Our favourite Alpine walks

Trust us, there’s nothing like the rush of fresh mountain air and the thrill of exploring new terrain to blow away those cobwebs and make you feel alive.

We’ve picked the crème de la crème of alpine walks that will leave you breathless (in a good way).

These are the kind of experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime, so let’s lace up those walking boots, channel your inner adventurer, and hit those beautiful alpine trails.  

The Three Lakes Walks

Seefeld, Austria

Walking level: Moderate

Time: Allow 4 hours to complete this walk

The ‘Three Lakes Walk’ takes you past majestic views of the lakes: Wild Moossee, Lottensee and Moserersee.

Along the route you’ll trek through quiet woodlands, across peaks and along valley paths. After all that fresh mountain air we recommend stopping at the popular Wildmoosalm for a freshly baked strudel - washed down with a glass of schnapps, of course.

Getting there

This mountain restaurant is by the first of the three lakes, Wild Moossee, and is famous for its schnapps fountain and ‘strudel siren’ (not to be missed)!

Continue along path no.3 and you will reach the second lake of this walk, Lottenssee. This is a fantastic spot for a picnic lunch before continuing on to the third lake, Möserer See.

If you fancy it, pack your trunks for your hike as Möserersee is a warm water lake and free to swim in.

From here, begin your descent into Mösern where there are regular buses running back to Seefeld.

The Zillertal Nature Trail

Mayrhofen, Austria

Walking level: Moderate

Time: Allow a couple of hours to complete this walk.

Surrounded by four valleys and boasting an incredible 1,700km of walking trails, the Zillertal Nature Park is a real walk on the wild side. There are a variety of trails and routes with the toughest hikes going up the Ahornspitze.

By bus: Buses run regularly to Mayrhofen, once in the town, follow directions to the Ahornbahn.

By foot: The Ahornbahn is a ten-minute walk from the centre of Mayrhofen.

By car: There is free car parking at the bottom of the Ahornbahn gondola in Mayrhofen. For access to the Stillup Valley basin, follow the Stillupbach which begins just behind the Ahornstrabe.

Route

For a pleasant walk up and around the Ahorn towards the Ahornspitz summit, take the Ahornbahn gondola from the centre of Mayrhofen.

Follow the wide and neatly maintained tracks to the Edelhutte focus point. From there you can ascend the summit of the Ahornspitze where you will be rewarded with amazing views.

From the top you can retrace your steps all the way back to the Ahornbahn lift.

The Soca River Trail

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
© 2015 Slovenian Tourist Board

Walking level: Easy

Time: Allow 5 hours to complete this walk

Another walk for those who love nature, this trail will take you through the unspoilt Triglav National Park. Closely following each meandering curve of the Soča River, otherwise known as the Emerald River for its shockingly beautiful shade of turquoise, this walk will lead you deep into the beautiful Julian Alps.

This is a relatively easy, pleasant downhill walk that covers 8km. Dotted with waterfalls and tracks that take you to remote villages and farm houses, it’s a shame that Slovenia is so often overlooked by keen walkers, but this is one trail not to miss.

Getting there

By bus: Public transport only runs at peak times of the year (twice a day during July and August)

By car: Car parking is available at Trenta, in the heart of the National Park. However, this trail doesn’t loop and you will need to retrace your steps to return to the starting point

Route

The Soča River trail runs from the source of the Soča River in Triglav National Park towards the town of Bovec. Along the way you will pass several deep gorges and experience Triglav National Park in all its majesty.

The Tappeiner Trail

Merano, Italy

Walking level: Easy

Distance: 4km

Discover the Tappeiner Trail, one of Europe's loveliest high-level promenades – a true gem of Merano. Sweeping town views await on this beautiful hike near Merano centre. Surround yourself with a dazzling array of exotic palms, fragrant magnolias, olive trees, and vibrant blooms.

Thanks to Dr. Franz Tappeiner (a doctor who loved Merano), this stunning path was built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. As you stroll, admire the warmth-loving cypress and pine trees that give the Tappeiner Trail its special charm. 

Lac des Gaillands

Chamonix, France

Walking Level: Easy, family-friendly walk

Ease into your holiday with this lovely lakeside walk - perfect for warming up after a long journey. Enjoy a flat, leisurely stroll around the water, taking in the tranquil views. It's a wonderful way to get acquainted with the area and start dreaming up your next adventure.

The Matterhorn Trail

Zermatt, Switzerland

Walking level: Moderate

Time: Allow 3 hours 45-minutes for this walk

The Matterhorn is the world’s most iconic mountain. This trail gives you the chance to explore its unique features: its physical origins, its legends and stories, and everything else about this iconic peak. Along the way you’ll be entertained with a series of information panels that cover many different aspects of the Matterhorn from quite close up.

Getting there

By foot: The base of the Matterhorn Express/Zermatt Furi gondola is 15 minutes from the centre of Zermatt.

The Eiger Trail

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Walking level: Moderate to challenging

Time: Allow 2 hours for this walk

The Eiger trail traverses the near vertical and infamous north face of the Eiger, and the mountain towers over passing walkers.

The Eiger mountain (which literally translates as Ogre mountain) is part of a trio of famous mountains including the Mönch and the Jungfrau (the Monk and the Maiden) which dominate this resort.

Did you know that the Jungfrau region was an inspiration for Tolkien’s Middle Earth? Strolling through the picturesque landscapes of rushing waterfalls, fascinating rock formations and deep, woody forests it’s not hard to see why.

Getting there

By train: take the train from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher train station.

Route

The Eiger trail begins by Eigergletscher station and leads down to Alpiglen. The trail skims the bottom of the sheer side of the Eiger known as ‘The North Face’.

There are plenty of opportunities along the way to sit down for a picnic and refuel.