Switzerland

Description

Matterhorn

For the ultimate alpine experience, Switzerland is the place to be. Matterhorn, Jungfrau, Monte Rosa or Piz Bernina, these are just a few of the fifty peaks over four-thousand meters high. Famous massifs include Berner Oberland, Wallis (Valais) and Jura, and there are many, many more. Wintertime is for the skiing jet-set of course, but in summer, from July until September, hiking trails and mountain huts are open all across the country. Popular are the regions of Valais (Wallis) with the Jungfrau and the Aletsch glacier, Graubünden in the east, Tessin (Ticino) in the south, and Fribourg in the west.

There are 6 official national long distance hiking trails, and 53 regional long distance trails. This number is growing. European long distance trail E1, E2 (small tip), E4 and E5 pass through Switzerland, coinciding with national trails. The Swiss Alps are literally strewn with more than 150 excellent mountain huts for hikers to stay overnight and have a meal. In the height of summer the huts in popular regions can get crowded. Given all the information available on the internet, in guide-books and on maps, you can easily plan your own hiking itinerary from hut to hut, combining day-hikes into a multi-day itinerary ranging from an easy hike with kids to crossing glaciers in full gear for the experienced mountaineer.

In addition, no other country in Europe is so completely neat and orderly as Switzerland. Truly everything is well-organized, from cable cars to accommodation, from trail maintenance to waymarking, from maps and guidebooks to around the clock alpine rescue from the air. The Swiss Alpine Club even boasts the world's most futuristic mountain hut, the dazzling New Monte Rosa Hut, to be opened late in 2009. If it were possible to order fine weather in advance, the Swiss would surely be the first to offer this service.

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Map

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Trails

Regions

Mountains

Books

The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Frommer's Switzerland
  • The best of the great outdoors, from hiking the Swiss mountains to exploring the sparkling lakes of central Switzerland--and even strolling along the palm-lined waterfront promenades in the Ticino.Insider advice on planning your ideal ski vacation, whether you prefer schussing down a Swiss mountainside in isolation and retiring to a peaceful... Read more
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  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • Frommer's Switzerland
  • The best of the great outdoors, from hiking the Swiss mountains to exploring the sparkling lakes of central Switzerland--and even strolling along the palm-lined waterfront promenades in the Ticino.Insider advice on planning your ideal ski vacation, whether you prefer schussing down a Swiss mountainside in isolation and retiring to a peaceful... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Ever wish you had a best friend in Switzerland? Someone to show you the ropes?Wish granted.Filled with 100 interviews with people who live, work, and adventure in Switzerland, this book will give you:Directions to hidden-away trails, waterfalls, castles, and viewpointsLists of must-try dishes and wines (and where to find them)Unique and... Read more
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  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • Switzerland
  • Ever wish you had a best friend in Switzerland? Someone to show you the ropes?Wish granted.Filled with 100 interviews with people who live, work, and adventure in Switzerland, this book will give you:Directions to hidden-away trails, waterfalls, castles, and viewpointsLists of must-try dishes and wines (and where to find them)Unique and... Read more
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Stanfords
United Kingdom
2009
  • Lake Geneva & Western Switzerland Sunflower Landscape Guide
  • Lake Geneva and Western Switzerland in the Sunflower Landscapes guide series; exploring the best walking and touring possibilities in the region or area. Detailed information about touring by hired car or public transport, as well as on foot, is provided, helping walkers to navigate and plan day-trips. Shorter strolls are also included as an... Read more
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  • Bol.com, Netherlands
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Netherlands
2009
  • Geneva & Western Switzerland
  • 8 car tours, many suggestions for train, funicular and cable car rides, 150 long and short walks (of which 36 are specially tailored to motorists) Longer than the normal 'Landscapes' guide, this book covers a lot of ground - from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Swiss Jura, the Bernese Oberland and the valleys of the Valais. Although a car is... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
2009
  • Geneva & Western Switzerland
  • 8 car tours, many suggestions for train, funicular and cable car rides, 150 long and short walks (of which 36 are specially tailored to motorists) Longer than the normal 'Landscapes' guide, this book covers a lot of ground - from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Swiss Jura, the Bernese Oberland and the valleys of the Valais. Although a car is... Read more
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
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Maps

