Europe is known for its food, culture, and breathtaking architecture (just to name a few reasons to visit!), but it’s the hiking and climbing regions that really take the cake. If you’re unsure of where to go next, here’s our essential guide to the Swiss Alps vs. the Dolomites, to help you decide which climb is worth it.
| Swiss Alps | Dolomites | |
| Location | Switzerland | Italy |
| Difficulty | Hard | Moderate |
| Highest Peak | Dufourspitze | Marmolada |
Why you need to visit the Swiss Alps
The picture-perfect landscapes of the Swiss Alps are synonymous with mountain climbing, and attract adventure-seekers from across the globe, ranging from beginners to advanced mountaineers. From the impressive mountains that point to the sky – including the iconic peaks of Eiger, Jungfrau, and Matterhorn – to the small fairytale-style towns, there’s no better place to face your next challenge than the Swiss Alps.
When should I go climbing in the Swiss Alps?
While it depends on your experience and your climbing ability, the best time to climb in the Swiss Alps is during the months of June through August. During this time, the weather is less volatile and much warmer.
Food in Switzerland
While in Switzerland, you’ll need to fuel up on hearty meals to sustain your climbing adventures. The must-try dishes include:
- Rösti: A delicious potato dish, similar to a giant hashbrown, is a dietary staple of Switzerland.
- Swiss fondue: Is there a more fabulous experience than dipping bread into piping hot, delicious melted cheese? Of course not.
- Nusstorte: For something sweet, this classic tart is a unique combination of walnuts, shortcrust pastry, and cream to top it all off.
- Swiss chocolates: You can’t leave Switzerland without sampling some of the finest chocolate in the world.
What visas and vaccinations do I need for the Swiss Alps?
Visa entry requirements for the Swiss Alps
Similar to many countries in Europe, most travellers from around the world, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA do not require a visa to enter Switzerland. Some travellers will need a Schengen visa, and the total stay within the Schengen area must not exceed three months in any six months.
Before you travel, make sure you check with your local embassy to ensure you are up-to-date with all entry requirements.
Vaccinations required for the Swiss Alps
Vaccinations are not a compulsory requirement to travel to the Swiss Alps. However, it is suggested that travellers are protected against tetanus, hepatitis B, rubella, and polio. Consult a travel doctor to ensure you are covered before your climbing adventure.
Most popular tours in the Swiss Alps
1. Hike the Jungfrau
Duration: 6 days
If you’re an accomplished climber or trekker and looking to make this year one to remember, a hike to the Jungfrau should fulfill your bucket list. Between steep climbs and breathtaking vistas, you can stop for a swim at secluded lakes, or enjoy all the wine and cheese that Switzerland has to offer.
You’ll need confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You will also need to prepare for adverse weather conditions that may be encountered. Most importantly, a degree of mental and physical stamina will be essential to complete the trip, as the journey will be tiring but, of course, rewarding.
Learn more about this tour here.
2. Bernese Oberland Glacier Trek
Duration: 7 days
If you’re looking for an adventure to get your heart racing, this expedition is the best place to start. Accompanied by an expert high-altitude guide, climbers will begin and end in Interlaken and traverse the Oberland Massive from east to west, come face-to-face with the Aar glacier, the Grüneggfirn glacier, and other frozen giants along the way.
The trail itself is considered to be difficult and steep, but it is by no means limited to experienced climbers. With some gentle preparation and a few basic mountaineering skills under your belt, this could easily be your next adventure for 2019.
Learn more about this tour here.
3. The Haute Route
Duration: 9 days
If you’re dreaming of a journey that is both challenging and rewarding, the Haute Route is a step in the right direction. During this trek, you’ll be treated to views of green alpine meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see, and dramatic mountain scenery while following part of the well-known Haute Route – one of Europe’s most famous treks; and for a good reason.
This spectacular adventure reaches an altitude of 2,918m (9,573ft), and most days you’ll be climbing for 6-7 hours at a time.
Learn more about this tour here.
4. Chamonix to Zermatt
Duration: 10 days
The major drawcard of this itinerary, similarly to any route in the Swiss Alps, is its jaw-dropping beauty, but also the challenge it presents to hikers and climbers. Following the Chamonix to Zermatt section of the infamous Haute Route during this trek, you’ll see the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc along with other jagged peaks that tower above you, and while the journey may feel like a rollercoaster, filled with steep ascents and descents, it is most certainly a rewarding journey.
Previous trekking experience is recommended, as the days will feature 6-8 hours hiking.
Learn more about this tour here.
What to do in Switzerland after your climb
- Sample wine in Valais: Responsible for producing over a third over the total wine production in Switzerland, and the vineyards stretch for hundreds of kilometres and beckon you to visit.
