Your Complete Guide To Hut-to-Hut Hiking In Switzerland
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Alps, then hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland is one of the best ways to do it.
By hiking hut-to-hut, you get a comfortable night’s sleep and don't have to carry a heavy pack with a tent and sleeping bag. Hiking huts in Switzerland are also fun, social places, and they’re scattered all over the country’s best hiking trails.
Let’s explore exactly what hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland involves, and uncover our top routes for multi-day Swiss hikes.
The best type of training for TMB is doing some hiking in the mountains beforehand.
What is Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Switzerland?
Hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland is a popular activity where hikers travel between mountain huts over several days.
These huts provide food, shelter, and basic amenities, giving you the perfect place to rest and refuel on your multi-day hike in Switzerland. This type of hiking allows you to experience remote areas without needing to carry heavy camping and backpacking gear.
Hiking Switzerland hut-to-hut can be done over all kinds of trails - including easy walks to challenging alpine routes. Hiking in Switzerland is amazing, with loads of different trails on offer. By taking a hut-to-hut approach, you can explore some of the best trails and most beautiful areas of the country.
5 Best Hut-to-Hut Hikes in Switzerland
There are plenty of options for anyone wanting to go hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland. Here are our top picks.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a legendary hut-to-hut hike that encircles the Mont Blanc Massif, the highest peak in the Alps.
The full circuit typically takes around 10 to 11 days to complete. This route covers approximately 170 kilometres and takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hikers are treated to a diverse range of landscapes on the full route, including alpine meadows, rocky passes, and pretty mountain villages.
For those with less time, you could cover shorter sections of the route. We’d recommend a 4-day version of the trek which focuses on some of the most spectacular sections of the route: the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights trip.
The well-maintained huts along the trail provide a comfortable night's sleep, hearty meals, and a great chance to meet fellow hikers from around the world.
This trek is also suitable for hikers of all skill levels, as the trail is easy to navigate. You just need to be prepared for multiple days of walking.
Matterhorn in the distance.
2. Matterhorn Trek
When you think about hiking in Switzerland, you think of the Matterhorn - the country’s iconic, Toblerone mountain peak. So, one of the best options for hiking hut-to-hut in Switzerland has got to be a multi-day hike in the Matterhorn region.
We recommend the Matterhorn Highlights Trek. It's a beautiful 4-day hike that showcases the best of this majestic mountain. Here’s what the itinerary looks like:
Day 1: Start your adventure in Randa and hike to Europa Hut. This initial day sets the stage with beautiful alpine scenery and a steady climb.
Day 2: From Europa Hut, trek to Täschalp, crossing the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. The views from the bridge are breathtaking and offer a unique thrill.
Day 3: Continue from Täschalp to Ze Seewjinu Hut. This leg of the journey takes you through serene alpine pastures and rugged terrains.
Day 4: Conclude your trek by hiking from Ze Seewjinu Hut to the picturesque town of Zermatt, with the Matterhorn standing majestically in the background.
This trek is perfect for those seeking dramatic landscapes and an adventurous route. If you want to see some of the best Swiss landscapes over four days, then this hut-to-hut hike in Switzerland is highly recommended.
Beautiful views from a Swiss Alps hike.
3. Tour des Muverans
The Tour des Muverans is a scenic 4-day hike through the Swiss Alps. This trek takes you through some of the best Switzerland hiking huts near Mont Blanc.
This multi-day hike is renowned for its rugged beauty and variety of landscapes. It’s a great alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc, as you still get to soak up much of the same amazing scenery but on a slightly lesser-used trail.
Here’s what this hike typically looks like:
Day 1: Start in Solalex and hike to Deborance. This day offers lush green valleys and the serene beauty of alpine lakes.
Day 2: Trek from Deborance to Cabane Rambert. The path here becomes more challenging as you ascend rocky paths and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Day 3: From Rambert, hike to Col du Demercre. This leg includes high mountain passes and sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks.
Day 4: Finish your journey by hiking from Demercre to Javerne, descending through diverse terrains back into the valley.
This hike offers a perfect blend of challenge and natural beauty, making it a favourite among seasoned hikers or beginners looking for a challenge.
Switzerland’s lush green trails.
Get the genuine experience
Discover once in a lifetime adventures, made possible by local guides.
Looking for a shorter and easier option for hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland? Then this might just be the perfect trail.
