Whether you're visiting Switzerland for the first time or planning a dedicated Swiss Alps holiday, there are so many incredible places to visit in the Swiss Alps. You may want to extend your Swiss itinerary.
From hiking to skiing to camping in Switzerland, there are good reasons why the beautiful Swiss Alps attract millions of visitors every year.
The Swiss Alps
Although Switzerland is relatively small, it's packed with natural attractions. It boasts some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. With over two hundred peaks above 3,000 metres, many of the best places to visit in Switzerland are dominated by glaciers and the high Alps.
The Alpine countryside offers picture-postcard views that are well worth visiting at any time of year: crystal-clear Alpine lakes, ancient castles and breathtaking peaks in every direction. The Swiss Alps are also where you can discover much of Switzerland's culinary heritage.
From the most beautiful towns in the Swiss Alps to national parks and iconic Swiss landscapes. Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
Matterhorn Zermatt
Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, at 4,478 metres above sea level, the Matterhorn, with its almost perfect symmetrical pyramidal summit, is one of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps and in Europe.
At the foot of the legendary Matterhorn lies the village of Zermatt. The mountain resort attracts tourists from all over the world all year round. Zermatt offers a multitude of breathtaking vantage points from which to admire and photograph the Matterhorn. The alpine playground also offers a host of things to do at any time of year.
Matterhorn, recommended visit from Zermatt
Gornergrat rack railway
One of the most popular day trips to the Matterhorn from Zermatt. Discover the heights of the Alps and marvel at man's incredible engineering feat as you climb a glacier from Zermatt to the Gornergrat at 3,089 metres above sea level on the cogwheel railway.
Enjoy magnificent views of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps - Rothorn, Klein and the famous Matterhorn - from the observation platform, which is open all year round. Along the way, you'll pass some of the finest views in Switzerland, with the Matterhorn in permanent view.
Tickets are valid for one day; prices start at CHF 90 pp. See here for full tour details and inclusions.
Jungfrau Region
At an altitude of 3454 m, the Jungfraujoch is one of the most exceptional Alpine wonders. Situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, it is one of the most visited mountains in Switzerland.
As well as the unique glacial attractions around the Jungfrau, the neighbouring regions of Wengen, Murren, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen offer some of the best hiking trails in the world.
The great highlight of the Jungfrau region, however, is reaching the summit.
For over a century, the Jungfrau Railway has been making the journey up to 3454 metres to Europe's highest railway station.
The train travels nine kilometres from Kleine Scheidegg, through a seven-kilometre tunnel completed in 1912. Two station stops in the middle of the tunnel offer passengers spectacular views of the glacial wonders of the Alps through a window built into the mountainside.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Aletsch Glacier with views over Italy, France and Germany and immerse yourself in a world of ice at the Ice Palace.
Recommendations for visiting the Jungfrau
Take a full-day round trip to the Jungfraujoch with a return ticket and entry to the Jungfraujoch from CHF 132 per person.
Visit the Jungfraujoch from Zurich on an all-inclusive day trip. Travel over the Brünig Pass and along the shores of Lake Brienz to the Bernese Oberland to meet the cogwheel railway. Visit the Sphinx terrace and observation deck for the most breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier and wander through the tunnels of the Ice Palace at the heart of the glacier. Get full tour details here.
The Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park, located in the western Rhaetian Alps, is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Covering more than 170 square kilometres, the park has more than 80 kilometres of hiking and nature trails. The first national park was created in the Alps over a century ago, but fortunately little has changed.
A pristine wilderness of forests, lakes and Alpine mountains, the park is also home to an abundance of wildlife.
There are a total of twenty-one walking routes through the park. The Zernez park visitor centre provides maps and guides to the park. You can also book a guided walk for around CHF 35. The park closes in winter as part of wildlife conservation and protection practices.
Lugano
The Monte Carlo of Switzerland. Lugano, in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in southern Switzerland, will make you think you've landed in the Mediterranean.
Popular with celebrities and others alike for its stunning scenery and relaxed lifestyle, the city of Lugano sits on the shore of its namesake glacial lake, set against the San Salvatore and Brè mountains.
Lugano is one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, with views of Lake Lugano and the mountains.
The main square, Piazza della Riforma, has all the charm you'd expect from one of Italy's most enchanting cities, flanked by pastel-coloured Italian architecture.
Lakeside promenades, chic shopping streets and lively open-air restaurants fill the town. Not surprisingly, Lugano has long had a reputation as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, surrounded by charming Alpine towns.
Mount San Salvatore
Mount San Salvatore is part of the Lepontine Alps, located in the north-western part of the Alps. It is located in the canton of Ticino, overlooking the town of Lugano. Lake Lugano divides this mountain from the state of Italy.
