The European Alps are not just a destination, they're the pinnacle of mountain adventure, a majestic playground that spans eight countries and calls to every avid hiker and adventurer. This high-level guide is your starting point for exploring the Alps' epic scenery and discovering its hidden gems. We'll cover must-see hiking trails from the Dolomites and legendary high-altitude trekking near Chamonix, to breathtaking trails of the Swiss Alps, peaceful paths of Liechtenstein, and family-friendly adventures at the Alps' foothills around Lake Como. Ready to trade city life for glacial lakes and stunning summits? This is where your unforgettable European Alps adventure begins, with links to our detailed guides for every location.
Head to Lake Brienz for a unique adventure that combines history and scenery. The Giessbach Falls Trail is a short, family-friendly loop where you can walk directly behind the powerful, multi-tiered waterfall. Don't miss the views over the turquoise lake and the chance to stop at the historic Grandhotel Giessbach.
View the Giessbach Falls Trail
Walk in the shadows of one of the world's most legendary mountains. The iconic Eiger Trail and Eiger Walk offer a moderate, 8.6 km journey directly beneath the towering Eiger North Face. This is the quintessential Grindelwald adventure, providing continuous, dramatic views of the surrounding valleys, the Eiger Glacier, and the chance to spot wild alpine life.
View Our Eiger Trail Guide
This valley is a geological wonder, featuring towering 300-meter cliffs and the massive Staubbach and Spissbach Falls. This easy, scenic 2.6 km loop walk takes you through the heart of the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor, offering unparalleled views of dramatic peaks, quaint chalets, and the rush of glacial rivers.
View the Lauterbrunnen Valley Loop
While transitioning between major hubs, make a mandatory stop at Blausee. Famous for its vibrant, impossibly clear turquoise waters, this easy 2.6 km loop walk allows you to spot trout and a submerged statue beneath the surface. It's the perfect, accessible break from challenging high-altitude hiking.
View Our Blausee Trail Guide
Get the most scenic payoff with the least uphill effort! Ride the Gornergrat Bahn up and enjoy the moderate 10.5 km descent. This hike delivers continuous, jaw-dropping views of the iconic Matterhorn, panoramic vistas of the massive Monte Rosa massif, and the legendary reflections in the Riffelsee alpine lake.
View Our Gornergrat Trail Guide
Explore the historic Gotthard Pass on this short, moderate 2.3 km hike. The trail delivers spectacular views over Lago di Lucendro and features a fascinating journey past abandoned Swiss military bunkers—blending turquoise lake vistas with intriguing alpine military history.
View the Lake Lucendro Trail
Located in the heart of Davos, the Lake Davos Seepromenade is the perfect choice for a gentle, universally accessible alpine walk. This easy, flat 3.9 km loop circles the beautiful turquoise waters, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and the charming soundtrack of chiming Swiss cowbells.
View Our Lake Davos Trail Guide
Conclude your Swiss adventure with a stunning, easy walk to the Paxmal, an incredible art monument near Walenstadt. This short 1 km trail leads to the "Temple of Peace," offering a beautiful blend of art, philosophy, and one of the most panoramic, unforgettable views over the turquoise Walensee and the Glarus Alps.
View Our Paxmal Trail GuideThis guide is just your starting point. Use our detailed guide below to explore more and to plan your Swiss Alps adventures.
Read our Swiss Alps Guide
For a quintessential Chamonix experience, this hike delivers. Get up close to the Mont Blanc range on a high-level traverse, combining an epic glacial vista of Mer de Glace with the chance to visit the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille and the serene Lac Bleu. Along the route, you'll find breathtaking views of the Chamonix Valley for virtually the entire hike.
View the Grand Balcon Nord Trail
For the most dramatic view of Western Europe’s highest peak, hike the Grand Balcon Sud. This spectacular, moderate 4 km route offers an unmatched panoramic vista of the entire Mont Blanc massif, including the immense Bossons Glacier and the Mer de Glace. It’s the highest-reward half-day trek near Chamonix.
Explore the Grand Balcon Sud Hike
For an easy, family-friendly walk right in town, this 1.3 km loop is perfect. It offers stunning, unobstructed reflections of the massive Mont Blanc across Lac des Gaillands and includes a short detour to the secluded, historic Lac Sinclair Ruins.
Explore the Lac Sinclair Ruins LoopThis guide is just your starting point. Use our detailed guide below to explore more and to plan your Chamonix adventures.
