Home » Forum » Topics

Looking for less crowded alternatives to Zermatt and Grindelwald

switzerlandhikingtravel-tipsalps
avatar
Zoya_99
Joined:
04.03.2023
Posts: 173
Topic Starter
06.02.2025 01:32
My partner and I are planning our third trip to Switzerland, but we want to avoid the massive tourist crowds we encountered in the main hubs last summer. We are avid hikers and really prefer quiet, untouched alpine scenery over the busy resort towns. Does anyone have recommendations for hidden valleys or smaller villages that still offer great trail access? We are happy to stay in more remote huts or guesthouses if it means getting away from the typical tour bus routes. Any advice on lesser-known regions would be greatly appreciated!
20 replies in this topic
avatar
NeZnamNoPisha
Joined:
02.09.2023
Posts: 1623
03.05.2025 02:01
You should definitely look into the Val d'Anniviers. It's much less commercial than Zermatt and the hiking is absolutely world-class.
avatar
Alisa_K
Joined:
21.08.2024
Posts: 1037
01.07.2025 14:34
In reply to a previous post
I second the Val d'Anniviers suggestion. Grimentz and Zinal are beautiful and feel so much more authentic.
avatar
lubopiten_k
Joined:
27.07.2020
Posts: 2071
06.07.2025 15:43
Have you considered the Engadine valley? It's quite large, but if you stay in villages like Soglio or Maloja, it feels worlds away from the tour buses.
avatar
NeZnamNoPisha
Joined:
13.11.2022
Posts: 983
30.07.2025 22:44
In reply to a previous post
Soglio is magical, but it's a bit of a trek to get to. Definitely worth it for the views though!
avatar
Igor_Tech
Joined:
30.01.2022
Posts: 2059
01.08.2025 03:36
Try the Lötschental. It's one of the most underrated valleys in the Valais and retains a very traditional feel.
avatar
Oli_L
Joined:
01.01.2022
Posts: 1788
28.08.2025 07:10
In reply to a previous post
Lötschental is great, but be prepared for limited dining options in the evenings. It's very quiet indeed.
avatar
Zhivko_D
Joined:
10.05.2022
Posts: 401
10.09.2025 03:21
Why not head to Glarus? It's rarely visited by international tourists and the mountain scenery is rugged and stunning.
avatar
Alan_K
Joined:
12.03.2021
Posts: 860
05.11.2025 11:08
In reply to a previous post
Glarus is a hidden gem. The hike up to the Limmernsee is spectacular and you'll likely have the trail to yourself.
avatar
Alisa_K
Joined:
10.03.2025
Posts: 1682
08.11.2025 01:05
If you want true isolation, look into the Greina Plateau. It's a high-altitude tundra that is perfect for avid hikers.
avatar
Milos_S
Joined:
15.08.2025
Posts: 915
26.11.2025 13:15
In reply to a previous post
Just a heads up, the Greina Plateau requires quite a bit of physical fitness as there are no lifts nearby.
avatar
simon_v
Joined:
26.02.2025
Posts: 1385
27.11.2025 21:21
Kandersteg is a bit popular, but if you hike past Oeschinensee towards the Blüemlisalphütte, the crowds thin out significantly.
avatar
NeZnamNoPisha
Joined:
21.08.2023
Posts: 2288
19.12.2025 01:08
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the Kandersteg tip. Most tourists just hang around the lake and don't venture further up.
avatar
agata_k
Joined:
14.10.2020
Posts: 644
23.12.2025 05:19
Consider the Haslital region, specifically around Gadmen. It's a bit more rustic but very close to great high-alpine passes.
avatar
Sofiya_G
Joined:
04.04.2022
Posts: 1647
13.01.2026 06:13
I'd suggest looking into the Binntal. It's a nature park and feels like stepping back in time.
avatar
Nadiya_D
Joined:
30.04.2021
Posts: 1320
31.01.2026 03:32
In reply to a previous post
Binntal is lovely, but make sure you have a car. Public transport is quite sparse there.
avatar
Oliviya_T
Joined:
03.01.2024
Posts: 990
16.02.2026 02:07
Try the Safiental. It is incredibly remote and perfect if you want to avoid the typical Swiss resort vibe entirely.
avatar
Selekcioner
Joined:
14.06.2025
Posts: 521
27.02.2026 16:41
Is there any region in Switzerland that isn't crowded in August? Seems like everywhere is packed these days.
avatar
Marius_C
Joined:
14.01.2025
Posts: 578
02.03.2026 21:01
In reply to a previous post
Actually, if you go to the Jura mountains, you will find almost no tourists compared to the Alps.
avatar
Yulia_M
Joined:
23.04.2022
Posts: 1930
05.03.2026 15:48
Don't overlook the Leventina valley in Ticino. Very different culture and the hiking trails are wonderful.
avatar
NeZnamNoPisha
Joined:
20.03.2021
Posts: 1528
02.04.2026 06:30
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all these suggestions, I'm adding these to my list for next summer!

Want to join the discussion?

Log in to your account to post a reply in this thread.