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: Möserer See, Lottensee, Wildmoossee.
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.
Olperhütte and Friesenberghaus
Mayrhofen, Austria
Walking level: Moderate
Time: Between five and 7 hours.
This walk is a bit challenging but super rewarding. It covers about 16 kilometres with some steep sections, so plan for five to seven hours of walking fun. The highlight? The famous Olperer Bridge with jaw-dropping views of the Schlegeis Reservoir. Board the public bus to the Schlegeis Reservoir, but try not to get too engrossed by the captivating blue waters, as a steep and rocky ascent awaits you.
Don't forget your camera to capture all the incredible scenery. Follow the trail signs to the Olpererhütte, where you'll find delicious Kaiserschmarrn (yum!). After that, you'll venture past the famed Olperer bridge (a must for photo ops) and follow the signs to Friesenberghaus. The trail then slopes gently downhill all the way to the car park, where you can catch the bus back to Mayrhofen.
Zelenci Trail
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Walking level: Easy
Time: 2 hours
The Tappeiner Trail
Merano, Italy
Walking level: Easy, family-friendly walk
Time: 1 hour
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 between the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. 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
Time: Half an hour
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.
Five Lakes Walk
Zermatt, Switzerland
Walking level: Moderate
Time: 2-3 hours
Get ready for the Five Lakes Walk, a classic Zermatt walk that's just the right amount of challenging. This 9.8-kilometre trail takes about two and a half to three hours, giving you plenty of time to soak up the stunning scenery.
Imagine this: five crystal-clear alpine lakes, each with its unique beauty. You might even catch the reflection of the Matterhorn in the water. If you're feeling adventurous, take a dip in one of the lakes for a refreshing swim. And keep your eyes peeled for rare wildflowers along the way.
The walk starts at the Blauherd mountain station and follows the easy-to-spot 5-Seenweg signs to Sunnegga.
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.
How to Book Your Walking Holiday
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What to Pack For a Walking Holiday
Unsure what to bring on a walking holiday? We'll help you pack the essentials for comfort, whether you're wandering through Austria's meadows or relaxing by Italy's Lake Como.
Guided Walks
We offer included guided walks in many of our resorts. Find out where your next walking adventure could take you.