20 mountain peaks in Switzerland that you should not miss

The summit directory of Switzerland lists a total of 8,874 peaks, starting with the Aletschhorn and ending with the Zugerberg. So if you plan to visit two of these mountains every weekend from now on, you’ll be busy for the next 341 years.

Of course, this isn’t a realistic scenario. We just want to show you that there are nearly endless possibilities to spend your next day trip in Switzerland on a mountain summit. Here, we list some popular Swiss mountain peaks and give you great ideas for activities and experiences you can have at each of these summits.

All the peaks are accessible by mountain railways. Switzerland boasts a total of 2,427 facilities, including cable cars, cogwheel trains, ski lifts, chair lifts, funiculars, and more. It’s up to you whether you want to travel both ways by rail or walk part of the way, using a paraglider, Trotti bike, snowshoes, skis, or a sled.

Schilthorn

The Schilthorn gained worldwide fame with the release of the James Bond film “On Her Majesty's Secret Service” in 1969. The revolving restaurant at the mountain peak earned its name “Piz Gloria” thanks to the film.

From Schilthorn, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the peaks in the Bernese Oberland and an unobstructed panorama of the trio Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Various culinary experiences are available with a combo ticket at a discounted price. This includes round-trip travel from Stechelberg or Mürren to Schilthorn and back, along with a delicious meal.

• Altitude: 2,970 m a.s.l.
• Mountain railway: Cable car
• Valley stations: Stechelberg and Mürren
• Activities: Hiking, skiing, paragliding, culinary experiences
• What to expect: the revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, Bond World, Bond Cinema, observation deck with information columns, Swiss Skyline
• Tip: Stop at the intermediate station Birg and visit the Thrill Walk

Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch is known as the “Top of Europe.” Here, you’ll find the highest railway station in Europe. From Interlaken, you can travel to Jungfraujoch via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, passing through Kleine Scheidegg. The spectacular Jungfrau Railway journeys through the mountain massif of the Monk and makes a short stop at the Eismeer station. Here, you can admire the breathtaking glacier world through a glass window before continuing your trip to the terminus at Jungfraujoch.

• Altitude: 3,463 m a.s.l.
• Mountain railway: Cogwheel train, cable car (from Grindelwald Terminal)
• Valley stations: Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald
• Activities: Glacier hiking, hiking, climbing routes, helicopter flights, Snow Fun Park, snow kiting
• What to expect: Restaurants, Sphinx viewing platform, Lindt shop and other shopping options, Ice Palace, Aletsch Glacier
• Tip: In summer, follow the marked hiking trail for 45 minutes to Mönchsjochhütte. Be sure to wear mountain-appropriate shoes.

Brienzer Rothorn

The Brienzer Rothorn is the local mountain of Brienz. It offers a view of over 690 mountain peaks and, of course, Lake Brienz. Since 1892, the historic steam train has been running from Brienz to the highest point in the Canton of Lucerne during the summer months. The summit is a true hiker's paradise. From here, you can hike to Lungern, the Brünig Pass, Planalp, and back to Brienz.

There is no direct hiking trail to the Harder Kulm above Interlaken, as the path ends at the Chruterepass. The section without a trail is only passable for hikers in excellent physical shape and with the right equipment, but it is not recommended.

• Elevation: 2,350 m above sea level
• Mountain transport: Steam train (from Brienz), cable car (from Sörenberg)
• Valley stations: Brienz, Sörenberg
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing (Sörenberg)
• What to expect: Rothorn summit restaurant with accommodation, a view of 690 mountain peaks, a ride on the historic steam train
• Tip: With the hiking ticket, you can take three sections by train and hike part of the route. You can choose your walking section freely at the same price.

Niederhorn

The Niederhorn is a highly varied destination for a day trip, perfect for active folks, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax. On a clear day, you can see from Justistal to the Jura mountains and over the Aare Valley to the Blüemlisalp. Of course, the three most prominent mountains of the Bernese Oberland – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – also grace the panorama.

Thanks to the amazing offerings with Trotti bikes, the Niederhorn is especially suited for families and adventurous souls young at heart.

• Elevation: 1,963 m above sea level
• Cable car: Funicular railway, group cable car (cable car with three connected gondolas)
• Valley stations: Beatenbucht, Beatenberg
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, Trotti biking, sledding, winter hiking, skiing, snowshoe hiking, paragliding
• What to expect: Berghaus Niederhorn (restaurant with accommodation), panoramic trail, wildlife observation
• Tip: Combine your visit to the Niederhorn with a trip on the steamboat to Beatenbucht. The valley station is right next to the boat dock.

Swiss Activities offers at the Niederhorn:

• Sledding at the Niederhorn
• Night sledding with fondue fun at the Niederhorn
• Paragliding at the Niederhorn

Männlichen

The Männlichen is the local mountain of Wengen and sits right in the heart of the Jungfrau region in the Bernese Oberland. The view from this peak is truly one of a kind. They say you can’t find a better view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau anywhere else.

