Self Guided Walking Holidays in the Alps
Here we’ve listed our favourite self guided walking holidays in the Swiss, Italian, Austrian and French Alps, as well as the Dolomites and the Julian Alps in Slovenia.
Ticino Lakes and Valleys: Bellinzona to Lugano
Walk at a leisurely pace through the southernmost part of Switzerland from the impressive castles of Bellinzona through lively Lugano and on to Mendrisio, the highlight being the beautiful Lake Lugano.
The Dolomites of Val Badia
Experience classic Alpine hiking in South Tyrol’s Val Baldia which will astonish you with its breathtaking landscapes. Take in dramatic limestone mountains with snow-capped peaks, picture-perfect alpine pastures and idyllic meadows, a rich variety of wildlife, such as the marmot and chamois.
Piedmont’s Hidden Gem: Val Maira
Piedmont’s remote and rugged high valley of Val Maira lies in the southern Italian Alps, near the French border. Val Maira is a beautiful place, now slowly being discovered as a walker’s paradise. You will walk through picturesque hamlets and villages and take in the high peaks, shaped by the retreating glaciers.
High Trails of Aosta Valley
The scenic Aosta Valley lies in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Grand Combin, Gran Paradiso and the Matterhorn. You will walk surrounded by the 3000-metre summits of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Take in beautiful chapels, delightful hamlets and spectacular mountain vistas.
The Dachstein Alpine Circuit
Austria’s Dachstein Alpine Circuit is a walker’s dream come true. This impressive alpine massif offers crystal-clear glacial lakes, lush pastures, green forests and rugged limestone peaks rising 3000m above sea level. Over six walking days, you’ll be rewarded with superb hiking with great accommodations nestled right in the heart of the mountains.
Salzburg Lake District
Explore the beauty of Austria’s Lake District, where dramatic mountains plunge into sparkling blue glacial lakes, creating fjord-like landscapes. Salzkammergut lies to the east of Salzburg, the city of Mozart, in the shadow of the Dachstein Summit (2,995 m).
Salzburg Lake District Short Break
Take a short walking break to explore the beauty of Austria’s Lake District, where dramatic mountains plunge into sparkling blue glacial lakes, creating fjord-like landscapes. Salzkammergut lies to the east of Salzburg, the city of Mozart, in the shadow of the Dachstein Summit (2,995 m).
Via Francigena in Switzerland: Lausanne to Aosta
Starting from Lausanne at Lake Geneva, the Swiss route goes across the Alps to Aosta in Italy. The path reveals amazing Alpine sceneries, cultural heritage and history, the highlight being the Great St Bernard Pass. This section of the Via Francigena is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular pilgrims’ paths in Europe!
High Trails of Salzkammergut
Explore the beauty of Austria’s Lake District, where dramatic mountains plunge into blue glacial lakes. Off the beaten track, you will explore the quieter, idyllic side of Salzkammergut as you walk through small traditional villages, then take in the vibrant Bad Ischl, passing by beautiful lakes and through impressive high passes.
High Trails of Salzkammergut Short Break
Explore the beauty of Austria’s Lake District, where dramatic mountains plunge into blue glacial lakes. Off the beaten track, you will explore the quieter, idyllic side of Salzkammergut as you walk through small traditional villages, then take in the vibrant Bad Ischl, passing by beautiful lakes and through impressive high passes.
Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail
A spectacular experience awaits you on the Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail. This walking holiday offers intoxicating panoramas – even without having a glass of the famous Valais wines! The trail follows the Lötschberg embankment and past small streams and over suspension bridges brings you towards the Great Aletsch Glacier.
Via Alpina Highlights: Bernese Oberland
Take in the best sections of the Alpine Pass Route from Meiringen to Lenk. This is a challenging but a rewarding trek, offering views of the famous Bernese Oberland trio of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger; the added comfort of daily luggage transfers and staying in comfortable hotels in private rooms on all nights makes it a perfect Alpine adventure.
Jura Crest Trail: Weissenstein to Couvet
The Jura Crest Trail is the oldest long-distance hike in Switzerland. This itinerary takes in some of the best sections of the trail, offering endless mountain panoramas and accommodation in nice hotels. The numerous mountain restaurants and métairies are ideal for sampling local specialities.
Dolomites Alta Via Highlights
The Alta Via 1 route is known as the classical path revealing the iconic peaks of the Italian Dolomites, one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. Once a battleground, the region is now one of the most visited and accessible hiking destinations attracting adventure travellers from all over the world.
Dolomites Nature Park Walks
Our Dolomites nature park walks will take you through three beautiful natural parks in the heart of the Dolomites, taking in mountain lakes, lush pastures, green forests and impressive scenery. You will start at Pragser Wildsee; high above Cortina d’Ampezzo, you will enjoy views of Dolomites’ most striking summits.
South Tyrol, the Dolomites and Lago di Garda
Take a hike through the stunning Western Dolomites past mountain lakes, lush pastures, green forests and impressive peaks. You will start at Merano in South Tyrol; accompanied by the backdrop of the limestone peaks of the Brenta Dolomites, you will reach the scenic Lago di Garda – the largest of the Italian lakes.
Engadine: The Pearl of the Alps
The High Valley of Engadine is called “the Pearl of the Alps” for a reason. It offers endless high-mountain sceneries with turquoise blue lakes and small valleys leading to sparkling glaciers and idyllic villages scattered along the course of the river Inn. You will pass Silvaplana and St. Moritz and marvel at the glistening glaciers of the nearby Bernina range.
