Self Guided Walking Holidays in Switzerland

Explore the spectacular Swiss Alps on a self guided walking tour

The Swiss Alps, or Central Alps, represents just a small portion of the entire Alps range however it is home to Europe’s greatest concentration of 4000m mountains. Often we think of stereotypes - alpine pastures, contented cows grazing lush grass, wooden chalets and snow-capped mountains. Although there is much truth in this narrow view, it does little justice to the spectacular variety of terrain that Switzerland is able to offer the active traveller.

Swiss mountains are among the most dramatic and challenging of all the Alpine ranges however you don’t have to be a skilled mountaineer or climber to enjoy a walking holiday in Switzerland. The Swiss Alps is home to some of Europe’s finest walking terrain, with enough variety to suit every taste and fitness level. Rustic inns and a network of alpine or mountain huts (hütte; refuge; rifugio, cabane or capanna) provide simple dormitory accommodation, generally with meals too.

Trek the famous Haute Route or Alpine Pass Route or discover the Bernese Oberland on either self-guided or guided walking holidays. Try the quieter trails of the Wildstrubel Circuit or the centre based Around Meiringen trip. We also have our Tour of Mont Blanc walk that travels through Switzerland.

Our self-guided walking holidays are fully flexible which means you can normally start your walk on any day during the season and customise by adding extra days for resting or sightseeing. As you're walking independently, you're free to follow the trail at your own pace. You set your own pace as you are not limited by the constraints of group travel.

You are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so. As long as you are reasonably active you will be able to find a suitable tour and all of our tours are graded to help you choose the right walk for you.

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Why travel with us

Self Guided Walking Specialists in Switzerland

We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Switzerland at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Switzerland

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guidebooks along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your self guided walking holiday in Switzerland.

Personal Experiences

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four 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.

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.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Refuges or gite hostels

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although private gite rooms still use shared bathrooms.

Meals

Breakfast is included on all our trips and will normally consist of breads, jams, meats, cheese, coffee, tea and juices. If evening meals are included, these are usually a set three course menu iwth a choice of 2 to 4 menu iteams.  Traditional meals in Switzerland include racolette, fondue and Papet Vaudois best described as a mash of leeks and potatoes served with sausage.  Tartiflette is a hearty dish made up of thinly sliced potatoes, bacon, onions and creamy Reblocohon cheese, perfect after a hard days walk.

Trip reviews

Country information

Where to Go & Weather
Where to Go
Waymarking and ice cream on the Alpine Pass Route&#160;-&#160;<i>Photo:&#160;Jon Millen</i>

Discover the delightful villages of the Trient and the Swiss Mont Blanc region, following the classic Tour du Mont Blanc walking trail

Hike the iconic Haute Route to Zermatt, taking the trekkers’ route on this famous trail steeped in mountaineering legend

Tackle a challenging climb of the incomparable Matterhorn

Take in views of Switzerland’s most famous mountains on the Alpine Pass Route, one of Europe's most spectacular walks

Enjoy quintessential Swiss alpine walking in the Bernese Oberland, with hills gentle enough for the whole family

Cross the historic St Bernard Pass at the Swiss-Italian border, visiting the iconic alpine hospice famous for its St Bernard rescue dogs

Cycle along the Rhine through one of Switzerland's most stunning alpine regions packed with majestic lakes, valleys and mountains

Ride through three countries in as many days as you circle Lake Constance, flanked by the snowcapped peaks of the Swiss Alps

Weather
View from the hotel in Kandersteg

The walking season in the European Alps is short – from mid June to mid September and many of the mountain refuges are closed outside this time.

May and June in the Alps has the highest rainfall and there may still be snow on the walking trails.

July and August provide the best conditions with wildflowers and green alpine meadows.

September you will enjoy quieter trails and the days are still long to hike all day.

Temperatures in summer range from around 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common.

At the higher elevations it is important to dress with layers as cold winds and possible snow falls can happen even in summer.

Time
Language
Currency
Currency

Swiss Franc

Dialing Code
International Dialing Code

+41

Electricity
Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Switzerland is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas
Visas

**IMPORTANT NOTE**

ETIAS will be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point.

The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Health & Safety
Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.