Things to do & places to visit in Swiss Alps, Switzerland

A magnet for skiers and hikers, these dramatic peaks – including the iconic Matterhorn – range from 3,000 to 15,000 feet and spread across three-fifths of the country. Abundant glaciers, scenic valleys and gorgeous alpine lakes add to the region's visual appeal. The Glacier Express train travels the 7.5-hour route through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing through fairy-tale villages and over 291 bridges along the way.

Swiss Alps #1 destination in Switzerland 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 54.0k traveler reviews, of 132 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Zurich, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 10:13.

Top things to do (34)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Matterhorn (3.971 reviews)
- What a mountain! What a view!!
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

Recognized worldwide as the mountain on the Toblerone chocolate bar, the Matterhorn sits on the Switzerland-Italy border. Enjoy magnificent views of the mountain from Zermatt, a quaint car-free village; or from the top of Gornergrat, where you’ll find viewing platforms, a short Scenic Loop hike, and a virtual reality paragliding experience. If you're an early riser, don't miss the chance to take the first train up to Riffelsee, and snap a picture of the Matterhorn together with its reflection in a lake. Even better, have an aerial view from above on a helicopter tour, or check out the best spots on a guided day hike. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Alpine Ski School (843 reviews)
- The best place to ski deserves the best ski school
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snow Tours • Lessons & Workshops • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Ski & snowboard lessons in one of the most popular resort in Europe, Zermatt. We bring to you a team of highly qualified and passionate instructors whom can teach in over ten languages... See more..
5.0 Trapgame (781 reviews)
- Absolutely great
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Trapgame is an Escape Room where you gonna be the hero of your own adventure! Try to resolve all our enigmas and become the new detective! Win or stay in! See more..
5.0 FlyTicino - Paragliding Tandem Flights (611 reviews)
- Unforgettable experience
Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Parasailing & Paragliding • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Air Tours

Just had the Deluxe FlyTicino - Paragliding Tandem Flight. It was an awesome experience. The flight team were very informative, and very friendly making the total experience really enjoyable. The Pilot even shows you how to control the Paraglider... so simple. Truly recommend this amazing experience flying high on the thermals as well as intimately by the mountain seeing the trees, streams and waterfalls close up. Recommend having the video recording of your flight!! Thank you very much for an unforgettable experience!! See more..
5.0 Eskimos Ski School (585 reviews)
- Great private snowboarding lessons by Louis
Monday: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sports Camps & Clinics

We (myself and my two daughters) were on a short family visit in Saas-Fee. As the girls (14 and 11) have never been to any mountains before and had zero experience in any wintersport, I took a chance and booked snowboarding private lessons with teacher Louis. He's a real professional and mellow and cool at the same time. The girls enjoyed the lessons and have made a terrific progress: from total zero to confident snowboarding beginners in just two days. See more..
5.0 Valle Verzasca (581 reviews)
- Spectacular mountains and river valley
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Valleys

Highly recommend a day out in this area. We parked at Lavertezzo and spent the whole day is exploring this beautiful landscape. Great hiking trails that follow the river. Spectacular mountains and impressive river gorge. We took our own lunch and had a picnic on the river boulders and a safe dip in the freezing waters. There are short term (free) and long term parking zones (pay at machine). We had a hire car but you can get there by local bus. Had a lovely early dinner at Grotto Sassello, it’s pricey but worth the delicious food and wonderful location in the mountains. See more..
5.0 Morteratsch Glacier (440 reviews)
- Said but worth a visit
Geologic Formations

Even this majestic glacier has decreased it‘s size drastically, it‘s definitely still worth a visit! It‘s easily accessible by hike either from Pontresina or even closer from Morteratsch train station. Highlight would be to stay for the at the SAC Boval mountain hut which offers spectacular views. Recommended! See more..
5.0 Summit Ski & Snowboard School (340 reviews)
- The best instructor I have ever encountered!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM Sports Camps & Clinics • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Summit Ski & Snowboard School have a fantastic team of highly qualified ski and snowboard instructors. As well as wanting to share our passion for the mountains with you, we all love teaching and we're keen help you improve your technique. Book a group or private lesson and let us help you make the most of your holiday in Zermatt. See more..
4.5 Gornergrat (5.192 reviews)
- Great views
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers

