The Most Breathtaking Mountain Views in Switzerland

For such a small country, Switzerland is blessed with some spectacular scenery that is certain to take your breath away time and again. Here are the views which will leave you awe-struck while fumbling for your camera.

The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn, Switzerland’s iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. On the border with Italy, this legendary peak rises to 4,478 meters, and its four steep faces lie in the direction of the compass points. The first summiting in 1865 ended tragically when four climbers fell to their death during the descent. Today, thousands of experienced climbers come here each summer.

At the foot of this mighty peak, lies the charming village of Zermatt, a top international resort with horse-drawn carriage rides, quaint chalets, and world-class restaurants and hotels. To preserve the air quality and peaceful ambiance, motorized vehicles are banned in the village.

In the winter, skiers can schuss down more than 300 kilometers of slopes. In the summer, swimming and tennis are popular pursuits as well as hiking, biking, and climbing in the surrounding mountains. Summer glacier skiing is also available.

Aletsch Glacier

One of the most popular things to do in the beautiful Bernese Oberland is the train journey to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” with an observation terrace and scientific observatory perched at 3,454 meters. The longest glacier in Europe, the Great Aletsch Glacier begins at Jungfraujoch and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Great Aletsch Glacier in the Bernese Alps is a testament to the power of nature. This gigantic glacier stretches over 23 kilometers and dates back to the last ice age. It’s the biggest glacier in both the Alps and all of Switzerland. From the best viewpoints, the glacier snakes down its eroded valley with the two peaks of Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn looming over it

Charles Kuonen Bridge 

Newly opened in 2017, the Charles Kuonen Bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Braving the 494-meter crossing comes with spectacular views of the Alps all around, including the world-famous Matterhorn, while hanging in the middle of a valley 80 meter from the ground. This one is definitely breathtaking.

Eiger Trail

Seasoned hikers and climbers may already know about the Eiger trail, a six-kilometer route that brings you right to the foot of the Eiger’s north face.

The route has been used by climbers since the 1930s to embark on grueling ascents of that concave slab of rock 1,600 meters high.

The way to do it is to catch the Jungfrau railway to Eigergletscher and within minutes you’ll be dwarfed by the north face.

Take a pair of binoculars on a clear day to see climbers picking their way up this wall, and look north where Grosse Scheidegg and the Wetterhord command the landscape.

The six-kilometer walk to Alpiglen Station shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, and where it gets tricky there are ropes fastened to the rock beside the path.

Bachalpsee

One of the inspiring within walking distance from the gondola stop at First is a stunning Alpine lake, about an hour away.

Bachalpsee is at an altitude of 2,265 meters, and its reflective waters, grassy banks, and mountain backdrop make up a quintessentially Alpine scene.

When the skies are clear the mighty Schreckhorn, Wetterhorn and Finsteraarhorn are reflected perfectly in the water for postcard-quality photos.

The walk from First is a surprisingly light one, sound-tracked by cowbells and in pastures scattered with wildflowers in mid-summer.