On the Männlichen, there are several themed hiking trails. On the Liselotte trail, the cow Liselotte shares her thoughts at 13 different stations. The Öpfelchüechil trail provides info on apples. And in about 30 minutes, you can reach the summit of Männlichen on the Royal Walk. This trail is also dotted with several information panels.

• Height: 2342 m above sea level
• Cable car: Aerial tramway
• Valley stations: Wengen and Grindelwald
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, paragliding, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding
• What to expect: Sennenspielplatz, mountain restaurant with deck chairs and accommodation, various themed hiking trails, short hiking trail “Royal Walk”, info panels
• Special note: If you arrive from Wengen, you’ll take a cable car with an open-air balcony on the roof of the cabin, allowing you to enjoy the fresh mountain air as you float through the alpine landscape.

Grindelwald First

The summit Grindelwald First rightfully carries the nickname "Top of Adventure." Once you take the cable car up to the First, the fun begins. With the First Glider or First Flyer, you can zoom through the air at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Your heart will race on the suspension bridge of the First Cliff Walk, the fast-paced mountain carts, or on the trotti bikes. The First Cliff Walk juts 45 m into the abyss and is the perfect spot to get in the mood for any upcoming adventures.

However, Grindelwald First also offers something for less adventurous visitors. A hike to Schynige Platte, the marmot path, or a stroll to the picturesque Bachalpsee will definitely provide something for your day trip.

• Altitude: 2184 m above sea level
• Cable car: Gondola
• Bottom station: Grindelwald
• Activities: First Glider, First Flyer, Trotti bike, Mountain Cart, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing, snowshoeing
• What to expect: Various options for thrilling and adrenaline-pumping activities
• Tip: There’s a hiking ticket for the First cable car and the Jungfrau railway, allowing you to combine a hike to/from Schynige Platte with the train rides.

Niesen

Ask a child to draw a mountain, and they'll probably sketch the Niesen. This striking mountain, with its steep sides and distinctive peak, rises majestically over Lake Thun near Spiez. No wonder it’s affectionately known as the “View Pyramid” due to its shape.

The Niesenbahn is one of the longest funicular railways in Europe, stretching nearly 3.5 km. But that’s not all. The 11,674 steps from Mülenen to the summit make it the longest staircase in the world. If you want to really challenge your thighs, this is the perfect opportunity.

From the summit, you can enjoy a 360° panorama of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, along with countless Alpine peaks. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc.

• Height: 2362 m above sea level
• Funicular: Niesenbahn
• Base station: Mülenen
• Activities: Family storytelling trips, hiking, paragliding, yoga
• What to expect: Mountain restaurant with accommodation, Niesendörfli playground, viewing platform, twelve information panels along the path to the platform
• Special: The Niesenbahn operates only from mid-April to mid-November.

Stockhorn

The Stockhorn is an incredibly versatile destination offering something special. In summer, you can go bungee jumping and fish at the Hinterstocken and Oberstockensee, while in winter, ice skating on the frozen Hinterstockensee and an igloo village await you.

With numerous hiking trails, you can combine your visit to the Stockhorn with a hike, for example, over the Leiterepass to Gurnigel. The view from the Stockhorn is also spectacular. To the south, the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Oberland stand tall—of course including the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Blüemlisalp—and to the north, you can see the Swiss plateau.

• Elevation: 2,190 m a.s.l.
• Cable car: Cable car
• Valley station: Erlenbach in Simmental
• Activities: Hiking, bungee jumping, fishing, paragliding, climbing, trail running, trotti biking, winter hiking, snowshoe hiking, ice skating, ice fishing
• You can look forward to: Panoramic restaurant, suspended viewing platform, cave raclette, igloo village, information boards about geology and the construction of the summit gallery
• Special: The tunnel to the viewing platform is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The glass floor on the platform allows you to look straight down 400 meters.

Swiss Activities offers at Stockhorn:

• Bungee Jumping Stockhorn

Pilatus

The Pilatus is Luzern's local mountain and is also known as the “Dragon Mountain”. It's famous for its dragon legends and the nature reserve Drachenmoor. From Alpnachstad, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world with a gradient of 48% takes you up to the Pilatus. From Kriens, you can enjoy a ride on the panorama gondola and the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride”.

Pilatus has something for everyone. It starts with small children at the adventure playground PILU Land at the intermediate station Krienseregg and goes all the way to tandem paragliding from the Pilatus. The many restaurants also offer a delightful culinary experience. You can enjoy fondue gondolas, Sunday brunch, Tatar hats, and much more.