The Gornergrat (3,089 m) is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. The mountain panorama and the glorious view of the Matterhorn are unforgettable. With its sunny observation platform accessible all year, the Gornergrat, at an altitude of 3,089 m, has been one of Switzerland’s top excursion destinations since 1898. The Gornergrat Bahn was the world’s first fully electrified cog railway. Today it is a modern, eco-friendly railway, equipped with a regenerative braking system that generates electricity on the descent and so saves energy. All year: •Photo subject: 29 mountains above 4,000 m in view (Switzerland, Italy) •Shops •Restaurants: self-service and waiter-served, indoors and out •Large sun terrace •“Bernhard von Aosta” chapel •Panoramic viewing platform Summer: •Wild ibex near the viewing platform of the station •Starting point for hikes •Sunrise trips (bookable offer) •Sunset dinners (bookable offer) •For families: “Wolli and the climate detectives” (audio guides available from Zermatt Tourism and the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway) Winter: •Dining with the stars (bookable offer) •Moonlight visit (bookable offer) •Direct access to the pistes and winter hiking paths •Highest sledging slope in Switzerland (Rotenboden 2815 m - Riffelberg 2582 m) •Igloo village on 2727 m See more..
4.5 Lake Lugano (3.602 reviews)
- Home by Boat
Bodies of Water

Lake Lugano is a scenic lake that stretches across Switzerland and Northern Italy. The best way to fully appreciate its stunning views is by taking a boat cruise, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A popular excursion is a boat ride to Morcote or Gandria, two quaint fishing villages along the lake. For a bird's-eye view, hop on the funicular from Lugano City. During the summer, you can even rent a paddle boat or go windsurfing. Alternatively, take a leisure stroll along the tree-lined promenade that runs alongside the lake. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (2.472 reviews)
- A must see experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM Spent 2-3 hours Trams • Ski & Snowboard Areas

What does an Alpine paradise look like? Probably quite like Matterhorn glacier paradise. The peak with Europe’s highest mountain station soars 3'883 metres above sea level. The peak lift takes you up to the 360º viewing platform. The view from there is like paradise. You can see an incredible 38 four-thousand-metre peaks and 14 glaciers. And a must-see in Zermatt’s glacier paradise: a real glacier palace. Up above, there is a cinema lounge, fine cuisine, superb ski slopes and a little lower, on Trockener Steg or Schwarzsee, hiking and biking trails. And on top of that many unforgettable experiences the whole year round ... See more..
4.5 Parco Ciani (1.339 reviews)
- Beautiful park
Parks

Big, beautiful park, with an underground parking garage, so you do not have to worry about that. If you park here, you can walk through most of the town since it is at a very good spot. You can walk around the park, or next to the lake, visit the museum, take some very nice pictures. See more..
4.5 Monte San Salvatore (1.312 reviews)
- 360 degree bird's eye view
Mountains • Lookouts

Monte San Salvatore was nothing short of amazing. It had many view/photo points, and it was 360 degrees view of the lakes, the city, the mountains. One can choose to take either the funicular (station was nestled between the modern buildings) or hike up and we chose the former. The half fare pass entitled us to a 50% discount so we paid only 15 chf (which was dirt cheap if you compare it to Jungfrau/First/Birg). The view up will not disappoint!! See more..
4.5 Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis (916 reviews)
- Surprising!
Monday: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis offers insight into the development of Zermatt. It shows the triumph and tragedy surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Here one is immersed in the mountain world of past generations: One sees how the people lived in Zermatt in the 19th century and shudder at the sight of the broken rope from the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Four of the seven climbers lost their lives at that time. And one looks in wonder at “Theo,” the 16th century mercenary who did not succeed in crossing the Theodul Pass. See more..
4.5 Monte Bre (907 reviews)
- Wonderful panorama
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM Mountains • Lookouts

Living in Lugano, I often head to Monte Bré, both for work and for leisure. We especially enjoy watching sunsets at the side of the mountain overlooking the lake, or just climbing to the top and then down again. From there, for those who like to hike, you can reach Monte Boglia, which is located behind the city at about 1.5h walk (steep). For those who are staying in the city and don't have, don't wanna use a vehicle, there's a lively funicular climbing the mountain from Cassarate, with a stop also in Ruvigliana. Monte Bré is definitely a must if you visit Lugano, whether you like to hike and be active or you just want to take in the best panorama of the city you can get. See more..
4.5 Lake St. Moritz (897 reviews)
- Magical
Bodies of Water

