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.
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
