places to visit swiss alps

12 best things to do in the Swiss Alps

Jul 6, 2023 • 9 min read

The Matterhorn is a must-see in the Swiss Alps © wilpunt / Getty Images

It can be hard to know where to start on a summer trip to the Swiss Alps, such is the region’s abundance of unmissable scenery, exhilarating activities, nerve-shredding alpine roads and high-altitude accommodation that makes you feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud.

Yes, you’ll want to see the Matterhorn and the Eiger – and you absolutely should – but make time for some lesser-known sights and activities too and you’ll come away with a well-rounded picture of Switzerland’s magnificent natural playground. Read on for a curated selection of the best things to do in the Swiss Alps.

1. Traverse the historic Gemmi Pass on foot

There’s something hallowed about a mountain pass – an alpine route established centuries ago by traders, pilgrims, and farmers – and the Gemmi Pass is among the most accessible. It became a tourist draw in the 19th century, when Thomas Cook brought his first ever package tour group here, and famous visitors such as Jules Verne, Pablo Picasso, and Mark Twain have all trodden its path.

Follow in their footsteps by hiking up from Leukerbad to the start of the pass, or – much easier and faster – take the leg-saving Gemmibahn cable car. From there, it’s a three-hour hike to Sünnbuel, where another cable car whisks you down to the Kandersteg Valley. Along the way you’ll pass barren peaks, turquoise lakes, flower-laden meadows, and the Hotel Schwarenbach , dating from 1742, where you can stop for a restorative drink.

Detour: Make time to explore the villages on either side of the mountain pass. Ogle the mountain view from the warm waters of Leukerbad’s thermal baths , and don’t miss the jewel-like Oeschinensee , a lake accessible by cable car from Kandersteg.

2. Ride the Verticalp to the Emosson dam

Around half of Switzerland’s electricity comes from hydropower and Emosson is one of the most interesting dams to visit because getting here is part of what makes the experience so special. From Martigny, take the Mont Blanc Express to Châtelard, where you jump on the Verticalp funicular, built 100 years ago for workers constructing the original dam. At the top, a toy-like mountain railway trundles along a cliff edge to the base of the concrete behemoth, from where a smaller funicular takes you up to the level of the reservoir.

Take time to gawp at the sheer expanse of the dam, the vast volume of water it holds back and the dizzying views over the edge, before hiking up through tranquil scenery to a second, older dam, the Vieux Emosson, where a mountain hut offers snacks, drinks and souped-up views.

3. Drive or cycle across three mountain passes

With their snaking hairpins and otherworldly landscape, Switzerland’s mountain passes are a sight to behold and a thrill to navigate. Experience three in one go by driving or cycling a circular route that takes in the Grimsel, Furka, and Susten passes.

The scenery – and the air temperature – changes constantly as you climb and descend the switchbacks, while passing lakes, craggy peaks, and glacial tongues. There’s plenty to explore en route too: the Gelmerbahn – Europe’s steepest funicular – up to the Gelmer lake; the foot of the Rhône glacier; the (now closed) Hotel Bélvèdere on the Furka pass, which is recognizable from the James Bond film Goldfinger; and the Grimselhospiz , a hotel since the Middle Ages, where you can spend a tranquil night after the daytrippers have gone home.

Planning tip : If you don’t want to drive and your legs (quite understandably) can’t hack the cycle, take the bus instead. Switzerland’s trusty yellow postbuses navigate this route daily.

4. Hike hut to hut

Switzerland’s mountains are strewn with overnight cabins in such amazing places – on mountain tops, overlooking glaciers, in remote spots hours from anywhere – that it’s hard to imagine how on earth they were built in the first place.

Hiking from one to another on a multi-day expedition is a classic Swiss experience . Plan a bespoke route on Wanderland.ch and book your cabins on the Swiss Alpine Club website , or choose an established hut-to-hut itinerary such as the Tour des Muverans, a magnificent 33km circular route which suggests overnights at Cabane Rambert and the Refuge du Lac de Derborence .

Planning tip: Cabins are very popular and tend to get booked up in high season, especially on weekends, so always reserve in advance (you can usually call to cancel if the weather doesn’t play ball). Swiss Alpine Club huts are open to non-members as well as members.

5. Follow the bisses , ancient waterways in Valais

Particular to the canton of Valais, the bisses are ancient irrigation channels, once used to transport water across alpine meadows and grazing pastures, which have been restored and repurposed into excellent hiking trails. Mostly flat but occasionally vertiginous, these paths follow the trickle of water across fields, through woods, and sometimes along the edge of a cliff.

One example of the latter is the Bisse du Torrent Neuf , which clings to the rockface above the Rhône valley and includes sections of wooden walkway pinned against the sheer mountainside. It’s all perfectly safe, but those with vertigo may want to stay away.

6. Experience the Aletsch glacier with fewer tourists

The longest glacier in the Alps, the 20km-long Aletsch snakes its way through the mountains straddling the cantons of Valais and Bern. Most visitors ride the epic mountain railway from Grindelwald to the Jungfraujoch to see it, a memorable but pricey experience you’ll usually share with tons of other people playing human Tetris .

Instead, head to the Aletsch Arena and take the cable car up to the ridge overlooking the glacier for what is arguably a better panorama of this mighty river of ice. From there, numerous hiking routes skirt its edge, and you’ll often be completely alone with the view.

Planning tip : The Aletsch is beautiful in all seasons, but in autumn the larch forests on its flanks come alive with color, which is in striking contrast to the monochrome glacier.

7. Go mountain biking in Verbier

Fans of mountain biking – or vélo tout-terrain (VTT) as it’s known in these parts – will love Verbier, which transforms itself from skiing paradise in the winter to biking nirvana across summer. The bike park offers 19km of downhill trails for thrill-seekers, while cross-country and enduro routes for cyclists of all levels meander far and wide across the 4Vallées .

If you’d like some battery assistance, don’t worry, Verbier is big on e-biking – in fact, there’s an e-bike festival in August, e-bikes for hire in rental shops, and charging points all over the area.

8. Get the best view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from Mürren

You could spend days – weeks – exploring the Bernese Oberland , one of the most beautiful alpine regions in Switzerland and a major tourist draw thanks to its big three peaks: the Eiger (ogre), Mönch (monk) and Jungfrau (maiden, or virgin). But if you only have time to visit one place in the area, please make it Mürren.

This car-free village on the slopes above the Lauterbrunnen valley was made famous by the Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (the Schilthorn summit station, high above the village, stood in for Blofeld’s lair in the film), but it has thankfully retained its sleepy alpine charm.

Hiking on the area’s network of trails is blissful: you’ll pass cow-grazed meadows, tranquil lakes, and sun-darkened wooden barns, while marmots chirp and the big three peaks loom large right in front of you.

Detour: If you’re brave enough, challenge yourself to the via ferrata , a fixed-rung climbing route that starts at Mürren and descends sheer cliffs to the hamlet of Gimmelwald.

9. Stay the night on top of the Faulhorn

One of the oldest mountain hotels in Switzerland, the Berghotel Faulhorn sits on the Faulhorn mountain in the Bernese Oberland, overlooking the twin lakes of Brienz and Spiez far below. To get there, take the mountain railway from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte and hike the 10km trail to the hotel, perched atop a scree-covered slope.

Your reward is a night at 2681m altitude with the biggest starry skies, hearty homemade food, and a comfy bed in a wood-paneled bedroom that has been welcoming guests since 1830.

Planning tip: The hotel is shut in winter, but the snow-laden path from its front door down to Grindelwald turns into the world’s longest toboggan run. To ride the 15km path, take the cable car to First and tug your sled up to the Faulhorn, about a two-hour walk. It’s worth the effort for the exhilarating descent.

10. Spot chamois and eagles in the Swiss National Park

Switzerland’s only official national park , which is located in the eastern Graubünden canton, is a true wilderness and works hard to keep itself that way. The flora and fauna are left to their own devices (tree felling, flower-picking, and hunting are not permitted), while visitors aren’t allowed to camp or make fires, nor can they do anything but hike.

Thankfully, the designated trails (which you can’t stray from) are worth all the rules, offering rock formations and untouched forests you won’t see elsewhere on the planet. Keep your binoculars handy for potential sightings of chamois, marmots, red deer, and ibex; the park’s big four animals.

Planning tip: The only places to stay overnight in the park itself are the Hotel Il Fuorn and the rustic Cluozza hut , both built before it gained national park status. Otherwise, stay in nearby Zernez and come in for day hikes.

11. See the Matterhorn from the Five Lakes trail

Yes, it’s a touristy thing to do, but you can’t come to the Swiss Alps and not see the Matterhorn (Cervin in French; Cervino in Italian), the iconic mountain which looms over the village of Zermatt .

One of the best views is from the top of the Gornergrat mountain train, where you’ll get a 360-degree panorama of the Swiss-Italian Alps and access to tourist attractions including a VR experience of paragliding over the Matterhorn.

However, if you want to leave the crowds behind (at least a little – it’s rarely quiet in Zermatt) take the gondola to Blauherd and hike the Five Lakes trail . Gazing at the reflection of the Matterhorn in three of those five lakes, you’ll understand why this famous peak, with its distinctive crooked top and relative isolation on the skyline, is considered so special.

12. Climb Le Grammont for the best view of Lake Geneva

The croissant-shaped Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is truly vast, stretching for more than 70km from Geneva in the west to Villeneuve in the east. To really appreciate its scale, make sure you get up high. A popular and easily accessible spot is Rochers-de-Naye , a 2042m-high mountain accessed via cogwheel railway from Montreux .

But for something even more spectacular – and less frequented – get the bus or drive to Le Flon in the Valais and hike via Lac de Taney up the simple but steep trail to Le Grammont. With the glittering blue expanse of the lake spread out far below, a mountainous skyline stretching into the distance, and usually, a fair gust blowing, you’ll 100% feel like you’re standing on top of the world.

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6 Best Places to Travel in the Swiss Alps (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: January 4, 2024

Home >> Europe >> Switzerland >> 6 Best Places to Travel in the Swiss Alps (2024)

Traveling to Switzerland for the first time or on a Swiss Alps adventure? Discover incredible spots in the Swiss Alps!

The allure of a hiking, skiing, and camping itinerary in Switzerland’s stunning Alps attracts millions of visitors yearly.

Table of Contents

The Swiss Alps

Switzerland is relatively small, but in spite of this, it is bursting at the seams with natural attractions and boasts some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

With more than two hundred peaks higher than 3,000 meters above sea level, many of the best places to visit in Switzerland are dominated by glaciers and soaring alps.

Discover picturesque alpine landscapes offering stunning vistas: crystal-clear lakes, ancient castles, and breathtaking mountain peaks in all directions.

You can also discover much of the country’s cultural heritage when traveling to the Swiss Alps.

From the most beautiful towns in the Swiss Alps to national parks and iconic Swiss landscapes. Here are a few of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.

When is the best time to visit Europe? See our guide on the best time of year to visit Europe based on what you want to see and do.

1) Matterhorn and Zermatt

The Matterhorn, a mountain rising to 4,478 meters, straddles Switzerland and Italy, flaunting a near-perfect pyramid shape. It’s among Europe’s highest peaks, and is also a stunning icon in the Swiss Alps.

At the base of the legendary Matterhorn is the village of Zermatt. The mountain resort attracts tourists year-round from all over the world. Zermatt offers a host of stunning vantage points from which to admire and photograph the Matterhorn, which is a site unlike any other. The alpine playground also provides a host of things to do any time of year.

Discover stories of triumph and tragedy at the Zermatlantis Matterhorn Museum and Mountaineers’ Cemetery . There are also numerous outdoor activities to enjoy in the area. You can explore a glacier, ski mid-summer, hike some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking trails, or climb one of Europe’s highest mountains.

Discover a range of travel options, including aerial tramways, funiculars, and Europe’s highest open-air rack railway, within the Swiss Alps. These innovations enable everyone to experience the iconic peaks, making the Alps accessible beyond just avid explorers.

There are many ways to experience Zermatt – though the most exciting that we recommend is through the eyes of a Matterhorn helicopter tour!

Add a River Cruise to Your Swiss Itinerary: A river cruise down the Rhine and Moselle between Paris and Zurich is a great addition to your Swiss itinerary.

One of the most popular Matterhorn day trips from Zermatt. Experience the heights of the Alps and marvel at man’s incredible engineering achievement as you climb a glacier from Zermatt up to Gornergrat 3,089 metres above sea level on the cogwheel train.

Enjoy magnificent views over the most famous peaks of the Swiss Alps – Rothorn, Klein, and the world-famous Matterhorn from the year-round viewing platform. Throughout the ride, you will pass some of the most beautiful views in Switzerland with the Matterhorn continually in view.

Tickets are valid for one day; prices start at CHF 90 pp. See here for full tour details and inclusions .

2) Jungfrau Region

At an altitude of 3,454 meters, the Jungfrau region is one of the most exceptional alpine wonderlands in the world. Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage site between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, this is another top Swiss destination. Explore amazing hiking trails around Jungfrau, and nearby spots like Wengen, Murren, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen .

The biggest highlight of the Jungfrau region is getting to the top. 

For over a hundred years, the Jungfrau railway has ascended to Europe’s highest-altitude railway station. The steep nine-kilometer journey from Kleine Scheidegg includes a seven-kilometer tunnel completed in 1912. Mid-tunnel stops provide breathtaking vistas of the Alpine glacial marvels through mountain-built windows.

Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier extending into Italy, France, and Germany. You can also delve into an enchanting frozen realm at the Ice Palace .

Visit Jungfraujoch from Zurich on an all-inclusive day trip. Travel the Brünig Pass and the shores of Lake Brienz to the Bernese Oberland to meet the cog train. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace and Plateau for the most striking vistas of the Aletsch Glacier and stroll through the tunnels of the Ice Palace in the heart of the glacier. Get full tour details here . 

3) The Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park, located in the Western Rhaetian Alps is part of the worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

Covering over 170 square kilometres; the park has over 80 kilometres of hiking paths and nature trails. The first national park was established in the Alps over a century ago, although thankfully, little has changed. 

A pristine wilderness of forests, lakes, and alpine mountains, the park is also home to an abundance of wildlife. 

The marked trails, mandatory to follow, showcase unique rock formations and pristine forests found nowhere else. Have your binoculars ready for glimpses of chamois, marmots, red deer, and ibex—the park’s prominent wildlife and some of the best fauna to see when traveling in the Swiss Alps.

There are a total of twenty-one hiking routes through the park. The park  visitor centre in Zernez  has park maps and guides. You can also book a guided hike for around CHF 35. The park closes in winter during the time of year that is part of wildlife conservation and protection practices. 

The Monte Carlo of Switzerland. Lugano, in southern Switzerland’s Italian speaking Ticino region, will have you thinking you landed in the Mediterranean.

The stunning scenery and relaxed vibe of Lugano City attract celebrities and travelers alike. It nestles by a glacial lake, surrounded by the San Salvatore and Brè Mountains

The main square, Piazza della Riforma has all the charming character you expect from any of Italy’s most enchanting cities and towns flanked with pastel coloured Italianate architecture.

Discover the allure of Piazza della Riforma, adorned with pastel Italianate buildings, at Lugano’s heart. Alongside chic shopping streets and vibrant lakeside eateries, Lugano boasts an especially renowned status as one of Switzerland’s scenic cities.

5) Interlaken

Explore Interlaken, the adventure hub in the heart of the Swiss Alps! Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this stunning town presently offers thrilling activities like hiking, day sledding , and paragliding .

You can also discover the beauty of Lake Thun in Interlaken, boasting deep blue waters embraced by surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the chance to cruise on its captivating expanse! Explore the stunning scenery with a boat ride.

During the summer, unwind along the lakeside or indulge in a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. For thrill-seekers, it’s undoubtedly an ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing adventures!

As a key stop on the Golden Pass Train Line , Interlaken connects you to Switzerland’s top attractions. Experience the essence of travel in the Swiss Alps from this vibrant town!

Enjoy the vistas of Interlaken from above on a tandem paraglide. Enjoy the views of the mountains and lakes on a tandem flight with a skilled pilot. See here for full activity details .

Lucerne is a beloved Swiss destination and is a surprisingly effortless day trip from Zurich . It offers historical charm, stunning landscapes, and upscale shopping. The German-speaking city sits by Lake Lucerne, surrounded by Mount Rigi and Pilatus panoramas.

In Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, you have a world of options. In Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, a world of options awaits. Enjoy a leisurely steamship cruise or explore the heights of Pilatus or Rigi. Wander through the car-free Altstadt (Old Town) and indulge in luxury shopping at its upscale stores.

We have put together an excellent 2 Days in Lucerne Itinerary to help you plan your stay. 

In sum, Lucerne is a top spot in Switzerland for a reason—it’s stunning all year round! Nestled at the start of the Alps, it’s perfect for exploring Central Switzerland. Plus, its proximity to Zurich makes it an ideal stop, even for a short visit.

