The Alps are a hiker’s dream stunning landscapes, well-marked paths, and memorable experiences for everyone, ranging from easy strolls to difficult ascents. The Alps run through eight countries and are home to some of Europe’s most well-known paths. Below are ten of the best hiking trails in the Alps, ranging from easy to difficult, and everything in between, for whatever your desired level of hiking and scenery from meadows to valleys to glaciers to peaks.
The Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland)
One of the most famous long-distance treks in Europe is the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 170-kilometer route circling the highest mountain in Western Europe. Geneva to Val Thorens transport options make it easy for travelers to reach the starting points of such iconic Alpine adventures, connecting international visitors seamlessly to the heart of the mountains. The trek passes through three countries in eleven days and mixes natural Alpine beauty with cultural diversity, from flower-adorned meadows and glacial outlooks to small quaint villages along the trek, finding accommodation in mountain huts to a more boutique-esque lodge feel.
What makes the Tour du Mont Blanc suited for experienced hikers but also novices is its flexibility. Day treks can be made across smaller connecting pieces or the full circuit can be guided by professionals. Each step gives you a new angle of the formidable face of Mont Blanc and whether this is your first hike or your hundredth, the views will take your breath away.
The Eiger Trail (Switzerland)
The Eiger Trail, found beneath the north face of the iconic Eiger, is one of the most accessible yet dramatic hikes of Switzerland. The trek spans about six kilometers from Eigergletscher to Alpiglen station along a moderate downhill slope that’s adorned with glacier outlooks, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
Beginners and families will enjoy this hike as it provides the excitement of being in the high Alps without a strenuous ascent. With views of the Eiger to accompany your descent and the sounds of cowbells ringing through the valley, this trail is emblematic of a day in the Swiss Alps.
The Dolomites’ Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop (Italy)
If there’s one hike in all of Europe based purely on aesthetics, it’s the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop the Three Peaks of Lavaredo located in Italy’s Dolomites. The circular trek is six miles long and boasts impressive scenic views of the distinct limestone towers that characterize this UNESCO World Heritage site. The well-marked path is easy enough for those at various fitness levels as there are frequented refuges along the way.
The loop embraces the Dolomites’ rugged yet accessible charm; it’s one of those hikes you have to do if you’re photographing or immersing yourself in the environment as they are some of the most stunning views you’ll encounter. For especially scenic aesthetics, try to do this loop at dawn or dusk when the peaks glimmer golden.
The Five Lakes Walk (Zermatt, Switzerland)
If you’re someone who loves anything and everything water-related, the Five Lakes Walk by Zermatt is a memorable alpine hike that covers everything from shimmering alpine lakes to incredible views. This relatively easy, 9-kilometer walk weaves around five lakes, each serving as a mirror of the precise pyramid of the Matterhorn.
Since this trail features gentle inclines and declines, it’s perfect for beginners and families alike, but that doesn’t mean the views are elementary. Picnicking and resting opportunities line the trail, encouraging hikers to appreciate the stillness of nature occasionally.
Turquoise water, meadows of wildflowers and snowy peaks define a picture of the Swiss Alps, making this one of the best options for a short hike in the area as it’s beyond rewarding.
The Eagle Walk (Austria)
The Eagle Walk in Austria is essentially a giant series of trails across Tyrol that symbolize how an eagle flies. With 33 sections spanning over 400 kilometers, you can access different parts for a shorter and more casual hike.
For example, those looking for an easier path can start at the St. Johann and Kufstein lower stages, while those with more experience can tackle the high-alpine stages leading toward Lechtal. Each part of The Eagle Walk is marked with a high level of accessibility and maintenance. It’s not only one of the best easy hiking trails in Europe due to its accessibility, but it also creates a community feel between hikers as one bonds with Austria’s mountainous culture.
Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail (Switzerland)
The Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail is an incredible path boasting Europe’s most extensive glacier at over 20 kilometers in length and summer temperatures ideal for viewing.
The glacier lies within the Bernese Alps, and this moderately difficult trail boasts impressive views of the ice flow, glistening blues and silvers under the sun.
The small trail weaves along ridges above the glacier with minimal danger to hikers, and with comfortable cabins and gondola access, even less experienced hikers can get into the action. Each turn along this trail is a testament to the power and beauty of the Alps, and it feels as though you’re standing on top of nature’s belly button above the glacier.
Lac Blanc Trail (Chamonix, France)
Arguably the best day hike for a visitor in Chamonix, Lac Blanc is located at the heart of the Mont Blanc massif. The hike begins at the Flégère cable car. A round trip is about three to four hours, and it’s of medium difficulty with a lot of uphills but relatively easy paths and views along the way.
At the summit, a green and blue alpine lake reflects the snow-covered peaks of Mont Blanc. This challenging but accessible hike is a great way to spend part of the day, no less because Lac Blanc is one of the most photographed areas in the Alps. And at the summit, there’s a mountain hut where visitors can soak in the view while enjoying lunch.
