Visiting the Swiss Alps can be quite challenging. I mean, who wouldn’t be a bit skeptical? But not to worry, if you want a test of adventure, then this is the place. Swiss Alps is usually used to refer to the Alpine region of Switzerland. Swiss Alps is along the Swiss Plateau and the Swiss portion of the Jura Mountains, south of the Swiss Plateau. Also, it extends over both the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps, encompassing an area sometimes called the Central Alps. This remarkable place has the highest mountains found in the Alps, such as;
- Dufourspitze (4,634 m)The Dom (4,545 m)
- The Liskamm (4,527 m)
- The Weisshorn (4,506 m)
- The Matterhorn (4,478 m)
- Täschhorn
- Dent Blanche
Also, the other famous swiss mountains in the Alps:
- Jungfrau
- Klein Matterhorn
- Finsteraarhorn
- Eiger
- Mt Säntis
- Mont Dolent
- Piz Bernina
- Pilatus
In all, there are about 10832 named mountains in Switzerland. The Alps cover 60%, almost the whole of Switzerland’s 41,285 square kilometers, i.e. 15,940 sq mi surface area. Indeed, it is one of the most alpine countries in the world! Indeed, it is one place you should go. The Alpine cantons starting from the highest to lowest are; Valais, Bern, Graubünden, Uri , Glarus, Ticino, St. Gallen, Vaud, Obwalden, Nidwalden , Schwyz, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Fribourg, Lucerne and the lowest, Zug. Furthermore, the Alps region is into two main parts; the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps. The division from which of these two categories came is along the Rhine from Lake Constance to the Splügen Pass.
The Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park in Graubünden was the first alpine national park in 1914. Entlebuch area became a biosphere reserve in 2001. Also, the Parc Ela is the most protected area in Switzerland. Thus, it became functional in 2006. Ela covers an area of 600 square kilometres. The first World Heritage Site in the Alps is Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area. In addition, most of these mountains attract a good number of adventure-seeking, fun-loving alpinists from all over the globe. Also, see an amazing cruise on the Norwegian fjord.
Swiss Alps is not as populated as other regions of the country, though very popular among outdoor enthusiasts who go hiking and trekking tours. Also, the Swiss Alps is a good place for skiing and has excellent ski resorts. And, of course, best slopes. Additionally, the most dramatic viewing in the world. Imagine standing on a mountain top that’s so high, looking out over so many beautiful, isolated lakes that you’ll never want to leave! It has an Alpine Club that is incredibly well organized and organizes retreats at a low cost for hikers. Furthermore, the areas most tourists like to visit are Lucerne and Interlaken. Furthermore, these places are traditional gateways to the Swiss Alps.
Best Valleys
The valleys surrounding these mountains are on their own truly a glorious sight! There are many of them, but here are a few:
- Engadine
- Valle Verzasca
- The Valle do Muggio
- Val d’Anniviers
- The Val d’Herens
- Val Fex
- Val Poschiavo
- Albula pass
- Val Müstair
- Loschental valley
Lakes
There are rivers and lakes around the Swiss Alps. Hence, the more reason you should go there and see a beautiful view from the top. Here are some of them; Rhine, Aare, Rhône, Reuss, Linth and Limmat, Saane/La Sarine, Thur, Inn, Ticino, Hinterrhein, Vorderrhein, Doubs, Kander.
Best Hikes
- Zermatt and Matterhorn
Zermatt is at the bottom of the Matterhorn, which is the unique peak in the world. Also, hiking in Zermatt gives you the best the Alps has to offer!
- Jungfrau Region and the Eiger
Jungfrau region, filled with the North Face of the Eiger, which is a spectacular and exceptional mountain landscape on earth. Therefore, this place is the best place for the perfect hiking tour in the Swiss Alps.
Sportspersons prefer skiing, and other winter sports are areas around Valais, Bernese Oberland and Graubünden. Some villages are not motorable but can be reached only with public transports like Riederalp and Bettmeralp. Zermatt and Saas-Fee have good summer ski areas. However, ski season usually starts from November and runs to May, most ski resorts in Switzerland open in December and are in business till April. Additionally, main sporting activities in the Alps include Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow sledge-biking, Downhill snow Mountain Biking, Downhill snow-mobile and snow-mobile tours and rides. Catch the mind-blowing cruise on River Nile.
How Much Does Mountain Hike Cost
There is no charge for visiting mountain areas in Switzerland. No permits are required for hiking as well. , Thus, the fees paid for the mountain railway will cover trail maintenance and other services in the mountain areas. So you can skip the mountain transport and pay absolutely no charge except for a bus or train ticket back. Famous mountains charge CHF 100+ for one adult return trip, while for average mountains, it costs CHF 45. Although, smaller ones charge around CHF 15-30. Choose wisely.
