SWITZERLAND TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO.
The small mountainous country of Switzerland is a dream to travel and explore. We have listed our favourite places to see and things to do from our time in Switzerland.
1.ZERMATT
The car free mountain village of Zermatt is one of our favourite places to visit. It is the gateway to the matterhorn and has that ultimate Swiss mountain village feel mixed with the super luxurious hotels. It is not cheap to stay here but it is an experience not to be missed.
2. MATTERHORN
Is there a more iconic mountain in Europe? If you are staying in Zermatt then you have to spend at least a day hiking the hills and mountains around the village for fantastic photo opportunities of the Matterhorn. If you are feeling adventurous then try view the mountain from its 4 distinct sides that make each view unique.
3. GORNERGRAT BAHN
If you were to only to choose one of the trains, cable cars or funiculars to ride in Zermatt then we would suggest riding the Gornergrat Bahn. Ride it all the way up the Gornergrat to the observatory for fantastic view over glaciers and the Monte Rosa.
-Price £86 return
4. MATTERHORN GLACIER PARADISE
At 3,883 meters the Klein Matterhorn is the highest place that can be reached via cable car in Europe. With views of the Matterhorn and Breithorn as well as Zermatt and the surrounding peaks this journey is truly unique. We were amazed by the engineering and the distance covered by the cable car. We were transported from the lush green fields surrounding Zermatt to the glacial paradise that sits high above in the mountains. Used for all year round skiing and mountain training this was one of our favourite places to explore in Switzerland.
-price £90 return or £130 peak2peak including the Gornergrat
5. SCHILTHORN PIZ GLORIA
With views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau as well as access to several beautiful mountain villages the Schilthorn is a top pick. It can be a little cheesy because of its use as a filming location in James bond. The views and journey is spectacular. You will also have access to the Skyline walk and Thrill Walk. At 2,970 meters the Schilthorn is another spectacular mountain viewing platform to experience whilst in Switzerland.
-price £91 return
6. JUNGFRAU TOP OF EUROPE
I was very excited for our journey through the North face of the Eiger to the Jungfrau. An Iconic European North Face the Eiger is a legend and a beast. To be able to stop at the viewing windows that look out across the glacier. The train tracks are tunneled through the Eiger before reaching the Sphinx Observatory. The journey in itself is an experience and something we highly recommend. When you arrive at the top we suggest hiking across the glacier to the mountain hut for a snack and drink before heading back down again. The hike across the Alps biggest glacier is the cherry on top of what is a brilliant day out in the Swiss mountains.
- Price roughly £153 from Interlakken OST or £139 from Gridelwald
7. LAUTERBRUNNEN
Idyllic Swiss mountain village flanked by rocky cliffs and the 300 meter high Staubbach Falls. Ideally placed to access the local mountain infrastructure. Often said to be Switzerlands most beautiful village, any trip to Switzerland is not complete unless you have strolled through the village and the surrounding valley of Lauterbrunnen.
8. GENEVA
With views of Mont Blanc and the beautiful Lake Geneva most trips to Switzerland will start from the capital. Spend the day exploring the sights and enjoy a boat ride on the lake before moving into the mountains. French influence is strong here, from the language to the gastronomy.
9. MÜRREN
Ride the cable car up to Mürren for dramatic views across the valley and cliffs of the Lauterbrunnen area. We loved the hikes that are accesible from Mürren. Watch the paragliders who take off from this area and then soar over the valley.
10.INTERLAKEN
A great place to stay with easy access via train and road to the Jungfrau region. Situated between two beautiful lakes this traditional resort town is worth a visit. The architecture and historical buildings of Interlaken make this a visually pleasing experience. Take a break from the mountains and enjoy some time on the lakes or some retail therapy before heading out in the evening to one of the many restaurants serving high quality food.