Home to the Alps' highest mountains
The Swiss Alps are part of the Alps, a European mountain range that stretches across 6 other countries. These are France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and Slovenia.
Go anywhere in Switzerland and you won’t be far from Alpine views. In fact, about 60% of this small land-locked nation is covered by the range. You might even have heard of a few of Switzerland’s highest and most iconic mountains, such as the Matterhorn, Eiger and Jungfrau.
In the 1800s, these towering peaks are what drew some of the first tourists to the Swiss Alps. So many were climbed that this period became known as the “golden age” for mountaineering in the Alps.
Of course, you don’t need to summit mountains or take part in activities like skiing or mountain biking to appreciate their jaw-dropping beauty. And nowadays there are even more reasons why you’d want to escape to the Swiss Alps.
For instance, explore the countryside and you could witness the cultural traditions of yodelling and playing the alphorn. Listen for the soft jingle of a cowbell or the peeps of a marmot as you hike through an Alpine meadow.
Along with numerous hiking trails, with options for most fitness levels, you’ll encounter pretty lakeside towns, medieval castles and wellness resorts and spas dotted throughout the region.
Not to mention, plenty of charming chalet-style towns and villages for you to discover. You’ll find these are some of the best places to try Swiss wine and local cuisine. Regional favourites include hearty dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette.
You can also make the most of Switzerland’s network of mountain railways, gondolas and cable cars to get up high and soak up unforgettable views.
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