The Alps are more than a mountain range — they’re a world of their own. Spanning eight countries and offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe, the Alps are a hiker’s dream. This curated bucket list showcases the most awe-inspiring trails, from panoramic ridge walks and glacier viewpoints to peaceful alpine lakes and flower-strewn meadows. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a nature-loving wanderer, these hikes will take your breath away — and stay in your memory forever.
Outline
- Introduction: Why the Alps Are a Hiker’s Paradise
- Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland
- Eiger Trail – Switzerland
- Adlerweg (Eagle’s Way) – Austria
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop – Italy
- Haute Route – France to Switzerland
- Zermatt Five Lakes Walk – Switzerland
- Lauterbrunnen Valley Trails – Switzerland
- Gaislachkogel Ridge – Austria
- Aiguilles Rouges Reserve – France
- Final Thoughts: A Lifetime of Alpine Adventure
Introduction: Why the Alps Are a Hiker’s Paradise
With jagged peaks, serene pastures, glacial lakes and flower-covered meadows, the Alps offer nature at its most majestic. The diversity of terrain means there’s something for every fitness level — from peaceful valley strolls to adrenaline-pumping ridge hikes. Add in excellent trail maintenance, charming villages, and world-class food, and it’s no wonder the Alps feature on so many hiking bucket lists.
Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland
Distance: ~170 km
Duration: 7–11 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Arguably the most famous long-distance hike in Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) loops around the highest peak in Western Europe and passes through three countries. Expect sweeping alpine views, rustic mountain huts, and that unbeatable sense of cross-border adventure.
Highlights:
- Sleep in remote mountain refuges
- Enjoy French tartiflette, Italian pasta, and Swiss chocolate — all on one trail
- Snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers
Best time: Late June to mid-September
Eiger Trail – Switzerland
Distance: ~6 km (one-way)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Running below the infamous Eiger North Face, this short but mighty trail packs a serious punch. You’ll get up-close views of dramatic cliffs and roaring waterfalls, with panoramic vistas of the Grindelwald Valley below.
Why it’s iconic:
- Stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
- Easily accessible by mountain train
- Perfect for a half-day hike with a high reward
Combine with a trip to Jungfraujoch or First Cliff Walk for a full day of alpine magic.
Adlerweg (Eagle’s Way) – Austria
Distance: ~413 km (can be done in sections)
Duration: 20–30 days (full route)
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
The Adlerweg, or “Eagle’s Way”, is Austria’s flagship long-distance trail, shaped like an eagle’s wingspan when viewed on a map. It crosses through the Tyrolean Alps, offering a mix of rugged ridges, gentle pastures, and traditional Alpine culture.
Why it’s unforgettable:
- Serene lakes and mountain chapels
- Choice between challenging and family-friendly sections
- Rustic huts with strudel, schnapps and views for days
Best for experienced hikers or those looking for a new long-distance goal.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop – Italy
Distance: ~10 km
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A relatively short loop hike in the Italian Dolomites, this trail offers jaw-dropping views of the iconic Tre Cime (Three Peaks). It’s wildly photogenic and perfect for first-timers or families.
Highlights:
- Unreal views of jagged limestone towers
- Mountain huts along the way for lunch or espresso
- Easy access via toll road to Rifugio Auronzo
Don’t forget your camera — this is one of the most photographed hikes in the Alps.
Haute Route – France to Switzerland
Distance: ~180 km
Duration: 12–14 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Connecting Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland), the Haute Route is a high-level alpine trek famous for its remote landscapes and wild beauty. It’s tougher and less touristy than the TMB — ideal for serious hikers.
Expect:
- Glacier views and alpine passes
- Sleep in high-altitude huts
- A thrilling finish beneath the Matterhorn
Best time: Mid-July to mid-September (some sections snow-covered earlier in the season)
Zermatt Five Lakes Walk – Switzerland
Distance: ~9.8 km
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
One of Switzerland’s most beloved day hikes, this trail takes you past five crystal-clear mountain lakes, each offering reflections of the mighty Matterhorn.
Why you’ll love it:
- Family-friendly and clearly marked
- Benches and picnic spots at each lake
- Ride the funicular to skip uphill climbing
Bring a picnic and swimwear — three of the lakes are swimmable!
Lauterbrunnen Valley Trails – Switzerland
Distance: Varies (multiple loops and routes)
Duration: 1–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
If Tolkien designed a hiking trail, it might look like Lauterbrunnen. This U-shaped valley features 72 waterfalls, alpine cottages, and towering cliffs — all under the shadow of the Eiger.
Don’t miss:
- Staubbach Falls
- The walk from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren
- Cable car links to higher trails above the valley
Perfect for romantic rambles, peaceful photography, or slow travel days.
Gaislachkogel Ridge – Austria
Distance: ~5 km (loop)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections)
This less-known gem offers ridgeline views over the Ötztal Alps and a cinematic bonus — the James Bond film Spectre was shot here. A cable car gets you most of the way up, and the restaurant at the top is a sleek, glassy stunner.
What to expect:
- High alpine scenery without a long approach
- James Bond museum + panoramic restaurant
- Perfect half-day adventure from Sölden
Come for the views, stay for the thrill.
Aiguilles Rouges Reserve – France
Distance: Varies (many loops from 4–15 km)
Duration: 1–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Overlooking Chamonix, the Aiguilles Rouges offer unmatched views of Mont Blanc — without the crowds found on the TMB. These trails pass alpine lakes, granite spires and dramatic ridgelines.
Best spots:
- Lac Blanc — perfect for sunrise photography
- Index chairlift for quicker access
- Wildlife sightings: ibex, marmots, eagles
Less touristy, more wild — a hidden gem across from the main show.
Final Thoughts: A Lifetime of Alpine Adventure
Hiking the Alps is more than checking off peaks — it’s falling into rhythm with nature, breathing pure air, and soaking up landscapes so grand they make you feel small in the best possible way.
Whether you’re planning one epic adventure or a lifetime of Alpine pilgrimages, these bucket list hikes are the perfect place to start. Each one invites you to lace up your boots and discover why the Alps remain Europe’s greatest hiking treasure.