Enjoy breathtaking views on a ride to the top of Mt. Pilatus by aerial cable car to enjoy an easy hike through the Alpine scenery on this 5.5 hr tour.

Brave the world’s steepest cogwheel railway as you descend the mountain. Cruise back to Lucerne by boat enjoying views from lake Lucerne. Get full tour details here .

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Swiss Alps – The Ultimate Guide

• April 22, 2021 November 20, 2023
• Mountains , Valleys

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Darla Uhl

Switzerland is a highly mountainous country located in Central Europe. The Swiss Alps cover roughly 60% of the country’s area. In this article, we will answer the following questions – where are the Swiss Alps? What is it exactly, and how did it emerge? Lastly, we will enumerate and discuss the various Western and Eastern Alpine Regions.

Where are the Alps?

The Alps are the most extensive and highest mountain range in Europe covering 1,200 kilometers. There are eight countries in Europe that have mountains in this range – France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. This stretches from Nice in France all the way to Vienna in Austria.

The Alps are further divided into two – the Eastern Alps and the Western Alps. You can think of the line dividing it along Lake Constance – Chur, Switzerland, Splügen, and Lake Como.

In Switzerland, this means that the Alps in Valais and Ticino are west and the ones in Grisons ( Graubünden ) are largely in the east.

Where are the Swiss Alps?

The Swiss Alps extend from both Valais in the West to Graubünden in the East. Of this, the most important blocks are the Alps in Valais, Bern, Appenzell, Glarus, Ticino, and Grisons ( Graubünden ). The Mont Blanc massif in Valais is shared with France and Italy. And the Bernina Range is shared with Northern Italy. The rest of the ranges, particularly in Bern, Appenzell, and Glarus are not shared with the neighboring countries.

The highest peaks in the entire Alpine region lie in the Swiss Alps, particularly in the Pennine Alps in Canton Valais. Here are the highest ten mountains. All mountains are in Valais, with the exception of Finsteraarhorn which Valais shares with Bern.

Top 10 Highest Mountains in Switzerland

Jungfrau and Mönch , two of the most well-known mountains in Switzerland, are the 16th and 17th highest mountains respectively. Piz Bernina , the highest peak in the Bernina Range in Grisons, ranks 20th on the list of the highest mountains.

The Swiss Alps are, in terms of farming, the summer pastures used by cows, sheep, and goats. It is higher in altitude compared to the spring pastures.

How did the Alps emerge?

In a nutshell, the history of the Alps is not yet 100% clear. But we do know that in the course of the earth’s 4,500 million years, the earth has constantly changed based on various environmental factors. Mountains, flats, and seas form and disappear over the years. Continental plates move, drift apart, or collide. We see this time and again through numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. We see glaciers recede, ice shelves break off, and more. The general assumption is that plate tectonics have contributed to the emergence of the Alps.

Plates drift a few centimeters per year. It can be measured with instruments, but normal people would hardly notice it. The Alps are actually considered a young mountainous range. By young, the definition would be 70 million years.

This is the rough timeline of how the Swiss Alps emerged :

• Triassic Period – 210 million years ago – The huge continent of Europe and Africa (Pangaea) does not have a lot of mountainous regions. It is mostly flat and keeps on getting flooded by the sea.
• Jurassic Period – 150 million years ago – The continent breaks into two – Europe and Africa. Between the two is an ocean called Tethys. Through the separation of the two continents, the plates slowly move and the flat regions slowly rise to the early Alps. This was referred to as Alpine Tethys .
• Cretaceous Period – 90 million years ago – The continents keep on coming closer together. The first continental collision took place.
• Paleocene and Eocene – The main collisional phase occurred in the formation of the Alps. It was when the Adriatic plate was thrust over the European crust.
• Present – the plate collision still occurs yearly but in a very minuscule range causing some areas to be uplifted.

As discussed earlier, the Swiss Alps can be divided into the western and eastern sides. Here we will have a look at the various alpine regions.

The Western Swiss Alps

The Western Swiss Alps cover much of the mountains in Valais and Bernese Oberland. These are high four- and three-thousand peaks and are known worldwide. Here are the alpine regions in the Western Swiss Alps:

Aletsch Glacier

At 23 kilometers, Aletsch Glacier is the largest in the Swiss Alps. Since 2001, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It is located in the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region. Riederalp and Bettmeralp lie on a sunny terrace 2,000 meters above sea level.

In winter, four ski resorts lie in the Aletsch region: Fiescheralp, Bettmeralp, Riederalp , and Belalp. They are all accessible with cable cars.

Hasli Valley

The Hasli Valley is a family-friendly resort with fantastic views of the Engelhörner, Wellhorn, and Wetterhorn. There are numerous gorgeous spots in and near this valley – the Aare Gorge , Rosenlaui , and Reichenbach Falls . In winter, it has 60 kilometers of ski slopes, 25 kilometers of hiking trails, and many more.

Crans-Montana

Crans-Montana is located on a high sunny terrace around 1,495 meters above sea level. The region consists of five sections: Randogne, Montana, Chermignon, Lens, and Icogne. They have tons of spa hotels and good infrastructure (Congress and Culture Centers, Golf Areas). It is one of the biggest tourist areas in Valais.

The winter ski resort of Crans-Montana has easy slopes in the lower sections. The upper section towards Plaine More Glacier is more difficult.

Emmen Valley

The Emmen Valley with the Emme River, 170 valleys, and hills is quite idyllic. The region is also famous due to its cheese. Due to the riches the locals obtained from their cheese exports, they built beautiful, traditional houses. Worth visiting aside from the mountains is the old city of Burgdorf and its castle.

Entlebuch has endless moorlands and forests all seemingly wild and forgotten. In 2002, it received the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve label. It is now called the “UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch” – Switzerland’s first biosphere reserve – spanning an area of over 400 square kilometers.

Frutigen Niedersimmental

The Frutigen-Niedersimmental administrative district covers several mountainous regions in Bernese Oberland. Although the areas are largely developed for tourists, most visitors are the Swiss themselves. Foreign tourists tend to skip this region, even though they have lots of awesome spots and a charming Chalet village. Popular to visit are Adelboden (a traditional Swiss mountain village 1,353 meters above sea level), Blausee in the Kander Valley, and the town of Spiez .

The ski resort of Adelboden-Lenk encompasses 170 kilometers of prepared slopes, 3 fun parks, 15 kilometers of cross-country skiing slopes, 40 kilometers of winter trails, and 3 sledding routes.

Less popular but still beautiful is the Diemtig Valley . It is a quiet valley with just a few ski lifts and cable cars. It is a place to visit if you want peace and quiet.

Goms is in the uppermost region of the Rhône valley. It has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the Roman period, it was also part of the province of Rhaetia. The Walser folk who have lived here started migrating in the 13th and 14 centuries to other valleys in Switzerland, and neighboring countries of France, Italy, and Austria.

The Church of St. Maria is a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Furthermore, several villages in Goms are part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites – Biel, Ritzingen, Selkingen, Niederwald, Gluringen, and Reckingen.

Gstaad and Saanenland

Gstaad, similar to St. Moritz, is also a luxury spa resort in the Swiss Alps. It has lots of prominent luxury hotels, boutiques, and restaurants. The village is car-free and visitors from all over the world love strolling here and discovering the boutiques. The region also hosts numerous world events such as the Swiss Open (tennis), Hublot Polo Gold Cup, the Snowbike Festival, International Week – Hot Air Ballooning, and many more.

Jungfrau Region

The Jungfrau Region is world-known mostly due to Jungfraujoch . Labeled as “Top of Europe” at 3,463 above sea level, Jungfraujoch is actually a saddle between  Jungfrau  (at 4,158 m above sea level) and  Mönch  (at 4,110 m above sea level). This place is located in Bernese Oberland.

For more detailed information regarding the Jungfrau region and Jungfraujoch, check out our article Jungfraujoch – When is the Best Time to Visit?

Les Portes du Soleil

South of Lake Geneva is the Swiss and French region of Les Portes du Soleil. In this region, they have hot springs and one of the largest ski regions in the world. With 209 lifts and 650 kilometers, Les Portes du Soleil is huge. The village of Champéry is also charming.

Leukerbad is a thermal spa town 1,402 meters above sea level. 65 warm springs can be found in various baths throughout this town. The village is car-free as well.

Lötschental Valley

Lötschental is the largest valley on the northern side of the Rhône Valley, in the canton Valais. It extends around 27 kilometers and is quite remote. In fact, it was cut off from the outside world until the beginning of the twentieth century. Occasionally, it still gets cut off from the rest of the country in winter due to too much snow. It is also a Walser village where women sometimes still wear their traditional costumes.

The ski area is Lauchernalp from 1,419 to 3,119 meters with intermediate to difficult slopes.

Verbier used to be a farming village in the municipality of Bagnes, Valais. After the connecting road to Verbier was built, it started to change dramatically. In 1949, the first ski lift was added. Afterward, around 90 more followed.

Nowadays, Verbier is a premier backcountry ski resort, not only in Switzerland but also worldwide. Verbier is known for steep slopes, varied conditions, and resort culture. The place also has welcomed prominent visitors. The British, Swedish, and Belgian Royal families have already holidayed in this place.

Val d’Anniviers

Val d’Anniviers is a Swiss valley in Canton Valais. It lies south of the Rhône Valley. It is home to six municipalities, Ayer, Chandolin, Grimentz , Saint-Jean, Saint-Luc, Vissoie, Vercorin, and Zinal.

The villages are remote and reachable via winding roads. But the area is so peaceful and gorgeous.

Val d’Hérens

Val d’Hérens is a valley formed by the Hérens glacier. This valley is home to a couple of high mountains – Dent Blanche (4,358 meters), Dent d’Herens (4,174 meters), Mont Collon (3,637 meters), and Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3,870 meters).

The “Swiss Greenland”, inhabited for over 4,000 years, Saas-Fee is surrounded by tall mountains and glaciers. The train brings guests to Alallin 3,000 meters above sea level.

The ski area has 13 mountains that are at least 4,000 meters high, 140 kilometers of prepared slopes, 1 snow park, 6 kilometers of slopes, 1 sledding, and 52 kilometers of winter trails.

Simmen Valley

Simmen Valley near Lake Thun until Lenk is not as touristy as other Swiss Alpine regions. Nevertheless, some places are well-known such as Stockhorn, Mittagfluh, and Rinderberg. Lenk is also a popular spa town with a modern Wellness center.

Sibe Brünne , as shown above, is a magical waterfall and the source of the River Simme.

In the last few years, the Canton of Uri has started to gain popularity due to the recent developments in Andermatt. Real Estate businessman Samih Sawiris and the Orascom Projects decided to invest in Andermatt. The place itself is quite special in that it is the historical center cross of the north-south and east-west traverses of Switzerland.

In winter, the area boasts over 100 kilometers of prepared slopes in Skiarena Andermatt-Sedrun. This Andermatt Swiss Alps ski area covers Andermatt, Sedrun, and Oberalp.

In case you want to visit Andermatt, I highly recommend checking out Schöllenen Gorge nearby. It is one of the most beautiful gorges in Switzerland.

Zermatt  offers a postcard view of the southwest  Matterhorn  from the steps of the  Church of Saint Mauritius  or the  Kirchbrücke Bridge.  Around the village are larch forests, 38 4,000-meter mountain peaks, and the most beautiful mountain in the world –  Matterhorn . To name two of the most important mountains, we have Monte Rosa  at 4,634 meters (the highest mountain in Switzerland) and  Dom  in the Mischabel group at 4,545 meters.

The Eastern Swiss Alps

The Eastern Swiss Alps cover the mountain resorts in Grisons ( Graubünden ), Appenzell, Glarus, and St. Gallen. Most prominent among the resorts are St. Moritz in Engadine and Davos. Some regions are quieter and laid-back. Others are world-known, chic, and expensive.

Here are the alpine regions in the Eastern Swiss Alps:

Appenzell is a region known for its somewhat “rocky” mountains, hills, and lakes. The Alpstein region and the 2,502-meter-high Säntis are both worth checking out. On Säntis, you can enjoy the views of six countries, Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), and the Alps. Appenzell is also known for its tasty Appenzeller Cheese . You can even drop by the Cheese Factory which is open daily to visitors.

Check out our articles covering some interesting places in Appenzell :

• Is Appenzell Worth Visiting?
• Aescher: Famous Restaurant at the Cliff Edge of Ebenalp
• 12 Best Things To Do in Appenzell Region, Switzerland
• Kronberg: 5 Best Things To Do (With Epic Hiking Trails)

Arosa is located at the end of the Schanfigg Valley. It has a lake in the center of the city and is surrounded by forests. Arosa rescued three bears and these now live in the 2.8-hectare Arosa Bear Sanctuary . Furthermore, they have alongside the visitor platform also a playground, a minigolf, and an Experience Trail.

Since 2013, Arosa has been connected to the ski area of Lenzerheide. The Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area has a total of 225 kilometers of ski slopes with 43 cable cars between them. It is the largest contiguous ski area in Graubünden.

Bergell / Val Bregaglia

Val Bregaglia is a valley in Graubünden quite near the Italian border and the Italian town Chiavenna. It can be reached via Maloja Pass. The valley is absolutely gorgeous with the Sciora mountain range as a backdrop. The village of Soglio was once named the most beautiful village in Switzerland. Countless artists have come here for inspiration – Alberto Giacometti, Giovanni Segantini, and Clara Porges.

Davos is a town in Canton Graubünden. It is a popular ski resort, hosts the World Economic Forum, and has one of the best tourist infrastructures in the Alps. They can accommodate up to 24,000 guests. The five ski areas in Davos include Jakobshorn, Pischa, Schatzalp-Strela, Rinerhorn, and Klosters Parsenn.

Schatzalp is 300 meters above Davos. It is a slow ski resort with all-natural snow, a luxury hotel, a botanic garden with over 5,000 summer plants, and summer toboggan. Parsenn is the largest and most modern of Davos’ five mountains.

You can also get from Klosters to Gotschna/Parsenn by cable car. Madrisa in nearby Klosters and Rinerhorn are child-friendly.

Sertig Dörfli is a Walser Village at 1,861 meters above sea level surrounded by beautiful forests and mountain peaks.

Engadine is one of the most beautiful regions in Graubünden. Or possibly even in Switzerland. It has a mixture of natural and historical wonders. You can have unforgettable holidays here and the list of things to do is quite long. This region has locals who can speak Romansh, German, and Italian.

In Upper Engadine, you will find from Maloja to S-chanf soft mountains and the river Inn. Four lakes emerged in Engadine upon the Bernina Glacier receding. In no other place in Switzerland, you will see a series of lakes near each other surrounded by mountains between 3,000 and 4,000 meters high. The following places are in Upper Engadine: Maloja, Sils , Silvaplana, Surlej, Champfèr, St. Moritz , Celerina , Pontresina , Samedan, Bever , and the Plaiv villages (La Punt, Zuoz, Madulain, S-chanf, Chapella, Susauna, Cinuos-chel). Locals speak a dialect called Putèr.

The Punt Ota bridge is used as the demarcation line to separate the Lower Engadine from the Upper Engadine.

In Lower Engadine, they speak another dialect called Vallader. The houses also tend to have a harmonic image with a small water well in the middle of the village. The valley has a mild climate and most houses are decorated with pretty flowers. Plants and vegetation would be similar to the neighboring South Tyrol, Donau, and the Mediterranean. The grounds are rich in mineral water, which led to the development of thermal and wellness baths. The following places are in Lower Engadine: Zernez, Brail, Susch, Lavin, Scuol, Guarda, Bos-cha, Ardez, Ftan, Tarasp, Sent, Vnà, Ramosch, Seraplana, Raschvella, Tschlin, Strada, and Martina.

St. Moritz , Pontresina , Guarda , and Scuol are among the more popular destinations in Engadine.

Check out our articles covering some interesting places in Engadine :

• 6 Best Villages in Lower Engadine, Switzerland
• Discovering Celerina, an Engadin Gem
• Relaxing Walk Around Lake St. Moritz, Switzerland
• Guarda: Explore This Fairytale Village in Engadine, Switzerland
• Visiting Pontresina, Switzerland: 8 Best Things To Do
• 9 Best Things To Do In Sils, Switzerland
• 8 Best Things to Do in Silvaplana Switzerland

Flims, Laax, Falera

Flims Laax Falera is marketed such that Flims is the summer region and Laax is the winter region. Flims, as seen in the image above, is a well-known summer destination owing to the beautiful Caumasee . Laax, on the other hand, is a huge ski region with 235 kilometers of prepared slopes with 5 snow-secure valley runs, 29 facilities, 4 snowparks, and the largest half-pipe for snowboarders.

Glarus has narrow, winding roads leading to unspoiled natural landscapes. Some important side valleys include Sernftal and Klöntal. Some places to visit in Glarus include Elm and Braunwald.