The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Switzerland Walking Map 2017
  • Vanwege de schaal vooral geschikt als overzichtskaart. Hiking map with the official routes "Hiking in Switzerland" with hiking times and distances. More than 750 additional hiking routes. With index and a regional approach map. Water- and rip-proof map. Switzerland’s national and regional long-distance hiking paths on a waterproof and... Read more
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  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Weissenstein 2014
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
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  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart - Topografische kaart 3318T Weissenstein | Swisstopo
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Aargau / Wasserschloss Schweiz 10 2015
  • 33 specially selected hiking trails in the Aargau - Jurapark area of Switzerland west of Zurich, presented at 1:50,000 on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map from the Hallwag/K Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Bern and surrounds 2013
  • Map No. 2502T, Berne and the Surrounding Area HIKING EDITION, in the topographic survey of Switzerland at 1:25,000 from Swisstopo). Highly regarded for their superb use of graphic relief and hill shading, the maps give an almost 3-D picture of Switzerland's mountainous terrain. Contours are at 10 m intervals, with 20m intervals in the... Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Chasseral 2011
  • Chasseral - Bieler See area of the Swiss Jura at 1:50,000 in a series from Hallwag covering Switzerland Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Andermatt 2014
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart - Topografische kaart 3314T Andermatt | Swisstopo
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Zermatt - Saas - Fee 2013
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
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  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart - Topografische kaart 3306T Zermatt - Saas - Fee | Swisstopo
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Val D'Anniviers / Val d'Herens 2016
  • Zeer duidelijke wandelkaart van een deel van Zwitserland. Deze kaart - gemaakt op scheur en watervast papier - is bedoeld voor de gewone en gemiddelde bergwandelaar. Ook voor huttentochten is deze zeker geschikt. Slechts voor de gevorderde wandelaar die glesjers gaat overschrijden zijn de 25.000 topografische kaarten aan te raden. Op deze... Read more
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  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Lausanne / Vallee de Joux 15 2015
  • Zeer duidelijke wandelkaart van een deel van Zwitserland. Deze kaart - gemaakt op scheur en watervast papier - is bedoeld voor de gewone en gemiddelde bergwandelaar. Ook voor huttentochten is deze zeker geschikt. Slechts voor de gevorderde wandelaar die glesjers gaat overschrijden zijn de 25.000 topografische kaarten aan te raden. Op deze... Read more
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  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 15 Lausanne - Vallée de Joux | Kümmerly & Frey
  • Zeer duidelijke wandelkaart van een deel van Zwitserland. Deze kaart - gemaakt op scheur en watervast papier - is bedoeld voor de gewone en gemiddelde bergwandelaar. Ook voor huttentochten is deze zeker geschikt. Slechts voor de gevorderde wandelaar die glesjers gaat overschrijden zijn de 25.000 topografische kaarten aan te raden. Op deze... Read more
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Basel / Aarau 4 2015
  • KuF Schweiz Wanderkarte 04. Basel - Aarau / Basel-Landschaft - Olten ab 26.8 EURO Sehenswürdigkeiten. Unterkunft und Verpflegung. Autobuslinien mit Haltestellen. GPS. Neu mit Index Kümmerly und Frey Schweiz Wanderkarte Schweizer Wanderkarten. Laufzeit 99/2019 Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Locarno 2013
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart - Topografische kaart 3308T Locarno | Swisstopo
  • Een nieuwe serie van de Zwitserse topografische dienst: eindelijk goede wandelkaarten met ingetekende wandelroutes op scheur- en watervast papier. Vooralsnog zijn ze uitgebracht van de populaire wandelgebieden en niet landelijk dekkend (zie overzicht) Op een gedetailleerde schaal van 1:33.333 met als ondergrond de onovertroffen topografische... Read more
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More maps…

