There’s something undeniably magical about the Alps—a place where the air is crisp, the peaks touch the heavens, and every step leads to a view that steals your breath and fills your soul.
Some trails wind through flower-strewn meadows, others hug towering glaciers and sheer cliffs, but they all have one thing in common: they make you feel alive.
Whether you crave adventure, solitude, or the simple joy of standing above the clouds, these hikes will etch themselves into your memory forever. Ready to discover the most jaw-dropping alpine trails you’ll ever set foot on? Let’s go!
1. Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)
Spanning three countries, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most iconic long-distance alpine hikes. It encircles the mighty Mont Blanc (15,777 ft / 4,808 m), the highest peak in Western Europe, delivering some of the most jaw-dropping alpine views on the planet. The trail stretches for 106 miles (170 km) and typically takes about 10-12 days to complete—though shorter sections can be done if you’re strapped for time.
One of the biggest draws of TMB is the diverse scenery. You’ll traverse lush green meadows, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks that seem to pierce the sky. Along the way, charming Swiss chalets, Italian refugios, and French villages offer cozy accommodations and mouthwatering alpine food—think gooey raclette, fresh baguettes, and homemade pasta.
It’s a challenging hike, with steep ascents and knee-grinding descents, but every effort is rewarded with panoramic views that feel straight out of a dream. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Alps at their grandest, this is the ultimate trek.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: June – September (July & August for best weather)
- Distance: 106 miles (170 km)
- Time to Complete: 10-12 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
- Must-See Highlights: Lac Blanc, Col de la Seigne, and the sunrise over Mont Blanc
- Accommodation Options: Mountain huts, hotels, and campsites along the route
- Pro Tip: Pack light but bring sturdy trekking poles—your knees will thank you!
2. Matterhorn Circuit (Switzerland)
The Matterhorn Circuit offers a close-up encounter with one of the most famous mountains in the world—the Matterhorn (14,692 ft / 4,478 m), that legendary peak with a pyramid-like silhouette that inspired the Toblerone logo. This loop trail around Zermatt is a photographer’s dream and one of the most rewarding multi-day hikes in the Alps.
Each day of this trek offers insane alpine scenery, from massive glaciers to rolling green valleys. The route takes you through remote Swiss villages, where you’ll experience traditional wooden chalets, flower-filled balconies, and the occasional cowbell symphony. A highlight? The Europaweg Trail, which features the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world (494 m / 1,620 ft)!
While the Matterhorn Circuit is not as long as the Tour du Mont Blanc, it’s still physically demanding, with high-altitude passes and rugged terrain. But if you want to wake up to golden sunrises painting the Matterhorn’s peak, this hike should be on your bucket list.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Distance: 55 miles (88 km)
- Time to Complete: 7-9 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
- Must-See Highlights: Europaweg suspension bridge, Zermatt, and the Gornergrat viewpoint
- Accommodation Options: Swiss mountain huts, guesthouses, or camping
- Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip some sections using cable cars and trains!
3. Eiger Trail (Switzerland)
If you’re looking for a short but epic alpine hike, the Eiger Trail is one of the most thrilling one-day hikes in the world. This 6 km (3.7 mi) trail follows the base of the Eiger North Face, a near-vertical 5,900 ft (1,800 m) rock wall that has been the proving ground for some of the world’s best climbers.
Starting from Eigergletscher Station, the trail descends through grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers, offering constant views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. You’ll pass thundering waterfalls, hidden caves, and historic climbing plaques, feeling like you’re part of an adventure movie.
Despite its dramatic views, the Eiger Trail is accessible to most hikers—no extreme mountaineering is required! It’s a great introduction to high-Alpine hiking without the multi-day commitment.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: July – October
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Time to Complete: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Must-See Highlights: Eiger North Face, Grindelwald, and Jungfraujoch Railway
- Accommodation Options: Stay in Grindelwald or Wengen for an overnight trip
- Pro Tip: Take the Jungfraubahn (train) up to Eigergletscher for an unforgettable experience
4. Haute Route (France/Switzerland)
The Haute Route is a legendary trek connecting two Alpine icons—Chamonix and Zermatt. It’s a glorious 120-mile (200-km) journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing beneath 10 of the highest peaks in the region. The ever-changing scenery is simply mesmerizing—from towering glaciers to picturesque Swiss villages.
Unlike the Tour du Mont Blanc, which loops around Mont Blanc, the Haute Route is a point-to-point trek, meaning you won’t repeat any scenery. Each day introduces new challenges—whether it’s crossing the Col de Reidmatten, walking beside the shimmering Lac des Dix, or gazing at the Matterhorn in the final stretch.
It’s a hike that demands endurance, but every aching muscle is worth it when you stand in Zermatt, staring at the Matterhorn, knowing you just completed one of the best alpine hikes in the world.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Distance: 120 miles (200 km)
- Time to Complete: 10-14 days
- Difficulty Level: Hard
- Must-See Highlights: Lac des Dix, Cabane de Moiry, and Matterhorn views
- Accommodation Options: Mountain huts and hotels in charming Swiss villages
- Pro Tip: A guide can help navigate glaciers and high passes
5. Dolomites Alta Via 1 (Italy)
The Dolomites Alta Via 1 is Italy’s most stunning long-distance hike, weaving through the fairy-tale landscapes of the Dolomites. Picture jagged limestone spires, golden alpine meadows, and turquoise mountain lakes—it’s pure magic.
The Alta Via 1 is perfect for those who love variety—some days are filled with leisurely meadow walks, while others challenge you with steep switchbacks up dramatic passes. But what makes this trek extra special is the rifugios (mountain huts), where you can enjoy warm hospitality, home-cooked Italian meals, and a glass of wine with an alpine sunset.