Check out our articles covering some interesting places in Glarus :

• 10 Best Things To Do in Glarus Region, Switzerland
• Winter Hiking and Skiing in Braunwald
• Visiting Braunwald Mountain in Summer
• Awesome Things To Do in Elm, Glarus – Revealed
• Beautiful Lake Obersee in Glarus, Switzerland

Heidiland is an important tourist area in Switzerland, popular with Asian tourists due to the cartoon Heidi . Maienfeld is the center of this tourist spot, but it also covers other areas such as Pizol, Lake Walen, Bad Ragaz, Flumserberg, and more.

Check out our articles covering Heidiland :

• Stunning Location of Heidi in Maienfeld, Switzerland
• Discover Sargans Castle in Switzerland

Lenzerheide-Valbella

Lenzerheide is a mountain resort in Canton Grisons (Graubünden) at the foot of Parpaner Rothorn. It lies between Chur and Tiefencastel.

Since 2013, Lenzerheide has been connected to the ski area of Arosa. Check out the short video of freeride skiing in Lenzerheide from MySwitzerland and see how beautiful it is:

The Arosa-Lenzerheide ski area has a total of 225 kilometers of ski slopes with 43 cable cars between them. It is the largest contiguous ski area in Graubünden.

You can also check out our article covering Heidsee in Lenzerheide:

• The Best Things to Do in Heidsee, Lenzerheide

Samnaun is located in the eastern end of Switzerland right beside Austria. It is a municipality located in Engadine. It shares its ski region with Ischgl in Austria.

Surselva , meaning above the forest, is the name of the valley of the Anterior Rhine. The Surselva region covers the villages of Brigels, Ilanz, Disentis/Mustér, Lumnezia, Obersaxen, Vals, Safiental, Medel, Tujetsch, Sumvitg, Trun, Laax, Falera, and Sagogn. The villages of Obsersaxen and Vals can trace their roots to the Walser people.

Laax and Falera are also part of the Flims, Laax, Falera ski region.

Toggenburg in Canton St. Gallen is a region that corresponds to the upper valley of the river Thur. It is surrounded by the mountains of Säntis, Churfirsten, and Speer. The highest village is Wildhaus. Other villages are Lichtensteig, Kirchberg, and Wattwil.

Val Surses ( Oberhalbstein in German) lies between Tiefencastel and Julierpass. The river Julia flows through it. The Surses community is the second-biggest area in Canton Graubünden after Scuol and after Glarus Süd the third-biggest in Switzerland. Its locals speak the dialect of Surmeiran . It covers the following places: Salouf, Riom-Parsonz, Cunter, Savognin, Marmorera, and Bivio.

In Winter, Savognin and Bivio together have 120 kilometers of prepared slopes. Check out our article Savognin – Family Ski Destination in Graubünden if you want to head over to Savognin with your little ones.

Switzerland is quite a mountainous country. And visiting the Swiss Alps is not as easy as it looks due to the sheer number of choices. But each region will have its own character. Some tourists might want to visit well-known choices like Jungfraujoch, Zermatt, Verbier, or St. Moritz. Whereas other tourists might want to visit lesser-known but nonetheless beautiful destinations like Goms or Brigels.

In any case, I hope this list of various mountains in the Swiss Alps has helped you to plan your visit to Switzerland.

• Burri, Klaus. “Schweiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra. Geografische Betrachtungen.”
• Veser, Thomas, Urs Fitze, and Martin Arnold. Merian Schweiz.

Related Posts

• Most Beautiful Villages In Graubünden
• Mountains Close to Interlaken Worth Visiting
• Closest Mountains To Geneva in Switzerland
• Closest Mountains To Visit From Lucerne
• Closest Mountains To Visit From Zurich
• Jungfraujoch – When is the Best Time to Visit?
• Jungfraujoch vs. Titlis: Which one is better?
• St. Moritz or Zermatt: Which One Is More Impressive?
• 8 Best Day Trips from St. Moritz

Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.

Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ The Peaceful Village of Bellwald, Switzerland
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Museum Mühlerama - An Honest Review
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ Andermatt or St. Moritz: Which is Better?
• Darla Uhl https://www.touringswitzerland.com/author/tswriter/ How to Travel From Mürren to Zermatt

The Swiss Alps Travel Guide

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South of Bern and Luzern , and east of Lake Geneva, lies the grand Alpine heart of Switzerland, a massively impressive region of classic Swiss scenery – high peaks, sheer valleys and cool lakes – that makes for great summer hiking and world-class winter sports.

Mürren and up to the Schilthorn

The Bernese Oberland, centred on the Jungfrau Region , is the most accessible and touristed area, but beyond this first great wall of peaks is another even more daunting range on the Italian border in which the Matterhorn is the star attraction.

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Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland

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Grand Circle of Switzerland

Switzerland may be small but is full of unique experiences. Take the scenic Glacier Express, visit the beautiful car-free village of Zermatt, visit the Matterhorn, the famous St Moritz and more on this Swiss highlight trip.

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Scenic Trains, Mountains, Lakes and Chocolate

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Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

Interlaken is centred on its long main street, Höheweg, which is lined with cafés and hotels and has a train station at each end, though the best way to arrive is by boat. The town lies on a neck of land between two of Switzerland’s loveliest lakes, and it exists chiefly to amuse the trippers on their way to the mountains.

Interlaken Ost station is the terminus for both main-line trains and those into the mountains coming from Luzern. You could get out at Brienz and do the last stretch to Interlaken Ost by boat. Likewise, from the Bern/Zürich direction, you could take a boat from Thun to Interlaken West.

Eating, drinking and nightlife

In the evenings most backpackers congregate at one of the busier hostel bars: Balmer’s is the most popular and has cheap beer; Funny Farm (Hauptstr. 36, Matten) is a maverick hostel attracting party-goers with DJs at its Club Caverne till 1.30am ( caverne.ch ).

Extreme sports

Interlaken is a real hub for extreme sports; paragliders spiral above, landing right in the town centre. If you decide to splash out on an adventure, Skywings (033 266 8228, skywings.ch ) will take you paragliding for Fr.160; agencies such as Alpin Raft (Hauptstr. 7, Matten; 033 823 41 00, alpinraft.com ) can arrange everything from rafting to ice climbing or canyon jumping, and can be booked direct or through hostels.

The cable car from Stechelberg leaps the valley’s west wall to reach the little-visited hamlet of Gimmelwald , continuing to the car-free village of Mürren . It’s worth the journey for the views: from here, the valley floor is 800m straight down, and a dazzling panorama of snowy peaks fills the sky.

Mürren is also accessible from Lauterbrunnen by taking a cable car to Grütschalp and a spectacular little cliff-edge train from there. It’s easy to do a loop by cable car and train. A cable car continues from Mürren on a breathtaking ride (20min) to the 2970m peak of the Schilthorn ( schilthorn.ch ), where you can enjoy exceptional panoramas and sip cocktails in the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant, famed as Blofeld’s hideout in the Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service .

Top image: Zermatt in front of the Matterhorn. Winter in Switzerland © Bernsten/Shutterstock

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The 10 Most Beautiful Towns You Have to Visit in the Alps

Spanning eight countries, including Switzerland , France , Italy and Germany , the Alps are Europe’s highest mountain range. The towns nestled between the peaks and the lakes of the region are all distinctive, from Montreux with its musical heritage to Aosta with its Roman roots. Here’s our pick of the best towns in the Alps.

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1. Interlaken, Switzerland

Architectural Landmark

Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The town became a popular destination for artists during the 19th century and is captured in the landscape works of Franz Niklaus König and other Swiss artists. Today, it is frequently visited by backpackers and travellers who come for outdoor pursuits such as skydiving and paragliding. The town also boasts a number of Victorian hotels, such as the Hotel Royal St George, a former monastery, and Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau, which are both listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance.

2. Lucerne, Switzerland

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4. Zermatt, Switzerland

English explorer Edward Whymper brought this town to international attention when he conquered the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s highest peak, in the mid-19th century. Zermatt provides incomparable views of the Alps, and the river Matter Vispa trickling through it only adds to the charm of this small town. There are a number of cable cars and chair lifts for skiers, and for those who have a head for heights, the Gornergrat Bahn – the highest open-air railway in Europe – runs to the summit of the Gornergrat. Almost all the cars in the town are electric, making Zermatt very eco-friendly. Other culturally significant attractions include the rock carvings and prehistoric grinding stone at Hubelwäng.

5. Aosta, Italy

Historical Landmark

Among the beautiful towns in the Alps, lies the Italian town of Aosta, in the Aosta Valley. The town is situated near the Italian entrance to the Mont Blanc Tunnel. The town has Roman roots and was once of ancient military importance due to its location. Evidence of its conflicted history is still visible in the walls of the Roman-era Augusta Prætoria Salassorum, which are preserved in almost perfect condition. A Roman theatre, an arch dedicated to Augustus, and an ancient cathedral further reveal the town’s unique culture and development. This a must-visit town for any history buff.

6. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Nestled on the Boite River, in the heart of the southern Alps, is the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Travellers come from all corners of the earth for this town’s ski amenities, boutique accommodation and scenery. In the 19th century, Cortina d’Ampezzo was a centre for crafts and produced many handmade wood, glass and copper items, leading to a growth in tourism. Important cultural institutions include the town’s Modern Art Museum, the Palaeontology Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. A famous historical landmark in the town is its basilica, constructed between 1769 and 1775. The town’s location has also provided the perfect backdrop for a number of films, such as The Pink Panther (1963) and For Your Eyes Only (1981). Cortina d’Ampezzo also has a thriving music scene, with the annual Dino Ciani Festival and Academy attracting international music lovers. You’ll spend a few days here during our Dolomites Hiking Tour , led by an expert Local Insider.

7. St Moritz, Switzerland

Found in the Engadin valley in Switzerland, St Moritz is another notable sporting town. And if you’re wondering where the Swiss Alps are at their most striking, this place is definitely up there, with unbeatable views of Europe’s majestic mountain range. The Winter Olympics have been held twice in St Moritz, first in 1928 and again in 1948. The town has since held many more sporting events, such as sailing and windsurfing competitions. The town also boasts one of the world’s oldest natural bob runs, which spans 1,722m (5,649ft) and is made from just snow and water. St Moritz is regarded as one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world and has attracted jet-setters worldwide. It has also been featured in films, such as the opening scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956).

8. Chambéry, France

Chambéry is positioned in the valley between the Bauges and the Chartreuse Mountains on the Leysse River, in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It is one of the best French Alps towns for rail travel, connecting France and Italy. Chambéry is the capital of the Savoy region, and the Château de Chambéry is evidence of this rich past; the first counts of Savoy settled here in 1285. Another important landmark is the striking Fontaine des Éléphants, built in 1838 to honour Benoît de Boigne’s work in India, where he created an army to resist the British Empire and amassed enormous landholdings. The four life-size elephants converge at the base of a column in the shape of the Savoyan cross and are topped by a statue of de Boigne.

9. Annecy, France

In the Haute-Savoie part of the Rhône-Alpes region of France, on the northern side of Lake Annecy, lies the town of Annecy . Annecy started as the capital of the county of Geneva before it was integrated into the House of Savoy. It was also a key location during the counter-reformation. Nowadays, the town hosts the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, which was established in 1960. The Rencontres Internationales d’Annecy Cinéma and Architecture has also been held here since 1999. The surrounding wooded mountains include La Tournette, Le Parmelan and Le Mont Veyrier and provide the town’s wonderful scenery. As a result, Annecy is one of the world’s favourite locations for paragliding, and a number of competitions have been held there. Landmarks in the town include the castle Palais de l’Isle, which is now a history museum, and the Château d’Annecy.

10. Bressanone, Italy

Bressanone, or Brixen, is the third-largest city and the oldest town in the region of South Tyrol in Italy. Located north of Bolzano, the town has a wealth of historical and cultural sites, such as its 10th-century cathedral. Rodenegg Castle is also located nearby, boasting a number of exquisite frescoes. The town is situated at the confluence of the Eisack and Rienz rivers and is home to a major skiing resort known as the Plose. There is also a Pharmacy Museum, which has been run by the Peer family since 1787. With its gorgeous Christmas markets, orchards and vineyards, this Alpine town has a lot to fall in love with.

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EUROPE , HIKING , SWITZERLAND · October 29, 2021 Last Updated on March 15, 2024

THE ULTIMATE SWISS ALPS HIKING TRIP GUIDE

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Switzerland is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, making it an ideal destination for a hiking trip. In September I went on a girls’ wellness getaway in Switzerland where we spent eight blissful days hiking through the breathtaking Bernese Alps.

The Bernese Alps are a mountain range of the alps made up of three peaks (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau), located in Western Switzerland, in the canton of Bern. This area of Switzerland offers excellent skiing in the winter and incredible hiking in the summer. 

If you want to plan a Swiss Alps hiking trip, this guide has everything you need to know to make it an unforgettable experience!

Where To Stay In Switzerland

The Bernese Alps are stunning and very accessible, making them an ideal destination for a Switzerland hiking trip. We chose the small village of Wengen (population 1,300), as our home base here for the duration of our getaway. Wengen is a car-free mountain town in the Interlaken area that is at the heart of summer hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

In winter, Wengen transforms into a world-class ski resort famous for the Lauberhorn World Cup Alpine ski races and has excellent skiing terrain suitable for all abilities. The picturesque town of Wengen exudes Swiss mountain charm and offers an array of great hiking trails, as well as good restaurants and upscale rentals and hotels. 

We rented our chalet from Wengen Apartments and could not be more pleased with our accommodations. Julie Doyle, the owner, is wonderful and quickly responded to our requests and questions.

We stayed in the  Chalet Bärgsunna Penthouse which sits on a hillside overlooking Wengen, just a short walk from the Wengen–Männlichen aerial cableway. This penthouse offered the perfect mix of chic alpine decor with modern amenities and was an excellent home base for our hiking getaway.

We loved the loft where we could do morning yoga and watch movies in the evenings, that three bedrooms had en suite bathrooms, and  that every room had an amazing view of the beautiful snow-capped Alps!

If you are planning a group trip to Switzerland, renting a chalet is the way to go, but if you prefer to stay in a hotel, here are some good hotel options in Wengen:

• Sunstar Hotel Wengen – Cute, four-star hotel in the heart of town, with a great breakfast and top-notch service. 
• Maya Caprice Boutique Hotel – Four-star boutique hotel in the city center, with incredible views of the Alps. 
• Beausite Park Hotel – Guests give this Wengen hotel five stars, it has an indoor pool and incredible views. 
• Hotel Edelweiss – Two-star, affordable, highly rated Wengen chalet hotel with a spa. 
• Hotel Alpenrose Wengen – Three-star hotel, alpine-style rooms, and suites with beautiful mountain views. 

How To Get To Wengen

The closest airport to Wengen is Zurich International Airport (ZRH). I flew Swiss Air direct from Los Angeles to Zurich. From Zurich, it is a two-hour (beautiful!) drive to Lauterbrunnen. Wengen is a car-free town so when you arrive in Lauterbrunnen you can leave your car there at the multi-level parking garage at the Lauterbrunnen Railway Station . Parking is about $20 per day. 

Then you take the train up the mountain to Wengen. It is a quick ride and takes less than twenty minutes, and is about $8 for a one-way ticket. The train stops briefly at Wengwald on the way up and then the next stop is Wengen.

The train runs back and forth from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen every thirty minutes so it is very easy to get back and forth to your car if you end up wanting to drive to a different area. From Wengen, you can access a multitude of hikes and you can take the train and cable cars all around the area so you won’t need your car often. We only used our car a couple of times. 

What You’ll Need For A Hiking Trip In Switzerland 

Before we get to our hiking itinerary we need to discuss the basics of what you need to know and what you will need for a hiking trip in the Bernese Alps. 

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8 Day Switzerland Hiking Trip Itinerary

Now for the fun part of the guide. Below is the exact itinerary we used for our eight-day hiking trip in Switzerland, which I have to say was by far my favorite trip I have ever done!  

I have been travel blogging for 10 years and have visited almost 60 countries, so this is a big claim, but the Bernese Alps stole my heart, and I plan to return for many more hiking (and skiing trips) in Wengen. 

Day 1: Wengen – Männlichen Trail

On our first day in Switzerland, we went on a jog to explore Wengen, had a delicious buffet breakfast (with lots of cheese!) at Sunstar Hotel Wengen , went grocery shopping, then returned to our chalet to get ready for our hike up to Männlichen. (The trailhead for this hike is literally right out the back door of Chalet Bärgsunna Penthouse  so it could not have been more convenient).

Männlichen is a 7,687-foot mountain in the Swiss Alps. The town of Wengen sits at the base of Männlichen and its peak can be reached from Wengen by the Wengen–Männlichen aerial cable car, or from the Grindelwald Terminal station using the Grindelwald–Männlichen gondola cableway.

