to offer, with fifty peaks, including the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Dom, soaring over 4,000-meter, more than any other region in the Alps. It is filled with an intricate network of hiking trails, the most famous being the Walkers Haute Route , creating endless opportunities for hikers to explore the high peaks, cross panoramic passes and travel through scenic alpine valleys. With a little luck, hikers may encounter marmots, chamois or mountain goats.
Graubünden – Explore the German-speaking Alps, including the Engadine, Davos and St Moritz. This region offers a multitude of great hiking trails from easy walks along beautiful lakes to moderate jaunts between the rustic villages. Strenuous hikes climb over scenic passes with stunning views of glacier-clad peaks and travel up tranquil valleys amid rugged peaks. Discover the local beauty on our St. Moritz & The Engadine Valley tour.
Älplermagronen
A traditional all-in-one pasta, potato and cheese dish that originates from the German part of Switzerland. The classic version is made by layering cooked potatoes and macaroni with cream and cheese, before baking it in the oven. People usually serve it with fried onion rings and a stewed apple sauce on top. The dish sometimes comes with bacon, too. Whatever ingredients you include, though, Älplermakkaronen is a seriously hearty meal that warms you up a treat.
Fondue in Switzerland may seem clichéd, but it is indelibly woven into the country’s fabric. It is a must-have for any local or visitor to the country from autumn to spring. Dunk rustic country bread into melted cheeses, infused with lashings of wine and garlic, bubbling over an open flame. Pair yours with white wine and chase it with schnapps or tea for an epic meal.
Thinly grated potatoes, pan-fried until crisp and golden, rosti is one of Switzerland’s iconic national dishes. Served steaming in a ceramic dish, Rosti Valaisanne is a delightfully addictive mash-up of rosti topped with salty bacon, fried egg, and melted raclette cheese, served alongside tangy gherkins and pickled pearl onions.
Raclette is a local cheese customarily grilled slowly over a fire, with layer-by-melted-layer sliced off to blanket boiled potatoes, pickles and onions. Contemporary raclette machines make grilling commonplace in Swiss homes, where friends gather for hours, waiting for slices of raclette to melt, while drinking copious glasses of local Fendant wine.
Zurcher Geschnetzeltes
Zurich-style diced veal is an iconic national dish that makes a hearty lunch. Made of sliced veal, calves’ kidneys and sweetbreads sautéed in a gravy of onions, butter, white wine, cream, and mushrooms. The mixture of cream laced with wine over veal, Zurcher geschnetzeltes as it’s known in Swiss-German dialect, is a delight.
Follow these lovely friends from New York, as they travel into Switzerland to hike the Bernese Oberland. They are blown away by the glaciers, the views, the little trains. The journey is 'Transformative'.
Andy and John lead you along the Walker's Haute Route, one of Europe's classic Alpine hikes. The video shows you the terrain you can expect on the route as well as what it is like crossing glaciers in the high Alps.
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The Ultimate Zermatt Hiking Guide With 5 Incredible Trails
- Updated on: July 30, 2021
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When you ride the train into Zermatt, the first thing you notice is the piercing, pyramid-shaped Matterhorn. The near-symmetrical mountain has inspired hikers, mountaineers, and nature lovers for centuries. Near the base of this iconic peak, the Swiss village of Zermatt retains a traditional atmosphere and welcomes tourists from across the globe.
We couldn’t take our eyes off the Matterhorn and were itching to find the best trails in Zermatt to appreciate its beauty. The car-free town is easy to navigate, and top-notch transport makes accessing trailheads a breeze. Although the Matterhorn is visible from Zermatt, you must venture into the alpine wilderness for the best views.
To help you find the most unforgettable Matterhorn views, we’ve prepared this Zermatt hiking guide for you. Some of the trails listed are among the best hikes in Switzerland and present breathtaking alpine vistas. Regardless of the hiking trails you prefer, you can’t go wrong and will leave Zermatt with memories you’ll cherish forever.