For a mix of adventure, culture, and surreal alpine views, Alta Via 1 is the hike of a lifetime.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: Late June – September
- Distance: 75 miles (120 km)
- Time to Complete: 8-12 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Must-See Highlights: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, and Lagazuoi
- Accommodation Options: Cozy rifugios with amazing Italian food
- Pro Tip: Book rifugios in advance—they fill up fast!
6. Engadin Trek (Switzerland)
If you’re looking for postcard-perfect Swiss scenery, the Engadin Trek is a hidden gem. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, this trail takes you through deep valleys, emerald lakes, and dramatic mountain ridges, all while being far less crowded than the famous Tour du Mont Blanc.
What sets the Engadin Trek apart is the feeling of complete solitude with nature. You’ll walk past traditional Swiss villages where time seems to stand still, and every turn in the trail reveals another jaw-dropping panorama—think snow-capped peaks mirrored in crystal-clear lakes. The hike also offers several route variations, making it suitable for both casual trekkers and hardcore adventurers.
If you want breathtaking alpine views without the bustling crowds, this trek is a dream come true.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Distance: Varies (up to 70 miles / 112 km depending on the route)
- Time to Complete: 5-10 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
- Must-See Highlights: St. Moritz, Val Roseg, and Piz Bernina
- Accommodation Options: Luxury hotels in St. Moritz or rustic mountain huts
- Pro Tip: Try the local Engadin nut cake—it’s famous for a reason!
7. Zermatt to Saas Fee (Switzerland)
This trek is the definition of a high-alpine adventure. Linking the iconic town of Zermatt (home to the Matterhorn) with the secluded beauty of Saas Fee, this route immerses you in a world of massive glaciers, towering peaks, and remote mountain passes.
Unlike other long-distance hikes, this trek has a bit of everything—challenging climbs, relaxing valley walks, and breathtaking ridge traverses. And here’s a bonus: if your legs need a break, Switzerland’s excellent transport system lets you skip sections without missing the scenery.
One of the biggest perks? Saas Fee is a car-free village, meaning you’ll end your hike in a peaceful alpine paradise with no traffic noise—just pure mountain magic.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Distance: 38 miles (61 km)
- Time to Complete: 4-6 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Must-See Highlights: Weissmies, Mischabel range, and the Monte Rosa Massif
- Accommodation Options: Mountain huts and boutique hotels
- Pro Tip: Saas Fee has some of the best après-hiking spas in the Alps—reward yourself with a soak!
8. Berchtesgaden National Park (Germany)
The only German entry on this list, Berchtesgaden National Park is Alpine wilderness at its finest. The landscapes here feel straight out of a fairy tale—deep gorges, turquoise lakes, misty forests, and towering peaks that create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The Königssee Lake is the star attraction, often compared to a Norwegian fjord, with its cliffs plunging straight into the emerald-green waters. Many trails in this region cater to different skill levels, from easy lakeside strolls to steep ascents that bring you above the clouds.
For those looking to experience the Alps without committing to a multi-day trek, Berchtesgaden is a perfect choice.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: May – October
- Distance: Varies by trail (10-40 miles / 16-64 km)
- Time to Complete: 1-5 days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Must-See Highlights: Königssee, Watzmann Mountain, and the Eagle’s Nest
- Accommodation Options: Lakeside hotels, mountain lodges, and local guesthouses
- Pro Tip: Take the electric boat ride across Königssee—it’s magical.
9. Gran Paradiso Trek (Italy)
For those wanting Alpine beauty with a touch of Italian charm, the Gran Paradiso Trek is a must. This trail winds through Italy’s first national park, giving hikers a wild, untouched feel while still being relatively accessible.
The name says it all: Gran Paradiso (“Great Paradise”) lives up to its reputation. You’ll encounter herds of ibex grazing on steep slopes, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and remote mountain huts serving homemade polenta and local cheese. Unlike the busier Dolomites or Mont Blanc areas, this trek feels peaceful and authentic, offering a true escape into nature.
Oh, and if you’re up for it, you can summit Gran Paradiso itself—it’s considered one of the easiest 4,000-meter peaks to climb in the Alps!
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: June – September
- Distance: Varies (60+ miles / 96+ km depending on route)
- Time to Complete: 4-10 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
- Must-See Highlights: Rifugio Chivasso, Colle del Nivolet, and the ibex herds
- Accommodation Options: Cozy rifugios and mountain lodges
- Pro Tip: Even if you don’t summit, the views from Rifugio Chabod are unreal.
10. Stubai High Trail (Austria)
Austria’s Stubai High Trail is an underrated masterpiece. It takes you through the heart of the Stubai Alps, where craggy peaks, roaring waterfalls, and flower-filled meadows create a landscape that feels both untamed and inviting.
What makes this hike special? The flexibility! You can tackle individual sections as day hikes or challenge yourself to the full 75-mile (120-km) circuit, staying in well-equipped mountain huts along the way. The views here are nothing short of epic, especially at sunrise, when the peaks glow in soft golden hues.
Another big bonus? Aqua Dome Spa in Längenfeld is nearby, so if your legs need a break, you can soak in a steaming hot thermal pool while gazing at the mountains. That’s an Alpine experience you won’t forget.
🔹 Other Relevant Details
- Best Months to Visit: July – September
- Distance: 75 miles (120 km)
- Time to Complete: 8-10 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
- Must-See Highlights: Sulzenau Waterfall, Innsbruck views, and Stubaier Glacier
- Accommodation Options: Traditional Austrian mountain huts and guesthouses
- Pro Tip: Hike a section, then treat yourself to a spa day—it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