Itinerary
By Car
It can take an approximately 1-hour 45-minute flight to Zurich, Bern, Geneva or Basel. So hire a car or get someone to drive you to have a unique view of the Alpine highlights when travelling into the Valais region. Across Switzerland, the main pass is Highway A9, which takes you to Sierre. Valais can be assessed from the north by way of Bern using a car shuttle train (Lötschberg). From the east, it is assessable through Furka Pass. Then from the south, it can be Simplon Pass.
By Air
Using SWISS International Air Lines, you can fly to the Alps for just £74. With free ski transport and in just 1 hour 45 minutes. At Geneva and Zurich airports, also, you can hire a car or take a means of public transport to get to your destination.
By Train
Want to go by train? Eurostar from London will get you to Paris in 2 hours 20 minutes with just a fare of £44. From Paris, catch a 3–4-hour train to Geneva, Bern, Basel or Zurich for £21. Then from there, catch a train heading directly to your preferred resort. You can see a train every 30 minutes.
Are you tired of hiking? Or is the mountain too high? And you need an easy way out? The Swiss Alps, as well as Switzerland, have a wide-ranged transport network. Almost every village with mountains can be assessed by public transport, whether by rail, bus, funicular, cable car, or a combination of them. So you can still reach that peak you so desire!
Swiss Alps Resorts
There are so many resorts around Swiss Alps. But, here are just a few good ones you might want to select from:
- Wellnesshotel Schweizehof
- Swiss Diamond and spa
- Thermalhotels and Walliser Alpentherm
- Hauser hotel St. Moritz
- Matterhorn inn
- Randolins Familienresort
- Links Leuk Golfresort
- Hotel Bellerive
- H4 Hotel Arcadia Locarno
- Hotel La Palma au Lac.
They are so many! All you have to do is to make a choice, and let the fun begin! Climbing is a sport also— indeed a great way to lose that weight.
What to do in the Swiss Alps
Despite Jungfrau Region being the most accessible and tourist area, of course, you might want to go there, but beyond Jungfrau is another even more challenging range close to the Italian border, the Matterhorn is the star attraction.
Visit Interlaken
Interlaken is between two of Switzerland’s loveliest lakes. Also, it has a lot of cafes and hotels. It has a train station at each end of the town. This town will amuse you on your way to the mountains. You can see the city by train, at Interlaken Ost station, the terminus for both mainline trains and coming from Luzern. Also, get out at Brienz and see the rest of Interlaken Ost by boat. Likewise, you can take a boat from Thun to Interlaken West and enjoy the view of the whole town.
Visit Mürren
Through Gimmelwald, take a cable car to the beautiful car-free village of Mürren. The valley is straight 800m down. A dazzling panorama of snowy peaks that fills the sky must catch your attention. Indeed, the visit is worth it! Such splendid view. Sip cocktails in Piz Gloria restaurant while enjoying the view.
Travel through Bernina Express
Bernina Express is one of the city’s most beautiful train routes. First, catch views through the Bernina express. Then, go through Bernina pass to a head-spinning 7,392 feet (2,253 meters) above sea level!
Visit Matterhorn
The “mountain of mountains”, Matterhorn, has one of the highest peaks, swooshing 14,692 feet (4,478 meters). It has a jagged triangular shape. You will love to see it.
Visit Lurcene
Lurcene, with its sparkling blue lake surrounded by mountains, is quite an attraction. Thus, it is a car-free medieval old town—full of bridges, waterfront promenades, old historic buildings, and shining plazas with bubbling fountains. Also, see the great lodging offer at Backerpackers Luzern.
Camping
You can camp out with the right pieces of equipment, of course. Listen to the night sounds, enjoy the early mornings and go hiking. What do you think?
Visit Balmer
Enjoy your nightlife at Balmer bar. It is also a top-rated hotel and sells cheap beer!
Visit Funny Farm
Love partying? Then visit Funny Farm and flow with the blast till 1:30 am! You will get a chance to see and interact with a lot of people there as well. Enjoy your nightlife!
Sports
Also, you can enjoy sports in extreme dimensions, from paragliding to rafting to ice climbing to canyon jumping. Some agencies can arrange it all for you. Agencies such as Skywings (033 266 8228, skywings.ch ) and Alpin Raft (Hauptstr. 7, Matten; 033 823 41 00, alpinraft.com ) got you covered.
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What to Pack
- Hiking shoes/boots
- A small backpack that contains water bottles, snacks, a camera (essential), also get a raingear. Who knows? it might drizzle
- Make sure you have your trekking poles for balance. It is convenient.
- Two or three pairs of synthetic hiking pants, also pack a good number of T-shirts, long pants, long sleeves, hiking socks, extra shoes, dinner wear (trust me, you can be charmed by the evenings), hat and gloves.
