Alpine tours in Switzerland – for beginners and pros alike

Switzerland is home to countless Alpine touring routes: they exist in every region, sometimes on peaks stretching 4,000 metres high, sometimes at lower altitudes. They traverse glaciers and scale peaks, and you can sleep in huts or your own bivouac. We’re sharing seven tours across the entirety of the Swiss Alps. The list includes easy Alpine tours requiring little in the way of equipment, as well as more challenging routes for which you’ll need your crampons and climbing harness.

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Clariden – stunning views near Glarus

This Alpine tour on the Clariden starts from the Klausenpass, a pass easily reachable either from eastern Switzerland via Glarus or from central Switzerland via the Schächental valley. If you start from the Klausenpass, the tour spanning 1,300 metres of elevation is very achievable within a day. Should you prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace, the Planurahütte hut is the perfect spot to stop for the night. The challenging patches lie between Rau Stöckli and the Chammlijoch near Iswändli, although there is not much of the latter left. From the saddle, you’ll reach the Clariden via the western ridge. The uppermost sections of the ridge are exposed but parts are secured with chains. This tour is classed as ‘somewhat difficult’ (WS), making it perfect for intermediate-level explorers.

Piz Tschierva – a prime location in the Bernina Range

Piz Tschierva offers a better view of the stunning Biancograt ridge than almost any other peak. While the steep, snow ridge on Piz Bernina is best left to advanced mountaineers, Piz Tschierva is a suitable ascent for beginners – provided they have a good level of fitness. Ideally, you’d start the tour from the Tschiervahütte hut, reachable via the stunning Val Roseg. The only notable challenge is a brief rocky barrier at 2,800 metres above sea level, although this is secured with chains and bolts. My tip? Stop off at Hotel Roseg on the way back to enjoy what’s said to be Graubünden’s largest dessert buffet.

Balmhorn – between Valais and Bern

Nestled between its steep-sided neighbours of Rinderhorn and Altels, the Balmhorn is located on the border between Valais and the Bernese Oberland. The normal route takes you over the Zackengrat ridge, although, contrary to what the name suggests, this isn’t a zig-zag and is primarily composed of easy walking terrain. You can either start at Hotel Schwarenbach or one of the many bivouac spots on the Schwarzgletscher glacier and its moraines. Plan to ascend and descend the steep firn field as early as possible: from lunchtime onwards, you’ll hear clattering noises from the neighbouring Rinderhorn and you need to keep an eye out for rockfalls. You’ll usually end this WS+ tour at the Sunnbüel mountain station, having passed via the Spittelmatte. Ambitious mountaineers can cross the Balmhorn and Altels via a narrow ridge and descend via the striking, Toblerone-shaped northwestern flank.

Vrenelisgärtli – the classic choice

Vrenelisgärtli is no longer a little-known destination – but if you’re looking for a varied Alpine tour with fantastic views, the route via Glärnischfirn is a great option. Reach the Glärnischhütte hut via the Klöntal valley and Alp Chäseren. Alternatively, an Alpine taxi can take you to this point. From Alp Krauchtal-Werben, you start the steep, sweaty climb to the Glärnischhütte and then the Schwander Grat ridge via Glärnischfirn. The highest point on this ridge marks the key section of the tour: a breezy climbing passage that is well-secured with chains and pegs. Once you’ve completed this, you can get to Vrenelisgärtli via a somewhat exposed ridge.

Barrhorn – an alternative route to this well-known peak

The Barrhorn is one of the highest summits hikers can reach. While you can ascend via the Turtmannhütte hut, the route via the Topalihütte hut is a more exciting option. Start in St. Niklaus. This entertaining tour is dotted with points where you’ll need to scramble. If you’re still hungry for more, the Bishorn offers an easy 4,000-metre peak just a stone’s throw away.

Bishorn – an easy 4,000-metre peak

The best way to get to the Bishorn is from the Cabane de Tracuit, a recently renovated hut that now offers a notable level of luxury – at least, by SAC standards – at 3,000 metres above sea level. The normal route to the Bishorn doesn’t feature any particularly tricky sections, apart from a spot just before the peak where you’ll need to walk on your front points. Once you’ve made it to the top, you’ll be in the midst of the Valais’ various 4,000-metre peaks, with a view of the impressive northern ridge of the Weisshorn.

Grassen – easy and enjoyable

The Grassen is poised high above the Meiental valley and serves as the bridge from the Sustenpass pass towards Titlis. If you find the normal route too easy (difficulty level: easy, ‘L’) and you like climbing, I’d recommend taking the southern face of the Grassen, which you can reach from the Sustlihütte hut via the Grassenjoch. You won’t need a lot of equipment for this: you can climb the entire section in just mountain boots. The lower portion of the route is simple wall-climbing, while the middle and upper portions feature signposted crags. The climbing is generally very enjoyable and well-secured with a few bolts. However, you can add mobile devices if you like. Once you reach the peak of the Grassen, you can either get into a cosy bivouac or return to the Sustlihütte hut via the normal route.

Map with overview of Alpine tours