Walking holidays

Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Walker's Haute Route - Chamonix to Arolla
  • Trek the Western Section of the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Arolla. Walk the western section of the Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix to Arolla. Wonderful views of the Mont Blanc Massif and classic Alpine Walking. The Walker’s Haute Route is an iconic high level walk that links the famous towns of Chamonix and Zermatt. This... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Best of the Bernese Oberland
  • A self-guided walking tour with a choice of classic hikes, staying in chalet-style hotels in alpine villages in the Bernese Oberland. Explore the iconic peaks of the Bernese Oberland on foot, with a choice of classic walks between Mürren, Wengen and Grindelwald; Swiss chocolate-box alpine villages framed by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Grindelwald Trail Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • A self-guided walking holiday in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Experience the rich, green alpine scenery of the Bernese Oberland on this fantastic walking holiday through the foothills of the Swiss Alps. The mighty peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau surround you as you meander along forest tracks past mountain villages rich in local... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Highlights of the Bernese Oberland
  • A self-guided short break with a choice of flexible walks, staying in chalet-style hotels in Muerren, Wengen & Grindelwald. A short 4-night walking break taking in the must-see highlights of the Bernese Oberland, with a choice of varied hikes at your fingertips. Stay beneath the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in charming family-run chalet-style... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • St. Moritz & The Engadine Valley Walking Tour
  • A self guided walking holiday in Switzerland's Engadine Valley. A moderate walking tour through the beautiful Engadine Valley, visiting Switzerland’s first and only National Park, St. Moritz and the pretty alpine village of Pontresina. The alpine valley of the Engadine offers the perfect introduction to easy walking in Switzerland. Explore... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Classic Walks of Mont Blanc
  • Self guided walks on classic Mont Blanc trails. Iconic Alpine walking offering sublime mountain views on both sides of the Mont Blanc Massif. Towering Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe is the dominating presence here and you can experience mountain life from both the French and Italian perspectives. Based in the towns of... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • High Trail to the Matterhorn
  • A self guided walking holiday along high trails of the Swiss Alps. The Matterhorn is one of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, its dramatic pyramid peak stands proudly at 4478m. Discover the beauty of this wondrous mountain as you walk along the haute route from Brig down to Zermatt on our self guided walking holiday. Follow the trail... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Walker's Haute Route (East) - Arolla to Zermatt
  • Walk the Eastern Walker's Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt. Take on the iconic Eastern section of the Walker’s Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt. Six days of sublime mountain walking culminating at the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. The Walker’s Haute Route is one of the World’s great treks and the eastern section from Arolla to... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Two Sides of the Matterhorn
  • Experience two sides of the Matterhorn on this self-gudied walking holdiay based in Zermatt and St Luc. Follow in the footsteps of pioneering Victorian hikers and experience Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, from two sides on this twin centre walking holiday. With stylish Zermatt as your base for four nights, choose from a... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort (Extended)
  • Self guided trek staying in hotels following the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walk the complete Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland, staying in comfortable accommodation each night. It’s the perfect Alpine trek for those who prefer their trekking in comfort. Your trek starts and finishes in Les... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in Comfort Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • Self guided trek staying in hotels following the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walk the complete Tour du Mont Blanc self guided through France, Italy and Switzerland, staying in comfortable accommodation each night. It’s the perfect Alpine trek for those who prefer their trekking in comfort. The Tour du Mont Blanc is... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Swiss Trails: Bernese Oberland & The Valais
  • Self-guided walking around Kandersteg & Leukerbad, hiking through Switzerland. On this twin centre trip enjoy a stay in the town of Kandersteg nestled in the Bernese Oberland then walk over the Gemmipass to Leukerbad in the Valais. Hike in a mix of popular and peaceful valleys as you explore the surrounding mountain scenery; high limestone... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • Self guided trek focusing on the best sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc staying in hotels. Since The Tour du Mont Blanc was inaugurated as a GR in 1952 it has gained a reputation as one of the world’s classic treks. This route around Mont Blanc goes through France, Switzerland and Italy takes in the very best sections of the Tour du Mont... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Islay & Jura Whisky Trails
  • Self-guided walking holiday on the Scottish islands of Islay and Jura with time in the itinerary for Islay whisky tasting and distillery visits. Explore the diverse landscapes of Islay & Jura; visit distillery water sources, and walk the coastlines and white sand beaches that lend their flavour to the islands’ iconic single malts; Bowmore,... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Best of the Bernese Oberland In Style
  • Stay 7 nights in historic 4-star hotels in the Bernese Oberland on this flexible self-guided walking tour. Stay 7 nights in historic 4-star hotels with views to die for, whilst enjoying a choice of alpine walks beneath the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, icons of the Swiss Alps. Each evening, you’ve the option to dine at your gourmet... Read more
More walking holidays…

Forum

  3. Cancel
  • emputt 2016-02-16 01:35:28
  • Long distance hike in end of May/June?
  • Hi there,

    I am from the USA and am looking to do a long-distance hike in the end of May through early June, was thinking of doing about 21 days (give or take) and covering anywhere from 100-375km in that time (upper end would have to be an easier trail to cover the distance in my allotted time) and was initially looking into Europe (particularly Germany) but am really up to go anywhere in the world.

    What I want from it:
    - Stunning scenery - ideally GREEN landscape/rolling hills/mountains/forests to rivers to castles, etc etc.
    - Scattered small villages along the trail (they don't have to be every night but maybe every 3 nights at least?)
    - Not super overpopulated

    Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you!!
    Emily
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