Switzerland is well-known for its breathtaking scenery. In fact, mountains in Switzerland cover 60 percent of the land area.
So, It’s no wonder that so many people flock to this country to get a taste of two main mountain ranges in Switzerland – the Alps (south and east) and Jura (north and west).
9000+ feet above the ground, there is something so alluring about mountains. They have a unique hold on us, and Switzerland is home to some of the most beautiful peaks in the world.
If you’re looking for a mountain adventure, here are 9 of the best Switzerland has to offer, and in the end, you will find fun facts that you may have never heard before.
So, let’s dive in!
General info about the best 9 mountains in Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe. It’s known for its picturesque landscape, which includes snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and green valleys.
To keep you in the right direction, here is a list of the top 9 mountains in Switzerland, all 100% worth visiting. Check them out:
- The Matterhorn
- Monte Rosa
- Pilatus
- Jungfrau
- Eiger
- Mount Rigi
- Piz Bernina
- Mönch
- Titlis
1. The Matterhorn – Huge snow pyramid
If you’re looking for a truly unique mountain-viewing experience, look no further than the Matterhorn – one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland.
This towering peak – measuring an impressive 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) – is located in the Valais region of the Swiss Alps, making it one of the tallest mountains in the country.
The mountain sits on the Swiss-Italian border and with its jagged tooth-like appearance it amazes everyone. Matterhorn completely dominates the resort of Zermatt.
People come from all over to experience the great skiing and tobogganing, as well as the wonderful views. The ski area is massive, and there are plenty of cable cars to help people get around.
In addition, be advised that only the most skilled mountain climbers can climb the Matterhorn.
In fact, the world’s highest tri-cable car system connects Trockener Steg with Matterhorn glacier paradise station at 3,883 meters.
That means you can ski across two countries when you are here. Isn’t that fun?
Related: Things to do in Zermatt all year round.
Where to stay?
Because the Matterhorn dominates the resort town of Zermatt, it can be quite a challenge to find a hotel room with a view that doesn’t include this massive mountain.
Depending on your budget, you can choose between luxurious, mid-range price, or low-cost accommodation.
If you are a fan of luxury places, then we recommend resorts like the Omnia or Cervo Mountain resort, but if you are a person who prefers golden middle, then the best option could be Hotel Alpenhof or Bella Vista Hotel.
Related: Top 15 luxury hotels in Switzerland
On the other hand, low-cost accommodation near ski slopes and cable cars are Hotel Carina and Hotel Artemis Garni.
Finally, if you’re planning a trip to one of the mountains in Switzerland anytime soon, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance.
2. Monte Rosa – The highest mountain in Switzerland
At 4634 m, Monta Rosa is the tallest mountain in Switzerland. And this is one tough hike. So tough, in fact, that only the most skilled mountaineers should attempt it.
The journey to the top can be started from either Saas-Fee or Zermatt, but whichever route you take, be prepared for a challenge. Once you reach the summit, though, the views are more than worth it.
Some people who don’t want to climb the mountain but still decide to come close stay overnight at the Monta Rosa hut.
The Monte Rosa hut opened in September 2009 and since its opening, it attracts many visitors. What draws people to come to this hut is not only the mountain but also the amazing design and innovative architecture.
The hut is located at the foot of the mountain. To get to the hut you have to cross a small glacier. So, you must have the appropriate equipment and most importantly experience to do so.
You should hire a guide to take you there from Zermatt. Some inexperienced tourists thought that they can do it alone but ended up being in danger.
When it comes to accommodation, Monte Rosa is also near Zermatt, so you can book some of the numerous accommodations there as well.
3. Pilatus – The mountain of dragons
Mountain Pilatus is not the highest mountain in Switzerland but it also is number one in the world for something.
The mountain is 2129m high and is located in central Switzerland. It rises above the southwestern shore of Lake Lucerne.
To get to the mountain you can ride the world’s steepest cog railway. The railway was commissioned in 1889 at a gradient of up to 48 percent.
The incline starts at Alpnachstad and ends at Pilatus Kulm. When you are riding it, you get to see amazing alpine meadows and breathtaking rock formations.
For the train to move forward at a 48% gradient, railway engineer Eduard Locher came up with an ingenious design. Two horizontally rotating cogwheels made the climb possible.
The incline was not reduced since its opening until today and this cog railway still stands as the world’s steepest.
