Walking holidays in the Alps

Unmatched expertise – Since 2003 we have arranged thousands of walking holidays in the Alps and Europe. We know the trails, seasons and logistics, and we only sell trips we’d happily walk ourselves.

Thoughtfully designed itineraries – Our routes are crafted to showcase the best of each region, from top alpine hiking routes to quieter alternatives and village detours you might miss on your own.

Handpicked places to stay – Stay in cosy B&Bs, guesthouses, mountain inns and small hotels that feel part of the experience, not just somewhere to sleep.

Luggage transfers included – On most routes your main bag travels ahead, so your alpine walking or alpine trekking holiday feels lighter and more enjoyable.

Turn-by-turn guidance in our app – Use the Macs Adventure app for offline maps, daily briefing notes and local tips. Your route, documents and emergency contacts live in one place on your phone.

24/7 on-the-trail support – Travel independently but never alone. Our local partners and our in-house team are available around the clock if you need us.

Positive impact – We work with local businesses, support trail projects and carbon-score our trips so your alpine walking holiday is a force for good for people and planet.

Most walking holidays in the Alps run from late May or early June through to late September, depending on altitude and snow.

June – early July – Brilliant for wildflowers, waterfalls and quieter trails. Some higher passes can still have snow, so lower or mid-altitude trips work best.

Mid July – late August – Peak season for alpine walking, with the widest choice of routes open. Expect warmer temperatures, longer days and a livelier atmosphere in hubs like Chamonix, Grindelwald and Cortina.

September – A favourite for many UK travellers. The trails are often a little quieter, temperatures are comfortable for walking and you may get clearer, crisper views.

If you are specifically chasing wildflowers, early summer is usually the best time to hike in the Alps for wildflowers – think June in the meadows of the Bernese Oberland or the Austrian and Italian Alps.

There is no single “best” area – it depends what sort of alps walking holiday you are after.

Swiss Alps walking holiday – Impeccable waymarking, excellent public transport and classic scenery. Perfect if you value reliability and don’t mind that Switzerland is often the priciest option.

Walking holidays in the Austrian Alps – Great for value, friendly huts and well-graded paths. Ideal for gentler walkers, families and those looking for moderate-level alpine walking holidays.

Italian Alps walking holidays – Think Dolomites and Aosta Valley. Dramatic landscapes and delicious food, with a laid-back feel.

French Alps – Home to Mont Blanc, the GR5 and other top alpine hiking tours. Easy access from the UK and a good choice if you want big mountain passes and lively mountain towns.

Julian Alps in Slovenia – A superb choice if you want a quieter, wilder alpine walking holiday, with good value and less busy trails.

German & Berchtesgaden Alps – Perfect if you want to combine a self guided walking holiday Berchtesgaden Alps style with Bavarian culture and easy connections via Munich.

Ask ten alpine hikers and you will get ten different answers. Some of the most talked-about routes include:

• Tour du Mont Blanc – A full circuit around Europe’s highest peak, with constantly changing views and three countries in one trek.
  
  
• Walker’s Haute Route – A tougher, wilder journey between Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, often cited as one of the top alpine hiking routes in the world.
  
  
• Via Alpina – A longer journey right across the Swiss Alps on high passes and through traditional alpine villages.
  
  
• Alta Via 1 – The classic point-to-point trail through the Dolomites, all soaring towers and characterful rifugi.
  
  
• GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix – A superb French Alps route for those who want to experience real alpine hiking without committing to the longest GR sections.

The “most beautiful” alpine hiking route is really the one that matches your fitness, confidence and idea of a holiday. Our team is happy to talk you through the pros and cons of each.

The Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 may be some of the most talked-about alpine routes, but they are just the beginning. Here are six trips that offer big scenery, satisfying days and quieter trails, with Macs’ seamless planning and 24/7 support behind the scenes.

Grindelwald Trail - Nestled beneath the iconic trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the Grindelwald trails serve up some of the most striking alpine scenery in Europe. Enjoy crystal-clear lakes, wildflower meadows, glaciers and balcony paths. Trails range from gentle valley walks to more challenging high routes, and you return each night to Swiss hospitality in the Bernese Oberland.

The GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix - Experience true alpine hiking on this inn-to-inn self guided walking tour along the GR5 from the shores of Lake Geneva to the foot of Mont Blanc. Climb through peaceful meadows, pass traditional dairy farms and listen for the sound of cow bells. Views open out to the Dents Blanches, Dents du Midi and finally the Mont Blanc massif, as you weave between France and Switzerland.

High Trails of the Julian Alps - Slovenia’s Julian Alps sit at a crossroads of cultures. Follow high mountain trails from the shores of Lake Bled into Triglav National Park and on to Lake Bohinj. Stay in a mix of huts and village guesthouses, pass medieval churches and walk through pastures grazed for generations. This is alpine trekking with a real sense of discovery.

Italian Alps – Walking at the Foot of the Matterhorn
Immerse yourself in the historic Aosta Valley in north-west Italy. Enjoy an Italian Alps walking holiday that blends big-mountain views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa with traditional villages and great food. Stay in small hotels and guesthouses, wander through larch forests and meadows and enjoy quieter trails than the better-known resorts.

Tyrol: Trails of the Wilder Kaiser
Spend a week walking around Austria’s impressive Kaiser mountains. The Wilder Kaiser and Zahmer Kaiser ranges offer a mix of panoramic balcony paths, lakes and traditional huts. Stay in 3 - 4* hotels with two nights in authentic Austrian alpine huts, for a route that feels adventurous without being extreme.

The Via Alpina
Follow one of Switzerland’s most celebrated long-distance trails through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Choose the East, West or Full Route and spend your days crossing high passes, skirting turquoise lakes and descending into picture-perfect villages. This is a superb option if you want a multi-week alpine walking holiday that feels like a real journey.

What to expect – Huts vary in size and comfort, but all offer simple, warm accommodation close to the high trails. You usually leave your boots in a boot room, use hut slippers or light sandals indoors and settle into a shared dining room for meals.

Arrival time – Most huts ask guests to arrive by around 18:00. After that, wardens may release unused beds. Arriving earlier gives you more choice of sleeping space.

Sleeping arrangements – Dorms are common and can range from small rooms for 6–10 people to larger spaces. Some huts offer smaller or private rooms that can be requested when you book. Beds usually come with a pillow and blankets. You bring a light sleeping bag liner for comfort and hygiene.

Facilities – Facilities vary. Many modern huts have hot showers operated by tokens and shared but separate toilets and washrooms. Some older huts only have cold water and simpler set-ups.

Food and drink – Huts usually offer a set evening menu and breakfast, with drinks and snacks available to buy. Expect hearty, simple food geared towards walkers. Some huts can also prepare packed lunches.

Before you leave – Breakfast is usually bread, jam, cheese and hot drinks. Many huts still prefer cash, so carry some with you.