Seefelder Spitze Trail (Austria)
If you’re looking for a lesser-known trek with incredible panoramic mountain views, try the Seefelder Spitze Trail in Tyrol, Austria. The beauty of this hike begins in the small village of Seefeld. Visitors take a funicular/cable car part of the way up the mountain before venturing on a well-marked path to reach the peak.
It starts out gently along a ridge before combining mountain paths with steep uphills. It’s suitable for intermediate hikers but well worth the effort as there’s a 360-degree view stretching across Germany and Italy with meadows far below and jagged peaks in the distance.
It’s a beautiful, quiet trek, not as busy and more meditative than others around the alpine regions but equally scenic.
Stubai High Trail (Austria)
Stubai High Trail Stubaier Höhenweg is one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in the Austrian Alps. The trail stretches for about 80 kilometers over eight stages, connecting multiple mountain huts high above Stubai Valley.
A challenging trek, it’s appropriate for those experienced in longer hiking sessions. However, its shorter sections can appeal to day hikers more interested in undertaking bits and pieces and still experiencing one of the most beautiful parts of Austria.
Visually, this hike features glaciers, meadows galore, and waterfalls tumbling down the sides of mountains from rock formations. Even day hikers will find themselves enchanted by this region that makes up an essential part of any tour around Austria’s alpine regions.
The Grand Balcon Nord (France)
If you’re thinking about taking an iconic mid-level hike in Chamonix, then get on the Grand Balcon Nord, which features views of the entire Mont Blanc chain the length of your trek.
Spanning from the Plan de l’Aiguille station to Montenvers station, this trek takes two to three hours to complete and remains a relatively easy walk for most capabilities.
It stays horizontal to the mountain’s slope, so it doesn’t overwhelm, and you get some of the best views of glaciers and other peaks in the region. It’s also a cable-car-approachable trek on both sides, meaning you don’t have to exert yourself in an uphill crawl or dramatic decline while remaining in the spirit of alpine views.
This is one of the most favored forms of experiencing the grandeur of the Mont Blanc massif without having true mountaineer expertise.
The Alta Via 1 (Italy)
Arguably one of the best hikes in the Alps boasts 120 kilometers of exploration around the dolomites on a multi-day trek that spans from Lago di Braies to Belluno.
The Alta Via 1 runs through some of Europe’s most breathtaking limestone spires and alpine meadows, making it perfect for intermediate level hikers looking for a multi-day trek with hut accommodations each night.
While it’s not impossible it’s an exhausting venture, especially since it’s an unpatrolled path with few rest stops along the way. However, daily exertion is met with refuge accommodations serving incredible Italian dinners along the way.
Along the trek, you’ll see other beautiful lakes, World War I memorial sites and some of the best views in Europe, with delicious local foods and history along the way, making this one of those highly recommended all-time best hikes in the Alps.
Excursions for Children & Beginner Hikers Alike
Of course, not every trip in the Alps has to be strenuous or take a long time. Many resorts have family-friendly trails that children and beginners can explore.
For example, hikers can explore Austria’s Murmeltierweg (Marmot Trail), or Sentier des Fromageries, with educational respites as guides pay attention to how they can learn about their surroundings.
In Austria’s Lech Valley, a three-hour comfortable excursion awaits animal experts as families can stop wherever they desire to search for marmots amongst flowers, enjoy a sheltered picnic by a babbling brook or catch a glimpse of an evening sunset when they venture high up to a mountain-led viewpoint.
This is also a cable-car-approachable trek as well for anyone needing assistance reaching higher-up locations with families and small children are always welcome.
For those seeking shorter, more educational endeavors exploring the best in family hiking throughout the Alps, they don’t have to give up hope because there are plenty of excursions for everyone!
Making Hiking in the Alps a Reality
Memories in the making and hiking in the Alps do not happen on a whim. Instead, adequate time and research should go into ensuring your big hike is appropriately paced to your ability, interests, and time restraints. For example, determine which region you’d like to explore: wide-open spaces in France, perfectly mapped paths in Switzerland or majestic mountains with warm spots and huts for relaxation in Austria and whether it’s accessible in-season.
In-season, the best times to visit are late June through early September, which ensures sunshine and relatively decent temperatures, with wildflowers growing at lower levels and mountain lifts operational at higher elevations. Transfers from major airports within the Alps Geneva to Chamonix, Zurich to Zermatt, Innsbruck to Seefeld provide seamless connections to various trailheads, so drop off your luggage and hit the ground running.
Once you find the region you want and book lodgings (especially huts on the mountain, where they fill up fast), pack appropriately (sunscreen, layered clothing, map) and enjoy everything that the Alps has to offer at your desired pace. Hiking in the Alps is not just a vacation; it’s a newfound appreciation for life at a slower pace in one of Europe’s most incredible locations.
Conclusion Hiking in the Alps, the Heartbeat of Europe at Any Pace
Hiking in the Alps is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that shapes who you are as a person! Whether you’re walking alongside Lake Geneva among the wildflowers, trekking a ridge high up in Austria or challenging yourself in the Dolomites, there’s a little something for every hiker in every region.
Each trail teaches a different lesson, guided by generations of tradition and nature. Get out there today and appreciate the heartbeat of Europe on foot, at any level!
