The European Alps are where you’ll find some of the world’s most famous peaks. On an alpine hiking holiday in Europe, you’ll also discover the charming villages, alpine valleys and extraordinary trails that lead you to them, or even around them.

Spanning over 1200km and through eight different countries, from Austria to Italy, a walk in the European Alps is on the bucket list of many travellers around the world. The Matterhorn Circuit, Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route, Bernese Oberland, the Alpine Pass Route, Dolomites, Pyrenees; these iconic walking routes are perennial A-listers on any keen walker's Top 10 to-do list.

The picture perfect alpine scenery of snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys of the Alps, combined with the very distinct mountain cultures and cuisines of countries such as France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia attract thousands of walkers. The best times to walk in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps is between June and September each year.

Sitting on the Italian and French border is Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. From families to alpinists, the region is home to many hiking opportunities and it is the most popular walking region in all of the European Alps.

Choose from a wide variety of alpine hiking trip styles, ranging from introductory level to challenging, including self guided walks, guided group trips as well as family adventures.

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Find your Alpine Hiking trip

Why travel with us

Personal Experience of the European Alps

We've been hiking in the European Alps for five decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Great Value & Quality Alpine Hiking Tours

Our well priced hiking trips in the Alps offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive GPX files, route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally-run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your walking holiday in the European Alps.

Self Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided alpine hiking holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your the French, Swiss or Italian Alps at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Trip reviews

Gradings explained

1
Introductory

These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

SUGGESTED PREPARATION: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip.


2
Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages.

SUGGESTED PREPARATION: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip.


3
Moderate

These trips involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.

SUGGESTED PREPARATION: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip.


4
Moderate to Challenging

This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our MODERATE and CHALLENGING levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages.

SUGGESTED PREPARATION: 1 hour of aerobic type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.


5
Challenging

These trips involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.

SUGGESTED PREPARATION: 1 hour of aerobic type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.


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World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays Tasmanian Expeditions Adventure South Great Canadian Trails Utracks Huma Challenge World Expeditions Schools Walkers' Britain and Europe Sherpa Van Trail Journeys Blue Moutains Adventures Company Larapinta Trail Walk Australian Cycle Tours Great Walks of New Zealand Great American Trails Adventure Travel West On Water Expeditions
  Walkers’ Britain & Europe operates under World Expeditions ATOL number which is ATOL 4491. Any holiday sold with international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative).
Please refer to our booking conditions for further information. Or, for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate - please visit www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk.
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