Where is Zermatt and how to get there
Zermatt is a fairytale alpine resort located in the Valais canton of Switzerland. Switzerland’s Sion Airport is the closest airport to Zermatt at around 82km from the resort. However, you can also access Zermatt from the larger airports at Milan, Geneva, and Zurich. At the base of the world-famous Matterhorn, Zermatt lies near the Swiss-Italian border.
Although it’s possible to rent a car from one of the nearby airports, we don’t recommend doing so. Zermatt doesn’t allow cars, and the farthest you can drive is the Täsch railway station. From here, you must park your car and ride the cog railway the rest of the way. You can also access Zermatt via the Glacier Express Route or ski resort transfer service from the airport.
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Zermatt trail map
Must Read: 5 Hikes in Mürren For Daredevils
5 best hikes around Zermatt
It’s all about the Matterhorn when tackling the best Zermatt hiking trails. Many paths cut through the landscape around the famous mountain and give you many unique viewpoints.
Whether you face the rocky pyramid at high elevations or view its reflection in alpine lakes, there are dozens of trails to view the beloved mountain. Here are 5 of our favorite hikes around Zermatt to marvel at this breathtaking piece of the Swiss Alps:
1. Edelweiss Trail (Höhbalmen)
The Edelweiss Trail ranks among the best hikes in Switzerland for its magical views of the Matterhorn. But prepare yourself for some serious elevation change on this loop trail starting from Zermatt. The total ascent is nearly 1,200m, and it’s a strenuous climb only recommended for avid trekkers.
But as you ascend the rocky landscape, you’ll spot the famous Edelweiss flowers and grazing sheep around the path. The climb takes you onwards to the Hotel Trift, where the Swiss Alps emerge beyond the hilltops. When you finally see the Matterhorn, it’s a surreal moment that makes you stop in your tracks.
Keep trudging along until you arrive at Höhbalmen for the absolute best view of the Matterhorn. From here, you stare directly at the pyramidal-shaped peak and have a heart-racing panorama of jagged peaks and mighty glaciers. You’ll be gasping for air after the ascent, but this million-dollar shot is worth it.
- Distance: 20.7 km (12.8 miles)
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Starting Point: Zermatt Station
- Route Type: Loop
Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.
2. 5 Lakes Walk
- Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Starting Point: Blauherd Station
The 5 Lakes Walk isn’t as strenuous but offers stunning views of the Matterhorn reflecting in alpine lakes. Although the trek starts at around 2,500m above sea level, a cable car escorts you to the trailhead. The minimal ascent makes this hike the best Zermatt hiking trail for all skill levels to view the Matterhorn.
Along the way, the path wanders around the gorgeous Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee lakes that adorn the landscape. Each lake boasts unique scenery, activities, and Matterhorn views as you explore the plateau.
Stellisee has the most spectacular vantage of the Matterhorn as the pyramid rises above you and reflects on the lake’s surface. Idyllic forests and blooming wildflowers surround Grindjisee as the Matterhorn forms the backdrop. Grünsee features rocky landscapes and glacial vistas, while Moosjisee has a milky-blue color. And for a refreshing swim, the shores Leisee are perfect for a dip while gazing at the Matterhorn.
Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.
Check out: 5 hikes To Conquer in Appenzell
3. Hörnli Trail
- Distance: 14.5 km
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Starting Point: Steg im Tösstal
- Route Type: Point to Point
The Matterhorn is among the world’s most dangerous mountain climbs, and Hörnli Hut is the epicenter of Zermatt’s mountaineering culture. The climbers who first summited the iconic peak started their journey here, and modern-day mountaineers still use Hörnli Hut as their basecamp. But the hike along the Hörnligrat ridge is an adventurous Zermatt hiking trail that makes a steep ascent to the foot of the Matterhorn.
While this isn’t the lengthiest trek, there are some rock scrambles and sections around sharp drop-offs. But metal walkways, ropes, and chains help you on the most challenging parts of the climb. When you get closer to the hut, the vistas of the surrounding snowy peaks are pure magic. The trek also passes the serene Schwarzsee lake that has a chapel hugging the shoreline.