Totally beautiful... magical in any season and at anytime of the day. From sunset to sunrise the reflections of the light and trees on the lake are beautiful. A fantastic place to walk and enjoy the nature for the young and the elderly. See more..
4.5 Muottas Muragl (814 reviews)
- Excellent day in the mountains
Monday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Lookouts

We were not really sure what to expect but decided to pay our fare (CHF 35 each) for a return ticket to take the Funicular. Alighting at the top station, the views were incredible. Mountains in every direction with great views also up the Engadine Valley. We decided to hike to the lake, a three hour round trip which was quite hard in the snow but we'll worth it. We thought he price of the Funicular seemed expensive but agreed it was worth every cent. See more..
4.5 Fondation Pierre Gianadda (709 reviews)
- Well done Léonard!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Foundation founded by Léonard Gianadda in memory of his younger brother Pierre, who was killed in an airplane crash in 1976. His dedication to cultural heritage has been a major contributor to the transformation of Martigny into a world renowned cultural centre in Switzerland. Presentation of the collection of Christoph Blocher, which includes Swiss paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries by Albert Anker and Ferdinand Hodler. Anker a Swiss painter and illustrator who has been called the national painter of Switzerland with popular depictions of 19th-century Swiss village life. Ferdinand Hodler was one of the best-known Swiss painters of the nineteenth century with portraits and landscapes. Also liked the permanent automobile and Gallo-Roman exhibition. Well done Léonard! See more..
4.5 Caumasee (706 reviews)
- Caumasee by HSN Healing Sound of Nature
Bodies of Water

The lake is simply amazing. I have visited it on Saturday at 8am to be able to enjoy the quite moment. It’s a pity it’s fenced so you really need to pay entrance if you want to fully enjoy the walk. There were already few people in the restaurant having breakfast and swimming ... However by the time I was walking back from the Swiss Grand Canyon the place around noon was really full and super loud. If you enjoy peaceful moments in nature that’s for sure not a good time to go. I for sure would recommend any other day than weekend Check YouTube video of HSN Healing Sound of Nature with views on the lake recorded in the morning with little fog over water: Video Places to Visit in Switzerland Caumasee /Lake Cauma: The Pearl of Flims See more..
4.5 Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory (691 reviews)
- Top of Europe
Monday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Observation Decks & Towers

The place, the view, the cold... You take 2h to come from Interlaken but that nice. Expensive as well but to do on your bucket list. Done for me See more..
4.5 Top of Europe (667 reviews)
- Jungfraujoch a fantastic place to visit.
Monday: 7:30 AM - 4:45 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Located around 30 minutes from Interlaken you can take either the cable car half way up the mountain with fantastic views of the Eiger and surrounding countryside. Then you switch to the cog railway that is been tunnelled under the mountain all the way to the summit where there are lots of attractions including the outside viewing platform of the James Bond famous observatory. Luckily it was a crystal clear day on day of visit so you could see the spectacular views. Remember it is -0c even in early summer so take serious clothing. The ice palace carved inside the mountain is also very spectacular and you can walk to another outside viewing platform on good weather days. There is also a cafe and good quality restaurant worth a visit. Remember the top is nearly 4000 metres so the air is thin so be careful if you have breathing difficulties. See more..
4.5 Falconeria Locarno (639 reviews) from $30.61
- Great bird of prey show, excellent for children
Monday: Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

Our family really enjoyed this bird show, even though it was in languages we do not speak. The show was in both German and Italian, but it did not stop us from enjoying the magnificent birds. The show included owls, vultures, a bald eagle, and a kara kara. The performers walked up and down the bleacher steps directing the birds to fly over the heads of the audience. We were brushed by owl wings more than once! The majority of the bleachers were under cover, which made it a perfect rainy day event. We even got to pet one of the owls at the end of the show. A must see with kids! See more..
4.5 Piazza della Riforma (627 reviews)
- A very picturesque square!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a very picturesque square in the heart of the city. You will end up here because it is near the lake so you can take a ferry boat from there. There are plenty of restaurants and bars here. During the summer months is so pretty with all colourful flowers. Worth visiting when you visit the town. See more..
4.5 Diavolezza (590 reviews)
- Exhilarating Experience
Lookouts

