Best places to visit in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland serves up lakes and mountains like it’s nobody’s business. After a winter escape or a summer trip? The Swiss Alps are the spot. Yes, ski holidays are a big draw here, but the towns and resorts run wild with hiking trails, watersports and views all year round, too. Take a look at our top picks for your next alpine adventure…

Geneva

Switzerland’s golden child is Geneva. Its reputation for hugging one of the biggest lakes in Europe is strong. Bordering France, the scenery is something else, too. On a clear day, you can get a great view of the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc. Then, over on the Swiss side, you’ve got the Jura Mountains.

In summer, its waters welcome water skiing, yachting, canoeing, and swimming. And do you know what also goes down well in the Swiss sun? A glass of the grapes of Lavaux. These vineyards along the banks of the lake are a UNESCO world heritage site.

Ready to take it up a level? Saleve is the spot, dominating the southern skyline. It’s a one –to two-hour hike or you can catch the cable car from Veyrier. If you’ve got a head for heights, hike a further 150 metres up to the observatory from the upper station.

Zermatt

Zermatt is known for being a super-sized ski resort. We’re talking 245 kilometres of pistes for all levels, 73 ski lifts and an eight-mile run into the centre of town. From here, you’ve got unreal views of the Alps, river Matter Vispa and the legendary Matterhorn. Switzerland’s most impressive mountain is 4,478-metres tall and is known to be the most photographed peak in the world, so pap your pic – this is one for your Insta story.

For one of the best views of the Matterhorn, the Gornergrat Bahn is your best friend. The highest open-air railway in Europe only takes 33 minutes from Zermatt to Gornergrat. From its top station at 3,089 metres high, you can witness the Gorner Glacier, Switzerland’s highest peak, Dufourspitze and the Matterhorn. Top tip – for the best views, grab a seat on the right side of the train on your way up and left on the way down.

A fun fact about this town – it’s absolutely car free! Zermatt has a serious Swisstainable project going on, doing everything it can to go greener. This is no joke, if you’re planning on driving here, you’ll need to park up in Tasch and catch the train in. Electric buses and taxis will take you where you need to go, all along recycled plastic roads. Spot the solar panels and sip on pure mountain water.

St Moritz

St Moritz is known for being one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, but there’s something for every kind of traveller here. It’s held the Winter Olympics twice, hosting the alpine skiing on Piz Nair, and still lives up to this sporting reputation on Lake St Moritz. Visit this town in winter when its waters are frozen and witness the White Turf horse races, and even polo matches on ice.

St Moritz is Switzerland’s founding fairytale, with forests, a glassy lake and a cultured town with galleries, museums and boutiques. Summers here are for dipping in Lake Staz or riding around on an e-bike. Europe’s highest luxury shopping centre, Via Serlas is also fixed for all your fashion needs. Window shop or step inside for the latest slope-side looks.

Part of the iconic postcard picture is the Leaning Tower. Move over Pisa, this clocktower falls about five and a half degrees to one side and is 33 metres tall. It might not be perfect, but it sure looks pretty.

Grindelwald

Sounds like something out of Harry Potter, right? Well, you’re not far off because the scenes here are pure magic. Eiger’s north face, the Oberer and Unterer glaciers and the peak of Wetterhorn all feature in the background. Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s oldest resorts and it’s still a popular bet with ski lovers. But swap the skis for walking boots though and you can hike some amazing trails.

The First Cliff Walk in Switzerland wraps around Grindelwald. Catch the cable car and arrive at the metal walkway at Bergrestraunt. Wander as far as you want, as the path extends over the void below. Fancy the short cut down? You can even paraglide from the First summit.

This place really is a pick for adventurous types. Visit Gletscherschlucht – yep, we’re glad we’re typing and not pronouncing this one. The glacier gorge here is popular for canyon and bungee jumping and is only half an hour from Grindelwald. Fast-flowing waters charge between the green and pink marbled cliffs.