If you have time for one night at the Hörnli Hut, you can feel the mountaineering atmosphere around you. During peak climbing season, expert climbers prepare their gear and mentally ready themselves for a daring expedition. Plus, you can watch mountaineers climbing the Hörnligrat with close-up views of the Matterhorn. If you must return to Zermatt, make the 4.3km descent back towards the Schwarzsee cable car station.
4. Swiss Topwalk
- Distance: 6.4 km (3.95 miles)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Starting Point: Riffelalp
This scenic route offers epic views of the Matterhorn as you hike towards the famous Gornergrat. The journey features different angles of the Matterhorn, fellow 4,000m peaks, and the mighty Gorner Glacier. Before your steep ascent to the Gornergrat, you’ll meet the sparkling shores of Riffelsee lake. The alpine lake has one of the best Matterhorn views, and the mountain’s reflection is a must-see sight.
After a vicious 900m climb to get your blood flowing, enjoy the scenic views from the Gornergrat platform. The 360° views of the Swiss Alps leave you speechless while you breathe the crisp mountain air from over 3,000m elevation. If you need an energy boost, another unique thing to do in Zermatt is to have a snack or cup of coffee at Hotel Gornergrat Kulm. At 3,120m, it’s the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps.
Must Read: 5 hikes Around Interlaken For Adventure Seekers
5. Glacier trek to the Monte Rosa Hut
- Distance: 7.1 km (4.4 miles)
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Starting Point: Rotenboden
If you pack or rent crampons, you have the unique opportunity to experience Zermatt glacier hiking. The trek to Monte Rosa Hut presents the challenge of hiking atop glaciers and moraines. Shortly after Rotenboden, you’ll need those crampons to climb the Gorner Glacier. The 12.9km ice cap is among the longest glaciers in the Swiss Alps and offers dramatic views of 4,000m peaks.
As you ascend the icy glacier, blue-white marks on the rocky surface point you towards the Monte Rosa Hut. The steady climb to the hut makes the glacial trek a difficult endeavor as you battle the elements. But your vantage of the Gorner Glacier only gets more awe-inspiring the farther you go.
Due to the glacier’s melting, the hike has become riskier for trekkers wishing to walk atop the ice cap. It’s highly recommended to book a mountain guide when including this route on your mountain hiking holiday. When you arrive at the Monte Rosa Hut, you enter an alpine paradise engulfed by jagged peaks, glaciers, and blankets of snow.
Must Read: The Ultimate Switzerland Hiking Guide
What else to do in Zermatt?
After you’ve conquered several Zermatt hiking trails, give your legs a well-deserved rest with two thrilling rides. Zermatt allows everyone to appreciate the alpine vistas formed by the Matterhorn and other impressive peaks adorning the landscape.
The technological achievements to travel across glaciers and reach heights over 3,000m is remarkable to witness. And whatever you do, don’t forget your camera before the ride begins. Trust us; you’ll regret not having shots of these unforgettable mountain views.
Ride the Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train
The Gornergrat cogwheel train offers you the best Matterhorn views that money can buy. This heart-racing ride coasts up the side of a glacier and presents unbelievable vistas of the Swiss Alps. With the Matterhorn as the crown jewel, you’ll see 29 4,000m peaks once at the viewing platform.
The journey takes you through pristine forests, around alpine lakes, and through dark tunnels. Once you’re at the 3,089m observation deck, you have a perfect vantage of the Matterhorn and Gorner glacier. If your legs require a break, this is the best Zermatt activity for exhilarating mountain vistas.
Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car
How does a ride on the world’s highest cable car sound? The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ascends to heights no other cable car can reach. Hitch a ride at the Zermatt-Matterhorn Valley Station and watch the landscape transform before your eyes. Begin by soaring above green meadows and verdant forests, then enter a world of jagged peaks and immense glaciers.
Europe’s highest mountain station is the final destination, and you’ll stand at an elevation of 3,883m. The viewing platform provides miraculous views of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps and over a dozen icy glaciers. Before you leave, visit the cinema lounge to learn more about this alpine paradise.
