Hiking in the Alps: Best routes with lunch on the mountain

Hiking in the Alps has never been so popular!

The awesome Alps are just as breathtaking in summer as they are in winter. Check out five of our favourite routes for hiking in the Alps with lunch on the mountain. Each route has a different hiking level and can vary from a couple of hours to more than a week! So be sure to pick the right hike for you.

The Haute Route

France to Switzerland (180km/10-12 days)

Hiking level: Challenging

This iconic hike is a classic alpine trek from Chamonix to Zermatt. It passes through breathtaking scenery, including glaciers, alpine lakes, rugged peaks and high mountain passes. It is considered one of the most iconic and challenging alpine treks, from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. Hikers have the option to stay in mountain huts or hotels along the way. It’s important to note that the Haute Route is a challenging trek and requires experience in mountain hiking and mountaineering skills.

There are many great lunch spots along the Haute Route for refuelling and spectacular views. Cabane du Mont Fort offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Grand Combin. The hut serves traditional Swiss cuisine, including cheese fondue and raclette. Cabane des Dix is situated at the foot of the Pigne d’Arolla. The hut serves hearty meals, including soups, stews, and pasta dishes.

Tour du Mont Blanc

France, Italy, Switzerland (170-200km/7-10 days)

Hiking level: Challenging

If hiking in the Alps means covering the most ground and most countries, this one is for you. This trail takes hikers through three countries, France, Italy, and Switzerland, around the Mont Blanc massif.  The Tour du Mont Blanc offers stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, as well as numerous glaciers, alpine lakes, and valleys. Hikers can sample traditional dishes like raclette, fondue, and tartiflette. You can also visit local museums and cultural sites along the way. The Tour du Mont Blanc is easily accessible from major cities in Europe, including Geneva, which is only a short distance away. You can complete the trail in 7-10 days. This makes it a great option for hikers who want to experience a long-distance hike but don’t have several weeks to dedicate to the trail. This is a challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents, as well as high altitude passes. It is a popular choice for experienced hikers who are looking for a physical and mental challenge, as well as stunning alpine scenery.

There are many popular lunch spots on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Refuge du Col de Balme is located on the border between France and Switzerland. It serves traditional Swiss cuisine, including cheese fondue and rösti, as well as French dishes like croque-monsieur and quiche. The Rifugio Bonatti is located on the Italian side of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Chow down on Italian cuisine as well as local specialties like polenta and cheese.

Eiger Trail

Switzerland (10.5km/3-4 hours)

Hiking level: Challenging

Hiking in the Alps is often synonymous with world-famous mountains. This hike takes you along the base of the infamous Eiger North Face, through stunning alpine meadows and forests.  The Eiger Trail offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world. The trail passes through the heart of the Swiss Alps and offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, as well as glaciers, alpine lakes, and valleys. The Eiger Trail is a challenging hike that requires some technical skill and experience. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and exposure to high altitudes. This makes it a popular choice for experienced hikers who are looking for a physical and mental challenge. You can complete it in 2-3 days, making it a great option for hikers who want to experience a shorter but challenging hike.

There are several mountain restaurants along the way, including the Eigergletscher Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the views of the surrounding mountains. Hikers can sample traditional dishes like rösti (a Swiss potato dish), fondue (melted cheese served with bread for dipping), and raclette (melted cheese served with potatoes and other accompaniments).

Summit of the Schilthorn

Switzerland (12.9km/6 hours)

Hiking level: All levels

Hike to the summit of the Schilthorn, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to the Schilthorn summit starts from the village of Mürren and takes you through alpine meadows and forests before reaching the summit at 2,970 meters above sea level. The final ascent to the summit involves some scrambling over rocks and may be challenging for those with a fear of heights, but the stunning views from the top are well worth the effort. From the summit, you can see the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, as well as the surrounding valleys and glaciers. Overall, the hike to the Schilthorn summit is a must-do for anyone visiting the Bernese Oberland region and looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike with breathtaking views.