A variable valve drive for internal combustion engines is used for activation of gas exchange valves, in which the gas exchange valves engage different cam profiles of a camshaft driven by the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The camshaft has at least one displaceable cam segment that carries multiple different cam profiles having the same base circle section. Each one of the cam profiles is switched to be active for the related gas exchange valve, in accordance with the axial position of the cam segment relative to at least one related gas exchange valve. The axial positioning of the cam segment takes place by a setting shaft that can be rotated and is disposed parallel and next to the camshaft. The setting shaft has a guide track in which a tappet is guided, which acts on a transfer element that determines the axial position of the cam segment.