Or you can hike from Wengen to Männlichen which is what we did since this was a hiking trip, after all. The  Wengen to Männlichen trail is a 3.6 mile, lightly trafficked, point-to-point hike with a 3,441ft elevation gain. It took us about 2.5 hours. 

This hike is rated as moderate but it should definitely be rated as  difficult . This was by far the hardest hike we did during our trip, not because it was long or technical, but because you are literally hiking straight up a ski hill with an intense elevation gain.

You can watch my Instagram stories @VanessaRivers  where I share our experience climbing this trail, which was challenging but very rewarding. The hike is beautiful, with incredible views looking down at Wengen, and well worth the effort. 

When you reach the top of Männlichen you will be exhausted and need a break. Luckily there are a couple of restaurants at the top where you can get food, rest, get warm (if the weather is chilly), and enjoy a much-earned beer before you take the cable car back down to Wengen.

TIP: The last cable car from Männlichen to Wengen is around 5pm so plan your hike accordingly otherwise you will be walking back down the mountain. Also, bring a power bar with you for this hike. The altitude makes you feel weak so it is helpful to refuel halfway, with some carbs and protein.

For dinner  we went out to Maya Caprice Boutique Hotel , an upscale (white tablecloth) restaurant with great vegetarian options and an amazing view of the Swiss Alps. I had their pumpkin squash soup and a (giant) vegetable salad with mountain cheese. Both were delicious. 

Day 2: Mürren – Gimmelwald Trail & The Mürren Flower Trail

After our intense first day hike, we wanted to have a mellow hiking day so we decided to take a day trip to explore the nearby town of Mürren. From Wengen, you take the train down to Lauterbrunnen, then take the cable car to Grütschalp Railway Station , and from there you take another train up the small mountain village of Mürren (population 450), which costs about $20 each way.

Mürren is incredible! The town is so cute and the landscape around Mürren is breathtaking. It was the most picturesque area we visited in Switzerland and possibly the most charming place I have seen on all my travels.

I think Wengen is a better place to stay for a hiking trip, purely from an accessibility standpoint, but if you don’t mind the trek, spending a few nights in Mürren would be idyllic. If you don’t stay in Mürren, I suggest at least doing a full day trip here. 

We arrived in Mürren in the late morning and had breakfast at Cafe Liv which has excellent coffee and yummy vegan pastries. Then we started off on our “hike” from  Mürrento to Gimmelwald . I put hike in parenthesis because this trail is more of a walk than an actual hike.

The trail from Mürren to Gimmelwald is a 1.7 mile (mostly downhill) point-to-point trail that is accurately rated as easy . But even though this trail is easy it was still one of my favorite hikes. This walk could not be more beautiful. It was hard not to stop every few seconds to take yet another photo.

During our walk, we passed through the small village of Mürren dotted with flower gardens, cute wood homes, and boutique hotels with colorful shutters, cows and sheep grazing against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, flower fields, paragliders soaring through the air, meadows, hillsides dotted with chalets and so much green in every direction.

It’s hard to explain how beautiful this walk is. It was so picturesque, so charming, so quintessential Swiss Alps that it honestly didn’t seem real. At the end of the trail, we stopped to have a beer at the Mountain Hostel which is right next to the Gimmelwald cable car, and of course, has an incredible view.

We then took the cable car from Gimmelwald back up to Mürren and did the Mürren Flower Trail which was another easy 1.4 mile point-to-point hike. The flower trail is stunning as well, with mesmerizing views of the Alps in every direction.

One thing I especially loved was all of the playgrounds in this area. Switzerland is a very family-friendly destination . I can’t wait to return with my daughter.

Day 3: Schynige Platte – First

On our third day in Switzerland, we did our longest hike, a 10-mile point-to-point hike from Schynige Platte to First . Schynige Platte is a small mountain ridge and a viewpoint in the Bernese Highlands. 

We took the train from Wengen down to Wilderswil Railway Station where we changed trains and then headed up the mountain to Schynige Platte. The journey takes about an hour from Wengen but is well worth it. This was by far my favorite hike I have ever done!

The train drops you off at the base of Berghotel Schynige Platte where you can have breakfast with an incredible view (check out my Instagram Reel ). After breakfast, you’ll head out on the hike which takes you through meadows and across mountain ranges where you will see: wildflowers, meandering streams, cows grazing, snow-capped mountains, and sparkling blue lakes. 

This hike is rated as hard (because of the length) but I felt like a moderate hike. The elevation gain is about  3,200 ft over the course of the hike, but the trail itself is not very steep or strenuous, especially compared to the Wengen to Männlichen hike (which was much shorter but exhausting).

What I love about this trail is that you are in the middle of nowhere, hiking along mountain ranges and it is so surreal and peaceful that it makes you grateful to just be alive. I actually had several very stressful things on my plate during this trip and this hike was like medicine for my soul. 

I don’t remember feeling anything but pure gratefulness on this trail. It is much easier to live in the moment when you are out in nature, surrounded by raw natural beauty (at least for me). We also only saw a handful of other hikers the entire day which added to the magic of this special trail.

At the halfway point on this hike, you will find yourself at a chalet called Berghaus Männdlenen which is a great spot to stop and use the bathroom and enjoy a cold beer with an amazing view. This chalet is literally in the middle of nowhere, so much so that they have to fly supplies and water for the toilets up to it with a helicopter! 

Towards the end of this hike, you will come around a bend and see beautiful lakes with towering, snow-capped mountains as their backdrop. It is such a magical spot and an ideal place to stop and take photos. 

This hike ends at the First Cliff Walk , which is a walkway suspended from a rocky mountainside, with incredible peak and valley views, that can also be accessed by gondola from the town of Grindewald. 

It’s free to do the cliff walk, which I highly recommend, and then you simply take the gondola down to Grindewald. From Grindewald you have to take a train to Zweilütschinen Railway Station , and from there you take another train back up to Wengen.

Day 4: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg – Wengen

On our fourth day in Switzerland, we woke up, went on a jog, did a yoga session,  and then set out on an easy hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, and then back down to Wengen.

We took the gondola up to the top of Männlichen for this hike and did the Panorama Trail , making our way over to Kleine Scheidegg which is a mountain range that has a small railway station, a couple of shops, and a few cute chalets where you can get drinks and food. 

This is a 5-mile hike that is rated as moderate but it is all either flat or downhill and should be rated easy in my opinion. From Kleine Scheidegg you can continue on and hike all the way back down the mountain to Wengen which is a few more miles and a very easy walk on a wide dirt road.

When you are almost back in Wengen you can stop for a celebratory beer and food at Bergrestaurant Allmend which is right along the trail and serves up delicioous cheese raclette (a must-have when you are in Switzerland!) along with gorgeous views of Wengen.

Day 5: Kandersteg – Oeschinensee

On our fifth day in Swizterland, we did the  Kandersteg – Oeschinensee Trail around Oeschinen Lake.

Oeschinen Lake is about an hour’s drive from Lauterbrunnen so we took the train from Wengen down to Lauterbrunnen Railway Station then hopped in our rental car for the scenic drive over. At the base of the mountain, you have to take a cable car up to the lake and hiking trails. 

Oeschinen Lake is such a beautiful, bright, sparkling blue color that it almost looks fake! The lake is fed through a series of mountain creeks and is rounded by snow-capped mountains, trees, and greenery in every direction. 

This hike is a 4.8 mile heavily trafficked , loop trail that is accurately rated as moderate . At the end of the hike, you can stop at the Berghotel Oeschinen which has a restaurant with delicious, healthy options and a large outdoor patio overlooking the lake.

Day 6: Rest/Work Day + Cheese Festival 

On our sixth day in Wengen, we took a much-needed rest/work day, caught up on emails, did yoga, and relaxed in our chalet . 

In the afternoon we met up with Julie the founder of  Wengen Apartments  and she took us to the Wengen Cheese Festival , which is held every September in Wengen. It was a small gathering in the heart of the village and it seemed like all the locals were there.

We ate tons of cheese (of course!), drank beer, and listened to a local band play, which was a very fun way to spend a relaxing afternoon in the Swiss Alps!

Speaking of cheese, for an amazing authentic dinner experience in Wengen try Waldhuttli (Forest Hut Wengen).  We didn’t get a chance to dine here on our trip, but I heard from locals that it is amazing for raclette and fondue!

Day 7: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg – Wengen

On our last day in Wengen, we wanted to do an easy, relaxing hike and we didn’t feel like traveling to get there so we decided to do the Panorama Trail  again from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg  and then on down to Wengen.

It was the perfect way to end the trip because it is such a beautiful, easy hike. It is also a great trail to take photos on, with the late afternoon sunshine perfectly lighting the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Wengen stole my heart on this trip and I have to admit by this point I was feeling a little sad that it was our last day in the Bernese Alps.

Day 8: Zurich 

On our last day in Switzerland, we spent the morning in Wengen, said goodbye to our chalet , then took the train down to Lauterbrunnen where we picked up our rental car from the car park and headed back to Zurich. 

In the city, we stayed at the Storchin Zurich Hotel in Old Town. This hotel is in a great location on the water and has a nice rooftop bar with beautiful views.

For dinner, we ate nearby at Hilt , which claims to be “the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. You can easily walk to Hilt from Storchin Zurich Hotel.  The only problem (for me) was that this restaurant is buffet style and after seven days of hiking and non-stop working out I wanted to eat every single thing I saw (and I pretty much did)!

Since this was a wellness getaway we ended our Switzerland trip with a run around Zurich. This was such a magical trip (honestly my favorite trip to date) so I spent most of the run plotting my return to the Swiss Alps! 

What To Wear Hiking In The Swiss Alps

A trip to the Swiss Alps involves looks of walking and hiking so you want to pack accordingly. Here are some of our top picks for what to bring along with you to hike comfortably in in the Swiss Alps. 

Hiking Accessories

Be prepared for long hiking days and bring along hiking accessories. 

When Should I Visit The Swiss Alps? 

If you are planning a ski trip to the Swiss Alps the ideal time to go is obviously the winter and spring months, December through March, when there is good snow coverage.

The most popular time for hiking in Switzerland is the warm summer months, but I suggest visiting in the fall when it is less crowded and more affordable. The beginning of September is arguably the best time to do a hiking trip in Switzerland because the weather is still good and most of the tourists have dispersed. 

We went on our girls’ wellness and hiking getaway in Wengen during the second week of September. At first, the weather called for rain all week but we lucked out and got mostly sunny days, and it was actually quite warm. There was one day that it rained while we were staying in Wengen, but we used that as a much-needed rest and workday. 

Traveling Internationally As A Vaccinated American 

Traveling as a vaccinated American in Europe was actually a great experience. This was my first international trip since the pandemic began so I have to admit I was quite nervous leading up to our departure. I was especially nervous about entry into Switzerland and re-entry into the US, but everything went smoothly. 

Switzerland officially re-opened its borders to vaccinated Americans in July 2021, so we planned our hiking trip for September 2021. Leading up to our departure I was worried they would re-instate a 10-day quarantine which would have made our trip impossible but luckily this did not happen. 

If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, somewhere else in Europe, or anywhere in the world, be sure to check that the country you want to visit is open to vaccinated travelers from your country and that they do not have a quarantine in place. You also need to check up on this daily leading up to your trip because if we have learned anything about traveling during a pandemic, it is that things change constantly and what is true one day might not be true the next.

It’s important to note that most places in Europe require you to be fully vaccinated. I had to present my vaccination card to board my flight to Switzerland and I had to present it at every restaurant we dined at during our trip. 

Switzerland did not require a negative COVID test to enter at the time of our trip, but to re-enter the US I had to present a negative COVID test and my vaccination card. For this trip, I ordered at-home COVID tests from eMed.com . This is the test I used , which (at the time) was approved for re-entry into the US for international travelers. 

This at-home test was very simple. You call an eMed doctor and do the test in front of them on your computer, and then in 15 minutes, you have the results. It was $75 for 6 tests and I took two tests with me in case I received a false positive.

It is important to note that the requirements for every country are different and the tests that are accepted seem to change constantly so it is imperative that you do your own research before your trip and ensure you choose a test that is approved based on where you are traveling from and to.

And you must do your own research to understand all the requirements for entry into the country you want to visit and re-entry into the US or wherever you are traveling home to. It’s up to all of us to slow the spread of COVID so please wear a mask and travel responsibly. 

Switzerland Hiking Trip Guide Wrap Up

As I bring this guide to a close, I think it is helpful to mention that there is pretty good cell service in the Bernese Alps. I have an international plan with T-Mobile and I had at least a few bars almost everywhere we hiked. So even if you are “out in the middle of nowhere” it still feels very safe. Also, there are chalets along every hiking trail so there are always places to stop if you want to rest and get food or drinks.

Switzerland is a very safe country. Our little group consisted of just three girls for this trip and there was not one time that I didn’t feel safe. There was also not one time that I was “over it” and wanted to go home. Of course, I missed my four-year-old daughter who was at home with her dad, but I was honestly having the time of my life on this trip, thoroughly enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and a part of me wished it would never end.

I hope you’ve found my Switzerland hiking trip guide helpful and I hope it has inspired you to plan a trip to the Bernese Alps! It is an incredible destination and I highly suggest staying in Wengen. If you have questions please let me know in the comments below. Happy travels!

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Switzerland. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

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Read More About Switzerland

• How To Travel The Swiss Alps On A Budget
• Discovering The Magic Of Lausanne
• Hiking For Cheese In Switzerland
• Things To Do In Zermatt Besides Ski
• See The Best Of Switzerland With These 5 Walks

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Eddie Menir says

March 2, 2022 at 1:06 am

This is such a great website and amazing photos! Please come to Komodo National Park. I am guide here and love to show you around. So much to see. I did interview so you can see how I tour guide. Thank you.

May 22, 2022 at 8:02 am

do you advise us getting a swiss pass for your proposed itinerary?

Rachel says

September 5, 2022 at 10:30 am

Thank you so much for this detailed blog and itinerary! I was so inspired by it that I’m following most of your itinerary and am currently in wengen! We did the Schynige Platte – First hike today and it was my favorite of all time (and I’m an avid West Coast hiker). The half price swiss train pass has been perfect for our group and we’ve added on some via Ferrata climbs to your suggestions. Really appreciate it!

July 7, 2023 at 1:03 am

We followed this itinerary almost exactly for our recent Switzerland trip and it was PERFECT! Can’t thank you enough for all the details and advice on what to do and where to stay in the area. The trails are beautiful and most are very quiet with few other tourists because they’re a bit more difficult than the super popular tourist routes. That’s exactly what we were looking for. Would love to see an itinerary like this for many other cities. Do you have any travel blogs / bloggers that are dedicated to this type of 3-4 hour day hike itineraries in other places as well? We would love to follow more. Looking at Japan next. Thanks again!

Vanessa Rivers says

July 17, 2023 at 1:53 pm

Hi Kate, so glad you found my itinerary useful for your trip! Unfortunately, we don’t have many hiking trip guides (yet) but I plan to add more as I do them and I am in the process of looking for an ambassador to specialize in writing hiking trip guides. Japan sounds amazing. Do you have any interest in writing about your hiking stories? I’ll email you. – Vanessa Rivers, Co-Founder – We Are Travel Girls

Susan Ashworth says

September 21, 2023 at 10:01 pm

Such a helpful itinerary! I’ve been trying to plan a Switzerland trip and feeling quite overwhelmed. Yours sounds perfect with all the details! Same for the one on Zermatt and the cheese hiking one. I wish you had one for the Swiss National Park area as well since I want to go to that area too! Well done!

October 20, 2023 at 1:38 pm

Hi Susan! Glad you found my guide useful! I loved this trip so much I am actually planning a Swiss Alps Travel Girls Getaway. If you’re interested in joining us email me ( [email protected] ). X,Vanessa Rivers, We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder

Karen Robilotta says

October 10, 2023 at 5:05 pm

Thank you for this amazing guide! I just returned from a month in Europe where I got to visit Zermatt and Lauterbrunnen. Like you, I loved Switzerland so much I am planning my return and plan to use your guide to help organize my next trip. Well done!

October 20, 2023 at 1:33 pm

Thanks Karen! Glad you found the guide useful! Cheers! – Vanessa Rivers, We Are Travel Girls Co-Founder

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Best Towns In The Swiss Alps (Must-Visit For Scenic Views)

Zurich and other larger cities in Switzerland are well worth a visit for sightseeing, shopping, museums, and exciting nightlife. However, for the most complete cultural and picturesque Swiss experience, visiting a few of the Alpine nation’s small villages is a must-do. Dozens of small towns dot the Swiss countryside oozing charm and surrounded by unforgettable views.

You’ll get an up-close look at medieval architecture, the ski resort culture, and post-card-perfect scenery while feeling as though you stepped into a Tolkien novel. Don’t leave Switzerland without visiting at least one of the following fairytale towns in Switzerland.