We love to hear from you
Thanks for checking out our Zermatt hiking guide. Hopefully, this has provided the information you need to plan an adventurous trekking vacation in Switzerland. If you have have any questions or want to share your hiking experiences from Zermatt or if you have other tips or trails to recommend, please leave a comment below.
For more information about Switzerland, please visit this Switzerland Travel Page . Or check our travel tips for more general travel information!
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Montreux to Lucerne via the Swiss Alps
Switzerland reaches alpine heights. Add in a splash of the country's colorful and flavorful heartland, and you have a pairing as perfect as wine and cheese. Bike through sloping vineyards overlooking the Mont Blanc. Dip into fondue in the shadow of Gruyères Castle. From stately Lake Geneva to fairy-tale Lake Lucerne. French to German. Cities to villages. Try a sampling of Switzerland.
- Pedal against the backdrop of the Alps in one of the most bike-friendly countries
- Ascend dramatic mountain ranges on scenic trains, funiculars and an exterior elevator to behold expansive views you’ll never forget
- Discover Switzerland’s history and culture with city tours, tastings at cheese farms and local traditions
- Wander idyllic towns and chalet-filled villages replete with timeless architecture
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Start Montreux
End Lucerne
Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
We recommend flying into and out of Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) and traveling to Kandersteg and back from Interlaken by train.
Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, comnplete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Begin in Montreux and enjoy a short journey to the region of Gruyère, world-famous for its cheese • Visit the medieval hilltop town of Gruyères, admiring its historic castle and enchanting location • Bike between wildflowers and forests in the protected nature park of Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut • Inviting chalets adorned with flowers and flags await in the town of Gstaad.
Bright and tranquil chalet-inspired rooms offer luxurious, cozy furnishings with breathtaking alpine views. (pool, spa)
Rolling hills and wooden bridges lead past grazing brown and white cows on a bike ride through the Simmental Valley • Behold the bright blue waters of Lake Thun and pause to take in its beauty • Climb to the top of Harder Kulm in a historic funicular and bask in the panoramic views • Cycle from the red tile roofs of Thun through the green pastures of Emmental Valley, the heartland of Swiss cheese • Indulge in the art and precision of crafting cheese on a visit to a local cheese farm.
Classic, stately architecture is combined with chic, stylish décor at this historic hotel in the town of Interlaken. (pool, spa)
Embark on a scenic train ride up to Brünig Pass, gently winding past hillside farmlands before a smooth bike ride down • Round Lake Lucerne and marvel at the tree-covered slopes that meet its glacial waters • Explore Lucerne’s medieval architecture and stone streets and a bridge laced with flowers • Hike a picturesque loop before riding up the towering Hammetschwand Elevator, the highest exterior elevator in Europe, and look out on the chain of mountaintops on the horizon.
With a beautiful blend of warm wooden elements and local stone, the décor of this elegant property is as inviting as the hospitality.
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We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
For the best riding in Switzerland, we've chosen a combination of small quiet roads and some unpaved bike paths with short stretches of limited van support. Our bikes are equipped with slightly wider tires to accommodate the path and trail surfaces. There are also some sections of urban cycling on busier roads at the end of most rides; you can always hop in the shuttle to skip these.
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Switzerland Beyond Chocolate Announces Major Blog Updates as Traveling Trends Warm Up
Switzerland Beyond Chocolate is a premier guide to Switzerland travel, owned and helmed by a local Swiss tourism expert Res Marty. As tourism blossoms in the post Covid-19 Switzerland, Res and his team are actively working on preparing comprehensive traveling information blogs.
Switzerland - March 23, 2024 —
The Land of Milk and Honey has seen its fair share of lockdowns amid the Coronavirus pandemic, but as with the rest of the world, mass tourism trends are making a grand return. With more and more people interested in visiting the mountainous beauties of Switzerland, a need for an up-to-date tourism guides emerged. As a long-running leader in this field, Switzerland Beyond Chocolate answered the call – a premier Switzerland travel blog dedicated to helping tourists and travelers find detailed information about authentic and sustainable attractions in the country.
