The hills come alive in summer, when the countryside becomes a mecca for trekkers. Here, five itineraries for strollers and mountain goats alike

1 The area around Grindelwald has gorgeous glaciers and an incredible variety of trails. Among the highlights: a hike that goes from Schynige Platte to Faulhorn, with the crown of the Bernese Alps—the trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains—in view (the six-hour itinerary is appropriate for athletic walkers), and the more easygoing route along the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. Families will also like the pilgrims' route from the St. Beatus Caves to Merligen. Book a room at Interlaken's Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel, whose 60,000-square-foot wellness center includes an ESPA spa, perfect for boot-weary feet (41-33-828-2828; victoria-jungfrau.ch; doubles, $656–$750). You'll find route maps at this and other hotels or at walkingswitzerland.com.

2 Glitzy St. Moritz is one of Switzerland's adventure sport capitals (with plenty of five-star hotels for pampering). Nearby rambles can take in the Morte­ratsch Glacier, one of the country's largest ice fields, in the heart of the Bündner Alps. Advanced hikers may want to clamber all the way to the summit of 10,000-foot Diavolezza. More affordable accommodations than those in St. Moritz proper include the basic but breathtaking Berghaus Diavolezza, in Pontresina, with its mountaintop Jacuzzi (41-81-839-3900; doubles, $226, including breakfast and dinner), and the Hotel Misani, in Celerina (41-81-839-8989; doubles, $160–$274).

3 Among the spectacular itineraries in Valais—the southwest section of the country, which is home to the Matterhorn—is the Swiss portion of the Tour du Mont Blanc (the famous multi-country long-distance walking route) that leads up through Val Ferret to the village of Champex. Book a night at the Hôtel Le Bél­vedére (41-27-783-1114; doubles, $130–$160). The path snakes through lush Alpine meadows and past herds of cows before heading steeply upward. Other can't-misses here include the new nature park at Binn Valley and the trails around Zermatt, where you should check into the luxe Riffelalp Resort, which has spectacular Matterhorn views (41-27-966-0555; doubles, $615–:$1,094).

4 Around Lake Geneva, oenophiles and low-key strollers can do the lovely four-and-a-half-hour walk from Lausanne to Vevey, through UNESCO-protected vineyards and charming wine towns like St. Saphorin—stop by its thirteenth-century Auberge de L'Onde for a glass of local vino (41-21-925-4900). In Montreux, home to the famous Jazz Festival, stay at the Hotel Masson (41-21-966-0044; doubles, $170–$274).

5 Italy lovers won't want to miss the romantic Valle Maggia area and its Swiss-Italian vibe. Here, walk from Aurigeno to Someo along tracks that bisect one of Switzerland's most gorgeous valleys. Bring your bikini for a dip in a cool spring along the way. Architecture buffs should include a visit to the village of Fusio, home to Mario Botta's inspired mountain church. Book a room at Casa Ambica, in Gordevio (41-91-753-10-12; doubles, $150–:$170).

P.S. Fancy some are with your walking?The Swiss Alpine Club has set up wonderful installations in a number of their Alpine aeries.