Table of Contents

Situated at the northwest end of its eponymous lake, Thun is considered the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. In addition to stunning views of the Aare River and Lake Thun, one of Switzerland’s largest and loveliest lakes, the town boasts a dazzling white 12th-century castle. 

The castle itself is reason enough to visit the town of Thun. Located less than a mile from the lake, its five floors feature a historical museum with exhibits that highlight the region’s rich and fascinating history. From the castle’s corner towers, you’ll have marvelous views of the Alps and the lake. The Knight’s Hall is still intact in the mostly-original dungeon and hosts concerts and public events. 

While exploring Thun’s famous castle is a must-do, you’ll want to stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets and ancient raised promenade to admire the row of traditional houses and browse the shops on different levels.  

Lugano is the largest town in the Ticino region and is visited for its more temperate climate and Mediterranean flair. It has all the appearance of a world-class city and is Switzerland’s third most financial and conference center. Even so, it has all the eminence of a small town with quaint villas and flower-laden parks. 

The town is situated on lovely Lake Lugano’s northern side with splendid views of numerous surrounding peaks. Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè are the closest mountains. From here, you’ll have a panorama of the lake, the town, and the alpine scenery. 

Lugano’s historic town center is traffic-free and features Mediterranean-style squares and arcades lined with Italianate Lombardy-style architecture. Located right on the shores of the lake, the Parco Civico is a magical place with subtropical foliage like olive and palm trees. The lakeside promenade will lead you to beautiful Belevedere Gardens filled with camellias, magnolias, and modern works of art. 

Lucerne is located in the mostly German-speaking part of central Switzerland on the banks of Lake Lucerne. The town has stunning lake views along with views of Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Titlis.  

Since the town straddles the Reuss River, it boasts several historic and modern bridges. One of the most memorable landmarks is the Chapel Bridge built from wood in the 14th century. It’s thought to be one of Europe’s oldest covered bridges and features 17th-century paintings that tell the story of the city’s history. 

Lucerne’s Old Town is traffic-free and beckons visitors to stroll the streets to admire the medieval architecture and browse the Swiss authentic shops and stop by the inviting cafes. 

Visiting Lucerne is a must-do day trip while in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. It’s only a 45-minute ride away by train. 

Interlaken is a popular tourist town located in the Bernese Oberland region. Its sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks were the inspiration for artists during the 19th century, and the town’s beauty is captured in the works of Swiss artists such as Franz Niklaus König. 

Today, Interlaken is frequented by backpackers and outdoor adventurers such as watersports and winter sports from windsurfing and kayaking to skiing and tobogganing. Because of its position, Interlaken has become a popular paragliding spot. Thrill-seeking paragliders fill the sky to take in glorious views of the lakes and mountains. 

Interlaken is also the gateway to Switzerland’s Jungfrau region where you can climb aboard the Jungfraujoch Express to reach what’s called the “Top of Europe” at an altitude of over 11,332 feet. 

Travelers who come to Interlaken can stay in one of a number of Victorian hotels that are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. 

Sometimes called the “Swiss Riviera,” Montreux is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland’s French-speaking region. It’s a pretty town with stunning historic architecture and a vibe that attracts artists, writers, and musicians. Home to the famous Montreux Jazz Festival , its storied musical history dates back to 1946 when the September Musical was founded. You’ll see a statue of him in town. 

Then in 1991, Freddie Mercury made his final recording at the Queen Studio. Shania Twain used to call Montreux home, and Deep Purple recorded their iconic album Machine Head here. 

In addition to a host of cultural attractions and events, Montreux has lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures all year long. You can go skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking and biking through the vineyards of Lavaux in summer. 

Zermatt is best known for the Matterhorn —brought to international attention when English explorer Edward Whymper conquered climbing the jutting peak in the mid-19th century. It’s also home to a world-famous skiing resort, one of the highest in Europe with skiing all year long. 

Combining the charm of an Alpine village with the infrastructure of a modern town, Zermatt was founded on mountaineering. You can learn all about it at the Matterhorn Museum. Other historically significant attractions include the rock carvings and Hubelwäng’s prehistoric grinding stone. 

There are countless things to do in Zermatt , many of which involve cable cars, chair lifts and mountain trains like the Gormergrat Bahn, Europe’s highest open-air railway. The views of the Alps are incomparable and the Matter Vispa river adds to the beauty. Its location on the border between Switzerland and Italy imparts a defining international flair to this small town that you’ll notice in the cafes and all around town. 

Like many Swiss towns, Brig has a grand old historic quarter. Located in the Upper Valais, its history is linked to Simplon Pass, a thrilling alpine pass that begins just outside the town’s gates. During the 19th century, Napoleon built the first manmade road in Switzerland through the pass to move his armies. 

You’ll find Stockalper Palace, an old baroque castle built between 1658 and 1678 in the historic quarter along with stately homes, hotels, and inns. The Bahnhofstrasse is lined with interesting shops to browse. 

Brig is also a popular holiday destination for the Swiss and has a lot of amazing activities to offer for travelers. It’s near the best hiking and ski regions and has its own thermal baths. The exhilarating Brigerbad Baths is one of Switzerland’s largest open-air thermal centers .  The town is also situated along the route of the Glacier Express, a scenic railway that connects Zermatt and St. Moritz via Andermatt.  

St Moritz is a luxury resort town in Switzerland’s gorgeous Engadin Valley and home to one of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts.  A notable sporting town, it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, is home to the Cresta Run world champion bobsled race, and has an outdoor Olympic ice rink. Cricket, polo, and even horse racing are held on the town’s frozen lake. Other sporting events held here include sailing and windsurfing competitions. 

Thanks to an elevation of 1,856 meters (6,089 ft), St. Moritz gets plenty of sunshine all year long. The sun became an emblem for the town in 1930. The altitude also makes for some dizzying views. 

St Moritz also has mineral springs that were discovered 3,000 years ago. This helped establish the town as a summer spa. 

Andermatt is a small town located in the heart of the Alps at the center of the Gothard Massif. A traditional, rustic ski village, it’s situated in a valley where eight mountain passes come together. The town is very picturesque and an excellent destination for winter sports. It’s known for the fluffiest fresh powder and the high altitude ensures plenty of it. Winter sports enthusiasts come to Andermatt for off-piste skiing. The ski lifts run from the village to Natschen and Gemsstock. 

Visitors also come to Andermatt in the summer for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Explore Andermatt and the surrounding scenic panoramas on foot, in a horse-drawn post coach, or with a slow train ride aboard the Glacier Express. 

Andermatt has some excellent eateries that serve classic Swiss dishes and some of the best places to enjoy a traditional fondue. 

The small town of Gimmelwald (often confused with the better-known Grindelwald) is a hidden gem in the Bernese Alps. There are no roads to Gimmelwald and its remote location is only accessible by foot or by cable car. 

The traffic-free sleepy farm village is so small there isn’t a school. The children have to travel to Lauterbrunnen to attend school. There are no glamorous ski resorts or fancy restaurants in Gimmelwald. Instead, you’ll feel happily stuck in the past amid quaint timber homes and creaky old hotels. 

Perched high on a cliff, Gimmelwald has some of the best views in the Alps with towering peaks and valleys with alpine meadows. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to the swiss alps.

Visitors coming from outside of Switzerland can take a flight to the nearest cities of Zurich,  Geneva  Bern, and Basel. Once inside Switzerland, the country’s excellent train system will get you there. You can also hire a car.

Which Swiss city is closest to the Alps?

Thun is the closest Swiss city to the Alps. 

What is the nearest Swiss Alps town to Zurich?

At 52.6 km, Lucerne is the nearest Swiss Alps town to Zurich.

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Step into the enchanting world of Zytglogge, an iconic clock tower in Bern, Switzerland with our Europe trip packages. Admire the intricate astronomical clocks and animated figurines that grace this medieval masterpiece. Discover the rich history of this landmark, which once served as a city gate and watchtower in Bern's past.Zytglogge stands as a symbol of the city's cultural heritage and enduring charm. Its impressive architecture and timekeeping mechanisms continue to captivate both locals and tourists alike.A visit to Zytglogge promises an immersive experience, where history and charm merge to create a captivating journey. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, fascinated by clock mechanisms, or simply seeking to explore Bern's cultural treasures, this clock tower offers an unforgettable connection with the city's past and a timeless glimpse into Switzerland's enchanting charm.

Step into the awe-inspiring world of The Cathedral of Bern, an exquisite Gothic masterpiece in Switzerland. With Thrillophilia Europe packages, Admire its soaring spire, intricate sculptures, and stunning stained glass windows. This historic cathedral holds immense religious and cultural significance, as it serves as the principal church of Bern.The Cathedral of Bern offers a serene and spiritual ambiance, inviting visitors to reflect and marvel at the architectural brilliance that has endured through the centuries. From its sweeping views of the city to its impressive architecture and religious heritage, this landmark promises an unforgettable experience.A visit to The Cathedral of Bern is a journey through time, where spirituality, history, and architectural artistry converge. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, appreciate Gothic architecture, or simply wish to embrace Switzerland's cultural treasures, this cathedral stands as a testament to Bern's enduring charm and religious legacy.

Titlis Cliff Walk in Engelberg, Switzerland, is an exhilarating attraction that promises an unforgettable mountain experience. Perched at an altitude of 3,041 meters (9,944 feet) above sea level, it is Europe's highest suspension bridge and a true engineering marvel. The Cliff Walk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, including the iconic Mount Titlis.Visitors can access the bridge via the Titlis Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car, which adds to the thrill of the journey. With our Europe packages, you'll step onto the suspended pathway, you'll be surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys below.The Cliff Walk is designed with safety in mind, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or photography enthusiast, the Titlis Cliff Walk provides a unique opportunity to witness the magnificence of the Swiss Alps from a truly breathtaking vantage point. It's a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the enchanting region of Engelberg.

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Switzerland

Written by Becca Blond and Joni Sweet Updated Mar 20, 2024

Switzerland's natural beauty is as addictive as its mouthwatering chocolates – one taste and you'll be left craving more. Whether you are on the hiking trails outside Zermatt, laying eyes on the iconic Matterhorn for the first time, or marveling at the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains schussing down a ski trail beginning atop the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland seduces quickly.

This landlocked central European country is home to two mountain ranges, the Alps in the south and the Jura in the northwest. But Switzerland's natural attractions don't stop with peaks and glaciers. You'll also find glimmering turquoise lakes, emerald valleys where tingling bell-wearing cows and sheep graze, charming chalets, and flower box-filled villages that look ripped from the pages of a fairytale storybook.

Amid all this natural beauty are also some fantastic urban diversions and places to visit. With four official languages (French, German, Italian, and Romansch), Switzerland has a multicultural sophistication to its cities, which all offer something different when it comes to history and culture.

French speaking Geneva is home to four major offices of the United Nations and has a large international population. German speaking Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and financial center, known for its shopping, museums, and nightlife. The capital city of Bern boasts a medieval old town with a famous moving puppet clock tower and a stunning riverfront locale.

Switzerland is a four-season destination with countless things to do for outdoor adventurists. In winter you can partake in snow sports at world-class resorts, while summers are perfect for hiking, biking, climbing, and paragliding.

Getting around Switzerland is easy. Although you can rent a car and drive, we recommend utilizing its excellent train system that goes almost everywhere in the country. Trains are fast, mostly on time, and allow you to just sit back and soak up the stunning scenery.

Explore in more depth by checking out our list of top attractions and places to visit in Switzerland

1. The Matterhorn

3. jungfraujoch: the top of europe, 4. interlaken, 6. lake geneva, 7. chateau de chillon, montreux, 8. st. moritz, 10. lake lugano and ticino, 12. the rhine falls, 13. swiss national park, 14. the albula/bernina railway line, 15. oberhofen castle, 16. swiss grand canyon, 17. gruyères, best time of the year to visit switzerland.

You'll never forget the first time you see Switzerland's most symbolic mountain, the Matterhorn. Maybe you arrive in the charming village of Zermatt, at its base , on a clear blue day and the 4,478-meter high , tooth-shaped mountain looms clearly in front of you. Or maybe it is spitting rain when you first set foot in the car-free town, and it isn't until the next morning that you witness the emblematic peak emerging from a sea of dissipating clouds. Whichever way you first see this legendary mountain, it will remain seared into your memory for years to come. It's that impressive.

One of the highest mountains in the Alps, the Matterhorn sits on the border with Italy. It has four steep faces rising to its craggy tip. Climbers have been intrigued by this mountain from the first successful summit in 1865 by British climber Edward Whymper and his team. The trip still ended tragically when four of the climbers fell to their deaths during the descent.

Today, thousands of experienced climbers come here in a summit bid each summer. There are several routes to the top of this mountain, which is not accessible by cable car. The easiest route is the Hörnligrat, which begins in Zermatt.

Things to Do at the Matterhorn

If you don't have the skills to summit the Matterhorn, there are still plenty of ways to experience the mountain. One top excursion is to ride the Gornegrat Bahn cog railway to the summit of the 1,620-meter Gornergrat mountain for stunning Matterhorn views. Europe's highest open-air cog railway, and the first fully electric train of its kind, departs from Zermatt station multiple times per day.

The ride itself is also bound to leave you speechless. Taking 33 minutes and climbing 1,469 meters it crosses dramatic bridges, passes turquoise-hued mountain lakes, and at times clings to the side of the mountain with views down into rocky ravines.

Once you reach the mountaintop, you'll find an observation deck with views in all directions including a view of Switzerland's highest mountain and the second biggest glacier in the Alps. Keep an eye out for wild ibex near the viewing platform in summer.

Europe's highest-altitude hotel, the Kulmhotel Gornegrat is also here. Besides lodging, it has a restaurant and shops open to the public. There is excellent hiking in summer, while Switzerland's highest sledding hill provides winter fun.

At the foot of the Matterhorn, lies the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort that is one of the most popular ski destinations in Switzerland , and a hiking, biking, and climbing paradise in summer.

Laid out along just a few main streets with a surreal-looking blue river running through it, motorized vehicles except for official electric taxis are banned to preserve the air quality and the town's peaceful ambiance.

Zermatt can also only be reached via helicopter (very pricy) or the Matterhorn Gotthard railway via the towns of Visp or Brig. If you drive to the region, you'll need to park your car down the valley in the town of Tasch, and then continue by train. As such, staying in Zermatt truly feels like you hiked into a remote mountain paradise.

In the winter, skiers can play on more than 300 kilometers of slopes accessed via a funicular and the Blauherd and Rothorn gondolas. In the summer, these slopes turn into hiking and mountain biking trails.

The Five Lakes Trail is one of the most popular hikes, beginning at the top of the Blauherd gondola and eventually taking you back to town via a series of five lakes, three of which you can see the reflection of the Matterhorn in on a clear, windless day. If you want to paraglide, this is also available.

Back in town, you'll find dozens of shops, restaurants (order Raclette, a cheese and potato dish that is a regional specialty), and hotels. If you are interested in history, pay a visit to the Matterhorn Museum , which tells the story of the mountain village turned international holiday resort. It also provides facts and photos from the Matterhorn's first ascent.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Zermatt & Easy Day Trips

Since 1912, tourists have been making their way to the fairytale-like village of Grindelwald for an excursion to the Top of Europe (also known as Jungfraujoch). As its name suggests, it's the highest train station in Europe.

It offers panoramic views of the UNESCO-recognized Jungfrau region that will make your jaw drop. The Sphinx Observatory, an astronomical observatory that looks like a Bond villain lair perched 3,454 meters above sea level, is the best place to see the magnificent Aletsch Glacier and the 4,000-meter peaks that flank it. With snow 365 days per year, it's also a prime spot to get a break from Europe's heat in the summertime.

This famous attraction has come a long way in the last 100 years, giving tourists lots of things to do at the top. Step into the 360-degree cinematic experience room for a closer look at the glacier and the Swiss Alps (perfect for ensuring you still get a wonderful view on a foggy day). Walk through a 250-meter-long corridor with artifacts and exhibits on the history of the miners who built the railway to Jungfraujoch—the antique mining equipment hanging on the walls will give you a deeper respect for these early pioneers.

Peek inside a giant snow globe that depicts the region with charming moving figures, like yodelers and gondolas. Then, glide through the Ice Palace. Frozen from floor to ceiling, it features smooth, icy hallways filled with ice sculptures of animals, including several penguins around an igloo.

Jungfraujoach's highly sustainable cable car, the Eiger Express , shortened the journey between Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes when it opened in late 2020. That makes it possible to summit the Top of Europe on a day trip from Interlaken or even Zurich, but if you have time, it's worth sticking around Grindelwald to hike for a few days .

The trails here are among the most beautiful in the world and most trailheads are easily accessible through the town's network of cable cars and gondolas. The aptly named Panorama Trail takes you along paths lined by wildflowers with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, while the Grindelwald First cable car station puts you on the path to the world-famous Bachalpsee lake.