The Alpe-Adria Circuit
Enjoy a unique circular itinerary in the Alps where the borders of Austria, Italy and Slovenia meet. Start from Villach in Austria, then follow the ridges of the Carnic Alps in Italy, cross the stunning Julian Alps and take in the landscapes of Triglav National Park in Slovenia, then reach Kranjska Gora and finish back in Villach.
Walker’s Haute Route East: Arolla to Zermatt
Considered one of the world’s most iconic trails, this is a demanding but non-technical trek which explores the best parts of the Alps between Arolla and Zermatt, filled with breathtaking Alpine scenery. You will spend the nights in comfortable private rooms and we will transfer your luggage between hotels on all walking days.
Walking in the Vienna Alps
While quite popular among locals, located just 65 km from Vienna, the Vienna Alps are still a hidden gem for foreigners. You will follow a well developed network of hiking paths which cross these easily accessible mountains of magical beauty. Overnights are spent in quality 3+ and 4-star hotels, some of them with spa facilities.
The Classic Zugspitze Circuit
On the Classic Zugspitze Circuit you will start from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and make a full loop around the base of Germany’s highest mountain, following panoramic trails through beautiful scenery and traditional Alpine towns and villages. The walks are easy to moderate, up to five hours per day.
The Way of St James in Tyrol
Follow one of the routes of the Way of St James in Tyrol, crossing parts of Austria and Germany. While the pilgrimage routes of El Camino de Santiago in Spain and France have become increasingly popular in recent years, the Tyrolean section of the Way of St James offers unspoilt nature, quiet villages and immersive experiences.
Across Tyrol: Garmisch to Innsbruck
Hiking at its best in the stunning mountains of Bavaria and Tyrol – from Garmisch Partenkirchen in Germany across two mountain ranges of exceptional Alpine beauty and wilderness to the Austrian town of Innsbruck. You will walk through impressive gorges and balcony trails.
Across Tyrol: Innsbruck to Sterzing
On this walking holiday you will traverse the Tyrolean Alps north to south, from Austrian Tyrol to South Tyrol (Alto Adige) in Italy. Following ancient pilgrimage and smuggler trails, you will pass by stunning glaciers and cross the valleys of Stubaital, Wipptal and Pflerschtal. During the walks you will enjoy the splendid views to the main range of the Alps.
Complete Tyrol: Garmisch to Sterzing
On this epic 14-day trek you will traverse the entire Tyrolean Alps – from Garmisch Partenkirchen in Germany across Wetterstein and Karwendel massifs to Innsbruck in Austria and then reach South Tyrol (Alto Adige) in Italy. You will walk through impressive gorges and balcony trails; you will pass by stunning glaciers and cross the valleys of Stubaital, Wipptal and Pflerschtal.
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights in Comfort
Our Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights in Comfort walking holiday will lead you from France to Italy and Switzerland, taking in the best sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit while we transfer your main luggage. Overnights are in nice 3 or 4-star hotels and mountain lodges with private rooms on all nights. In the evenings, you will enjoy delicious French, Swiss and Italian meals.
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
On the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights itinerary you will walk in the standard counter-clockwise direction and use lifts and public transport to skip some parts of the complete trail so that you can take in the very best sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc within 6 days of walking. In the evenings, you will enjoy delicious meals and overnights in traditional mountain huts.
Tour du Mont Blanc from Martigny in Comfort
Mont Blanc is by no doubt one of the most beautiful massifs of the Alps, and the Tour du Mont Blanc has become one of the most iconic walks in the world. On this itinerary you will walk the complete tour in the classic counter-clockwise direction and stay in comfortable private en-suite rooms on all nights, all luggage transfers included.
Tour du Mont Blanc from Les Houches
On our Tour du Mont Blanc from Les Houches itinerary you will walk almost the full tour (skipping the asphalt sections). The tour takes 12 days (10 walking days) to complete. In the evenings, you will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Mont Blanc hikers and take in simple but delicious meals and overnights in traditional mountain huts and small 2 and 3-star hotels.
Tour du Mont Blanc from Les Houches in Comfort
Walk the Tour du Mont Blanc from Les Houches through France, Italy and Switzerland, staying in comfortable private hotel rooms on most nights. The tour takes 12 days (10 walking days) to complete. It is the perfect Alpine trek for those who are seasoned trekkers but still prefer the comfort of hotel accommodation.
List of our walking holidays in the French, Swiss, Italian and Austrian Alps
The Grand Traverse: Across the Alps and the Dolomites
Walker’s Haute Route East: Arolla to Zermatt
Engadine: The Pearl of the Alps
High Trails of Salzkammergut
Salzburg Lake District
Walking in the Vienna Alps
Across Tyrol: Garmisch to Innsbruck
Across Tyrol: Innsbruck to Sterzing
Complete Tyrol: Garmisch to Sterzing
Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail
Via Alpina Highlights: Bernese Oberland
Jura Crest Trail: Weissenstein to Couvet
Dolomites Walking Holiday
Dolomites Alta Via Highlights
The Alpe-Adria Circuit
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights in Comfort
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Tour du Mont Blanc from Les Houches
Tour du Mont Blanc from Les Houches in Comfort
Tour du Mont Blanc from Martigny in Comfort
Tour du Mont Blanc Eastern Section in Comfort
Tour du Mont Blanc Western Section in Comfort
