Mountains never let down a single person! Whoever ventured into its vast embrace was duly rewarded with a comforting visit thriving amidst its hidden allure. Geographical locations and accessibility of mountains in Europe have made them popular and mainstream. And Switzerland mountains stand above them all! If you are looking for the enchantment of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Switzerland is the place to go.
Whether it’s a relaxing vacation, a solo backpacking trip, or a romantic honeymoon, Switzerland mountains have something for everyone! I would describe it as the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and extreme adventurers in Europe. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to leave Switzerland without visiting at least a couple of mountaintops. As you gaze at the vibrant mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, historic chapels and museums, and gourmet restaurants, you will surely have a wonderful time.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience in the mountains of Switzerland, the tourism department operates cable cars, funiculars, and cogwheel trains to make the journey easier.
Here’s how you can make the most of your time in the Switzerland mountains!
Table Of Content
Best time to visit Switzerland mountains
If you are a snow enthusiast, December – March is the ideal time to visit Switzerland. With snowfall at its peak and views of pure white surroundings, this is the time that attracts the most tourists. April – May is the off-peak season with fewer ski resorts, but all the hiking trails are open, making it the perfect time for solo travelers and backpackers to explore! July – September is the summer season in Switzerland and an ideal time for outdoor activities. Furthermore, October – November is the off-peak season for tourism! Take your pick, as Switzerland is a year-round destination.
Most Popular Places In Switzerland Mountains
1. The Matterhorn
The charming little town of Zermatt is renowned for its breathtaking views and vibrant houses. One of the most stunning destinations to visit in the mountains of Switzerland, Zermatt will captivate you at first sight. It is a car-free town, which means you must leave your car in Taesch, a small village near Zermatt. Considered a glacier paradise, Matterhorn boasts magnificent mountain peaks.
A total of 38 of them exceed 4,000 meters in height. On a clear day, you might also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc – the highest mountain in Europe. If you’re craving more adventure, take a ride on the highest cable car station in Europe at Klein Matterhorn. It reaches a height of 4,000 meters.
How to reach Zermatt: Zermatt is a 3.5-hour journey from Zurich and a 4-hour journey from Geneva. The Glacier Express also travels directly to the town of Zermatt. Tasch is the last accessible point by car. From there, shuttles operate every 30 minutes to the foothills of the town. Hiking and cycling are other popular options for reaching the mountain resort town.
Popular attractions in Zermatt: Flower shops in Zermatt Town, Gorner Gorge – 220 million years old, Vispa River, and Glacier Palace Museum
Places to stay in Zermatt: Hotel Matthiol, Sunstar Style Hotel Zermatt, Schlosshotel Life & Style, Best Western PLUS Alpen Resort Hotel, and Alpenlodge.
2. Jungfrau area
The thinly populated terrain of Jungfrau possesses all that is extraordinary about it. Speak of its expansive meadows, picturesque villages, small settlements, and the famous glacial crossover, and you won’t feel like ceasing. Interlaken stands out as the most renowned among them, with nature’s marvelous adventures and vantage points subtly adorning it. Jungfraujoch represents the highest railway station in Europe, positioned nearly 700 meters below Jungfrau Peak.
How to arrive in the Jungfrau area: A cogwheel mountain train operates every thirty minutes from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfrau. Kleine Scheidegg can be reached from Grindelwald, which is also a half an hour journey by train. Grindelwald is well-linked to Zurich International Airport through either road or railway.
Popular attractions in the Jungfrau area: Jungfrau Park, Brienz and Thul Boat Tours, Hoheweg, Lauterbrunnen & Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls, Schilthorn, Gimmelwald, Wengen, Grindelwald Ski Resort – keep an eye out for the World Snow Festival if you are traveling here in January, Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Ravine).
Places to stay in the Jungfrau area: Hotel Eiger, Hotel Jungfrau Hotel, Eiger Guesthouse Mürren, Hotel Spinne Grindelwald.