You can also break up your days of hiking with adventure activities. Grindelwald First is home to a zip line that soars at 80 kilometers per hour and a mountain cart attraction that lets you race down winding gravel paths, plus a trail you can tackle on a "trottibike"—a unique cross between a scooter and a bike that's surprisingly fast.

Nestled on a strip of land between two glassy lakes, Interlaken looks like a postcard brought to life. The enchanting resort town has been a popular vacation destination for centuries, giving tourists a home base to explore the Bernese Oberland. Visit in the spring or summer to take in the striking sight of the town's lush gardens blooming with the snow-dusted Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch towering in the background.

Interlaken's proximity to Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, along with soaring alpine mountains, has helped it become the "Adventure Capital of Europe" —and it offers thrills for any taste.

Want to hike? Take a 10-minute ride on the Interlaken Harderbahn, a funicular railway that's more than 100 years old, to the Harder Kulm (Interlaken's closest mountain). A brick path lined with quirky Swiss statues takes you to the trailhead for the Harder Kulm Circular Path , a relatively easy, forested path that opens up to panoramic views of Interlaken.

From mountainside slopes, you can also take the sky on a paragliding adventure in the summer, or slip on a pair of skis and zip down fresh powder in one of five winter sports areas around Interlaken. It's also a lovely place to get out on the water. Rent kayaks, row boats, and pedal boats for a serene experience on the lakes. Or challenge yourself to wakeboarding, windsurfing, or water skiing.

The beautiful part about Interlaken, though, is that it's as much a place for excitement as it is for a laid-back retreat. Once you've gotten your share of adrenaline, wind down with a stroll on the Höheweg , Interlaken's main boulevard, or find a moment of peace at the Garden of Friendship, the country's first Japanese garden.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Interlaken & Easy Day Trips

Imagine a sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, a car-free medieval old town, covered bridges, waterfront promenades, frescoed historic buildings, and sun-splashed plazas with bubbling fountains. No wonder Lucerne (in German, Luzern) is a top spot for tourists.

Famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival . The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world's leading concert halls.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge , built in the 14th century. In a small park, lies the famous Lion Monument , a poignant sculpture of a dying lion, which honors the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution. History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium.

For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, ride the funicular to the Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne; cruise up Mt. Pilatus on the cableway; or head to the Rigi , a famous lookout point.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lucerne

Lake Geneva, Europe's largest Alpine lake , straddles the Swiss/French border, and laps at the shores of some of Switzerland's most popular cities. The city of Geneva (in French Genève; in German Genf) sits between pretty snowcapped peaks at the point where the Rhône spills into Lake Geneva.

This French-speaking "capital of peace" is the European seat of the United Nations and exudes a pleasing blend of French joie de vivre and Swiss structure. Promenades, parks, and gardens surround the lake, and the old town is a lovely spot to stroll among the historic buildings. The Jet d'Eau , a fountain in Lake Geneva shooting water 150 meters into the air, is a famous landmark. Cultural attractions include the Opera House and the Grand Théâtre , which stages international acts.

Also on the lake, about 62 kilometers from Geneva, Lausanne boasts lovely views over the surrounding region and the lake, with the Alps rising in the distance. Take a stroll through the medieval old town with its cute cafés and boutiques and stunning Gothic cathedral. At the foot of the Alps, on Lake Geneva, Montreux hosts the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Geneva

On the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux , the Chateau de Chillon (Chillon Castle) has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Lord Byron, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are among the luminaries who have written about this architectural treasure.

Once the stronghold of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy from the 12th century, the complex encompasses about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. Highlights include the Great Halls, with magnificent views of Lake Geneva; the Gothic underground rooms; the Chapel , adorned with 14th-century paintings; and the Camera Domini , a bedroom occupied by the Duke of Savoy decorated with medieval murals.

St. Moritz is a city of firsts. The world's first electric light clicked on here in December 1878. In 1889 it hosted the Alps' first golf tournament and in 1935 began operating one of Switzerland's first ski lifts. Additionally, the town is considered the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism after a hotelier convinced British summer guests to winter here in 1864. It went on to host the Winter Olympics twice (1928 and 1948).

In the Upper Engadin region in southeast Switzerland, in a valley surrounded by the Alps, today it is one of the world's most ritzy ski resorts , favored by billionaires and celebrities. It has 350 kilometers of ski and snowboard runs with some of Switzerland's steepest terrain.

Winter sports run the gamut, from skiing, snowboarding, skating, and bobsledding to tobogganing. One of the oldest natural ice runs for toboggans on the planet is found here, the famous 1.2-kilometer-long Cresta Run . There is also a snowboard fun park and 150 kilometers of winter walking and cross-country ski trails.

In summer, St. Moritz attracts hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and rock climbers. If you prefer to golf, you can play four courses with fantastic mountain views. You can also enjoy the iron-rich natural mineral hot springs here year-round. They were discovered about 3,000 years ago.

Adding to all this spectacular mountain scenery, St. Moritz is a cultural crossroads. Romansch, German, Italian, French, and English are all spoken in the surrounding areas, not to mention the different languages of the many well-heeled international visitors and expats.

The town is divided into two parts: St. Moritz Dorf sits on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lake of St. Moritz. The other part of town, lakeside St. Moritz Bad on the valley floor, is a health resort with less expensive lodging.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in St. Moritz & Easy Day Trips

In a stunning location, perched on a peninsula of the River Aare, the Swiss capital of Bern exudes old-world charm, and the city's medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling along the cobbled streets, visitors can explore the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, with panoramic views from its tower; 16th-century fountains; the Zytglogge medieval clock tower with moving puppets; and six kilometers of shopping arcades, called " Lauben " by the locals. The Rose Garden (Rosengarten) offers beautiful views of the old town center.

Bern has many tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, including excellent museums. Art lovers will appreciate the impressive galleries, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world's largest collection of works by this famous artist, and the Bern Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum).

Don't miss the markets, held in the Bundesplatz (parliament square) with views of the elegant Renaissance-style parliament building (Bundeshaus). Families will also enjoy a visit to the Bear Park.

Lake Lugano lies on the Swiss/Italian border in Ticino, Switzerland's only official Italian-speaking canton, and offers a tantalizing taste of the Mediterranean. Citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates flourish in the mild climate here–even as snowcapped peaks beckon in the distance.

In the towns around Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore to the west, the feel of Italy is unmistakable in the architecture, the piazzas, and the passion for fine food, which spills over the Italian borders from the south, east, and west.

Visitors can explore the area by touring the lake on one of the white steamers or renting a boat. For a panoramic overview, Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside, lake, and snow-capped peaks.

Lugano , a financial center and the largest and most significant town in Ticino, is a popular summer resort. Northwest of Lugano, in sun-drenched Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Swiss lakeside living takes on a subtropical touch with warm days, blossoming gardens, and palm-studded estates. In Bellinzona , capital of the canton, three magnificent castles are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lugano, Locarno, and the Ticino Region

Zurich is Switzerland's largest city, a major transportation hub, and a top starting point for travelers. The city lies at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich astride the river Limmat. Beyond its buttoned-up façade, this affluent banking capital boasts a rich line-up of cultural treasures.

A great place to begin a walking tour is the cobbled streets of the Old Town with its quaint shops, cafés, and galleries. Mile-long Bahnhofstrasse , one of Europe's finest shopping strands, beckons with designer stores selling fashion, watches, and jewelry.

Venturing away from the boutiques, visitors will find more than 50 museums and 100 art galleries, as well as many other tourist attractions . A top pick is the Kunsthaus Zürich , the museum of fine arts, with an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Another favorite is the Rietberg Museum , which focuses on non-European art with many works from China, India, and Africa.

A short stroll from Zürich's main station, the Swiss National Museum , in a Gothic chateau, spotlights Swiss cultural history. Families will love the Zurich Zoo with an elephant park, penguin parade, and Madagascar pavilion. From the city, take a train ride to Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and countryside.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Zürich

Spanning 150 meters, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) at Schaffhausen are the largest falls in Europe. The best time to visit is during June and July when the mountain snow melts, and the falls swell in volume to spill over a 21-meter-high ledge of Jurassic limestone.

Boat trips up the Rhine provide excellent views of the falls, as do the viewing platforms on both sides of the river.

Founded in 1914, Swiss National Park in the Engadine Valley is the oldest reserve in the Alps. The park sits right on the border with Italy and encompasses more than 170 square kilometers of flower-dotted hollows, fast-flowing rivers, and limestone crags. The scenery is especially dramatic in winter when the forested mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, and the views from the cross-country ski trails are stunning.

Nature lovers can explore the region on the large network of trails, though veering off these paths is forbidden in an effort to preserve the natural ecosystems. More than 5,000 species of wildlife call the park home, including marmot, red deer, chamois, ibex, fox, and more than 100 species of birds.

One of the very few railway lines in the world designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing, the Albula/Bernina line on the Rheatian Railways offers a majestic ride not to be missed. The route extends throughout the Albula and Bernina landscapes, covering 122 kilometers and winding through almost 200 bridges, the Graubünden mountains, and a number of tunnels and viaducts along the way.

A ride on this train means panoramic seats that overlook unspoiled mountain landscapes, including the Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps at just over 4,000 meters tall. The train operates all year long, and the views are just as magical in summer as they are in winter.

Right on the shore of Lake Thun and surrounded by a 2.5-hectare park, this 13th-century castle is one of the most breathtaking in Switzerland. Because Oberhofen Castle changed hands many times through the centuries, and new owners kept adding rooms to it, the result is a magical mix of many styles: Bernese Baroque-style buildings, Romantic-style facades, and Prussian-inspired exotic new areas (including a library and a smoking room).

The castle also houses a living museum showcasing the times and lives of feudal societies that called the castle (and its surroundings) home from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The Ruinaulta (also known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon") is a deep gorge surrounded by expansive meadows and forested cliffs. Located in Eastern Switzerland, it was created over 10,000 years ago–when the Ice Age Rhine Glacier retreated, it led to a chain of events that resulted in a massive rockslide in the Rhine Valley. As the Rhine River seeped through the rock walls, the gorge was filled with water.

Today, the Swiss Grand Canyon is not only one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland, but also a preferred destination for hikers, bird-watchers, and nature lovers. It's possible to raft the rapids here between May and October, or rent a canoe or kayak for a gentler route with stunning views of the steep cliffs all around.

Even if you don't know anything about this small medieval town, you've probably heard about the hard yellow cheese that made its name famous. Today, that's one of the town's main attractions. Visitors can tour a cheese factory, sample the local specialties, and wave to the cows that call the surrounding green hills home. If cheese isn't enough, the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory also operates in town.

Gruyères might be tiny – it covers an area of just 28.4 square kilometers and is home to around 2,000 permanent residents – but it makes up for it with plenty of things to do, including the 13 th -century Castle of Gruyères and its two small arts and regional museums, as well as Saint-Germain Castle, which was bought by Swiss surrealist painter and sculptor H. R. Giger, and it now houses a museum dedicated to his work. The Tibet Museum, housed in an old church in town, is also worth a visit.

Stunning landscapes surround Gruyères, including the Gorges de la Jogne (favorite with hikers) and the nearby Mont Moléson, popular with climbers in the warmer months and home to ski and snowshoe trails during winter.

The best time to visit Switzerland depends partly on why you're going there. If you're going for the skiing, then of course winter is the best time to visit. For mountain hiking, summer is best, as it's warm even high up in the mountains, and you won't encounter much rain to disrupt your outdoor plans.

If your visit to Switzerland will include a bit of everything, then the months between April and June are your best choice . You'll still find some snow if you arrive early in this period, and warm days if you arrive later on.

Temperatures vary between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius, and you'll get a bit of rain, but you'll also see long days with plenty of sunshine, perfect for hiking and sightseeing . May is the most unpredictable month weather-wise – you might see rain and cold evenings or sunshine with temperatures in the low 20s.

Since the summer crowds don't arrive until July, and the winter crowds are long gone, you'll get more privacy and a chance to grab better deals on flights and accommodations .

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7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting The Swiss Alps

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At Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, a blizzard raged and the wind was so bitingly cold that my poor gloveless hands were turning into ice. I had packed a thick jacket for this trip to the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, but I didn’t pack anything else suited for winter, like a hat or gloves. 

It was summer after all. 

I was on a hosted adventure to experience summer in the Swiss Alps near the town of Grindelwald in central Switzerland, so I didn’t think I would need anything beyond a coat for the cold nights.

Yet, even as the sun shone warmly in the valley, I was shivering and freezing in the summer, but winter, storm that raged on top of Jungfrau, one of two major 4,000-footers of the Bernese Alp. The furious snow blocked out most of the Aletsch Glacier view at 11,332 feet above sea level.

Not being prepared for a variety of weather conditions was one of a few mistakes I made when I visited the Jungfrau region for the first time. I am usually adept at researching places before I visit, but I still missed out on some tips that would have made my life a little easier while visiting Switzerland.

Here are 7 things I wish I knew before visiting the Swiss Alps.

1. Bring Layers

The weather in the bucolic valleys of Switzerland vary dramatically from the weather at the top of the mountains and peaks in this region. Because the Swiss Alps straddle the northern European climate and the warmer southern European climate, the weather can be both cool and warm at the same time. In fact, you could experience sunshine in one valley while rain pours down on the other side of the mountain.

When in doubt, it’s better to have that extra jacket and pair of gloves and not need it, rather than to need it and not have it. Bringing heavy winter gear along with shorts and tank tops may mean extra luggage, but don’t underestimate how diverse the weather in Switzerland can be at any time of the year.

Pro Tip: For every 328-foot gain in elevation, the temperature can drop approximately 1.8 degrees. So, if you get on top of the Jungfraujoch , for instance, you’re at 2.14 miles above sea level where the mountain tops are chilly in summer and sometimes covered in thick layers of snow.

2. Be Prepared For Altitude Sickness

Elevation, again, can cause a bit of misery for visitors to Switzerland if they aren’t prepared for the altitude. Switzerland lies at an average elevation of 4,429 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest countries in the world. Switzerland’s highest mountain peak — Dufourspitze — is 15,203 feet.

If you’re not used to high elevations, then altitude sickness can be pretty miserable. According to a study titled “Prevalence of acute mountain sickness in the Swiss Alps,” acute mountain sickness is “not an uncommon disease at moderately high altitude.” It can cause “severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, tachypnoea, and pronounced pulmonary rales.”

One of the ways to combat this sickness is to ask your physician for a prescription called Acetazolamide , or Diamox. This is the common prescription for preventing acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema, and high altitude cerebral edema.

You can also get over-the-counter medications to combat altitude sickness, but in my personal experience, they don’t work as well.

Pro Tip: If you are at high altitudes, treat all headaches, dizziness, or vomiting as altitude sickness. Immediately descend to a lower altitude and make sure you are always properly hydrated. If you do plan to climb or summit these high peaks, spend a day or two in one of the nearby towns to slowly acclimate.

3. Tummy Issues Are Common

One of the best things about Switzerland is the food and drink. The Swiss are masters in the arts of chocolate, cheese making, and wine, so be prepared to be tempted by plenty of delicious, rich, and dairy-heavy foods.

While traveling in planes, trains, and automobiles generally causes me to “slow down” in the digestive process — if you know what I mean — the rich and tempting foods made me even more constipated than usual. Other people may have the opposite problem, depending on their body types.

So, if you plan to indulge in all the rich cheese dishes and fondues, the mouthwatering chocolate and hearty sausages, be sure to pack your over-the-counter tummy medications for either issue.

4. Switzerland Is Expensive

You might have heard already that Switzerland is expensive. In fact, Zurich and Geneva are often included in lists touting the most expensive cities in the world.

Yes, certain things are much more expensive in Switzerland, like groceries, clothing, shoe shopping, and going out to dinner or for drinks. In fact, unless you eat fast food, finding a meal for less than 20 CHF ($20.51) is difficult.

Public transportation, tourism excursions, and medical costs are also much higher in cost than other destinations.

That being said, if you have the ability to stock up on light groceries to cover breakfast and lunch, you’ll be able to indulge in the cost-worthy food that restaurants serve here. Just, be aware of the expenses you may face and budget accordingly.

5. Invest In A Rail Pass

Switzerland is home to some of the best public transit in the world, and if you want to see all that this beautiful country has to offer, traveling by train, gondola, and funicular is the way to go. As stated above, Switzerland can be a bit expensive, so buying individual train and gondola tickets can really add up after a while and a rail pass can save you a ton of money.

The Swiss Travel Rail pass from Rail Europe gives you access to the panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Luzern–Interlaken Express, GoldenPass Panoramic as well as the Gotthard Panorama Express. Although this is a much better option than buying individual tickets, you can expect to pay a lot for the Swiss Travel Pass, so be prepared for sticker shock.

