The Alps are one of the best places to hike in the world with everything from easy valley strolls to strenuous, high-altitude climbs. Spanning eight different countries, this breathtaking locale features a fascinating mix of imposing mountain peaks, aqua-blue lakes, grassy meadows full of flowers, and quaint villages. It’s the best of all worlds from beginner comfort trails to advanced ridgelines and ice and snow-covered paths. With something to offer every level of ability and ambition, this article evaluates ten unique paths, varied atmospherically and scenically enough to ensure that anyone, regardless of expertise, can find an appropriate trek in the Alps.
Lake Oeschinen Panorama Trail – Switzerland (Beginner-Friendly)
Oeschinen Lake Panorama is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful easy hikes. It offers gentle terrain, making it perfect for families and beginners. Start at the mountain gondola station just above Kandersteg and traverse through rolling hills above the bright turquoise lake – so bright, it looks manufactured. Enjoy the rolling hills and snow-capped mountain peaks, cut-off waterfalls cascading down hills, and cattle freely roaming everywhere. Transfers from Turin Airport to Cervinia are often arranged by travelers who love pairing iconic Alpine hikes like this with visits to other scenic regions, making mountain exploration seamless across countries. The wide, well-maintained, well-marked trail offers flat terrain, letting travelers stop for photos without a struggle. The destination reaches the lakeshore, where visitors can picnic or swim. It’s the best way to honor the beauty of the Bernese Oberland’s charm.
Seefeld Wildmoos Loop – Austria (Beginner-Friendly)
The Wildmoos Loop near Seefeld, Tyrol is a roundabout hike perfect for beginners who want to spend time in nature without frequent elevation gain. The area loops through forests, meadows, and even hidden wetlands that tend to remain off the beaten path. This makes for a peaceful yet rewarding hiking experience. Each turn brings a new perspective on Alpine life – rugged peaks exposed where no one is in site to dark, dense woods softly illuminated in a clearing. Wildlife is abundant (deer, mountain birds, and more). This is more flat than an inclination, which makes for a casual day of hiking with the family or even solo. This is the more reflective and peaceful side of the Alps.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit – Italy (Intermediate Level)
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit is among the most iconic hikes in Europe – and some of the most promising landscapes in the Dolomites. This circuit surrounds the famous three peaks of Lavaredo (the Asutralian bride), meaning beautiful views from almost every angle – the towering limestone landmarks jut high into the sky, valleys are perfectly nestled between peaks and rugged cliffs glow golden at dusk. The terrain is rocky with slight inclines; however, it’s meant for those who have some hiking experience. Refuel at one of the mountain huts along the way with a homemade meal and panoramic terrace. This is a classic Italian adventure into the heart of the Alps’ natural beauty with an added cultural charm.
Lac Blanc Trail – France (Intermediate)
Above Chamonix lies the Lac Blanc trail which is known to have one of the best Mont Blanc views in all of Europe. Starting from the Flegère cable station, the trail steadily climbs up rocky paths and lush alpine meadows to a beautiful emerald lake. The glassy surface of the lake reflects the Mont Blanc massif beyond and it’s a picture perfect moment that embodies the beauty in every step up. With some rocky paths and some narrow passages, Lac Blanc is a moderately challenging trail for those wanting to stretch their legs a bit but still be up for an adventure in the same day. When the skies are clear, incredible jagged peaks will appear on the surface of the lake as they’re mirrored off its glassy surface.
Five Lakes Walk in Zermatt – Switzerland (Intermediate)
The Five Lakes Walk in Zermatt is an easy hike that allows adventurers to engage with some of the most beautiful lakes in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The trail meanders past Stelli, Grindji, Grune, Moos and Leisee, five breathtaking lakes which are all stunning – especially with the Matterhorn in sight. These moderate hills weave through meadows and grasses as well as rocky outcrops that make this perfect for an easy hike for beginners looking to go a bit longer. Along the way, you’ll see wooden benches designated for sitting to admire lake reflections of the pyramid peak of the Matterhorn on all five bodies of water, a tranquil experience accompanied by stunning views make this quite an Alpine classic.
Schafberg Summit Trail – Austria (Intermediate to Advanced)
The Schafberg Summit Trail, located in Austria’s lake region above St. Wolfgang, presents this stunning option for those looking for something at a steeper incline. Starting from lake level, hikers traverse upward toward the summit where a spectacular view of all lakes and snow-dusted mountain peaks manifest. A steep but understandable trail, the Schafberg Summit is on everyone’s top ten list for lakes and hills in Austria as it’s one of the prettiest places to be at the top. With bright blue lakes below contrasted with white limestone cliffs along the ridge line, this is a great hike for those adventurous enough to take it on and see so much more than anticipated from so high up.
Gorner Gorge to Zmutt Valley – Switzerland (Advanced Challenging But Worth It)
The ultimate hiking challenge for those in Switzerland is the stretch from Gorner Gorge to Zmutt Valley. Starting near Zermatt, this trail at points follows deep gorges carved over centuries by glacial waters before it opens up to meadows and mountain views. Wooden walkways are supported at many points to cross turquoise rushing rapids, but the farther you go uphill, the more open air above you feel. There’s no shortage of views of the Matterhorn, meadows, and scattered stone hamlets. Steep sections come with rocky footpaths and patchy portions where footing is critical due to exposure. Those who embrace the challenge will be rewarded with some of the most diverse landscapes from canyon power to farm-inhabited valley peace. Experience everything the mountains can do in one fell swoop along this iconic path that connects two impressive locations through the most breathtaking natural features along the way.
