SOTC Blog

It would be an understatement to say that Switzerland is beautiful. It has clearly won the lottery of nature’s bounty. Its rolling green meadows framed by snow-capped mountains in the distance are the stuff postcards are made of. The rivers make their way through the landscape with excitement while the lakes reflect the calm skies. But it’s the Swiss mountains that capture the imagination.

Soaring high, they seem to touch the sky. Matterhorn, probably the most famous mountain in Switzerland, impresses with the near-perfect symmetry of its peak. Offering some of the best skiing in the world, the mountains in Switzerland are playgrounds of excitement. They are a part of the local folklore and legends. Here are seven mountains which you should not miss visiting during your Swiss holiday.

1. Matterhorn

While it may not be the tallest mountain in Switzerland, it is certainly the most photographed one. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (MGP), which houses Europe’s longest skiing piste, offers the best views of the world’s most photographed mountain. Getting it is easy. Hop on the cable car from Zermatt and alight at the highest cable-car station in the Alps at 3,820 meters.

Step into a magical world of snow and ice and explore the world’s highest natural Glacier Palace. Admire the Peak Collection, which is an exhibition dedicated to Zermatt’s Alpine connection. Hop on the world’s highest open-air cog railway to reach Gornergrat, another Swiss mountain in the vicinity. Explore beautiful Zermatt which is a favorite adventure destination of seasoned skiing enthusiasts and extreme athletes seeking thrills.

Swiss mountain
Source: Switzerland Tourism

2. Jungfrau

Jungfrau is one of the three peaks that make up the Jungfrau massif, the other two being Eiger and Mönch. Jungfraujochconnects the three peaks overlooking the Aletsch Glacier which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A scenic journey takes visitors to Jungfraujoch, which houses the highest railway station in Europe.

Another fun way to get to the top of the Eiger Glacier is through Eiger Express. This cable car ride offers spectacular views on the way to the top. The Ice Palace at the top is a popular attraction. Some other fun things to do at Jungfrau include skiing, sledding, and ziplining.

Jungfrau
Source: Switzerland Tourism

3. Mount Titlis

Mount Titlis is a famous Swiss mountain that offers exciting activities along with breathtaking views from the top. The TITLIS Cliff Walk, which is Europe’s highest suspension bridge, and Ice Flyer are popular activities on the summit. In winter, skiing takes over as a favorite activity.

The 150-meter-long ice caveat at the upper station takes you into the heart of the Titlis Glacier. It opens a magical world of ice for a fascinating experience. One of the coolest facts about the cave is that the ice that makes up its walls, floor, and the ceiling is around 5,000 years old! But if you are craving for some adrenaline-pumping thrills, head toTrübsee. Get a taste of Swiss adventure with BagJump Tower, Trampoline2Bag, and a slackline.

4. Mount Rigi

There are many things that make Rigi one of Switzerland’s most popular mountains. The chief among them is the spectacular views of some of the highest Alpine peaks. The “Queen of Mountains” lords over her domain where three lakes, Lucerne, Zug, and Laurez, meet. Rigi’s summit is easily accessible by cable car or cog railway.

Winter is a busy time on Mount Rigi. You can enjoy a host of activities such as snowshoe walking trails, winter hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. There’s a horse sleigh ride for more leisurely explorations. Summer is the time for Nordic walking trails, hiking, mini-golf, and long picnics by the pondside. Mount Rigi is the perfect destination for a family vacation.

5. Schilthorn

Schilthornoffers spectacular views of around 200 peaks which include Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. Having served as the backdrop for the James Bond Film “On Her majesty’s Secret Service”, Schilthorn has oodles of charm. The rotating restaurant at the top plays a mesmerizing movie of ever-changing views.

Schilthorn’s brush with Bond has been immortalized in the interactive Bond World exhibition and 007 Walk of Fame. At Birg, one station below Schilthorn, the Thrill Walkhugs the sheer cliff walls. It offers spine-tingling thrills with its crawl-through tunnel, glass-bottomed floor, and cattle grid. Skyline Walk is a glass and steel platform that dangles above a gut-wrenching drop and offers spectacular views of Jungfrau massif.

6. Stanserhorn

Unlike the other mountains on this list, Stanserhornhas greener views. And the way to get to the top is also interesting. The journey starts in a 120-year-old wooden funicular and ends on the open rooftop of a cable car. It feels like a leisurely ride on a magic carpet.

At the top, Rondodrama, the rotating restaurant, and the Summit Circular Walk offer 360-degree panoramas of the valley below. A surprise awaits you at Marmot Zoo, which lets you interact closely with the animals. Garb a lounge chair in the designated “lazy zone” and admire the views. For your last hurrah on Stanserhorn take the faster way down with tandem paragliding.

Stanserhorn
Source: Switzerland Tourism

7. Mount Pilatus

Pilatus is a legendary mountain of Switzerland. Steeped in folklore, it is a thrilling adventure destination. As you reach the top you get a stunning bird’s eye view of Lake Lucerne nestled amidst the Alps. On a clear day, you can get unobstructed views of 73 Alpine peaks scattered around.

Winters on Pilatus are reserved for exciting tobogganing runs while summers are more active with lots of hiking options. The 40-minute hike to Tomlinson, the highest peak of Pilatus, is especially breathtaking. Follow the Flower Trail to make exotic discoveries or take in the views as you enjoy soul-warming fondue at one of the restaurants at the top.

Switzerland offers a smorgasbord of holiday experiences that thrill and chill. A leisurely holiday here is as memorable as an exciting adventure jaunt. Amidst all this, the mountains of Switzerland will stand tall in your memories. Even though you may not visit the mountains, they’ll always be there, rising high and soaring. And always welcoming.

Pilatus
Source: Switzerland Tourism

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