ALPINE EUROPE
an explorer’s guide to day hiking in the Alps & beyond
Wilkommen, Benvenuti & Bienvenue
Planning a trip to the Alps? Or maybe just looking for an armchair mountain escape? You’ve come to the right place!
This guide takes you on a tour through five key areas of the Alps in five different countries — Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and France. I’ve included a variety of day hikes, from easy strolls to rugged climbs. Some trails are well-trod, attracting thousands of hikers each year, while others are hidden gems, offering a quiet respite from the crowds. I also cover a few options for easy bike rides.
Planning to join a Rick Steves’ My Way Alpine Europe tour? All the hikes and other activities I cover in this guide were done while on that very tour. That’s right, the secret’s out — I’ve been a My Way Alpine Europe tour manager for Rick Steves. While on tour, I love hiking new trails and revisiting old ones.
If you’re not on a tour, I have good news. These trails are easily accessible for independent travelers, too. Whatever your hiking style, I hope you are inspired to get outside and explore
Check out the regions below to view my recommended day hikes, and follow the links to in-depth trail guides complete with photos and helpful tips.
It’s time to hit the trail!
Hiking & Biking
in & around Salzburg
BEST HIKING & BIKING ON A FIRST TRIP TO SALZBURG
- Hohensalzburg Fortress to Mönchsberg: Explore Salzburg’s iconic fortress overlooking Old Town, and catch even more great views on an easy hike over the Mönchsberg.
- Kapuzinerberg: A steep uphill walk leads to stunning sunset views, and wooded trails take you away from the crowds.
- Biking to Hellbrunn Palace: This easy bike ride is one of the best ways to enjoy a day in Salzburg, with Sound of Music sites and the chance to tour a fanciful palace.
BEST EASY HIKE NEAR SALZBURG
- Almbachklamm: It’s a joy to explore this waterfall-filled gorge, located only a short bus ride from Salzburg. Be prepared for stairs!
BEST CHALLENGING HIKE NEAR SALZBURG
- Kleiner Barmstein: This hike from Hallein may be short, but the climb to the top is rugged and steep. Sweeping view are your reward.
Alpe di Siusi in Italy’s Dolomites
BEST EASY ALPE DI SIUSI HIKES
- Trail of the Witches: This loop hike features outstanding views of nearby peaks, including the Schlern Mountain, as well as views overlooking the valley below.
- St. Valentin Church: Much of this route from the village of Castelrotto follows a paved path, but be prepared for a few rougher sections.
BEST CHALLENGING ALPE DI SIUSI HIKES
- Hiking to the Top of the Schlern: This challenging hike takes you to the very top of the massive Schlern mountain. I have hiked this route, but it was before I started this website. You can find more information on AllTrails.
- Hiking to the Rifugio Sasso Piatto: An amazing ridgetop hike leads to a fun mountain hut with incredible views and great food. I’ve hiked this route a few times, but similar to the Schlern, it was before I began posting online. Find more details on AllTrails.
Füssen in Bavaria
BEST INTRO TO FÜSSEN
- Biking to Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau: Yes, I only have one listing for Füssen, but it’s a big one. This easy bike ride (or walk) leads direclty to Neuschwanstein Castle, with an optional side trip to charming Schwansee. It’s easy to break this trip up into separate smaller bike rides or hikes, and it’s a great introduction to this beautiful corner of the Bavarian Alps.
Hiking in Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen Valley
BEST EASY LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY HIKES
- Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk: A classic introduction to the Swiss Alps, this flat valley walk is the first hike covered in “Hiking in Switzerland’s Beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley”.
- Mürren to Grutschalp: This short one-way hike is also covered in “Hiking in Switzeland’s Beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley”.
- Panorama Trail: On the Jungfrau side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, this hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg showcases stunning Swiss Alpine views with low effort.
BEST MODERATE LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY HIKES
- Wengen to Leiterhorn: This short hike includes some moderate uphill stretches as it leads from Wengen to a beautiful viewpoint.
- Grütschalp to Sulwald: There are some rough sections along this hike, which leads to a hidden valley in the Swiss Alps. Make it a little easier by taking a tiny cable car toward the end of the hike.
BEST CHALLENGING LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY HIKES
- The Gemsenweg: While this trail is unrelentingly steep, you will feel a real sense of accomplishment when hiking all the way from Wengen to Männlichen.
- Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen via Biglenalp: The trail is sometimes rough, but the up close views of the rocky face of the Jungfrau are breathtaking. For avid hikers, this one’s a hidden gem of the Swiss Alps.
- Trümmelbach Falls from Wengen: This is another hike you’ll have mostly to yourself as you walk through verdant forest and enjoy Lauterbrunnen Valley views, finishing with a steep descent to Trümmelbach Falls.
in the French Alps
BEST VIEW HIKES NEAR CHAMONIX
- Grand Balcon Nord: If you only do one hike near Chamonix in the French Alps, this is the one. Combine it with a cable car ride to the Aiguille du Midi.
- Grand Balcon Sud: Across the valley from the Grand Balcon Nord, this trail is a little rougher and also offers superlative views of the French Alps.
- Lac Blanc: The views from this high alpine lake are outstanding. Prepare to work up a sweat on your way to the top.
EASIEST CHAMONIX HIKE
- Grand Balcon Nord: OK, this is NOT an easy hike, but it is the least strenuous of the three listed here. Be prepared for some rocky trails and one section with steep switchbacks.
MOST CHALLENGING CHAMONIX HIKE
- Lac Blanc: Although short, the trail to this alpine lake is unrelentingly steep and rugged, but the scenery is incredible.
I hope you enjoyed your Alpine adventures!