Alps on Foot: 5 Alpine Bases for 2026
The Alps stretch across multiple countries, so the best planning strategy is to pick a base, then explore the official trail network around it. These five bases are diverse, well-documented, and ideal for a 2026 walking trip.
In this guide
Five alpine bases
Zermatt (Switzerland)
Trail feel: lakes, alpine meadows, and Matterhorn views.
Best for: day hikes with dramatic scenery and good lift access.
Good to know: the official 5 Lakes Walk is a classic here.
Zermatt is the go-to base for iconic Matterhorn views and well-serviced hiking infrastructure.
Aletsch Arena (Switzerland)
Trail feel: glacier panoramas and high alpine ridges.
Best for: big viewpoints with UNESCO-recognized landscapes.
Good to know: the Glacier Panorama Tour is the signature route.
The Aletsch region delivers the most dramatic glacier views in the Alps with a network of lifts and panoramic trails.
Swiss National Park (Engadin, Switzerland)
Trail feel: protected wilderness with strict trail rules.
Best for: walkers who want quiet, wildlife-rich paths.
Good to know: stay on marked trails and plan for altitude.
Switzerland's national park is the Alps at its most protected and natural, ideal for hikers who prefer solitude.
Seiser Alm / Alpe di Siusi (Italy)
Trail feel: wide meadow paths with Dolomite spires on the horizon.
Best for: gentle walks and family-friendly alpine scenery.
Good to know: the plateau has a huge network of summer hiking paths.
Seiser Alm is a huge high-altitude meadow plateau with easy access and classic Dolomite views.
Tyrol (Austria)
Trail feel: alpine lakes, hut-to-hut routes, and valley walks.
Best for: mixing classic day hikes with longer hut-based walks.
Good to know: Tyrol's tourism board lists extensive hiking tours.
Tyrol is one of the Alps' most walkable regions, with deep trail coverage and varied difficulty levels.
Planning notes
- Altitude matters: plan easier walks on day one to adapt.
- Lifts save time: many bases rely on cable cars for access.
- Book early: alpine huts and mountain hotels fill quickly in peak season.
Pick one base per country if you want depth, not just a highlight reel.
Official trail sources
- Zermatt 5 Lakes Walk
- Aletsch Glacier Panorama Tour
- Swiss National Park
- Seiser Alm hiking
- Tyrol hiking
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to walk in the Alps?
Most alpine regions peak from mid-June through late September. Shoulder seasons can work for lower valleys but always check local conditions.
Do I need to book huts for multi-day walks?
Yes. Popular huts sell out in summer, so reserve ahead if you're planning hut-to-hut routes.
Are alpine trails suitable for beginners?
Many bases offer easy meadow paths and lake walks, but there are also steep and exposed routes. Start with shorter days and build up.
What should I pack for Alpine walks?
Bring layers, rain protection, and sturdy shoes. Weather can change quickly at altitude, even in summer.
Create an Alps walking itinerary in DailyWander
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Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons; authors and licenses listed below.
- Leisee.jpg — Mumpitz312 — CC BY-SA 3.0
- Aletschgletscher-Eggishorn.jpg — Tobias Alt, Tobi 87 — CC BY-SA 4.0
- Swiss National Park 045.JPG — Hansueli Krapf — CC BY-SA 3.0
- Seiser Alm 01.jpg — H. Zell — CC BY-SA 3.0
- Seebensee.jpg — Frstgr — CC BY 3.0
About the author: Joeri Vanthienen builds walking itineraries around alpine bases so each day is flexible and weather-proof.