The Best Long-Distance Hikes in the Alps
As Spring creeps in, hardcore skiers might shed a tear for the end of the ski season. However, the warmer weather brings with it some great opportunities for exploring the Alps from a different perspective.
Hiking is a great way to discover the Alps anew and take in the beautiful scenery in a more peaceful manner!
To make the most of what the Alps have to offer, here are some of the best long-distance hikes in the Alps. Strap on your hiking boots and let’s get going!
The Tour du Mont Blanc
Crossing three countries on 170km of trails with 10km of ascent, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best known, and most spectacular, hikes in the Alps. Circling the Mont Blanc Massif, this hike tours through some of the most iconic landscapes in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
The variable trails and plentiful accommodation options means that the tour can be broken down into achievable stages for any fit hiker. Most people will take around 10 days to complete the hike, but experienced trail runners can complete it in just a few days.
Our Top Highlights:
- Cross the borders of France, Switzerland and Italy on foot
- Spectacular views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe
- Experience French, Swiss and Italian cuisine
- Start and finish in Chamonix, the mountain sports adventure capital
- Ascend the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the highest lift accessed mountain in the world!
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The Haute Route
Starting in Chamonix and finishing in Zermatt, the walker’s Haute route is a demanding, high-level traverse in the French and Swiss Alps. The variety of scenery is what sets this route apart – from lush alpine meadows to rocky mountain passes of up to 2964m.
This challenging trail is more than worth it for the views.
Our Top Highlights:
- Cross three high mountain passes up to 2964m in altitude
- Stay in charming Swiss villages, such as Grimentz which dates back to the 11th century
- Stay overnight at the Cabane de Louvie on the shore of the beautiful Lac de Louvie
- Traverse below the summits of 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps
The Bernese Oberland Traverse
This lesser known hike explores some of Switzerland’s hidden treasures. The Bernese Oberland Traverse is the perfect hike for those who have already explored the more popular areas in the Alps and are looking to get off the beaten track. The trail wanders from Lauterbrunnen to Gstaad through chocolate box Swiss hamlets.
Our Top Highlights:
- Hike through car free villages and remote hamlets
- Savour the culinary delights of Switzerland; cheese fresh from the farm, rosti and swiss chocolate
- Explore the idyllic Lauterbrunnen Valley. Surrounded by 72 waterfalls, this lush valley was Tolkein’s inspiration for the elven kingdom of Rivendell!
- Learn how cheese is made in a traditional alpine farm
- Visit Öeschinensee lake
All the trails mentioned are covered by Alpenwild who specialise in luxury hiking holidays in the Alps.
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Blaze a Trail in the Alps
If the sound of these trails have got you itching to get out into nature, it might be time to book your next holiday to the Alps.
Here at Alps2Alps, we’re committed to providing hassle-free transfers all year round. We offer reliable and affordable transfers to all the major ski resorts in the Alps, all great launching points to kickstart your alpine hiking adventure!
Head to the Alps2Alps booking page today to get a transfer quotes in minutes!
