Best Mountain Experiences in Switzerland: Complete Guide 2025
Switzerland is considered one of the world’s most beautiful country and is known for its postcard perfect landscapes. The country is characterised by snow capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes and charming villages. Travelling across Switzerland is an easy experience for everyone. It is well connected and has on-time public transport infrastructure including buses, trains, gondolas and funiculars.
Here is a list of our favourite mountain experiences in Switzerland:
Grindelwald First
What It Offers:
- Panoramic views of the Grindelwald valley
- First Cliff Walk - A thrilling walk at the edge of the mountain on a suspension bridge with a transparent platform. You can see the valley below and the snow covered 4000 metre peaks nearby.
- Adventure Activities - Mountain Cart, Trottibike, Glider, Flyer (Some of these are suitable for children)
How To Reach:
- Take a train from Interlaken to Grindelwald BGF.
- Take a gondola from Grindelwald(Firstbahn AG) to Grindelwald First.
Things to Note:
- There is a combined ticket for the trains, gondola and the adventure activities together.
Hikes
Lake Bachalpsee - “blue jewel”
If you want to do a hike, there is a beautiful hike (just one hour away from Grindelwald First) - Lake Bachalpsee. The path to the lake is well laid and the hike is frequented by many people visiting First. You can plan a small picnic at the lake and enjoy the shadow of the alpine mountains reflected on the Bachalpsee Lake.
Jungfraujoch
What It Offers:
- Ice Palace with beautiful sculptures
- Sphinx Observatory with panoramic views of rock formations and glaciers
- Alpine Sensation - long corridor walk from Sphinx Hall to the Ice Palace
- Lindt Chocolate Factory/Store
- Snow Fun Park for snow activities
How To Reach:
Route 1
- Take a train from Interlaken to Grindelwald Terminal
- Take a gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Jungfraujoch
Route 2
- Take a train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen
- Take a train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg
- Take a cogwheel train from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch
Things to Note:
- During the summer season, there is a special ticket called Good Morning Ticket(https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/good-morning-ticket/) and it is signifcantly cheaper.
Hike - Moenchsjochhuette
This is one of the most exciting, easy-access high-Alpine hiking experiences one can get from Jungfraujoch. It is open only at certain times of the year, so do check the website. Carry jackets and hiking sticks. Website - https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/moenchsjochhuette/
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
What It Offers:
- Views of Klein Matterhorn at 3883 meters
- Panoramic views of 14 glaciers across three countries
- Glacier Palace with ice sculptures
- 360-degree viewing platform of glaciers and mountains including Matterhorn
- Summer skiing opportunities
How To Reach:
- Gondola from Zermatt to Furi
- Gondola from Furi to Trockener Steg
- Gondola from Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Things to Note:
- There is a combined ticket for the gondolas and the Glacier Paradise
Gornergrat Express
What It Offers:
- Scenic mountain train journey with multiple viewpoints
- Incredible views of the Matterhorn mountain peak
- At the top, there is a viewing platform overlooking glaciers
- There is an immersive 3D experience where you can virtually paraglide over the Matterhorn
How To Reach:
- Take the Gornergrat Express train from Zermatt to Gornergrat
- Optional stops available at Findelbach, Riffelberg and other points
Things to Note:
- As the ticket is flexible, you can stop at the other stations and explore the different views.
Findelbach Downhill Hike
There is a small downhill hike from Findelbach to Zermatt. One can enjoy the top down views of the Zermatt town while walking the hike.
Rhine Falls
What It Offers:
- Europe's largest waterfalls
- Huge volumes of water falls over rocks of over 150m in height
- There are multiple platforms where one can get close to witness the waterfalls. It feels like you are directly in front of the waterfalls without actually getting wet, but you will feel light showers from the forces of the waterfalls.
- There is even a small island rock in the center that is at an elevation. One can take a boat to reach the center island and climb the island.
How To Reach:
- Take a train from Zurich HB to Neuhausen Rheinfall and walk to the falls.
Things to Note:
- The best way to reach Rhine Falls is through a train, as once the train is approaching the Rhine falls station, you will have a 180 degree views of the waterfalls.
Mount Stoos
What It Offers:
- World's steepest funicular with 47.7% gradient
- Car-free holiday village with various activities
- Stroller-friendly trails
- Four gondolas to different vantage points
- Multiple hiking and activity options for all ages
How To Reach:
- Take a train to Schwyz Stoosbahn
- Ride the steepest funicular from Schwyz Stoosbahn to Stoos
Things to Note:
- You can plan one way hikes to Fronalpstock or Klingenstock and then take the furnicular to return back
Fronalpstock Panorama Trail
You can take a gondola to reach Fronalpstock and once you are at the top, the views are breathtaking. This walk is flat and you can witness the ten lakes and countless peaks of Central Switzerland. There are also a lot of picnic and play areas for kids along the trail.
Cave Tour
There are Hölloch cave exploration tours where you get to explore the caves. The developed part of the cave have paths and stairs and you will know a lot about cave history and cave exploration.
Ridge Hike
The most famous ridge hike is Klingenstock to Frongelstock that goes on top of a narrow ridge giving you spectacular landscapes on both sides. The hike is for around 2-3 hours. There is a well built trail but it is only recommended for sensible hikers with steady footing. You can see many adults, some older people and some kids joining their parents for the hike. The hike is really breathtaking and one of the best.
Mount Pilatus
What It Offers:
- Cave trail with panoramic mountain and lake views
- Multiple hiking trails and activities
- Adventure activities including paragliding and ziplining
- Toboggan run at Fräkmüntegg station
- Choice of scenic gondola or cogwheel train access
How To Reach:
Route 1
- Take a bus from Luzern to 'Kriens, Zentrum/Pilatus'
- Walk 5 minutes to Pilatus-Bahnen AG gondola station
- Take gondola to Fräkmüntegg station
- Take second gondola to Mount Pilatus summit
Route 2
- Take a bus from Luzern to Alpnachstad station
- Take cogwheel train from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus summit
Things to Note:
- You can combine different routes for up and down journeys
- To reach Frakigaudi Summer Tobaggan, you need to take Route 1 (Gondola to Fräkmüntegg station)
Frakigaudi Summer Toboggan
Tobaggan is an adventure activity where you sit on a light, vehicle with brakes and ride down a steel channel. It is a fun activity to do on the way to Mount Pilatus. There are plenty of cool curves, dragon caves and inbuilt jumps and this makes it a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone.
Suitable for: Children, Families, Individual, Couple
Share your Swiss mountain experiences in the comments below!