Switzerland has consistently been one of the top travel destinations in the world. Its breathtaking bucolic Alps, as well as its urban sophistication, make it a country of harmonious extremes. The ravishing Alpine landscapes, with idyllic chalet-filled villages and grassy green meadows, demand action. The perfect foil to the rural splendor of Switzerland can be found in the urban edge of its cities. Whether you visit the capital city of Bern with its medieval roots, the lakeside cultural hub of Geneva, or the uber-cool Zurich with its riverside bars and new-wave restaurants, every city is bathed in the magnificence of these mountains in Switzerland.
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6 Gorgeous Mountains In Switzerland To Visit This Winter
Switzerland is known as the land of mountains as nearly 60% of it is covered with the splendid Alps. These mountain Alps in Switzerland are some of the most scenic places to visit in Europe. There are a few Switzerland Mountains that are massively popular while some are hidden in delicate corners. Taking note of this the tourism department runs cable cars, funiculars, and cogwheel trains to ensure hassle-free movement in the mountains of Switzerland. Wasting no time, let’s take a look at 6 of the best Mountains in Switzerland.
Matterhorn, Jewel of the Swiss Alps
Located in a small town named Zermatt of Valais, the Matterhorn is one of the most visited and photographed places in Europe. The stunning pyramid-like mountain peaks and dreamy landscapes have earned it some great names like the “Mountain of Mountains” and “Jewel of the Swiss Alps.” This magnificent mountain has been gracing the covers of magazines and postcards for years. With an elevation of 4478 meters, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is Europe’s highest-altitude cable car station and viewing platform.
You don’t even need to be a mountaineer to experience the peaks of Matterhorn. Even if you don’t want to spend time on the peaks themselves, parachuting, parasailing, and white water rafting are other available options.
Jungfrau, Top of Europe
Everything about Jungfrau is special, the vast meadows, picturesque towns, hamlets, and the famed glacial straddle make it one of the top places to visit in Switzerland. Located 4158 meters above sea level, Jungfrau is one of the highest peaks of the Alps. It is also known as “Top of Europe” because it has Europe’s highest altitude railway station. All year round the summit of the Jungfrau is covered with snow, hence June is the best tourist season to visit. However, the foot of the mountain is breathtakingly beautiful as the green landscape is visible in summer. It is a well-known destination for outdoor winter sports in Europe.
Playing in the snow, viewing the stunning Aletsch Glaciers (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and other activities like Zip lining, visiting the Ice Palace, and Sphinx Terrace are the highlights of this place. Jungfrau is simply a must-visit!
Rigi, Queen of Mountains
Rigi is one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland as the Alps, the Black Forest, and the French plains can be seen from here. Mount Rigi is also known as the “Queen of Mountains” as it stands tall in all her glory at an elevation of 1,800 meters. Apart from the spectacular views of the Alps, one can also enjoy breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset from here. Since it is located in central Switzerland, it is surrounded by surreal lakes like Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz. Book yourself a Classic Rigi Round Trip which includes a ferry trip on the pristine Lake Lucerne, a cogwheel railway, and a cable car that gets you to the top of the mountain.
All this can be a lot more fun than you’d have ever imagined. Other activities include old-fashioned steam train rides, skiing, hiking routes, and sleigh rides can be experienced here.
Schilthorn, Revolving Restaurant
Schilthorn, situated at a height of approximately 2970 m above sea level attracts tourists from all over the world. One of the most popular Bond movies, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, breathtaking scenes were filmed here. This peak is also home to a revolving restaurant (Piz Gloria) from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, particularly the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau.
Once you are up here enjoy the sumptuous James Bond Brunch or the famous 007 Burger. Many travel to Schilthorn just to experience the thrilling cable car rides with 360° views. There are several cable cars from the beautiful little town of Murren that take you to the top of the mountains. The official website of Schilthorn will provide all details about your train journey to the Alps. If you want high alpine views without spending too much, Schilthorn is the place.
Pilatus, Golden Round Trip
Pilatus, standing tall at 2132 m southwest of Lucerne is an excellent option for a day excursion. If you are looking for some adventure and thrills, Mount Pilatus is the place for you. A Golden Round Trip provides you access to this thrilling adventure. This round trip starts from the beginning of May to the end of November every year. It includes a cruise ship ride, the world’s steepest gear train ride, a high-altitude cabin ride and a high-altitude cable car ride which takes you around this iconic mountain of Lucerne.
Once you reach the summit, you can walk around cherishing the stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps and taking photographs to capture the moment. Various adventure activities like hiking, a rope park, a toboggan run can be experienced.
Mount Titlis, Rotating Cable Car
Titlis is located 3238 meters above sea level in Engelberg, to the south of Lake Lucerne. Mount Titlis takes the top spot for having the world’s first 360-degree rotating cable car Rotair and for having the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Tourists come here to have a firsthand experience of the rotating cable car that keeps rotating 360 degrees till it reaches the summit.
Indians will be in for a surprise to see life-sized cut-outs of Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ because this famous Bollywood film and many other films have been shot here. You can also get close to other astonishing peaks of Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau. It’s a paradise for adventure seekers with activities such as Ice Flyer, zip lining, skiing, tubing, snow biking during the winter and rowing during the summer. Its surreal landscapes and thrilling cable rides never disappoint you.
Activities To Try While At The Mountains In Switzerland
People looking for some adventure and thrills must try the below activities while at the mountains in Switzerland:
Skiing At Mt. Titlis – Mt. Titlis covers over 12 kilometers of ski area. The longest downhill run offers 82 kilometers of slopes for excellent skiing. November to April is the perfect time to try this fun activity.
Walk The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge – This 494 meters long suspension bridge in Zermatt is the third longest hanging bridge for pedestrian use in the world.
Revolving Cable Car Ride – The world’s first revolving cable car in Titlis is the heart and soul of this popular tourist attraction in the Mountains of Switzerland. And the panoramic views from the top is something you cannot experience anywhere else in the world.
Cogwheel Train Ride– One of the most sought after experiences is a ride to the highest train station in Europe (Jungfraujoch) to capture amazing views from the top. There are points where the climb up the mountain reaches 25 degrees.
Dine At The Revolving Restaurant – Having brunch in a revolving restaurant at Mittelallalin with 200 peaks gliding past you is something that you don’t want to miss while at the mountains in Switzerland.
Not Just Mountains, Switzerland Is Also Famous For Chocolates, Wine And Cheese
In the rural areas of Switzerland, don’t forget to visit a fromagerie (cheese shop) where you can try a selection of the locally made cheeses. The best way to experience these is through a traditional fondue. Also try the Swiss wines in the Lavaux regions. These rare and expensive wines are known for their superb quality. If you have a sweet tooth, or just don’t like cheese and wine, look in on a chocolatier. Whether you choose to visit a famous brand, like Lindt, or a small independent store, you will be tasting some of the best chocolate you’ve ever had!
With so much going on, Switzerland is truly a country of variety. Be it a leisure holiday, solo trip, or a romantic getaway, Switzerland is nothing less than a paradise. The sheer beauty of this place has the ability to leave you spellbound and wanting for more. Plan your dream vacation to the mountains in Switzerland for an experience like never before.
There are about 451 mountains in the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland is a year-round destination but if you are a snow lover December – March is the perfect time to visit.
Switzerland is famous for the Alps, skiing resorts, wine, chocolate, and cheese.