- Explore Zurich: Lively, exciting, and worthy of your time and attention, you’d regret not visiting the picturesque streets of Zurich during your travels.
- Marvel at the architecture in Basel: Located on the Rhine River, Basel is often considered one of the most underrated cities to visit in Switzerland. So, before the rest of the world catches on to this hidden spot, we suggest you visit.
Why you need to visit the Dolomites
It’s hard to imagine someone who doesn’t love Italy. From its impressive ancient ruins, culture, and colourful cities to its spectacular landscapes, the Dolomites are just another one of Italy’s best spots that need to be explored. The best part is that after your climbing adventure, you could be enjoying pasta overlooking the rolling hills that surround you or admiring the glistening waters of Cinque Terre for a dose of rest post-hike.
Regardless of your hiking and trekking goals, Italy – and the Dolomites – will show you the adventure you deserve.
When should I go climbing in the Dolomites?
Similarly to the Swiss Alps, the best time to hike is between June to August. However, the months of May and September are known to be less busy and still offer pleasant weather.
Food in Italy
Italy is well and indeed known for its delicious food, but in the Dolomites, there are plenty of local dishes that you should make time for. Simple, yet delicious, here are a few of our favourites:
- Apfelstrudel: Known as an Austrian classic, in the Dolomites this sweet dish gets a revamp with the Italians’ unique take on it.
- Polenta: Served in as many ways you could imagine, polenta can be served grilled, or as a creamy side to accompany a steaming meat stew.
- Grappas: With a long and cold winter in the Dolomites, grappas is a traditional alcoholic beverage, and is the perfect way to warm you up after a long day hiking; regardless of the season!
- Game meat: Through the Dolomites, main dishes generally consist of wild game meat such as deer, or roe deer.
What visas and vaccinations do I need for the Dolomites?
Visa entry requirements for the Dolomites
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to three months.
Vaccinations required for the Dolomites
For a climbing adventure through the Dolomites, there are no compulsory vaccinations. The World Health Organisation (WHO), however, does recommend that you consult a travel doctor before you fly to Italy and that you are covered for the measles, mumps, tetanus, rubella, polio, diphtheria, and hepatitis B.
Most popular tours in the Dolomites
1. Via Ferrata Guided Walk
Duration: 7 days
The Dolomites are known across the world as the home of great climbing adventures, and this 7-day tour is the place where dreams are fulfilled, and both experienced and beginner climbers will overcome new challenges.
Making use of the iron ladders through the Dolomites, this route uses a safe pathway where climbers can reach parts of the Dolomites that were once reserved only for the bravest adventurers.
Learn more about this tour here.
2. Dolomites Via Alta Highlights
Duration: 7 days
Considered to be one of the premier trekking destinations in the world, every trek in the Dolomites is nothing short of spectacular, and this route showcasing the vest best of the Alta Via 1 path is no exception. No trekking experience is necessary. However, trekkers should be ready to break a sweat during this adventure.
Learn more about this tour here.
3. Self-Guided Walking in the Dolomites
Duration: 8 days
Presenting travellers with more than just an endless supply of photo opportunities, a trek through the Dolomites is a soul-stirring experience. Starting in the small yet charming village of Dobbiaco, this self-guided adventure allows trekkers and climbers to explore thousands of kilometres of nearby trails at a comfortable pace.
The views are nothing short of striking, and there are plenty of opportunities for local cultural experiences along the way.
Learn more about this tour here.
4. Hiking in the Dolomites
Duration: 8 days
Sharp rock faces, alpine meadows, and soaring peaks are just a few of the memorable sights you will encounter during this unforgettable journey while hiking through the Dolomites.
Starting and finishing in Bolzano in Northern Italy, between hikes, trekkers will enjoy traditional Tyrolean cuisine, luxurious hotels where you can relax in the spa, and take in a pleasant atmosphere.
Learn more about this tour here.
What to do in Italy after your climb
- Spend time in Venice: Yes, it will be full of other tourists, and yes, it will be busy. However, this floating city is nothing short of magnificent. Spend time getting lost in the streets, and marvel at the Rialto Bridge and Doges Palace.
- Enjoy a food-filled adventure in Piedmont: For a taste of the north, Piedmont, just a stone’s throw from Turin, boasts the largest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants in Italy.
- Relax at Lake Como: After you’ve exhausted your legs hiking, climbing, and trekking your way through the Dolomites, why not spend some time lazing by one of the most famous lakes in Italy?
Hiking/Trekking Phrases and Words
- Alpine zone
- The area near the peaks
- Cairn
- A structure made of rocks used to mark a trail
- EMS
- Emergency Medical Service
- Hut
- Permanent backcountry shelter
- NPS
- National Park Service in U.S.
Did we help you make the right choice? Let us know in the comments or share your best trekking planning tips!