Switzerland Beyond Chocolate is owned by Res Marty, a Swiss native and one of the most passionate tourism & travel experts. The website rose to prominence by leveraging Res’s in-depth knowledge of Switzerland’s most gorgeous attractions, locations, and hotspot alternatives very few people know about.
As Switzerland travel trends soar once again, Res and his team at Switzerland Beyond Chocolate launched an educational campaign to edify eco-conscious travelers and tourists coming to the country about its lesser-known activities and spots.
The website has been in the pipelines for years, but Res Marty, its founder and owner, wanted to finalize his scholarly pursuits before launching the project.
“Switzerland Beyond Chocolate enabled me to combine my expertise in tourism with website development and search engine optimization, which is a personal interest of mine. Since I completed my bachelor’s degree in tourism management in 2023, it was just the perfect time to start this exciting project,” said Res.
As Res underscores, all green-minded individuals who would rather avoid crowded hotspots and leave as small a carbon footprint during their stay as possible are welcome to enjoy Switzerland Beyond Chocolate ’s freshly updated selection of travel tips and tourism articles.
The team at SBC is diligently working to release comprehensive guides to sustainable Swiss tourism, striving to ensure that credible information about the best hidden gems Switzerland has to offer is readily available for free:
“I know that eco-friendly tourism with minimal negative impacts on the environment and local communities is becoming more and more important to many people, including myself, and I figured there are so many beautiful and authentic things to write about in Switzerland, so why not share them directly with the world,” Res said.
Switzerland Beyond Chocolate began the campaign of educating travelers coming to Switzerland about fundamental custom regulations, Visa rules, and electricity guidelines, all underpinned in the “General Information” tab.
As a warm invitation to Switzerland, Res and his team at SBC spent a considerable amount of time on the field, traveling the country and capturing picturesque landscapes of locations that would soon be featured in the website’s comprehensive travel blog posts.
Switzerland is a mountainous country with many areas that are challenging to navigate on foot, making trains the go-to mode of transport for most tourists. Knowing that most travelers do not speak the language and are likely to face difficulties procuring train tickets, Switzerland Beyond Chocolate published a detailed guide covering this topic.
As a green-conscious country embracing European values, Switzerland has several unwritten rules that most tourists are expected to abide by for a truly immersive experience. Res and his team recently wrote “A Local’s Guide on Things Not to Do In Switzerland”, penning some of the activities and habits that most European citizens generally dislike. With this guide, SBC seeks to make a meaningful impact in sustainable Swiss travels and inspire tourists keep the country’s natural beauties intact.
As a treat for travelers, especially non-Europeans who might be unfamiliar with Swiss customs and etiquette, Switzerland Beyond Chocolate published “9 Surprising Facts About Switzerland to Impress Any Local”, capturing the gist of the authentic Swiss spirit in a single page.
More information about Switzerland Beyond Chocolate and its latest publications is available on the firm’s official website .
Contact Info: Name: Res Marty Email: Send Email Organization: Switzerland beyond Chocolate Website: https://switzerland-beyond-chocolate.com/
Release ID: 89125103
If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
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In Switzerland, alpine lakes sparkle in epic shades of blue. Cable cars and gondolas carry you to glaciated peaks. And, with Backroads, a day spent hiking or biking brings the reward of decadent cuisine and an elegant night's rest in truly spectacular surroundings. Tour the Swiss Alps with Backroads, prepare to be pampered, awestruck and ...
Explore Switzerland with Back-Roads. Explore remote Alpine valleys by mini-coach and scale mountain slopes by railway - the incredible landscapes of Switzerland await! Whether you visit Bern, Interlaken or Lucerne, don't miss the local delicacies while you're here: Swiss cheese and chocolate are famous for a reason.
View More. From. US$3,579.00 pp. Take in the natural beauty of Europe's natural gem on a tour through Switzerland's iconic mountains, alpine valleys, pristine lakes and more.
Welcome to the heart of the Alps! Picture this: A day spent adventuring in stunning mountains and valleys beside glaciers, wildflowers and world-famous peaks...