Ths rail pass also has public transport in more than 90 Swiss towns and cities. It even offers senior passes. The Swiss Travel Pass is sold for 3, 4, 8, and 15 days and allows free entrance to over 480 museums and exhibitions.

6. Buy Your Alcohol In The Stores

Like many other things in Switzerland, going out to drink and buying wine at restaurants is a pricey affair. Skip drinking at the bars and restaurants and just buy your wine and beer at the grocery store to drink at your hotel or rental.

Keep in mind that alcohol hits the body a lot faster and harder in higher elevation, making you a cheap drunk in the mountains. 

7. Get A Universal Adapter

If you are traveling around Europe and Switzerland, get the right adapter to charge your electronics. While most of Europe uses the Schuko plug ( type F ), Switzerland is different and uses type J outlets, which are smaller.

Instead of buying both, you can buy a universal travel adaptor. Just make sure it has a type J outlet included.

Check out our most recent Swiss Alps coverage, including:

• How To Spend 3 Perfect Days In Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region
• 5 Beautiful Gondola Rides To Experience In The Swiss Alps
• How To Spend A Long Weekend In Grindelwald, Switzerland

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

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Best places to visit in switzerland.

Switzerland is known around the world for its chocolate, cheese, charming towns and scenic landscapes . Everywhere you turn, you're treated to a little bit of history and a little bit of nature's beauty, as well as plenty of mouthwatering cuisine in between. U.S. News considered factors like sights, culture, accessibility and variety of things to do, plus traveler and expert input, to calculate the best places to visit in Switzerland. Peruse the list below, and vote for your favorite spots.

Appenzell District

Jungfrau region.

Interlaken's unique location between two lakes – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun – makes it a breathtaking spot for a vacation. Here, you can spend hours hiking various trails, taking in the castle-studded shores of Lake Thun on a boat cruise or gazing at the surrounding mountains from the Harder Kulm observation deck (accessible via a funicular). To see more of the region's stunning scenery, go for a ride on the Schynige Platte Railway or sign up for a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

Travelers looking to ski or snowboard in the Swiss Alps should head to Zermatt. This small, car-free town in the middle of the Alps is famous for housing one of the world's most famous attractions — the Matterhorn (a peak so popular that it inspired a Disneyland ride) — and Switzerland's highest ski resort. Novice and expert skiers and snowboarders can spend the bulk of their vacation hitting the slopes, which showcase incredible mountain views. After shredding powder, visitors can ride the Gornergrat train, pick up a slab of homemade chocolate from a local shop or savor cheese fondue at a traditional Swiss restaurant.

Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings. This beautiful city's old town is home to historic attractions, lively town squares, boutique shops and old churches. Top attractions include the Musegg Wall and its towers (the preserved fortifications date back to the 13th century) and Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge, the must-see Chapel Bridge, which was originally built in the 1330s. Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can also ride a cable car to Mount Pilatus for stunning views of Lake Lucerne and plenty of activities at the top.

This lakefront city on the Swiss-Italian border offers visitors a unique travel experience. Because Lugano shares waters with neighboring Italy, the city features a mix of Swiss and Mediterranean influences in everything from its cuisine to its architecture. Plus, Lugano boasts unforgettable panoramas. Visit Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, both of which you can reach by funicular, for bird's-eye views of Lake Lugano and the city. Or, spend a few hours hiking the Olive Grove Trail or strolling the gardens of Ciani Park. If you'd rather lounge on a beach, head to Lido di Lugano.

Zurich is a cosmopolitan financial center, a foodie haven and a romantic European city that appeals to all types of travelers. A vacation here should include spending time admiring Lake Zurich, exploring the trendy bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, meandering through Lindenhof park and exploring the city's distinct neighborhoods. Join well-heeled shoppers (or just admire the window displays) on Bahnhofstrasse, a world-famous exclusive retail boulevard. While here, be sure to sample the famous dark chocolate Champagne truffles from specialty chocolatier Teuscher.

Visit the medieval town of Gruyères if you want to feel as if you've stepped back in time during your next trip. Its good looks (think: car-free cobblestone streets, fountain-filled squares and a 13th-century castle) create an old-world ambiance you're bound to love. Plus, the town is world-renowned for its Gruyère cheese, which you can sample and learn more about at a local cheese dairy or cellar. Sampling chocolate is also a must-do here, so be sure to check out a chocolate factory or attend a chocolate workshop while in town.

Like its neighbor Lugano, Locarno is located in the Ticino region near the Italian border. This quiet, small town is surrounded by stunning scenery (it sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Alps), and since it's the warmest destination in Switzerland, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Be sure to stroll through the picture-perfect main square, Piazza Grande, where the city hosts several summer festivals, and trek to Madonna del Sasso, considered sacred among Roman Catholics. Then, head to the Verzasca river valley to swim or bungee jump.

Appenzell captures the essence of Switzerland with rolling hills, a car-free village and well-preserved customs. Visitors can take in the scenic landscape of the Appenzell District (located in the northeastern part of the country) by taking a cable car to the oft-photographed Aescher guest house, picturesquely built into the rock face, or hiking the region's "experience trails" like the Gonten Barefoot Trail and Appenzeller Kapellenweg, which weaves past 11 chapels. Meanwhile, the tiny village of Appenzell boasts quaint, frescoed shops and Museum Appenzell, which highlights the region's traditional crafts, folk music and art.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a small town that boasts more charm and incredible scenery than Brienz. Located in the stunning Bernese Oberland region, Brienz sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Brienz, which features gorgeous turquoise water and is flanked by towering evergreen mountains. Some of the best ways to soak up the awe-inspiring setting include strolling picture-perfect Brunngasse (often proclaimed the most beautiful street in Europe), riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn (which traverses a steam rack railway) and taking a boat tour to lake attractions like Giessbach Falls.

Set along the banks of crystal-clear Lake Geneva in western Switzerland, this city is known for its incredible views and as the headquarters of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Geneva is also home to some iconic sights, including the Jet d'Eau (one of the world's tallest water fountains) and an old town with cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. While exploring the latter, be sure to check out the Saint Pierre Cathedral, which features Roman, Gothic and neoclassical details.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern sometimes gets overlooked for flashier Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. But Bern holds many charms, including an old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) featuring the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, Renaissance-style fountains and a Gothic cathedral with the highest spire in Switzerland. The city also boasts many museums – several dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when developing his theory of relativity. Head to Gurten mountain – which you can reach by funicular, by bike or on foot – for sweeping views of the city below.

As the largest ski area in central Switzerland, Engelberg is a winter playground, with a long, snowy season for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding. But don't sleep on a summertime visit here; warmer months allow for a bevy of fun family activities like a toboggan run, 300-plus miles of hiking trails and water activities on Trübsee lake. Regardless of when you visit, you won't want to miss the TITLIS Rotair, a revolving cable car that takes riders up Mount Titlis, and the other cable lifts that stop at a glacier cave, a panoramic restaurant, and the TITLIS Cliff Walk.

Considered "the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism," St. Moritz welcomes travelers with world-class skiing, swanky hotels, renowned après-ski offerings and top-notch restaurants. In addition to offering downhill skiing trails so highly regarded that the town has hosted the Olympics twice, St. Moritz features excellent spots for cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hikes. Come summertime, the area invites outdoor lovers to golf, bike, hike or enjoy water sports and swimming in the surrounding lakes.

The Jungfrau Region is the perfect place for first-timers wanting to experience the otherworldly splendor that is the Swiss Alps. But be forewarned: The destination is sky high. Popular attractions like the Jungfraujoch (which features Europe's highest train station), the Grindelwald-First cable car and the First Cliff Walk Presented by Tissot sit at the top of towering peaks. The innovative Eiger Express gondola offers even faster transport to the top (just 15 minutes from Grindelwald). For those who'd rather stick closer to Earth's surface, prioritize a hike on a lower-level valley path and a visit to the Pfingstegg toboggan.

Tourists may not be as familiar with Montreux as they are with its Lake Geneva neighbors, which makes this Swiss town such an undiscovered gem. Quaint Montreux features a waterfront promenade dotted with flowers and trees, a medieval castle and a charming old town, not to mention a statue commemorating Freddie Mercury (Queen recorded multiple albums here from 1978 to 1995). Montreux is also surrounded by vineyards and hosts a popular open-air jazz festival every summer, while the holiday season brings the festive Montreux Noël market.

Located less than 5 miles from Montreux, Vevey is another Lake Geneva gem. This town's picturesque promenade along the lake is filled with flowers and features a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey. The Alimentarium, a nutrition-focused museum, also adorns the shoreline with its beautiful sandstone building, which once served as the headquarters to Nestlé (the company is still based in Vevey). After admiring the town, visitors can take a cog railway to the scenic Les Pléiades vantage point for its stunning views and the astronomy-centric Astropléiades trail.   

The second-largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is characterized by its renowned Gothic cathedral and surrounding hilly terrain. The stunning lake views and colorful city center don't hurt, either. Travelers can take in Lausanne's lively atmosphere by checking out the city's cafes, admiring the old town's beautiful architecture and perusing the exhibits at the Olympic Museum. No visit would be complete without venturing outside the city to nearby Lavaux, where you can enjoy wine from vineyards that are so scenic and well-preserved (some date back to the 11th century), the area was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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• 1 Mount Lussari Village, Italy
• 2 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
• 3 Bled, Slovenia
• 4 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
• 5 Balzers, Liechtenstein
• 6 Alpbach, Austria
• 7 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

The 7 Most Charming Alpine Villages

The hills are alive with… well, you know. The Sound of Music ’s scenic set may epitomize the Alps, but the film only shows one small Austrian area. As Europe's largest and highest mountain range, the Alps span eight countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Monaco, Germany, Slovenia, Lichtenstein, and yes, Austria. Here, we’ve scouted the region’s seven most cinematic towns.

Chelsea is Brooklyn-based travel writer, editor, and photographer. When not home eating her way through NYC, she's gallivanting across the globe, sailing the coast of Croatia or hiking the peaks of Peru. Her superpowers include booking flight deals and sleeping in small plane seats.

See recent posts by Chelsea Bengier

Mount Lussari Village, Italy

After riding a 15-minute lift up to the Borgo Lussari summit, travelers will find something unexpected: the magical 16th-century Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary . Legend has it that a vision of the Madonna appeared on the mountaintop, and shortly thereafter a chapel was built. The ruins of the original 1360 church are now buried beneath the foundation of the sanctuary, but even today many worshipers make the pilgrimage to see the spiritual site, which teeters over the forested Valcanale and Tarvisio basin below. Meanwhile, the village itself has plenty of its own pursuits, including a challenging ski run and cozy taverns serving homemade goulash.

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Set in a valley of the Bernese Oberland, Lauterbrunnen looks like it’s something out of a fairytale. A charming yellow train connects the hamlet to Interlaken, just 20 minutes away, and Jungfrau , a craggy, snow-capped peak known as the Top of Europe. Hikers who stop at Lauterbrunnen will find rustic Swiss chalets, wildflower meadows, and a 1,000-foot waterfall—one of 72 in the area—that cascades from a cliff near the edge of town.

RELATED: The Most Charming Towns in Switzerland

Bled, Slovenia

Bled’s storybook shores are one of the most underrated sites in the region. Explore the medieval 11th-century clifftop castle , or take a pletna (traditional wooden boot) to the tiny island at the center of the crystalline glacial lake, where there is a spired church that dates back to the 1400s. Before the chapel was built, the island was home to a 9th-century pagan temple honoring the ancient Slavic goddess of love.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Bavarian buildings covered with colorful murals and flower window boxes line the cobblestoned streets of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The alpine enclave is surrounded by opulent palaces, historic monasteries, and striking gorges. Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find the Linderhof and Schachen estates, the Ettal and Benediktbeuern abbeys, and the Walchensee and Kochelsee lakes. If you’re up for the trip, an hour’s drive will land you at Neuschwanstein , a 19th-century Romanesque Revival fortress that was the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles.

Balzers, Liechtenstein

This stamp-sized country sure knows how to pack a punch. Balzers stands out thanks to its scenic location: nestled along the Rhine River in the verdant Neckar Valley, the town is connected to its neighbors by a 230-mile bike path. On a hilltop in the center of the community rises the striking Gutenberg Castle , which was built around 1100. Today, the free Castle Museum offers falconry lessons, forest walking tours, sword-fighting seminars, and exhibits on the Middle Ages.

RELATED : 15 Secret European Villages You Have to Visit

Alpbach, Austria

We’re not ones to judge, but when a place titles itself the most beautiful village in all of Austria (an accolade it has held since the ‘80s), it’s pretty hard to disagree. Every year, thousands of people visit this secluded Tyrolean town to take in its wooden lodges, cute white churches, and miles of untouched alpine landscape. Of course, the slopes are the big draw here—so grab your skis and hit the trails around the neighboring Ski Juwel resorts.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Want to know where France’s rich and glamorous go to après-ski? Look no further than Chamonix, a glitzy ski resort town at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps. The 1924 Winter Olympics were held here, and it has gained popularity ever since. Today, it has six ski areas, world-class hotels, and a Baroque village with high-end boutiques and brasseries. For a bird’s-eye view, take the gondola to Le Panoramic , a sprawling glass-walled terrace on the tip of Le Brévent, or to Aiguille du Midi’s rustic-chic mountaintop restaurant, Le 3842 , which dishes up foie gras with truffle sauce, escargot with morel mushrooms, and wild boar with a Burgundy wine glaze.

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An 8-day itinerary through France & Switzerland

Updated On 28th September, 2022

France and Switzerland are, in my opinion, two of the best countries for a Europe road trip. That’s if you’re a mountain lover like I am. In fact, I think the Swiss Alps takes the top spot for the most breathtaking mountain views I’ve ever witnessed. Road tripping through France and Switzerland is also a #vanlife dream. Opening up your doors to enjoy your coffee with a view of the mountains? Yes please.

For help planning your France and Switzerland road trip, check out this planning guide.

There’s something about the fresh mountain air, turquoise lakes and layers of foliage that surround you on a road trip in the Alps that captures a little more of my heart every time I visit.. The trails in Chamonix and Evolène are some of the best I’ve ever experienced, and the Via Ferrata I completed in Nax was one of the most surreal mountain experiences of mine to date. And then there is the magic of Annecy , where you can meander around the streets of the old town and enjoy the epitome of lake life too.

I’ve put together this France and Switzerland road trip itinerary, starting and finishing in Geneva, so that you can enjoy all of these beautiful places too. I designed it as a road trip, but it is doable on public transport (travelling just takes longer, so you may want to extend your stay to account for this).

Other blog posts and guides we think you will love:

• If you’re looking for a 4-day France road trip itinerary, check out this post.  
• For a 4-day Switzerland road trip itinerary, check out this post.
• The best things to do in France
• A summer guide to Chamonix, France
• My first Via Ferrata in Nax, Switzerland and a night at Hotel D’Angleterre in Geneva
• The best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy

An 8-day itinerary for the French & Swiss Alps

We’re going to start this France and Switzerland road trip itinerary in Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland. Known for its good chocolate, cheese fondue, beautiful watches and diversity and creativity, this cultural playground is the perfect place to start your itinerary.

Getting to Geneva...

With hundreds of international flights per day, it’s pretty easy to fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). From there you can pick up your rental car and get behind the wheel ready to start this Switzerland road trip!  Check out flights to Geneva on Skyscanner here.

If you’re doing this itinerary with public transport, or not picking up your car until you need to leave Geneva, then it’s still easy to get from Geneva Airport to the city centre. The airport is only 4km outside of the city, and there are several public transport links (bus, train) in and out.

If you’re driving to Geneva from the UK, don’t feel the need to do the drive all at once. Consider stopping in…

• Reims : the champagne region
• Lyon : foody central!
• Dijon : part of the wine region of Burgundy 

You can also save on tolls by taking a longer route through Belgium , Luxembourg and Germany .

Where to stay in Geneva...

When I visited Geneva, I got the opportunity to stay at the luxurious Hotel d’Angleterre, right on the waterfront. Check out my stay here.

Alternatively, you could check out AirBnb , booking.com , or camp!

The best things to do in Geneva...

• Spend some time on or by Lake Geneva.
• Marvel at the famous Jet d'Eau.
• Wander the cobbled streets of the Vielle Ville (old town), Switzerland's largest historical centre.
• Enjoy the water in the Bains des Pâquis. In summer you can soak up the sun, and in winter you can enjoy the cold water followed by a sauna or hammam.
• Hike or take the cable car up to Mont Salève.
• Explore the 'Quartier des Grottes' and 'Carouge' neighbourhoods.
• Grab a bargain at the Plainpalais Flea Market.
• Soak up the culture in the many museums.
• Escape the hustle and bustle at Parc de la Grange, Geneva's largest city park.
• Try the cheese fondue and the chocolate!

Don’t worry if you can’t fit everything in on day 1; this road trip itinerary also ends in Geneva, so you can keep exploring then!

Day 2: Lausanne

Geneva to lausanne.

