Switzerland has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. I’ve been here seven times now, and every visit leaves me more in awe of its mountains. I love it all…the jagged peaks that pierce the sky, glaciers that glisten under the sun, and valleys so green they look painted. I’ve stood on every summit in this guide, each one with its own character, history, and perspective on the Alps.
I’ve watched sunrise turn the Matterhorn into a glowing pyramid of gold from the quiet streets of Zermatt. I’ve ridden the cogwheel train up the Jungfrau to stand in the shadow of the Aletsch Glacier, its icy river stretching as far as the eye can see. I’ve hiked the flower-lined trails around Eiger, where the sound of cowbells mixes with the distant crack of avalanches. In the Engadin, I’ve skied down Piz Nair into a storybook village, and in the Vaud Alps, I’ve sipped coffee on a terrace while Dents du Midi lit up in the evening light.
These seven mountains are WAY more than just photo ops. They’re living symbols of Switzerland’s beauty and spirit. I’ve explored them during the different seasons, and I can tell you exactly why each one deserves a place on your bucket list.
1. Matterhorn, Zermatt
The Gornergrat Railway is honestly the best way to get close to the Matterhorn without breaking a sweat. I’ve done this ride at least five times now, and it never gets old. The cogwheel train runs every 24-48 minutes and takes about 33 minutes to climb from Zermatt to Gornergrat at 3,089 meters.
Round-trip tickets cost CHF 126 in summer (June-August) and CHF 88 in low season. If you’ve got a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll get 50% off, which actually makes it pretty reasonable. The train operates 365 days a year from early morning until after sunset, though they’ll shut it down if the weather gets nasty.
My Pro tip: sit on the right side going up for the best Matterhorn views. The Zooom the Matterhorn exhibition at the top is worth checking out, plus there’s a chapel and restaurant. In summer, you can even track the famous black-nosed sheep with GPS – I did this with my kids and they loved it. The whole experience takes about 4-5 hours if you want to actually enjoy it rather than just snap photos and leave.
2. Eiger, Grindelwald
The Eiger Trail is one of those hikes that sounds way more intimidating than it actually is. You’re literally walking under the infamous north face where climbers have died trying to reach the summit, but the trail itself is totally safe for regular hikers and families.
Getting there is pretty straightforward – take the Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Eigergletscher (about 20 minutes). The trail is 6km and officially takes 2 hours, though I always plan for longer because the views are just too good to rush. You’ll end at Alpiglen where you can catch the mountain train back down.
The best part? You can get so close to the north face that you’ll actually see the metal ladders climbers use. Bring binoculars if you’ve got them – on a good day you might spot climbers on the wall. The trail can be slippery if there’s snow, so microspikes are worth packing in shoulder seasons. I’ve hiked this in both summer and fall, and honestly, September is perfect – fewer crowds and the weather’s usually still solid.
- Read next: Epic Swiss Alps Adventures
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3. Jungfrau, Bernese Oberland
The Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch is expensive as hell but worth every franc. Round-trip tickets from Grindelwald or Wengen cost CHF 168-227 depending on the season (June-August is peak pricing). With a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll get 25% off, and a Half Fare Card gets you 50% off.
Here’s what nobody tells you: seat reservations are mandatory from May to August and cost an extra CHF 10. Book early because these sell out, especially on weekends. The journey takes about 50 minutes via the new Eiger Express route or 90 minutes via the classic Wengernalp Railway.
I’ve been up there in both winter and summer, and the experience is completely different each time. The Ice Palace is basically a bunch of tunnels carved into the glacier with ice sculptures – touristy but actually pretty cool. The Sphinx Observatory has 360-degree views that’ll make your head spin. Good Morning tickets (available for early departures) can save you serious money at CHF 185 from Interlaken. Just remember to dress warmly – it’s freezing up there even in summer.
- Read my guide: The Most Scenic Lakes in Switzerland
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4. Dufourspitze, Pennine Alps
Dufourspitze at 4,634 meters is Switzerland’s highest peak, and it’s not messing around. This isn’t something you just decide to do on a whim – you need serious mountaineering experience, proper gear, and honestly, a guide unless you really know what you’re doing.
Most climbing packages start around CHF 590-990 including a night at the Monte Rosa Hut (2,883m). The hut costs about CHF 85-105 per night with half board if you’re an alpine club member. The climb itself is typically a 2-3 day affair with acclimatization, and you’re looking at 11+ hours on summit day.
I attempted this mountain twice before finally making it to the top with a local guide. The route from the Monte Rosa Hut over the Monte Rosa Glacier is long and demanding, but the views from the summit are absolutely unreal. You can see pretty much every 4,000-meter peak in the Alps on a clear day. The climbing isn’t technically crazy difficult (PD+/AD- rating), but the altitude and length make it a serious commitment. Book with certified IFMGA guides – it’s not worth risking your life to save money.