3. Château De Chillon
This exquisite castle from the medieval era is meticulously bordered by the lovely Lake Geneva. The iconic structure has been restored and reconstructed over the years, yet emanates a tranquil elegance. The castle serves as an ideal choice for a day trip in the Swiss mountains. Stay in a mountain cabin there to admire the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva. Don’t forget to embark on a journey aboard the Swiss Chocolate Train!
How to reach Château de Chillon: Direct trains are available from Geneva to Montreux. Château de Chillon is located 4 km away from Montreux station. You can either walk along the lakefront or take a local bus or train to reach Château de Chillon. Moreover, Geneva can be reached from Montreux by train, car, or bus.
Timings: 10 am – 4 pm (November to February), 9:30 am – 5 pm (October – March), 9 am – 6 pm (April – September).
Entrance fee: CHF12.50 for adults & CHF6 for children aged 6 to 16
Places to stay in Château de Chillon: Hotel & Spa Bristol, Hotel du Grand Lac Excelsior, Golf-Hotel Rene Capt, Hotel Victoria, and Hotel du Quai.
Activities in the mountains of Switzerland that you should not miss
1. Exploring the street food scene in Switzerland
Indulge in the delectable local cuisine and satisfy your gastronomic cravings.
2. St. Morit
Take a stroll by Lake Staz early in the morning and experience the fresh Swiss mountain breeze. St. Moritz is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Covered in a blanket of snow, it can be the highlight of your remarkable trip to the mountains of Switzerland. If you are an avid explorer, visit the historical churches and museums, and admire the remarkable architecture.
3. How to get to St. Moritz
It takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to travel from Zurich or Milan to St. Moritz, and about 4 hours from Munich by road.
4. Popular attractions in St. Moritz
Enjoy a thrilling Cresta Run ride, visit the Segantini Museum, explore Muottas Muragl and Engadine, discover the beauty of Diavolezza, and marvel at The Leaning Tower Engadin.
5. Places to stay in St. Moritz
Consider accommodations such as Hauser Hotel St. Moritz, Crystal Hotel, Hotel Schweizerhof, and Art Boutique Hotel Monopol.
6. Stanserhorn
Stanserhorn offers incredible experiences amidst the Swiss mountains. Whether you enjoy scenic dining, unforgettable hikes, or an exciting funicular ride, Stanserhorn has something for everyone.
7. How to reach Stanserhorn
Stanserhorn is a short 20-minute drive from Lucerne and can be easily accessed by train or car. Lucerne is well connected to Zurich and Bern by air and rail.
8. Popular attractions in Stanserhorn
Experience a romantic candlelight dinner at CabriO, take a ride on the double-decker cable car in CabriO, enjoy a boat ride and water sports in Lucerne Bay, and visit the Richard Wagner Museum.
9. Places to stay in Stanserhorn
Consider accommodations like Hotel Engel, Hotel Stanserhof, Hotel Winkelried, Seehotel Pilatus, and Seehotel Belvedere.
10. Additionally, don’t miss out on exploring the Swiss National Park, the wineries in Canton Vaud, the breathtaking Jura Mountains, the stunning Vaudoise Alps, the vibrant city of Lausanne, and the charming town of Lugano. These destinations offer an array of captivating attractions that make them popular choices for every traveler visiting Switzerland. Remember to mark them on your itinerary!
11. Discover the Best Hotels in Switzerland for a Picturesque Holiday
Immerse yourself in the Alpine beauty and enjoy a memorable vacation in Switzerland.
Activities in the mountains of Switzerland that you shouldn’t miss:
And while there are a plethora of renowned destinations to explore in the mountains of Switzerland, there are numerous thrilling activities that travelers can partake in.
1. Go Skiing At Mt. Titlis
Mt. Titlis is celebrated for its extensive 82 km expanse of snow, and it awaits you in Engelberg. Immaculate white is ubiquitous and it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an expert. The mountains welcome everyone equally for a skiing adventure. The excitement begins in October and persists until May, making it the perfect time to plan a Switzerland mountain getaway.
Location: Poststrasse 3, Engelberg 6390, Switzerland Map.