• 3 hours 45 minutes

Yes, you read that correctly; if you fancy a more unique form of transport, you can get a boat across Lake Geneva to Lausanne in just under 4 hours!  Check out tickets here.

Lausanne is famous for its postcard-perfect views of mountains, green trees and the beautiful lake. It’s also globally famous for its food: chocolate, wine, and cheese!

Where to stay in Lausanne...

For the best places to stay in Lausanne, check out AirBnb , booking.com , or campsites!

The best things to do in Lausanne...

• Enjoy Lac Léman, either on the lake boat or on a pedalo
• Experience the unique summer Festival de la Cité
• Meader around the old town. Don't miss the cathdral!
• Take a helicopter ride over Lausanne
• Try a chocolate making workshop, or just indulge in the chocolate anyway!
• Visit a local vineyard.

Day 3: Evolène

Lausanne to evolène:.

• 1 hour 25 minutes
• 2 hours 30 minutes (bus & train combo)

With picture perfect mountain views on your doorstep, Evolène, the fourth largest commune in Switzerland, is a must-visit on your Switzerland road trip. In winter you’ll be greeted with blankets of snow and in summer you can enjoy the 250km of hiking trails on offer.

Where to stay in Evolène...

When I visited Evolène, I stayed in this beautiful hotel that I found on Airbnb. For more places to stay in Evolène, check out AirBnb , booking.com , or campsites!

The best things to do in Evolène...

• Go hiking in summer or skiing in winter
• In winter, try climbing frozen waterfalls or enjoy the natural skate rinks
• Paragliding
• Go climbing

Evolène to Nax:

• 1 hour 30 minutes

Nax guarantees fun for every mountain lover, hiking enthusiast and avid climber. It’s part of the Val d’Hérens at 1286m high, and you should expect panoramic views, snow sports and summer walks, traditions such as the raclette, and beautiful, local wine.

Where to stay in Nax...

When I was in Nax we stayed at Grand Paradis , an amazing campsite. Don’t be put off by the website and bad photos and reviews; I promise the facilities and views are amazing! For more places to stay in Nax, check out AirBnb , booking.com , or campsites!

The best things to do in Nax...

• Via Ferrata du Belvédère
• Tourbillon Castle, Sion
• Wine tasting at a local vineyard

See what I did during my stay in Nax here, including my first ever Via Ferrata experience!

Days 5 and 6: Chamonix

Nax to chamonix:.

• 1 hour 10 minutes
• 3-4 hours (including a local bus to Sion train station)

Chamonix is one of my favourite mountain towns in France, and looking at the pictures, it’s easy to see why you must include a visit on your France road trip. In fact, it’s so nice that after first visiting during my French Alps road trip, I spent a considerable amount of time there in summer with my van, enjoying nature and the outdoors at its finest.  Check out my summer guide to Chamonix here.

Where to stay in Chamonix...

Accommodation in Chamonix is expensive because of its popularity. When I stayed during my French Alps road trip , I camped a 3-4 minute drive outside of Chamonix at  La Mer de Glace. Alternatively, check out Airbnb or booking.com . 

For tips on saving money during your France and Switzerland road trip, check out this blog post.

The best things to do in Chamonix...

• Take the gondola up to Aiguilles du Midi
• Get the famous red train up to Mer De Glace glacier
• Hiking! Mountain trails and glaciers.
• Take on a via ferrata.
• Watersports on the River Arve
• Sunset drinks overlooking Mont Blanc at Cha Cha Cha

Days 6 and 7: Annecy

Chamonix to annecy:.

Annecy is one of my favourite places in the world. I’ve been three times – a spring weekend , part of an Alps road trip , and in my van during summer – and I can tell you for certain that I will be back. 

I love it so much, that it deserves two days in this itinerary. Spend one day meandering around the old town, getting coffee, looking in the independent boutiques and snacking from the boulangeries. For the second day, head to the beauty that is Lake Annecy and spend a day on or by the water.

Where to stay in Annecy...

It’s definitely best to stay in the centre of Annecy if you can, because then you have the Old Town and Lake Annecy on your doorstep. For the best places to stay in Annecy, check out AirBnb , booking.com , or campsites!

The best things to do in Annecy...

• Explore the Old Town, enjoying all the coffee, ice cream, fresh bread and croissants!
• Watersports on the lake, such as wakesurfing or kitesurfing
• Paraglide over Lake Annecy
• Enjoy evening drinks on the waterfront
• Have a lakeside picnic after you've been for a swim, and then spend an afternoon on a pedalo

Check out my complete guide to Annecy here.

Day 8: Geneva

Annecy to geneva:.

Back to Geneva! Squeeze in any adventures and sightseeing that you didn’t manage on day 1, and then, unfortunately, it’s time to head home.

Watch my first French and Swiss Alps road trip come to life here...

Have you been on a france and switzerland road trip.

What are your favourite things to do in France and Switzerland? Anything you’d add to this Europe road trip itinerary?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Passionate about adventure and creativity. Currently enjoying the sunshine while teaching English in southern Italy.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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The 30 Most Beautiful Places People Must Visit

Posted: February 28, 2024 | Last updated: February 28, 2024

There’s no way you could ever come up with a definitive list of the world’s most beautiful places. However, if you ask around, some places come up a lot more frequently than others do.

Not in any particular order, the following are some of those places that people mention over and over again.

The Scottish Highlands

Rugged mountains and crags, deep and dark lakes, and ancient castles dominate the spectacular Highlands of Scotland. To some eyes, it’s a barren, windswept landscape, but to many more, it’s a realm of unparalleled beauty.

The U.S. Pacific Coast

From the Canadian border well into Southern California, the Pacific Coast is a nearly unbroken stretch of rocky shorelines where waves ceaselessly pound cliffs and offshore formations called sea stacks. Some of the highlights include Rialto Beach in Washington, Cannon Beach in Oregon, and California’s Big Sur.

Nova Scotia

Latin for “New Scotland,” Canada’s Nova Scotia is a province with a landscape similar to Scotland’s yet with a character of its own. It has 5,400 lakes, rugged highlands, and some of the shores of the world-famous Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tidal range in the world.

Long a remote home for the hardiest of Vikings, Iceland has become one of the most prized tourist destinations in the world. True to its name, it has huge glaciers, but it also has mountains, lakes, seacoast, and one of the world’s largest concentrations of geysers and other geothermal features.

Banff National Park

The Canadian Rockies are stunning throughout their entire range, and Banff in Alberta is the heart of it all. Admire the incredible colors of glacier-fed alpine lakes, gape at the towering, glacier-draped peaks, walk out onto the Athabasca Glacier, go on scenic hikes, and more.

The Swiss Alps

The Alps cover great expanses of Europe and are beautiful wherever they are, but the Swiss Alps seem to epitomize the range. They’re a year-round destination for hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a U.S. National Park in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, but it’s also a region with a sprawling, interconnected ecosystem. The park itself has the world’s largest concentration of geothermal features, and it’s also known as the American Serengeti for its abundance of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.

Glacier National Park (Montana)

The colors of the mountains and lakes in this park are otherworldly, especially at sunrise and sunset. Wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep delight visitors. Although there are glaciers here, the park’s name refers to the fact that the geology here is the result of glaciation.

In addition to having some of the best standards of living in the world, Norway has some of its most beautiful scenery. The fjords are perhaps the most famous, but there are also spectacular mountains and glaciers, and it’s one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.

Active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, coral reefs, gigantic tropical wildflowers, and gorgeous waterfalls are among the many sights that make Hawaii unique and one of the world’s most beautiful places. It’s also great for whale watching and seeing sea turtles.

Yosemite Valley

All of California’s Yosemite National Park is scenic, but John Muir’s “Incomparable Valley” is the highlight. Ancient glaciers carved out this U-shaped valley, and now it’s dominated by sheer rock faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, and by some of the tallest waterfalls in America.

Zion National Park

The entirety of Southern Utah is like nowhere else on Earth, and Zion is one of its crown jewels. In the Yosemite Valley of Utah, Zion Canyon is a narrow cut through towering red, yellow, and white sandstone cliffs. It’s also a prime destination for people who enjoy exploring slot canyons, extremely narrow canyons shaped by floods.

The Serengeti

Mostly in Tanzania, the Serengeti is an African expanse famous for its huge herds of wildlife, including predators such as lions and cheetahs. Dominating it all is Mount Glacier-clad Kilimanjaro, the highest point on the continent.

Down at the southern tip of South America, Patagonia has some of the world’s worst weather, but it also has some of its best scenery. The granite peaks here aren’t nearly as high as they are in other parts of the Andes, but their jaggedness awes all who see them.

Most entries on this list are natural places, but Paris is one of the few human-built exceptions. The City of Lights is renowned for some of the world’s most famous architecture and, as the nickname suggests, is most beautiful at night.

If any European city can rival Paris in cultural, architectural, and historical significance, it’s Rome. Although it’s very touristy now, the Colosseum still inspires admiration and humility as you walk through the centuries of history there.

Also called the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is a valley in the desert of southern Jordan. Fantastic granite and sandstone rock formations, along with narrow canyons, typify the area. It’s been a setting for numerous movies, maybe most notably Lawrence of Arabia.

New Zealand

Remote and uncrowded, New Zealand is often cited as the most beautiful country in the world. Were you awed by those snow-capped mountains and other wild landscapes in the Lord of the Rings films? That was New Zealand, not CGI.

The Last Frontier is so huge that it could easily be its nation, and it contains a vast array of impressive scenery. Among the most famous are Denali, North America’s highest mountain; Glacier Bay National Park; and Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where in summer massive brown bears catch leaping salmon in their jaws.

Many Japanese cities are notable for their architectural beauty. Kyoto is often credited as being the most beautiful of them all.

The Dolomites

A subrange of the Alps, the Italian Dolomites are among the world’s most impressive mountains. Their craggy peaks have been seen in countless films, and they attract mountain climbers from all over the world.

Arches National Park

Utah’s other desert crown jewel is this park found just outside the town of Moab. Arches features towering sandstone cliffs and spires as well as petrified dunes, but it’s best known for its namesake features. There are more natural arches here than at any other location in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef

You’ll have to go beneath the surface to experience this natural wonder, but you won’t regret it. One of the planet’s hotspots of biodiversity, this gigantic reef is visible from outer space and is home to countless species of marine life.

The Cordillera Blanca

Part of the Andes and located in Peru, the name of these mountains means “White Range” in Spanish. Beyond being beautiful, this range has more ice than any other mountain range in the tropics does.

The Himalayas

If high mountains and gigantic glaciers call to you, then this range that’s home to Mt. Everest, the highest point on the planet, maybe your Heaven on Earth. Although the Himalayas stretch across 5 countries, most visitation is in Nepal and China.

British Columbia

High mountains and proximity to the Pacific Ocean have turned British Columbia into a showcase of both alpine splendor and coastal rainforests. Just about the entire Canadian province is the stuff of postcards, but make sure you check out highlights such as Squamish, the Bugaboos, and Whistler, one of the world’s best ski areas.

When you think of Siberia, you might think of a vast, frozen wasteland where the Soviets liked to run prison camps. That did happen, but in reality, Siberia is a massive, mostly undeveloped wilderness of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes.

There’s no quick or inexpensive way to get to this frozen continent, but the relative few who make the journey return home amazed forever. More than just a giant sheet of ice, Antarctica has mountains, starkly beautiful barren beaches, and thriving wildlife all along its edges.

Baffin Island

Most of this island off the northeastern coast of Canada is above the Arctic Circle. On the island, you’ll find stark beauty highlighted by imposing granite peaks. The iconic peak is Mount Thor, which features the world’s greatest vertical drop at 4,100’.

Your Own Front Porch

Sometimes, simple is best. Just enjoy the view outside your front door or put back or anywhere else on your property that makes you relax and smile.

The 20 Most Spectacular Waterfalls in the U.S.

Waterfalls are among the top outdoor attractions people like to visit. Their effects range from soothing to inspiring to awe-inducing, and although they’re most common in mountainous areas, there are waterfalls in every U.S. state.

With more than 17,000 documented waterfalls in the country, any list of the best is going to be subjective, but you won’t be disappointed by the ones here.

20 U.S. National Parks Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

Our National Park System is one of the country’s greatest treasures, and it’s often been called “America’s Best Idea.” Currently, there are 63 national parks from the Pacific (American Samoa) to the ocean south of Florida (Dry Tortugas) and from the Arctic to the tropics.

Most people won’t get a chance to visit them all, so if you could only visit 20 and just one time each, which ones should they be? Here are our recommendations:

The 15 Most-Visited Countries in the World

The world is big, and there are countless places to explore. Some countries attract many more visitors than others. Countries that are popular with tourists often have a lot to see and do, as well as friendly people and great food.

According to Insider Monkey , these countries have the most visitors every year.

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Explore the allure of Swiss Alps peaks like Matterhorn, Pilatus, Jungfrau, Titlis, and Glacier 3000. Experience adventure, panoramic views, and iconic locations in Switzerland, offering unmatchable experiences for tourists and adv … Read more

Explore the allure of Swiss Alps peaks like Matterhorn, Pilatus, Jungfrau, Titlis, and Glacier 3000. Experience adventure, panoramic views, and iconic locations in Switzerland, offering unmatchable experiences for tourists and adventurers alike. Read less

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Explore the allure of Swiss Alps peaks like Matterhorn, Pilatus, Jungfrau, Titlis, and Glacier 3000. Experience adventure, panoramic views, and iconic locations in Switzerland, offering unmatchable ex...

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Can you easily drive and park into Morcote? - Canton of Ticino Forum

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I noticed that the airbnb we were looking it is in the hills (by cimeterio di vico morcote) and a good amount of the airbnbs in Morcote seems to be. It seems like it will be quite a trek from google maps to go to the harbor area for dinner for instance. Google maps said ~45 mins.

I was wondering if it's fairly easy to just drive the car and park closer to the harbor. If it's not really possible, I'll either try to find something much closer. Or might consider staying elsewhere.

9 replies to this topic

There are several places to park near the centre of Morcote - look at Google maps. However given the roads in the hills above Morcote AND our strict driving laws I think you would be better off in a hotel on the lake.

We drove to Morcote the first time we were there in the early 1960s. Ever since we have taken public transport, preferably a boat but sometimes a postbus. it is far easier.

If we're likely to find parking easily close by (even if it has a cost), I think the current area works. The options right on the harbor seems much more crammed and no balcony/view.

Morcote for the couple (parco Scherrer, the romantic restaurants, the castle), nearby Melide for the younger (Swiss miniatur, little lovely lido, nice playground).

It's not mandatory to have dinner in Morcote, but it would be nice. And the options close to Vico Morcote are not that many: climb to Carona or back to Melide. The charme does not match entirely the logistic.

It’s not really a limit. If parking is 15-20 mins then would just drop them off and park. It’s more to get an idea. If it’s for sure full every time within 5-10 mins walking distance then I’d probably elect to look elsewhere. How is it typically in the summer? I’d assume it’s less crowded in mid June.

I think we’ll spend most of our days not in Morcote. But be there for dinner and short stroll in the evening. It seems like probably the most charming of the villages for that purpose?

I think it is the most charming village (but more than partly because people don't drive there!). However F is from the area and he might have something else to suggest to you. If you go to Google maps you can see where the parking is. What you cannot see is availability. What I suggest you do is to decide which restaurant you want to eat in and then when you call to make a reservation you ask them about parking.

The parking garage at the entrance of Morcote ("Garavello") holds 300 slots. Since its opening in 2016 the situation there is much better. Hence my optimism, but no guarantee.

If there is no parking at the entrance of the village or in the village itself (there are just few: https://www.morcote.ch/Parking-Spaces-5a34ea00 ), there will be no parking until the next village. Therefore, if you don't find a parking lot 5-10' away from your restaurant in Morcote, you will not find one just a bit further, 15'-20' away, but you would have to go far away.

Pizzeria is almost ubiquitous in Ticino. Usually good quality, more often "romana" style (thin and large) than "napoletana" (thick and smaller), cheaper than in the rest of Switzerland but more expensive than in Italy.

Mid June the days will have the longest daylight, with sunset after 21.00 and light until 21.30 and more. It's typical to go to the restaurant bewteen 19.00 and 21.00. An in evening stroll in Morcote after dinner would be delightful, with the sunset colors on the lake. Morcote is one of the most charming villages in Ticino, and probably also in Switzerland. With small kids, I would be a bit disturbed by the traffic near the lakeshore. You'll find nice lakeshores to stroll as well in Melide and Lugano , from Paradiso to Parco Ciani (with another beautiful playground) or Bissone and Caslano. Agno to Magliaso has a nice lakeshore walk, too.

For a picnic at a lakeshore look at the free lidos of Figino-Barbengo and Agno. As you are in the area, climb the Monte San Salvatore by funicular and visit the San Grato park near Carona, with many flowers.

Great info F!

Thank you very much for info

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