There has been a 42 per cent increase in solo travel bookings over the last two years. And a whopping 84 per cent of those booking solo travel trips are female.
Operators and destinations are catching on to solo female travel. They’re increasingly tailoring activities and attractions to this groundswell of female globetrotters. In Switzerland, solo female travel is less of a trend, and more of a way of life.
“Women should be able to achieve their full potential in Switzerland – even when on holiday,” says Letizia Elia, head of business development and member of the executive board of Switzerland Tourism.
Letizia and the bureau have been instrumental in creating ‘100% Women’, “a campaign created by women, for women, with the aim of uniting them and providing a different perspective and new experiences – particularly in outdoor sports,” she says.
100% Women Peak Challenge
Since March 2021, the 100% Women Peak Challenge has been encouraging women to get out and enjoy the natural high of the great Swiss outdoors. More than 700 female mountaineers from 20 countries have scaled all 48 of Switzerland’s 4,000-metre peaks – in teams made up entirely of women.
This year, there’s the challenge of setting a new world record. From 15 to 17 June 2022, around 60 women from across the globe will attempt to form the longest female rope team in the world. The feat will take place on the Allalinhorn (4,027 metres) in Sass-Fee.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of this global first, sign up here before 15 April 2022.
100% women tours
You don’t have to break world records to enjoy the great Swiss outdoors in the company of other like-minded women. In partnership with Mammut Alpine School and Out and About – Switzerland Trekking, Switzerland Tourism has crafted a portfolio of mountaineering, trekking and biking expeditions for female travellers.
Like the ‘best of’ the Via Alpina, an expedition that stitches together highlights from the epic (but long) route. This soul-salving trek begins on a high in the monastery village of Engelberg. It traverses dreamy alpine scenery that leads to the Engstlensee, a mountain lake that postcards were made for.
Enjoy the cooling mist of the thundering Reichenbach Falls. Be mesmerised by the imposing Eiger North Face. Pause in charming mountain villages and cross the finish line in Montreux.
Four Headwaters Trail
Alternatively, spend four days discovering Europe’s highest water tower. There’s blissful alpine trekking – you’ll climb 1,000 metres in altitude. You can e-bike through meadows in the heart of the Swiss Alps, where some of the most important rivers in the continent have their source.
The Walker’s Haute Route
Arguably the most traditional alpine trek in Switzerland, the Walker’s Haute Route connects the two mountaineering metropolises, from Mont Blanc to Matterhorn. Once you’ve met fellow female hikers, head out from Arolla to discover your first highlight: the 3,000-metre-high Col du Tsate, replete with gem-like glaciers and shimmering turquoise lakes.
Prepare to be breathless, not only thanks to the altitude but the panorama over some of Switzerland’s loftiest mountains. Enjoy peace and quiet along the remote and wild Augstbordpass, before admiring the crowning glory: Zermatt, jutting into a brilliant blue sky.
Dream Tour in the Monte Rosa Massif
On this week-long tour, you will explore the mighty Monte Rosa Massif. Climb five 4,000-meter peaks and enjoy the flair of Italian huts. Admire breathtaking summit views before spending the night at the highest hut in the Alps, the Margherita Refuge at 4,554 metres.
This is the massif at its finest, a dream tour that will inspire your next Swiss outdoor adventure.
Alpine Tour Breithorn
You don’t have to be an athlete or spend weeks training to enjoy the magic of mountaineering. Over two days, the Alpine Tour Breithorn introduces the joys of the sport, and the beauty of Switzerland.
Your backdrop is all frosted mountains, wide glaciers and jagged ridges. Meanwhile, you learn how to use crampons and ice axes to summit a glacier. The thrill of achievement is almost as dizzying as the outlook.
100% Women Travel Hub
Wellness and mindfulness, culture, food and wine, yet more outdoor adventures… these are some of the experiences created specifically for female travellers to Switzerland and curated on the Women Travel Hub.
Think of this as a place to visit for inspiration. Before you meet with other women to enjoy spa treatments, perhaps, join a tour to learn about the important ladies of Lenzburg, or enrol in a beer-based cooking class.
It’s not only a great way to delve deeper into Swiss culture, but also make new friends in the process.
This solo female travel article was produced in partnership with Switzerland Tourism Office.
Looking for more inspiring Vacations & Travel stories? Try these…