Mount San Salvatore is the ideal destination for those wishing to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the breathtaking natural surroundings. It offers visitors a panoramic view of the city of Lugano, the lake and the Italian part of the country. For hiking enthusiasts, it offers the chance to climb the Via Ferrata, a climbing route used to explore the mountain. If you want to climb to the top of the mountain, you have to use the funicular railway. At the top, you can enjoy a 360° view of the area.
Mount Lema
Mount Lema is the ideal destination for mountain bikers and hang-gliding enthusiasts. Part of the Lugano Pre-Alps, the mountain is not limited to these two activities. It is a very welcoming place for hikers of all levels, offering them several paths and trails to cover. Monte Lema is known as the starting point for the famous mountain hike known as the Traversata. This hike leads to Mount Tamaro, located close to the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its summit is easily reached by cable car from the village of Miglieglia. The cable car is available from late March to early November.
Harder Kulm - Interlaken
Whether you're a romantic or an adrenalin junkie, Interlaken is the springboard for so many of Switzerland's essential experiences. The town's name comes from its location nestling between the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the mountainous highlands of Bern. Characterised by its grand Victorian hotels facing stunning mountain panoramas, Interlaken is a hot spot for a host of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking on Lake Brienze, canyoning and paragliding, which is extremely popular in the region. As one of the main stops on the Golden Pass Line, Interlaken also links many of the country's rail networks and, in turn, Switzerland's most popular attractions.
Recommendations for visiting Interlaken
Try night sledging for a starry-eyed adrenaline rush on a one-hour toboggan run.
Enjoy the views of Interlaken from above on a tandem paraglider. Enjoy mountain and lake views on a tandem flight with an experienced pilot.
Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi - Lucerne
The German-speaking city on the shores of Lake Lucerne seems to be embraced by the panoramas of Mount Rigi and Pilatus.
As the gateway to Central Switzerland, Lucerne seems to have everything within easy reach. Take a steamboat cruise on the lake, make alpine excursions to the peaks of Pilatus or Rigi, explore the traffic-free streets of the Altstadt (old town). Or take the opportunity to shop in Lucerne's many luxury shops.
Lucerne is popular with visitors to Switzerland for a reason and is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Situated at the start of the Alps, it's the ideal base from which to discover many of Central Switzerland's highlights. Its location in relation to Zurich also makes it a great option if you only have a few days in Switzerland.
Mount Pilatus:
Easily spotted from across the lake, Mount Pilatus dominates the city of Lucerne. It's just a 15-minute bus ride away, and the 2,120-metre-high summit is easily accessible via a series of two cable cars and a gondola. On the way up the mountain, at the second cable car station, there is an incredible metal toboggan run, making it an exciting experience.
Undoubtedly one of Switzerland's most popular destinations, a popular day trip from Zurich, Lucerne offers old-world charm, striking scenery and sophisticated shopping streets.
Mount Rigi:
Mount Rigi, known to locals as the Queen of the Mountains, is a breathtaking mountain range in the Alps. It is located in the centre of Switzerland, close to the cities of Zurich and Lucerne. You can visit this destination at any time, as it offers the best conditions for visitors in all seasons. However, if you are going to visit it, the morning would be the best time. It tends to become cloudy around midday.
One of the options for getting to the top of the mountain is the cogwheel train. For hiking enthusiasts, this mountain offers 120 km of trails.
Other mountains in Lucerne:
Mount Titlis:
Nestled in Engelberg, this is the highest point in the region. In fact, it rises to 3,238 metres. It's an absolutely incredible journey. You start at the bottom among the green grass, but by the time you reach the top, your feet are planted on a snow-covered ski slope.
The spectacular views over the whole region, combined with a suspension bridge and ice cave, make this a mountain experience not to be missed.
Mount Stanserhorn:
Take a simple 20-minute train ride from Lucerne and you'll find yourself in Stans at the foot of this impressive mountain. In fact, this is where mechanical engineering reigns supreme. A cog railway followed by an open-air cable car takes you up to 1900m.
Snow-capped peaks can be seen in the distance. Deckchairs are also provided so you can catch a few rays at 2000m in the sky.
Climbing isn't the only activity on offer in Lucerne. In fact, all around the lake are many beautiful little towns. Each has its own fascinating history. From the William Tell Museum in Fluelen to the glass-blowing factory in Hergiswil, the lake has so much to offer.
Lucerne sightseeing recommendations
Enjoy breathtaking views on a cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. Then enjoy an easy hike through the Alpine landscape on this 5.5-hour tour.
If not, brave the cog railway down the mountain. In fact, it's the steepest railway in the world. Then return to Lucerne by boat, admiring the view from Lake Lucerne.
Switzerland's most famous Alps; to conclude!
The Swiss countryside has so much to offer its inhabitants and visitors. So it's impossible to visit them all at once. We hope the list we've provided above will make it easier for you to decide which mountain in the Swiss Alps you want to see first.