The Greina Pass hike is a 2-day adventure through one of Switzerland's most pristine landscapes. It’s a beautiful trail, and it’s not at all demanding. We’d recommend this route if you’re brand new to hiking.
Here’s the itinerary:
Day 1: Start from Runachez and hike through woodlands and charming waterfalls to Terri Hut. The trail winds through green pastures and remote valleys, offering a peaceful day out in Swiss nature.
Day 2: Descend across the wetlands of the Greina Plateau, known for its vast, untouched beauty. Continue to Lake Luzzone and finish in Ghirone, taking in the tranquil beauty of the mountain streams and expansive green fields.
If you want to continue the adventure, you can extend your hike by exploring other huts on the plateau.
Beautiful views while hiking in Switzerland.
5. Sentiero Alpino Calanca
The Sentiero Alpino Calanca is a classic three-day hut-to-hut hike in Switzerland. The trail traverses the ridge between the Calanca and Misox valleys, offering some awesome views and experiences along the way.
Here’s what the route typically involves:
Day 1: Start at the San Bernardino Pass and climb up to over 3,000 meters. The first day offers dramatic ascents and stunning panoramic views. This is the most challenging day due to the steep climbs.
Day 2: Things flatten out on the second day, giving your legs a chance to rest. Continue along the ridge, enjoying the pristine mountain scenery and spectacular views of the Alps. The mountain huts are well-spaced and provide a cosy resting place each night.
Day 3: Descend towards Santa Maria, passing through some of the most remote and untouched regions of the Swiss Alps. This is a truly beautiful day of hiking.
This trail is known for its rugged beauty and the uniquely remote mountain huts available along the route.
A group of happy hikers in Switzerland.
Tips for Hiking Switzerland Hut-to-Hut
Switzerland hut-to-hut hiking is an awesome experience for anyone wanting to explore the Alps. But, to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, you’ll need to be properly prepared.
Here are some essential things to keep in mind before going hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland.
It's easy to get carried away by the beauty of the mountains, but it's important to pace yourself.
Don't overestimate your fitness level and underestimate the difficulty of the route - this is a common mistake. We say go for a slower pace to fully enjoy your hike without any time pressure.
It’s also important to be honest about your physical condition and hiking skills. Don't push yourself beyond your limits. If a route seems too challenging, choose an easier alternative. It's better to enjoy a shorter, less strenuous hike than to struggle through a difficult one.
Remember, it's a holiday, not a race, so take it slow.
Pack Carefully
Having the right equipment makes a massive difference to your hiking experience.
Essentials include food, water, rain protection, cold weather gear, sun protection, a first aid kit, and a mobile phone (remember, the European emergency number is 112). Pack light to make walking easier, but ensure your gear is suitable for your planned tour.
It’s also important that you understand exactly what’s available at the huts along your chosen route so you know what food and sleeping equipment to bring and what to leave behind.
Plan Your Route Carefully
The more you plan your route, the more fun you’ll have.
Use hiking maps, guidebooks, online resources, and local advice to understand the length, elevation changes, difficulty, and conditions of your hike. If you know what to expect, you’ll have a much better time on the trails.
Going on a guided tour with a group is the best way to enjoy this trip.
Stay on Marked Paths
Switzerland's hiking trails are well-marked and maintained.
It's tempting to explore off-trail, but this increases the risk of getting lost or encountering dangerous terrain, such as steep slopes with packed snow. Always follow marked paths to stay safe.
Take Regular Breaks
Hiking is as much about the journey as it is about reaching the destination. So, take regular breaks to rest and enjoy your surroundings.
If you're short on time, we’d recommend opting for shorter routes rather than rushing through longer ones. This will make your overall experience a lot more enjoyable.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly.
Always check the weather forecast before starting your hike and be prepared for sudden changes. Even if you’re hiking in the middle of summer, carry gear for rain, cold, and sun, and be ready to adjust your plans if necessary.
A happy hiker on a Tour du Mont Blanc trip.
Conclusion
All the trails above give you an amazing Swiss hiking experience with the comfort of mountain huts and lodges along the way. Whether you go hiking solo or in a group, hut-to-hut hiking in Switzerland is an unforgettable experience.
In our opinion, the best way to do a Swiss hut-to-hut hike is with a group tour. This lets you enjoy the best hiking trails along with expert local knowledge and a fun social group. Check out our guided Swiss hiking adventures for the best hut-to-hut hiking options.