4.8/5 Excellent. 62 reviews. 90%. By Backroads. none. Cancellation Policy. Small Group Tour. Escape with us to greener pastures, where waterfalls tumble and soft-eyed cows graze. Where alpine lakes dazzle you with outrageous shades of blue and gondolas carry you within yodeling distance of glaciated peaks.
Heart-pumping hikes reveal quintessential Switzerland. Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows with soft-eyed dairy cows. Jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses. Savor apple strudel and fresh Swiss cheese to your heart's content.
The most well-known travel package in Switzerland is the Swiss Travel Pass. This card enables unlimited and free travel on most forms of transport - trains, buses, boats, trams - in and between the cities. Mountain railways and cable cars can come at a 50% discount, and all museums are free to enter with this pass.
Join Backroads on our brand-new Switzerland Family Multi-Adventure Tour for 20s & Beyond. Enjoy hiking to glaciers and biking in the mountain air of the Swiss Alps. ... A Travel Planner, comnplete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.
10 Days Casablanca Marrakesh. Operated By: Back-Roads. From 3,733. Save 84. Back-Roads Touring All Back-Roads Tours Back-Roads Touring Reviews. Europe Tours UK Tours. Book online and enjoy exclusive savings with Global Journeys on Back-Roads's 10 Day Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland beginning and ending your journey in Zurich. 2024 ...
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner. On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories. Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips. Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting ...
2. The Appenzell rural route. Best road trip for rural Switzerland. Appenzell-St Moritz; 200km (124 miles) Switzerland's rural, folksy heart beats loudest in the Appenzell region, snuggling up to Liechtenstein in the country's northeast. It's a terrifically unsung region for a road trip, with rolling dairy country giving way to lavishly ...
Macs Adventure has been running self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Switzerland since 2008. Whether you like mountains and hills, lakes, rivers and glaciers, dreamy villages and well preserved medieval cities, Switzerland has something to offer for everyone. This abundance of wonderful places to explore lead us to seek out more and more areas where we could help people to discover ...
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 9 Day Vistas of Italy and Switzerland. From the grand elegance of Venice to the soul-stirring alpine villages of Switzerland - join us on a memory-making adventure that takes in time-honoured traditions, fascinating local culture and breathtaking railway journeys through some of the world's most enchanting scenery.
3. Hörnli Trail. The Matterhorn is among the world's most dangerous mountain climbs, and Hörnli Hut is the epicenter of Zermatt's mountaineering culture. The climbers who first summited the iconic peak started their journey here, and modern-day mountaineers still use Hörnli Hut as their basecamp.
Photo Credit: Backroads. Backroads is launching 36 new itineraries for its 2024 lineup. The active-travel tour operator has new offerings for biking, multi-adventure, walking and hiking tours plus ...
From. US$3,789.00 pp. Call us 1 877 330 4850. Email us[email protected] Download a brochure. Scenic train journeys through Alpine locales await on a tour that'll take you from the charms of Venice through to the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland.
Welcome to the heart of the Alps! Picture this: A day spent adventuring in stunning mountains and valleys beside glaciers, wildflowers and world-famous peaks...
Backroads. To give you an idea, the Dolce Tempo easygoing walking tours typically include 2-3 hours of walking per day, approximately 2-7 miles. All the Dolce Tempo cycle tours feature motor ...
Switzerland reaches alpine heights. Add in a splash of the country's colorful and flavorful heartland, and you have a pairing as perfect as wine and cheese. Bike through sloping vineyards overlooking the Mont Blanc. Dip into fondue in the shadow of Gruyères Castle. From stately Lake Geneva to fairy-tale Lake Lucerne.
One that takes you off-the-beaten-track to reveal authentic experiences and never-to-be-forgotten views. With Back-Roads, our small group tours of up to 18 people allow you to enjoy a more personalised experience. Explore unique destinations with an expert local Tour Leader and travel in luxury mini coaches, avoiding large crowds.
Switzerland Beyond Chocolate is a premier guide to Switzerland travel, owned and helmed by a local Swiss tourism expert Res Marty. As tourism blossoms in the post Covid-19 Switzerland, Res and his ...