5. Piz Bernina, Eastern Alps
Piz Bernina at 4,049 meters is the only 4,000-meter peak in the Eastern Alps, and the Diavolezza cable car gets you incredible views without the commitment of actually climbing it. The cable car runs every 20 minutes from the Bernina Diavolezza station (right next to the train platform) up to 2,973 meters.
Unfortunately, the Swiss Travel Pass doesn’t give you any discount on the cable car – you’ll pay full price. But the ride itself is spectacular, and once you’re up there, you’ve got amazing views of the Pers and Morteratsch glaciers plus the whole Bernina massif.
I love the fact that you can combine this with the Bernina Express train journey for a full day out. The restaurant up top (Restaurant 3303) is actually decent, and they’ve got Europe’s highest-altitude jacuzzi if you’re staying at the Berghaus Diavolezza. The classic glacier hike from Diavolezza to Morteratsch station is popular, but definitely go with a guide – glaciers are no joke. Summer hiking trails around the area are excellent, and the via ferrata routes offer some good climbing if you’re into that.
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6. Tödi (Piz Russein), Glarus Alps
The Tödi (officially Piz Russein at 3,614m) is Glarus’s highest peak and a proper mountaineering objective. Most people approach it as a 2-3 day trip staying in mountain huts, either from the Fridolinshütte on the Glarus side or the Puntegliashütte from Graubünden.
Guided trips start around CHF 590 including hut accommodation. The Puntegliashütte route is actually my preferred approach – it’s a beautiful 3-hour hike from Trun to reach the hut, then about 6 hours to the summit via the Fuorcla da Punteglias. The final approach involves some fixed ropes and proper alpine gear.
What makes the Tödi special is that it’s been climbed for 200 years – local chamois hunters first reached the summit in 1824 after a priest had failed five times. The mountain has this incredible presence when you see it from the Zurich area on clear days. I’ve done both the winter ski touring approach and summer climbing, and both are fantastic in their own way. Just don’t underestimate this peak – it’s a long, committing day even with perfect conditions.
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7. Weisshorn, Zermatt
The Weisshorn at 4,506 meters is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps, and while you can’t cable car to the summit (obviously), the Zermatt cable car system gets you into the area with incredible views of this pyramid-shaped giant.
Your best bet is the Rothorn system – tickets cost CHF 64 round-trip from Zermatt to Rothorn (3,103m). The Peak Pass (starting at CHF 170 per day) gives you access to Rothorn, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which is actually decent value if you’re doing multiple rides.
From Rothorn, you get unobstructed views of both the Matterhorn and Weisshorn. I’ve done some epic hiking in this area – the trails are well-marked and the scenery is just off the charts. Winter skiing here is fantastic too, with runs that go on forever. The Weisshorn itself is a serious mountaineering objective that requires multiple days and expert guidance, but just being in its presence from the cable car areas is pretty humbling. The late evening light on the Weisshorn from Rothorn is something you’ll never forget.
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FAQs about the Best Mountains in Switzerland
Here are some questions I get asked A LOT about the prettiest mountains in Switzerland.
What is the most beautiful mountain in Switzerland?
It’s hard to choose, but for me, the Matterhorn is unmatched. I’ve seen it from every angle…hiking in summer, skiing in winter, and even from a sunrise viewpoint in Zermatt. And it never loses its impact. That sharp pyramid shape is pure Swiss magic.
What’s the best time of year to visit the mountains in Switzerland?
I’ve visited in every season. Summer (June–September) is perfect for hiking, wildflowers, and clear views. Winter (December–March) is unbeatable for skiing and snowboarding. If you want fewer crowds and dramatic scenery, I love late September and early October for autumn colors in the lower valleys and snow-dusted peaks.
Can you hike and ski the same Swiss mountains?
Yes, and that’s one of the things I love most about Switzerland. Mount Titlis, Jungfrau, and Piz Nair all have amazing hiking trails in summer and top-notch ski slopes in winter. Seeing a mountain in both seasons is like meeting two completely different personalities.
Do I need special gear for visiting Swiss mountains?
For hiking, I always bring sturdy boots, layered clothing, and plenty of water. For skiing, most resorts rent top-quality gear, so you don’t have to bring your own unless you want to. In shoulder seasons, I pack microspikes for trails that might have ice or snow.
Are Swiss mountains easy to reach without a car?
Yes – that’s one of the best things about traveling here. I’ve taken trains, cogwheel railways, and cable cars to nearly every peak on this list. The Swiss public transport system is so efficient that you can get from a city hotel to an alpine summit in just a couple of hours.
Are there any beautiful mountains near Zurich?
Yes! One of the things I love about Zurich is how quickly you can escape into the mountains. Within an hour or two, you can be surrounded by some truly stunning peaks. Uetliberg is right in the city’s backyard and offers panoramic views over Zurich, the lake, and the Alps on a clear day. If you’re willing to go a bit farther, I’ve taken easy day trips to Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” and Pilatus above Lucerne…both are gorgeous and have hiking trails, cable cars, and unforgettable views. It still amazes me that you can be sipping coffee in downtown Zurich in the morning and standing on an alpine summit by lunchtime.
