Where to Stay in Switzerland for Hiking: 5 Best Bases (2026)
Where you sleep decides how much you hike. (Moving between several bases? See whether the Swiss Travel Pass pays off.) Here are the five bases we recommend, each with a spa option.
1. Grindelwald — best all-round hiking base
Three lift systems from the village, the Eiger out your window. Spa hotels: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel, Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald.
EasyBachalpsee from Grindelwald First
3.7 mi · 390 ft up · 2 hours round trip
♨ Soak after: Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel, Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald
EasyMürren to Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen Valley
1.9 mi · 70 ft up · 45 minutes to 1 hour
♨ Soak after: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel
2. Zermatt — for the Matterhorn
Car-free, 400 km of trails, and many hotels with pools.
3. Leukerbad — for hike & soak purists
Gemmi Pass above, the largest thermal baths in the Alps below.
4. Lucerne — city base with mountains
Day trips to Rigi, Stoos and Pilatus by boat and train. Stay lakeside or on the mountain.
EasyRigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad
2.5 mi · 100 ft up · 1–1.5 hours
♨ Soak after: Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa, Hotel Rigi Kaltbad
ModerateStoos Ridge Hike
2.5 mi · 1,250 ft up · About 2 hours (1 h 50 official)
♨ Soak after: Wellness Hotel Stoos, Swiss Holiday Park
5. Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Mürren — quiet and cheaper
Waterfall valley and car-free cliff villages. No big spas — head to Interlaken or Grindelwald to soak.
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FAQ
Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Grindelwald?
For hiking, Grindelwald: three gondolas leave from the village and you wake up under the Eiger. Interlaken is better for budget, nightlife and train connections.
How many bases should I have for a week in Switzerland?
Two is ideal: for example Grindelwald (4 nights) and Zermatt (3 nights), or Lucerne + Grindelwald.
Where should I stay in Switzerland for the first time?
Lucerne for a city with lake and mountain day trips, then Grindelwald or Zermatt for the Alps.