12. The Walker’s Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Stretching from the base of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France, to the striking fin of Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, the Walker’s Haute Route combines rolling pastures and high mountain passes to form one of the best multi-day treks in the world. With only a fixed starting and ending point, it can take anywhere between 7 to 14 days to complete the trek.

The hike takes you through both serene and dramatic Alpine landscapes, stringing together massive glaciers, verdant meadows, and picturesque villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents, snowfields, and exposed ridges. The reward for this challenge is access to unparalleled views of some of the tallest mountains in the world.

Along with other determined hikers, cows, ibex, and chamois will keep you company throughout your trek. To successfully complete the Walker’s Haute Route, you’ll need plenty of energy, which is where the hotels and huts come in. Do yourself a favor and try the local delicacies—this is also a culinary journey!

About the author

Marko Bucic

57hours Writer and Bouldering Enthusiast

For Marko, literature came first and the outdoors followed. Lermontov took him galloping across the Caucasus, Wordsworth brought him along for a tour of the Lake District, and Conrad sent him sailing down the Congo—but for better or worse, it was 57hours that got him to climb his first route outside. When he’s not penning articles, you can find him in the bouldering gym, taking photos on the streets of Zagreb, or at home brushing up on his Japanese skills.