If you love exploring on foot, taking in the scenery at your own pace, and discovering little hidden corners of Europe, a walking holiday with TUI is your perfect excuse to get outside and stretch those legs.
Think fresh air, incredible views, and the freedom to wander from quiet lakeside paths to dramatic mountain peaks — all while staying in hand-picked hotels and guesthouses that feel like home (but without having to make your own bed).
TUI’s walking holidays focus on giving you the best trails and scenery in Europe. Whether it’s meadows that look like they’ve been painted by the most talented artist, rugged mountain paths, or glacial lakes that reflect peaks like mirrors, there’s something for every pace and ability. And it’s not just about walking — it’s about the full experience. Stop along the way for a local treat, pop into a village café for a coffee, or take in a historical site or viewpoint that will make your camera overheat.
Best Places for Walking Holidays
Riva, Lake Garda, Italy
Riva is lively, charming, and the perfect base for Italian walking holidays. Trails range from gentle lakeside strolls to panoramic walks along the Monte Brione Peace Trail, which blends history with jaw-dropping views. You’ll wander past forts from World War I, spot wildlife like peregrine falcons, and finish with a vista of Lake Garda’s terracotta rooftops.
Mayrhofen, Austria
Nestled in the Zillertal Valley, Mayrhofen is surrounded by lush meadows and peaks that feel like they touch the sky. Hop on a cable car to access high-altitude paths, or meander through alpine meadows at a leisurely pace. Stop off at one of the many mountain huts for a slice of strudel or a local snack — the views taste even better with a bite to eat.
Chamonix, France
If you want drama with a side of adventure, Chamonix is the place. Home to Mont Blanc, this iconic spot offers both gentle trails and more challenging hikes. Cable cars make glacial lakes and high viewpoints easy to reach, so even a short walk can feel incredible.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Switzerland is a walking paradise, and Grindelwald is its gateway. With crystal-clear lakes, alpine meadows, and spire-like peaks, there’s scenery around every corner. The great thing? Even the more leisurely trails give you a proper taste of the Alps without needing to be a super-athlete.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
This Slovenian gem is perfect for peaceful pine forests, calm meadows, and dramatic passes like Vršič. Kranjska Gora is ideal if you want to wander on quieter trails while soaking up breathtaking views.
Selva Val Gardena, Italy
Set in the Dolomites, Selva Val Gardena is a trail-lover’s dream. Hike among alpine meadows, ride summer lifts to higher trails, and stop at a rifugio (alpine hut) for lunch. The combination of accessible paths and stunning scenery makes it perfect for all abilities.
Swiss Easy-Walk Highlights
Not every walk needs to leave you wheezing. Switzerland has plenty of gentle trails that let you enjoy the Alps without intense hiking. For example, the Heidi’s Flower Trail in St Moritz is a 20-30 minute walk along alpine meadows with over 200 types of flowers. Pop by Heidi’s Hut for a taste of Swiss nostalgia. Or take the Ibex Promenade in Pontresina for a 45-minute stroll, spotting ibex grazing on the mountainside — the King of the Alps, in all its glory. Lake Brienz near Interlaken offers a stunning lakeside path from Iseltwald to Giessbach Falls, complete with a picnic spot and even Europe’s oldest funicular lift.
In Wengen, the Panorama Trail offers a 360-degree spectacle, from the Lauterbrunnen valley to the Eiger’s famous north face. With wildflower meadows and mountain lakes along the way, it’s a must-do for photography lovers.
Austrian Highlights
Austria’s walking routes are perfect for gentle exploration. From the Filzenkogel Summit in Mayrhofen to the Schattberg Summit Round in Saalbach, there are trails with panoramic peaks, playful paragliders overhead, and plenty of huts to rest your legs. Zell am See offers the Sonnkogel promenade, a family-friendly route with telescopes pointing out every peak. Or take a lakeside stroll along Achensee, Tyrol’s largest lake, and finish with a ferry ride back — perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Handy Hints for a Walking Holiday
Pack wisely: Comfortable boots, layered clothing, and a lightweight rain jacket are your best friends.
Start early: Trails are quieter in the morning, and temperatures are cooler.
Use local transport: Cable cars, funiculars, and boats make higher or longer walks easier.
Hydrate and snack: Mountain air and walking can be surprisingly tiring — keep water and snacks handy.
Check trail info: Not all paths are suitable for all abilities — some require moderate fitness.
Take a camera: Views are postcard-perfect everywhere.
Pace yourself: Walking holidays are about enjoyment, not speed. Take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and soak up local culture along the way.
The beauty of a walking holiday is that you set the pace. You can wander gently through flower-filled meadows, tackle more ambitious mountain trails, or blend both for a mix of relaxation and adventure. TUI’s walking holidays are designed for convenience: hand-picked hotels in top spots, lots of trail options, and opportunities to mix in local experiences and flavours along the way. It’s the perfect blend of active holidaying and cultural immersion.
So whether it’s Italy’s dramatic lakes and Dolomites, Austria’s scenic valleys and peaks, or Switzerland’s pristine alpine meadows, there’s a TUI walking holiday waiting to help you stretch your legs, fill your lungs with fresh air, and explore Europe in the most satisfying way: on foot. Walking Holidays with TUI
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