10 Days of Epic Hikes and Views in the European Alps Itinerary

Start your day early with breakfast at Poco Loco, where you can fuel up with hearty sandwiches and fresh coffee. Today’s epic hike is to Lac Blanc, one of Chamonix's most famous hiking destinations. Begin your journey from La Flégère cable car station and follow signs towards Lac Blanc. The hike offers incredible views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks.

Arrive at Lac Blanc by midday; take time to soak in the stunning alpine scenery. Enjoy a packed lunch by the lake or visit Refuge du Lac Blanc if it's open for some local dishes. Spend some time exploring around the lake or simply relax and enjoy the view before starting your descent.

Return to Chamonix in the late afternoon and treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at Chambre Neuf, a popular après-ski bar with live music and great vibes. For dinner, dine at Bistrot des Sports, which offers hearty meals perfect after a long day of hiking.

Travel from Chamonix to Zermatt early in the morning (approximately 2 hours by train). Upon arrival in Zermatt, start with breakfast at Fuchs Bakery & Bistro, known for its delicious pastries and coffee. Afterward, visit Gornergrat via cogwheel train for spectacular views of Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.

Descend back into Zermatt for lunch at Chez Vrony, an iconic mountain restaurant offering fantastic views alongside traditional Swiss cuisine. Spend your afternoon exploring Zermatt’s charming streets or visiting Matterhorn Museum for insights into local history.

As evening falls, head over to Papperla Pub for some lively atmosphere and drinks. For dinner, enjoy fine dining at After Seven, renowned for its innovative dishes made from local ingredients.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bäckerei Fuchs, where you can enjoy freshly baked bread and pastries. Today’s epic hike is the Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg), a popular route that takes you past five stunning alpine lakes, each offering unique reflections of the Matterhorn. Begin your hike from Blauherd, which is accessible by funicular and cable car.

Take a break for lunch at one of the scenic spots along the trail, or if you prefer, visit Restaurant Fluhalp for some local Swiss cuisine with panoramic views. Continue your hike in the afternoon, enjoying the diverse landscapes and crystal-clear waters of Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee.

Return to Zermatt in the late afternoon and relax at Bar 55, known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent cocktails. For dinner, head to Whymper-Stube, where you can indulge in traditional Swiss fondue or raclette. End your day with a leisurely stroll through Zermatt’s charming streets.

TranslatedName Begin your journey from Zermatt to Innsbruck early in the morning (approximately 4 hours by train). Upon arrival in Innsbruck, start with breakfast at Café Central, a historic café known for its elegant ambiance and delicious pastries. Afterward, take a walk through Innsbruck’s Old Town (Altstadt), visiting landmarks such as the Golden Roof and St. Anne's Column.

TranslatedName For lunch, enjoy traditional Tyrolean dishes at Gasthof Weisses Rössl. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) and Ambras Castle to delve into Innsbruck’s rich history. If time permits, take a ride on the Nordkette Cable Car for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.

TranslatedName As evening approaches, unwind at Liquid Diary, a trendy bar offering creative cocktails and live music. For dinner, dine at Dengg, known for its innovative Austrian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

TranslatedName Start your day with breakfast at Katzung Café, located in Innsbruck’s Old Town. Today’s adventure takes you to Stubai Valley (Stubaital), just a short drive from Innsbruck (approximately 30 minutes). Begin with a visit to Stubai Glacier (Stubaier Gletscher), where you can take Europe’s highest cable car up to Top of Tyrol for stunning panoramic views.

TranslatedName Enjoy lunch at Jochdohle Restaurant, located on top of Stubai Glacier and offering spectacular views alongside delicious food. In the afternoon, explore more of Stubai Valley by hiking one of its many trails or visiting attractions like Grawa Waterfall or Schlick 2000 ski area.

TranslatedName Return to Innsbruck in the late afternoon and relax at Treibhaus Bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere and live performances. For dinner, head to Lichtblick Restaurant, which offers gourmet cuisine with panoramic views over Innsbruck.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Forstner, known for its delicious pastries and coffee. Today’s adventure takes you to Berchtesgaden National Park, a pristine alpine paradise. Begin with a visit to the Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The historical significance and panoramic vistas make it a must-visit.

After descending from the Eagle's Nest, enjoy lunch at Berggasthof Obersalzberg, where you can savor traditional Bavarian cuisine with stunning views. In the afternoon, take a boat tour on Königssee, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering peaks. The serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings is truly mesmerizing.

Return to Berchtesgaden in the late afternoon and relax at Goldener Bär, a cozy bar offering local beers and a warm atmosphere. For dinner, head to Bräustüberl Berchtesgaden, where you can indulge in hearty Bavarian dishes. End your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Berchtesgaden.

Begin your journey from Berchtesgaden to Garmisch-Partenkirchen early in the morning (approximately 2 hours by train). Upon arrival, start with breakfast at Café Krönner, known for its delightful pastries and coffee. Today’s epic hike is to Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm), an impressive natural wonder featuring narrow paths carved through towering rock walls.

After exploring Partnach Gorge, enjoy lunch at Wildkaffee Rösterei, which offers delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, take a cable car up to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. The panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking and offer an unforgettable experience.

Return to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the late afternoon and unwind at Irish Pub Dubliner, known for its lively atmosphere and great selection of drinks. For dinner, dine at Werdenfelser Hof, which serves traditional Bavarian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Travel from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Füssen early in the morning (approximately 1 hour by train). Upon arrival, start with breakfast at Bäckerei Höfler, known for its fresh bread and pastries. Today’s highlight is visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe’s most iconic castles that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

After touring Neuschwanstein Castle, enjoy lunch at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, located near the castle grounds and offering delicious Bavarian dishes with stunning views of Hohenschwangau Castle and Alpsee Lake. Spend your afternoon exploring more of Füssen’s attractions such as Hohenschwangau Castle or taking a leisurely walk around Alpsee Lake.

Return to Füssen town center in the late afternoon and relax at Luigi's Eis Café, famous for its gelato and coffee. For dinner, head to Madame Plüsch Restaurant & Bar, which offers gourmet cuisine in an elegant setting.

Start your final day with a hearty breakfast at Café Frischhut, known for its delicious pastries and traditional Bavarian breakfast options. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Munich's historic city center, visiting landmarks such as Marienplatz, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), and the famous Glockenspiel. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Viktualienmarkt, a bustling market offering a variety of local produce and delicacies.

For lunch, head to Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich's most famous beer halls, where you can enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes accompanied by freshly brewed beer. In the afternoon, visit the Residenz Museum to delve into Munich's royal history or take a relaxing walk in the English Garden (Englischer Garten), one of the largest urban parks in Europe. If you're interested in art, consider visiting the Alte Pinakothek or Neue Pinakothek for an impressive collection of European masterpieces.

As evening approaches, unwind at Schumann's Bar, renowned for its classic cocktails and sophisticated ambiance. For your farewell dinner, dine at Alois Dallmayr, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite gourmet cuisine. End your day with a leisurely walk along the Isar River or enjoy some live music at one of Munich's many vibrant venues before heading back to your accommodation.