The Eiger Trail – Switzerland (Advanced)
One of the most historic mountain faces in the world deserves a trail beneath it, and that’s exactly what you get from The Eiger Trail, a high-altitude hike directly situated along the north face of the Eiger. Advanced hikers will challenge themselves along this trek due to steep climbs and descents beside incredible rock walls as they pass by Eigergletscher station down toward Grindelwald. This path is constantly laden with views into Grindelwald Valley as you meet waterfalls and meadows alike. Few trails boast as accessible proximity to international treasures like the Eiger north face, but it does come with the necessary risks and cautionary requirements of getting so close to massive rock formations. For those seeking cinematic adventure, this is one of the most dramatic adventures in the Alps.
Grand Balcon Nord – France (Advanced Level)
The Grand Balcon Nord is a masterpiece in Chamonix where visitors explore the balcony-like trail that seems to hover over the entirety of the valley. Despite its challenging high altitude, it’s an accessible advanced path for those with strong footing. It’s a rocky route that connects participants directly with the Mont Blanc massif with constant views of glaciers, rugged peaks and shining ice fields. Wildlife abounds up here too as you may spy chamois along rocky slopes. It’s an exposed and dramatic landscape that captivates anyone on the search for Alpine yet mere moments from Mont Blanc. For those seeking challenge, height and powerful views, this is a great day hike for advanced walkers.
Why the Alps Are Ideal for Every Type of Hiker
Thanks to the geographical variance within the expanses of the Alps, there’s a trail, a track and an opportunity for every type of hiker. From the easier lake and meadow hikes where toddlers can be found tagging along to steep, summiting glacier-filled paths that even the advanced could find strenuous, there is no other region throughout Europe that can offer such variety. Those who are beginners find solace and safety and those in the intermediate range find the adequate challenge to play and stunningly impressive flow. Those who are advanced thrill seekers desire the uncertainty and hard work to be a respectable challenge against their naturally talented capabilities. For anything between a beautifully tranquil experience or a thought provoking challenge that’s more stimulating than the natural wonder around them, the Alps will always exceed expectations every time. Where else can one area have such splendor for all?
Stubai High Trail – Austria (An Amazing Multi-Day Challenge for Advanced Hikers)
When you want one of the most highly recommended long-distance paths across all of Austria, the Stubai High Trail, Stubaier Höhenweg, is it, an ideal multi-day path for advanced hikers. Named after the Stubai Glacier, this hike takes multiple days to traverse between a few mountain huts and requires a good amount of high-up, challenging trekking to keep you on your toes. There’s ridgelines to tip you over, glaciers with viewpoints prompting extended gazing and turquoise lakes that almost beckon to have your hiking boots brought off to dip your toes into the coolness. Each segment of the journey feels as though it’s its own world – from quiet alpine meadows to rockier terrains – that make it feel like an extensive trek because it always feels new. It is physically demanding – but well signed and populated with friendly huts that offer homemade meals and cozy beds to weary travelers. If you’re ready to take on an extensive whopper connected closely to the heart of the Alps, this one will take a few days but it will certainly not disappoint!
Karwendel Valley Route – Germany (Escape to Untouched Wilderness)
The Karwendel Valley in Bavaria is home to one of the quietest places to hike in all of the Alps for those in search of wide open spaces and untouched wilderness. The Karwendel Valley is home to Germany’s largest nature preserve meaning it’s all about the flora and fauna in between limestone walls that promote a visually stunning backdrop for all who venture here. This is a relatively easier route for those with moderate skills – nothing overly strenuous due to elevation or steeper terrain – but some nice lengthy stretches that remove you from everyone else and places you in privacy with Mother Nature herself. There is tons of wildlife (hello chamois and golden eagles greet your day) but perhaps the best part is how beautifully quiet it is down here nestled in the pocket of the valley’s hold. This is good for those who want some distance between them and more crowded parts of the Alps yet still feel connected with wildlife and nature at its most primal.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail – Switzerland (Up Close and Personal with the Ice)
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail not only provides continuous views of the mountain, but also an up-close-and-personal look at once glaciers covering this part of the Alps. This advanced hike near Zermatt traverses moraines and glaciers, showcasing thousands of years of movement and formation, complete with interpretative signs explaining how the ice melted back into the mountains over time. Footing may be uneven and gravely along the trail, but the opportunity to step back in time is invaluable. For those who love glacial hikes, this is a recommended route where going off the beaten path is well-worth it.
The Tour du Mont Blanc Variant Routes – France, Italy & Switzerland (For Those Who Want a Bit More)
Although the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) itself is renowned worldwide, there are several variant routes along the way that present alternative paths for those seeking a little bit more or a little bit less. These optional trails veer off the main path, taking travelers a bit farther out for some peace and quiet. Steep climbs present themselves as do viewpoints and ridge paths that take explorers closer to Mont Blanc and at different angles than what the TMB itself provides. Variants are for those with high confidence and stamina on exposed areas but there’s something special about having your favorite views with no one else around to enjoy them. From balcony trails in Italy to ridged passes in Switzerland and high traverses in France, these paths add to the wilderness’ depth and beauty across this Western region of the Alps.
