Lonely PlanetOct 3, 2026
12 Best Things to Do in the Swiss Alps
From biking and hiking to wildlife watching, experience the best of the Swiss Alps with this guide to the top things to do.
22 things in this story
- Gemmi PassTrailHike the historic pass, accessible by cable car
- Hotel SchwarenbachHotelDating from 1742, stop for a restorative drink
- Elsewhere
- Swiss National ParkSightZernez, SwitzerlandTry for wildlife watchers
- Five Lakes TrailTrailZermatt, SwitzerlandSee the Matterhorn from Zermatt’s trail
- VerticAlp funicularSightChâtelard, SwitzerlandRide to the Emosson dam
- Emosson damSightChâtelard, SwitzerlandVisit for sheer expanse and dizzying views
- OeschinenseeSightKandersteg, SwitzerlandJewel-like lake accessible by cable car
- Mont-Blanc ExpressAttractionMartigny, SwitzerlandTrain from Martigny to Châtelard
- Vieux EmossonSightChâtelard, SwitzerlandSecond, older dam with a mountain hut
- Swiss Alpine ClubPlaceBern, SwitzerlandBook cabins through the club
- Tour des MuveransTrailOvronnaz, SwitzerlandMagnificent 33km circular route
- Cabane RambertHotelOvronnaz, SwitzerlandDepuis la terrasse de la cabane Rambert, vous bénéficierez d’un point de vue exceptionnel sur la plupart des Alpes…
- EigerSightGrindelwald, SwitzerlandIt is the easternmost peak of a ridge crest that extends across the Mönch to the Jungfrau…
- MönchSightGrindelwald, SwitzerlandTogether with the Eiger and the Jungfrau, it forms a highly recognisable group of mountains, visible from far away.
- Schilthorn summit stationSightMürren, SwitzerlandStood in for Blofeld’s lair in James Bond film
- GimmelwaldNeighborhoodMürren, SwitzerlandHamlet reached by via ferrata from Mürren
- Grimsel PassTrailGuttannen, SwitzerlandPart of a circular route with Furka and Susten
- Furka PassTrailGuttannen, SwitzerlandPart of a circular route with Grimsel and Susten
- Susten PassTrailGuttannen, SwitzerlandPart of a circular route with Grimsel and Furka
- GelmerbahnSightGuttannen, SwitzerlandEurope’s steepest funicular up to Gelmer lake
- Refuge du Lac de DerborenceHotelOvronnaz, Switzerland
- JungfrauSightGrindelwald, Switzerland