Of course, the cog railway is not the only way to reach the mountain. You can get there by using a gondola from Kriens or hiking up from Alpnachstadt. This hike is for extremely fit people and is insanely hard. It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete it.
Because of the location, you have many options for the resorts. Even if you come to Switzerland by plane, reliable airport transfers will bring you to your resort without any problems.
Dragon’s lair Pilatus
This, one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland, is specific because it is also known as the mountain of dragons.
Legend says that in the summer of 1421 a huge dragon flew to the mountain Pilatus and crashed to the ground.
It happens that the dragon crashed very close to the farmer Stempflin and the farmer fainted. When he recovered the dragon was gone.
The things this creature left behind were a lump of clotted blood and the Dragon Stone. In the year 1509, this stone was legally declared to have healing powers.
The mountain of dragons, Pilatus, inspires artists to this day. Steven Reineke composed a true masterpiece “Pilatus: Mountain of Dragons” in 2002”. This composition depicts travelers climbing the mountain Pilatus in search of dragons.
4. Jungfrau – Top of Europe
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Jungfrau is a picture-perfect mountain village that is straight out of a fairytale.
Related: Things to do in the Swiss Alps this winter.
With its quaint chalets and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that Jungfrau is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations.
This famous peak is at an altitude of 4,158 meters. It dominates the Lauterbrunnen valley and it stretches 18 kilometers south-southeast of the resort of Interlaken.
This beautiful Switzerland mountain divides the cantons of Bern and Valais by stationing in the Bernese Alps.
Two other peaks stretch there: the Finsteraarhorn and the Aletschhorn and they exhort in height.
There are endless activities to keep you entertained and a wide range of hotels to stay in Jungfrau Region. It includes Wengen, Mürren, and Lauterbrunnen.
All of them are very popular and commonly visited destinations.
On the other hand, in Interlaken, you can find resorts that will definitely suit all your needs and budget. Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage, Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, and Hotel Royal St Georges are just some of the best hotels here.
Read more about the best spa resorts in Switzerland.
5. Eiger – Amazing North Face
Nestled in the center of the Bernese Alps, Eiger is home to one of the most epic climbs in the world.
The north face of the mountain extends about 3,000 meters beyond the valley, making it one of the tallest peaks in the Alps.
Thanks to its stunning views and challenging slopes, Eiger has always been a popular destination for alpinists.
This well-known peak appeared in numerous movies, and it is one of the most documented peaks around the world. It is a real endeavor to climb the mountain from all sides, and no easy routes are leading to the top.
Read more about movird filmed in Switzerland here.
Despite advances in climbing technology, the Eiger requires experience and is a heavy climb. It is famous as the death wall for a very good reason.
In addition, Eiger is located near Interlaken and Grindelwald. Both cities have plenty of things to do and many great hotels to stay at.
So, whether you’re an experienced climber or just looking to take in the sights, Eiger is definitely worth a visit.
6. Mount Rigi – Queen of Mountains
Mount Rigi, the “Queen of Mountains,” is a popular tourist destination. Located in the heart of Switzerland, it’s easily accessible from anywhere in the country.
And what’s not to love about the views? Whether you’re looking at the Swiss Alps, the lakes, or a diversity of alpine flora, there’s something for everyone.
The highest summit on the Rigi-Kulm is at an elevation of 1,797 meters. From this high spot, you can marvel at a spectacular panorama over the nearby Alps, Lake Lucerne, and the Swiss Plateau pointing north.
How popular Rigi is among royalty and celebrities witnesses the fact that Queen Victoria was taken up the summit in a sedan chair.
Within the 19th century, many fancy hotels and spas were built in succession in Kaltbad, Rigi Kulm, and on Scheidegg. Later new features were added above the Klösterli monastery and on the Staffelhöhe.
The highlight of mass tourism appeared in 1871 with the establishment of the Vitznau-Rigi Railway. It was the first Europe mountain railway and the Arth-Rigi Railway in 1875.
So if you’re looking for a beautiful and accessible spot to enjoy the best of what Switzerland has to offer, look no further than Mount Rigi.
Plus, you can make a perfect road trip from hot spots such as Zurich or Lucerne, or if you want to relax you can always hire a limousine with a diver.
7. Piz Bernina – The highest peak in the Eastern Alps
Piz Bernina is a classic example of one of the mountains in Switzerland that should be on every climber’s bucket list. It is the highest peak in the Eastern Alps, rising to 4,049 meters.