Timings: 08:30 a.m – 04:30 p.m
You can procure your ski passes online here
Fact: Engelberg – Titlis boasts the largest skiing & snowboarding area in Central Switzerland with 82 km ski slopes, 40 km long cross-country ski runs, and 3 sledding runs
Popular resorts in Mt. Titlis: Ski Lodge Engelberg, Hotel Bellevue-Terminus, Hotel Schweizerhof, and Ski Lodge Engelberg
2. Dine At The World’s Highest Revolving Restaurant In Mittelallalin
A picturesque dining experience at Revolving Restaurant Allalin could be the most elegant ever. Situated adjacent to the Ice Pavillion, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Saas Valley mountains and the glacier world. Tickets can be purchased at Gondola Valley Station in Saas-Fee. I would still advocate for a rail-pass, as it will provide a discount. Are you up for a 360-degree view dining experience here?
Location: 3906 Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Timings: 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m
Travel to Saas-Fee by bus or car. Remember, Saas-Fee is a car-free zone, so you need to park your car at the entrance of the village.
Reservations and inquiries about the restaurant can be made here
3. Delight in Cogwheel Train Ride To Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch is the highest train station in Europe located in the region of Jungfraujoch. And when we say highest, it clearly signifies that numerous vistas await you at this place. At an elevation of 3454, Jungfraujoch station is nestled between Mönch and Jungfrau. UNESCO has proclaimed the Jungfrau-Aletsch area in the Swiss Alps as a safeguarded zone. Zurich is just 100 km away from here.
Area: Not Available
Operating Hours: Not Available
4. Take A Revolving Cable Car In Mt. Titlis At 3032 m
At an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, Titlis forms the essence of the prominent tourist attractions in the Swiss mountains. Embark on a journey in a Rotair cable car and ascend to the snow-clad summit of Mt. Titlis. The sights from the peak of the rotating car would leave you both dizzy and captivated. And the panoramic vistas from the summit are unparalleled.
Location: Poststrasse 3, Engelberg 6390, Switzerland Map.
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m to 4:50 p.m
5. Travel on the Glacier Express Linking St. Moritz and Zermatt
The Glacier Express is also famous as the swiftest express train in the World! And this iconic train would transport you through narrow valleys, intricate curves, tunnels, and bridges – precisely 291 of them! Would you like to experience one of the most captivating train journeys in the world?
Location: Not Available
Operating Hours: Not Available
6. Take a Stroll on the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge In Zermatt
Zermatt is the ultimate destination for all the adventure-seekers. It requires a lot of courage to walk on this longest suspended bridge for pedestrians. Especially when you know that it is 494 meters in length.
Location: Randa
Operating Hours: NA
Things To Remember When Traveling In Switzerland Mountains
- Be cautious of the temperature, it changes rapidly in the mountains. Be prepared with appropriate clothing.
- Get a Swiss rail pass. It will help you save a significant amount of money.
- The morning is the ideal time to travel to the Swiss mountains.
- If you plan to visit a peak above 2000 meters, consult a doctor beforehand.
- Prior to engaging in any outdoor activity, listen to the instructions provided by the guides and follow them.
- Avoid entering avalanche-prone areas or areas marked with caution signs.
The mountains of Switzerland are thrilling and easily accessible! You don’t have to be an expert mountaineer. Pristine surroundings and clear skies await!
For our editorial policies and copyright disclaimer, please click here
Frequently Asked Questions About Switzerland’s Mountains
Which are the most stunning places in Switzerland?
Zermatt, St. Moritz, Stanserhorn, and Jungfrau are among the most gorgeous locations in Switzerland.
What are some of the significant mountains between Italy and Switzerland?
Some of the noteworthy mountains between Italy and Switzerland include Nordend, Punta Gnifetti, Mischabel’s Dom, Lyskamm, and Mont Cervin.
What are the two primary mountain ranges in Switzerland?
The two main mountain ranges in Switzerland are the Alps and the Jura, which are separated by a Swiss Plateau.
What can you explore in Switzerland in 3 days?
In 3 days in Switzerland, you can explore the Matterhorn, Chatteau De Chillon, The Jungfrau Region, and Swiss National Park, among the best places to visit.
