Discovering the best inn-to-inn hiking has been Ryder-Walker’s ambition for decades now. We, like you, dream of hikes along valley floors with the mountains soaring above only to find refuge in the most charming alpine accommodations. Whether the inns we are referencing are Swiss berghauses (isolated mountain hotels), luxurious 5-star hotels, or charming B&Bs in the Scottish countryside, the magic of walking between the remote villages of Europe has never lost its magic for us. Join us on our favorite inn-to-inn hiking trips across Europe.
The Engadine Trek
The Engadine Trek is one of Ryder-Walker’s tried and true classics. It is perhaps the first and most recommended option if inn-to-inn hiking is your goal. The sunny and lake dotted Engadine valley has a chain of medieval villages that run along its length, with each village a convenient day’s walk apart. The village highlights here include the tiny and historic Guarda and Soglio as well as the lakeside Sils Maria. Perhaps the best part of the inn-to-inn hiking experience in the Engadine is the majesty of the Bernina massif which rises high above both the valley and mountain trails we follow, with the iconic red Bernina Express train running up its flank.
Berner Oberland Trek
Our Berner Oberland Trek is the quintessential Swiss adventure, showcasing the most iconic alpine scenery in the country. If dramatic peaks, lush meadows, and storybook Swiss villages are what you seek, this trek delivers in full. The route connects legendary destinations like Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Mürren, each offering stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. Traditional wooden chalets, car-free mountain hamlets like Wengen, and hidden gems such as Griesalp provide a true immersion into Swiss alpine culture. From the cascading waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, to the high passes leading into Kandersteg, every step of this adventure is framed by the timeless beauty and charm of Switzerland’s most beloved hiking region.
Heart of Austria
Bavaria is as charming as any region in Europe gets. Mountain lakes, the impressive walls of the Hoher Dachstein Massif, and the ever-photogenic streets of Hallstatt all will greet you on this unique inn-to-inn adventure. A true highlight of this trip is the multiple nights we spend in Gossau, where we stay in a historic hunting lodge that has been renovated into a world-class hotel. If you are looking for great hiking between the cutest villages you have ever seen, the Heart of Austria is for you!
Rob Roy Way
The Rob Roy Way is a historic inn-to-inn route that crosses the Scottish Munros. The trail itself connects the significant locations in the life of Rob Roy Macgregor, a legendary Scottish outlaw, including the sight of his birth, death, and the Macgregor Clan hometown of Killin. Hike directly into the site of a late Roman chapel at the Roman Camp Hotel in Callander or enjoy a sheepdog demonstration at the wool center in Aberfeldy.
Hill Towns of the Luberon
The Luberon hill towns are one of the gems of Provence. These medieval villages were constructed high atop the rolling hills that define the Luberon region, originally as a series of fortifications through the mountains, with some villages even still surrounded by stone walls and castellations. The walks between these unique French villages are as peaceful as it gets, with lavender fields, oak forests, and sweeping vineyards all setting the scene for the perfect Provence experience. High-quality hotels, gentle walks, and a deep history all await you in sunny Provence!
Italian Dolomites Trek
The Italian Dolomites Trek is another Ryder-Walker classic. Built from our favorite sections of the Alta Via trail system, our route through the Dolomites lands you in a unique Italian village every night. Including an overnight in one of the most upscale mountain huts in the alps, the Italian Dolomites Trek represents the ideal of inn-to-inn hiking. Nowhere does comfort and hospitality better than the Italians with their hoteliers deserving just as much praise as their legendary chefs. The hiking through the Dolomites is a spectacular experience as well with the dolomite spires that are the region’s namesake allowing you to look out over a landscape that is incomparable with anywhere else on earth.
Ready to explore more? View all of our Guided hiking tours here and our Self-Guided hiking tours here.
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