Read our Chamonix Guide
This is the image of the Dolomites you've been waiting for. Easily accessed by gondola, the spectacular, moderate 2.7 km loop trail along the Seceda Ridge delivers breathtaking, panoramic views of the region's most famous, dramatic, jagged peaks without requiring a strenuous climb.
View Our Seceda Ridge Trail Guide
Jagged peaks and sprawling alpine meadows! Easily accessed by cable car, the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is Europe's largest high-altitude meadow. This moderate 6.5 km loop offers a postcard-perfect hike across rolling pastures, past traditional chalets, and features stunning backdrops of the towering Langkofel Group peaks.
View Our Alpe di Siusi Trail Guide
Escape the crowds on this gentle 6.8 km out-and-back hike through the Vallunga (Langental). This stunning U-shaped glacial valley offers a serene, mostly flat walk flanked by towering limestone cliffs, making it an accessible option for enjoying classic Dolomites scenery without any major elevation gain.
View Our Vallunga Trail Guide
Discover the magic of the Dolomites' most colorful lake. The Lago di Carezza (Karersee), or "Rainbow Lake," is famous for its vibrant, deep emerald-green waters and the flawless reflection of the majestic Latemar peaks. This quick, universally accessible 1.43 km loop offers stunning, high-reward photography.
View the Lago di Carezza Trail
Known as the "Pearl of the Dolomites," this lake is a must-see for its incredibly vibrant turquoise waters and dramatic Alpine mountain reflections. Hike the moderate 3.73 km loop trail around the perimeter to find peaceful views away from the crowds and capture photos of the famous boathouse.
View Our Lago di Braies Trail Guide
Step into history at Bolzano's iconic castle, famed as the "Picture Book of the Dolomites." A short, easy walk leads you to Castel Roncolo (Schloss Runkelstein), home to a remarkably preserved cycle of secular frescoes that depict thrilling medieval tales like Tristan and Isolde.
View Our Castel Roncolo GuideThis guide is just your starting point. Use our detailed guide below to explore more and to plan your Dolomites adventures.
Read our Dolomites Guide
Escape to the heart of the Liechtenstein Alps on this incredibly scenic and easy 1.6 km loop. This accessible walk provides quintessential alpine beauty, featuring the pristine Ganglesee, the striking turquoise Stausee Steg, panoramic views of the surrounding majestic peaks, and leads to a beautiful waterfall.
View Our Steg Lakes Loop Guide
Step into a fairytale with a short, moderate walk to the magnificent Gutenberg Castle in Balzers, Liechtenstein. This scenic trail climbs above sprawling vineyards, encircling the well-preserved medieval fortress to reward you with breathtaking, panoramic views of the Alpine Rhine Valley from its historic courtyard.
Explore Gutenberg Castle
Discover the captivating village of Nesso, where a short, steep descent leads you to the iconic Ponte del Lago. This historic stone bridge offers a spectacular viewpoint over the dramatic 30-meter waterfall cascading into Lake Como, providing an unforgettable blend of Italian charm and natural scenery.
Explore Orrido di Nesso
For a truly unique and thrilling experience on Lake Como, explore the Orrido di Bellano. This short 0.6 km route takes you deep inside a dramatic natural gorge via suspended walkways, where you'll witness towering sheer walls, roaring waterfalls, and vibrant turquoise pools just below your feet.
Explore the Orrido di Bellano Trail
Take a picturesque walk through the ancient village of Vezio to reach its centerpiece: the Castello di Vezio. Climb the main tower for sweeping 360-degree vistas and explore its unique features, blending local history with the best high-level scenery of the central lake.
View the Castello di Vezio TrailThis guide is just your starting point. Use our detailed guide below to explore more and to plan your Lake Como adventures.
Read our Lake Como GuideTrack your hikes, download Trail and Park routes from MyHikes.org to follow offline, or find a new trail to hike on the MyHikes® app!
Learn More
Explore the best Swiss Alps hikes and adventures! From the Bernese Oberland and Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt, Davos, and Walensee. Find trails, views, and more.
Hike Chamonix’s must-do trails! Find breathtaking Mont Blanc views, reflections on alpine lakes, and secluded waterfalls. Includes where to eat and stay.
Discover the Dolomites with our ultimate guide. Explore hikes like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi, turquoise alpine lakes like Lago di Braies, and castle ruins.
Your ultimate guide to Lake Como's best things to do. See Orrido di Nesso, Castello di Vezio, the Menaggio Promenade, waterfalls, and more!