Taking advantage of our Engadin tourist pass we took the Diavolezza cable car up to the base of the awesome Morteratsch Glacier. The weather was variable and at times the glacier and Piz Bernina were in complete cloud cover so we went into the cafe where we had the best (and cheapest!) coffee that we had in Switzerland. While we were sitting there the clouds lifted to reveal a spectacular view of the glacier and mountain range in bright sunlight, but for only a short time before the clouds swirled in again. We visited the souvenir shop and were pleasantly surprised by their reasonable prices which we took advantage of and bought several gifts. This cable car ride is well worth a visit especially when it is free in the Summer. See more..
4.5 Old Town Chur (584 reviews)
- Absolutely astounding!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

To be honest, we hadn’t even heard of this town before we were planning our journey across Europe. It was difficult to find out too much about it but we took a chance and boy did it payoff. It is just about the oldest civilisation in Switzerland and the history echoes through the town. We exited the train station and straight away were blown away by the beautiful buildings with the backdrop of the Alps. It isn’t cheap though! We were amazed when a Thai curry in a restaurant was 28 Swiss and that wasn’t dear as we discovered later. We cut our cloth accordingly though and had a wonderful day and evening there. There is so much to see and do and history everywhere. Definitely an experience and a town to go to if you get a chance. See more..
4.5 Swiss Vapeur Parc (567 reviews)
- Fabulous place for kids and adults alike
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

This unique park displays its attractions in an area of over 17’000 m2 at Le Bouveret, in a pleasant location adjacent to the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. One miniature train enthusiast, having come from afar to admire this touristic marvel of lower Valais, confided that all the troubles of everyday life seem to disappear within the gates of the park. Only a child’s earliest experiences of joy can come close to expressing the first sensations of a trip on a miniature train. The little trains chug along as if by magic through a sumptuous decor displaying miniature replicas from the rich heritage of Switzerland: the Castle of Aigle, the Church of Saanen, the Halls of Neuchâtel, the Swiss Residence, railway buildings and constructions of every sort (bridges, viaducts, tunnels, etc.), conjuring up a journey into a land of dreams ! See more..
4.5 Church of S. Maria degli Angioli (565 reviews)
- a High Renaissance fresco as the main sight
Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Churches & Cathedrals

The front of the former monastic church Santa Maria degli Angioli (often written as 'degli Angeli') looks very modest, but once inside one is immediately taken over by a big fresco in front, depicting the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus. It is the main sight in here and probably the top attraction in all of Lugano from the point of view of art. The fresco is a late in life creation by Bernardino Luini, a Lombard High Renaissance painter in the times of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, of whom is also said that he instigated the discovery of Amaretto, when working at Saronno. Very typical of his work are the elongated eyes of the females, he depicted. Behind the church has been restored and opened up lately the former cloister of the former Franciscan monastery, to which the building belonged. On top of arches several remains of frescoes can be seen. See more..
4.5 Castelgrande (521 reviews)
- Loved the Walls
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

This beautiful medieval castle overlooking the city has been recently restored. See more..
4.5 Castelli di Bellinzona (505 reviews)
- Beautiful day at Bellinzona
Castles

We were on a tour but had some free time and wanted to visit Bellinzona castles, our hotel was in Paradiso Lugano. You get a Ticino ticket for staying at a hotel which gives you free public transportation within Ticino region. Applying for the ticket is a little cumbersome which involves filling out info online and have hotel activate the ticket after, you will receive a QR code. Getting to Bellinzona was super easy, we took S10 train from Paradiso and Bellinzona is only 3 stops away (about 20+ min). Castle Grande is only a few min walk from the train station. Since it’s off season, you are only able to visit castle Grande and the grounds of the 2nd castle, the castle on the very top of the hill is closed for the winter. The castle grounds are beautiful and scenery around is fantastic. It’s definitely worth a half day visit. The entry fee to see the museum is $15 Francs if interested otherwise the castle grounds are free. See more..
4.5 Parsenn Skigebiet (505 reviews)
- Beautiful skiing, a little tough for snowboarding
Ski & Snowboard Areas

Parsenn is gorgeous. The views of Davos and the mountains are phenomenal. The lodges all have free wifi and prices are very reasonable. The runs for the most part are nice and quite a long ride down , perhaps a little busy. My complaint is that a few of the runs flatten out making it difficult for snowboarders to keep momentum and we need to skate our board from time to time. See more..