The mountain has a number of glaciers and offers climbers a challenging, but rewarding, ascent. And, of course, the views from the top are simply stunning.
As a part of the easternmost alpine Fourthousander, it has a very important role. In addition, it is the only one located in the Eastern Alps (all the alpine four-thousanders belong to the Western Alps).
Along with the Gran Paradiso and the Barre des Ecrins, Piz Bernina represents one of the few “isolated Alpine four-thousanders”. In fact, it is the most isolated mountain in Switzerland in a topographical sense.
This summit is positioned on the main Swiss-Italian watershed, between the municipalities of Samedan and Pontresina. Still, the highest point belongs to Switzerland.
Pontresina is just 8 kilometers from St. Moritz, and it is easily accessed from Zurich. So, if you are looking for resorts near Piz Berina, you have numerous options in these cities for all budgets and needs.
Why not add Piz Bernina to your list of must-climb mountains? You’ll be glad you did.
8. Mönch – King of the Bernese Oberland
Mönch dominates the Bernese Oberland as the middle summit rises from the famous trio of mountains.
It stands up proudly to 4,107 meters above sea level, rising from south-central Switzerland, and it’s the perfect mountain for alpinists of all levels, offering beginner-friendly slopes as well as challenging terrain for more experienced climbers.
In addition, the views from the summit are simply breathtaking, with panoramas of both Eiger and Jungfrau.
The untouched nature of Mönch gets quite challenging for climbers at the final ridge to the summit, but it provides the most splendid views over the rest of the Bernese Oberland, the Great Aletsch Glacier, and the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley.
When it comes to transportation, the closest international airport to the mountain is in Bern or Zurich. From the airport, you can travel by train or hire a limousine.
Finally, if you’re looking for an alpine adventure, Mönch is the perfect mountain to conquer.
9. Titlis – A mountain of adventure
You haven’t truly experienced Switzerland until you’ve summited the mighty Titlis Mountain.
This, one of the famous mountains in Switzerland is at an altitude of 3,239 meters above sea level, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking.
You can see for miles in every direction, and it really feels like you’re on top of the world. Of course, getting to the summit is no easy feat – but it’s definitely worth the effort.
The journey up is full of scenic landscapes that will take your breath away, and once you reach the top, you can enjoy a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
The Titlis Rotair gondola is the first fully rotating gondola in the world.
From it, you can marvel at the views of the Uri Alps in all their beauty. There are also many restaurants with panoramic views you can visit.
The biggest attraction of Mount Titlis is the Titlis glacier cave, and it definitely lives up to the hype. It is located at the top of the mountain with the walls in turquoise-blue.
The temperature in the cave is -1.5˚C all year-round. The view of million tiny crystals amid a glacier will leave you speechless.
So if you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out Titlis mountain – you won’t be disappointed.
Interesting facts about mountains in Switzerland
Surprising or not, Switzerland was pretty flat a few million years ago. As the plates started moving, we got the Alps, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world.
Here are some interesting facts about mountains in Switzerland you may have never heard before:
- Switzerland has 208 mountains, and the highest peak rises in Mount Rosa (Dufourspitze at 4,634 meters).
- Switzerland boasts more high peaks than any other country in Europe. To be exact, it has 48 peaks that are above 4 000 meters.
- Mountains in Switzerland cover a vast 60% of the country’s land area.
- As there are many Swiss mountains, the country has more than 60’000 km of signposted hiking trails.
- Switzerland would be 12.5% larger if its surface was flattened.
- On the top of Jungfraujoch (at 3,454 meters) is located the highest railway station in Europe.
- Switzerland offers around 5 000 ski lifts, cable cars, and inclines.
- A lot of mountains in Switzerland have bunkers for the army and civilian protection in case of an attack.
- The majestic Grindelwald Mountains of Switzerland were a background for many Star wars movies.
- Thanks to their fresh mountain air, active lifestyle, and the best health care system, the Swiss boast the second-highest life expectancy in the world (after Japan).
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 9 mountains in Switzerland you should visit.
As you can see, there is something for everyone no matter what your interests are or how adventurous you’re feeling.
We hope this list has inspired you and that you get a chance to check out some of these amazing peaks for yourself.
And if you need reliable and safe transportation to these amazing Switzerland mountains, check out our service page.
We are at your disposal for any additional information and inquiries.
Thanks for reading!
