Discover Switzerland
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Our 5 favorite Swiss Hikes
1) Walkers Haute Route. Epic Matterhorn views from Zermatt after hiking through 4000m Alpine peaks
2) Tour du Mont Blanc. A tough challenging classic through France, Italy and Switzerland
3) Lucerne Lakes and Mountains. High mountain hikes and stylish lakeside hotels. Bliss!
4) Glacier Express. Gentle hikes, awesome views and Europe’s most beautiful train journey.
5) Best of the Bernese Oberland. The Alpine hikers’ playground with incredible options for everyone.
Curious to know more? Read on in our Blog '5 best hiking tours in Switzerland’
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Why book your Switzerland Hiking Vacation with Macs?
- Unmatched Expertise: 20+ years arranging thousands of self-guided hiking tours; our specialists have walked these Switzerland hiking trails.
- Handpicked Accommodations: Small hotels, guesthouses, and cozy B&Bs chosen for character and comfort.
- Hassle-Free Travel: We handle hotels, luggage transfers, and detailed route planning; you enjoy your Switzerland hiking vacation.
- Travel at Your Pace: You choose dates and trip style; add rest days or extra pre- or post-nights.
- Local Insights: Our award winning app + pre-departure materials include favorite viewpoints, cafes, and hidden gems.
- Discovery: Think of it as a local’s guide: a smart blend of hiking, scenic transport, and must-see highlights—researched and organized for you.
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When is the best time to hike in Switzerland?
When:Â
Late June - September for most high-alpine routes (passes generally snow-free)
May - October for lakes/valleys.Where:
Early summer: Lucerne/Central Switzerland.
Peak summer: Bernese Oberland, Zermatt & Matterhorn, Engadin, the Via Alpina, Walker’s Haute Route.
Fall: Larch (autumnal fall colors) season in the Engadin; quieter trails and crisp views.Who: First-timers, seasoned hikers, and solo travelers welcome - our advisors can match route difficulty to your goals.
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Where to fly into Switzerland for hiking?
Generally you can fly into:Â
- Zurich (ZRH) for Lucerne, Engadin, and eastern Via Alpina stages
- Geneva (GVA) for Zermatt, Chamonix, and western routes.
How do I get around in Switzerland?
Once you arrive in Switzerland, it's very easy to get around using public transportation.
Their SBB trains help you reach gateways like Grindelwald, Zermatt, Montreux, and Lucerne, and since many tours start/finish at rail stations, no car rental is required.
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What should I to eat in Switzerland?
Swiss hiking days call for hearty rewards, and mountain cuisine delivers. These classic dishes are exactly what hikers should try after a day on the trail:
Älplermagronen – An alpine comfort classic of pasta, potatoes, melted cheese, and cream, topped with fried onions and served with stewed apples. Unpronounceable, unforgettable.
Fondue – Rustic country bread dunked into bubbling melted cheese infused with wine and garlic, shared around an open flame.
Rösti – Thinly grated potatoes, pan-fried until crisp and golden and served with a variety of savory toppings. Simple, filling, and everywhere for a reason.
Raclette – Local cheese melted over a fire and poured onto potatoes, pickles, and onions, best enjoyed with glasses of local Fendant wine.
Come for the hikes—stay for the cheese. Swiss food is the perfect alpine fuel.
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Do you need hiking boots for Switzerland?
Do you need hiking boots for Switzerland?
Yes - sturdy, broken-in boots with good tread are best for uneven, often rocky alpine paths. Light trail shoes can work on easier lake paths, but boots shine on high passes and in variable weather.Tips for first-time hikers in Switzerland
Layer up: wicking base, light mid-layer, packable waterproof, hat/gloves even in summer at altitude. In the alpine, weather can change quickly so it's best to be prepared for all types of weather. Hiking poles are also recommended, especially for ascents and descents.
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Where to stay in Switzerland for hiking?
For the best hikes in Switzerland, and those seeking classic Swiss mountain adventures, Macs Adventure takes the guesswork out of lodging so you can focus on the trails.
Our self-guided hiking vacations place you each night in comfortable, friendly overnight accommodations — from charming local B&Bs and chalet-style hotels in postcard alpine villages like Mürren, Wengen, and Grindelwald to traditional inns nestled right on the hiking routes.
These stops are perfect for travelers who want both hiking adventure and comfort on their Swiss journey.
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How to plan hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland?
We curate feasible stage lengths, reserve huts/inns where needed, arrange luggage transfers when possible (note: some remote alpine huts require you bring your overnight items with you), and include routing in our award winning app. See the Walker’s Haute Route and High Trail to the Matterhorn for Swiss hut hiking trips.
Check out our What is it like to stay in an Alpine hut? Blog for more details.
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What are Switzerland's must see & must try
Must See in Switzerland
Matterhorn from Gornergrat, the Iconic Mountain Trio: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau snow-topped mountains and glaciers, Lake Lucerne panoramas, and Engadin’s wide, golden valleys.Must Try in Switzerland
Rösti, alpine cheeses, and apricot tart in Valais; lakeside swims near Lucerne; local mountain huts for cake and coffee.Â