Where to go Hiking in the Alps this Summer?

Best day hike in Zermatt - 5 Lakes Walk:

Offering views of the Matterhorn reflected in three shimmering lakes, the 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt is a pleasant hike of medium difficulty that takes around three to four hours to complete. Suitable for families, the 9.8 km route begins at Blauherd before taking you to five lakes of differing shape, colour, character and size. Go for an icy dip in the Leisee, admire the rare flowers on the shores of the Grindijisee and admire the milky turquoise waters of Lake Moosijee.

Best hike in Zermatt for Matterhorn views - Matterhorn Glacier Trail:

Get up close and personal to the Theodul and Furgg glaciers which have retreated more than 3 km over the last 150 years. Learn all about the area and the glaciers en-route via multiple information panels along the way as you negotiate the rocky terrain. The 6.5 km hike begins at the Trockener Steg cable car station and ends at the Schwarzee station and is of moderate difficulty.

A strenuous hike with incredible views - First to Schynige Platte:

This challenging 16.5 km hike with nearly 1000m of incline is regarded as one of the best in the region, taking in famous peaks, tranquil lakes, dramatic ridges, rocky cliffs and grassy meadows. Taking around five to seven hours to complete, you will experience some of the best views in the Interlaken region with 4,000 metre peaks soaring above Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Family-friendly hike with views of the Eiger - The Eiger Trail:

One of the more popular trails to explore when hiking in Grindelwald, the Eiger Trail traverses underneath the soaring north face of the Eiger with fantastic views of the Grindelwald valley and surrounding peaks. The 6 km trail starts at the Eigergletscher train station and ends at Alpiglen from where you can catch the cog railway train down to Grindelwald.

For casual hikers with views of the Mont Blanc Massif - Lac Blanc:

One of the most well-known Chamonix hiking trails, the Lac Blanc hike starts from Col des Montets and follows a winding path to the crossroads where it meets the Tre-le-Champ trail. Along the twisting and turning path you will enjoy an impressive 360° view between the Mont Blanc Massif and trhe Aiguilles Rouges. There is usually snow around the lake even in summer and with the peaks framing the lake, the reflection is particularly dramatic. The lake is located in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve so be on the lookout for ibex, chamois, marmots and deer.

For those looking for a challenge - Grand Balcon Nord:

Ticking off many highlights in the Chamonix valley, this demanding 14 km hike provides you with views of the Mer de Glace. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Bossons glaciers as you navigate this varied trail. The trail begins at Gare de Montenvers where you can also visit the Ice Cave and ends at Aiguille du Midi.

For a relaxing stroll through picturesque hamlets - Montriond Lake:

This leisurely walk in Morzine, starting from Montriond town centre, takes you along the River Dranse through the charming hamlets of Le Lavanchy and Le Dravachet to Montriond Lake. The lake was created as a result of a landslide from Nantaux mountain and many activities take place here such as canoeing, kayaking paddle boarding and swimming. You can walk the whole way around the lake, detouring to take in Cascade d’Ardent waterfall which is an impressive sight.

Historical smuggling route with breathtaking views - Lac des Mines d”Or to Col de Cou:

This 6.3 km trail begins near the Lac des Mines d’Or which sits at the far end of Vallee de la Manche, before climbing to the Col de Cou on the Swiss border. The trail follows a historic smuggling route that was used extensively during World War II. From the Col you will be met with mesmerising views of the Dents Blanche and Dents du Midi mountain ranges. For the return journey, turn left and follow the winding trail through beautiful alpine forest to the crossroads at Le Epingly. From here, bear right and head past Ferme des Freteroles to the lake or extend your walk to Chardonniere.

For easy via ferrata: Gran Cir Trail

A prominent peak in the Cir Group within Puez-Odle Nature Park, The Gran Cir trail is a great introduction to via ferrata and a popular route when hiking in the Dolomites. Passo Gardena, where the via ferrata Gran Cir begins, is around a 20 minute drive from Corvara in Alta Badia and Selva in Val Gardena. It takes around 1 hr 30 min to hike to the summit of Gran Cir with awe-inspiring views of the Sella group, Sassolungo, Monte Antelao and Pelmo from the top. The route is particuarly popular at sunrise and sunset.

A historical hike close to Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Lagazuoi Tunnels

Just a 30-minute drive from the renowned resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo are the Lagazuoi Tunnels. These were constructed by the Italians during World War I in order to undermine the Austrian troops. The hiking trail up to the Lagazuoi Tunnels starts at the Falzarego pass. From here you hike on the Frontline Trail up to the crossroads that to the left leads to the tunnel entrance above the Cengia Malvezzi ledge. It is worth making a short detour to this interesting ledge with its military huts. The tunnel opens on the top of the fore-summit of the Piccolo Lagazuoi. After exiting the tunnel, you cross a military trench system that was the fortifed outpost of the Austrian army. From there you reach the top station of the Lazazuoi cable car and refuge. At 2,752m, you will feel on top of the world.