• Height: 2,128 m above sea level
• Mountain transport: Cogwheel train, cable car, panorama gondola
• Valley stations: Kriens and Alpnachstad
• Activities: Hiking, paragliding, mountain biking (no bike transport with the mountain railway), tobogganing, snowshoe hiking
• What to expect: 8 restaurants on and around the Pilatus, culinary experiences, Dragon World, legends and stories about Pilatus, Drachenmoor, children's playground PILU Land, Klimsen Chapel, ropes course, treetop path, astronomy nights
• Tip: A round-trip ticket to the Pilatus includes journeys from Kriens and Alpnachstad. Combine both spectacular railway rides into a day trip by coming via Stans and returning through Alpnachstad. Or vice versa.

Rigi

There are many ways to get to Rigi. A total of nine mountain cable cars operate from various valley stations around Lake Lucerne to "the Queen of the Mountains." The Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn is the oldest cogwheel train in Europe and has been taking guests to the summit since 1871.

The area around Rigi offers a wealth of activities for everyone—young and old alike. With 120 km of hiking trails, Rigi is a true hiker's paradise. You'll find everything from easy walks for families to challenging routes for experienced mountaineers.

Food lovers will also find Rigi an appealing destination. With culinary delights at the mountain restaurant and the relaxing Mineral Spa & Wellness at Rigi Kaltbad, there's something for those who enjoy a cozy visit.

Thanks to the convenient location of two valley stations right by the lake (Weggis and Vitznau), you can perfectly combine a trip to Rigi with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne.

• Elevation: 1797 m a.s.l.
• Mountain lift: Cable car, cogwheel railway
• Valley stations: Vitznau, Arth-Goldau, Küssnacht, Kräbel, Weggis, Brunnen, Obergschwend
• Activities: Hiking, trail running, rope park, mountain biking, llama trekking, paragliding, mini-golf, tobogganing, skiing, winter hiking, snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing
• You can expect: Mountain restaurants, various accommodation options, spa and wellness, culinary offerings, mountain chapel, horse-drawn carriage rides, caves, flower trails
• Tip: With a day pass for the Rigi cable cars, you can ride all nine cable cars in one day. By the way, the GA is also valid here.

Titlis

The Titlis towers over Engelberg with its impressive glacier paradise. The world’s first 360° rotating Rotair gondola takes guests to the summit all year round. On Titlis, there are several highlights to enjoy. These include the Ice Flyer – a chairlift that glides over the glacier – the glacier park, and the Cliff Walk.

A stop at the intermediate station Trübsee is worthwhile at any time of year. The SnowXPark offers fantastic activities in the winter, like snow tubing and snowmobiling. In summer, Trübsee is a great starting point for hikes, canoeing on the lake, or mountain biking tours.

• Altitude: 3,238 m above sea level
• Gondola: Cable car
• Base station: Engelberg
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata, zip-lining, trotti bikes, rowing, kayaking, paragliding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, cross-country skiing
• What’s waiting for you: Panorama restaurant, glacier cave, Titlis SnowXPark, Rotair gondola, Ice Flyer, Titlis Cliff Walk, viewpoint
• Tip: You can also reach the Brunni area from Engelberg, which is a wonderful spot for excursions in both summer and winter. Here you can hike, mountain bike, ski, sled, and much more. It’s located “on the sunny side of Engelberg.”

Stanserhorn

The Stanserhorn is another popular destination for a day trip by Lake Lucerne. One of the highlights at Stanserhorn is definitely the trip with the historic cogwheel railway followed by the CabriO gondola. You get to climb up a spiral staircase onto the roof of the gondola and glide in the fresh air over the cable car masts to the summit.

Stanserhorn has plenty to offer for leisurely visitors and families, including a walking path to the summit, the Murmelipark, and a mountain restaurant. It's also considered a power place, which is why many people love to visit this special spot. But active folks will also find plenty to enjoy thanks to the many hiking trails.

• Height: 1,898 m above sea level
• Mountain railway: Cogwheel railway, aerial cableway
• Valley station: Stans
• Activities: Hiking, paragliding, mountain running
• What to expect: Mountain restaurant, technology museum, views of 10 lakes, Murmelipark, rangers explaining the flora on Stanserhorn
• Special: The mountain railway to Stanserhorn operates between May and November. The restaurant is particularly popular for its legendary and delicious Älplermagronen.

Gornergrat

From the Gornergrat, you have an amazing view of the Matterhorn. It's said that the view of perhaps the most famous mountain in Switzerland is unbeatable from here, provided the Matterhorn isn't hiding behind a veil of clouds, as it often does.

You can take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt, the highest open cog railway in Europe. At this height, you're surrounded by 29 peaks that tower over 4,000 meters. This includes not only the Matterhorn but also the Dufourspitze, the highest peak in Switzerland. The Monte Rosa Glacier is also a sight to behold from the Gornergrat.

Up here, the air is quite thin, and as you hike up to the viewpoint, you will definitely feel your pulse in your throat. So, give yourself and your body some time to adjust to the altitude.

• Elevation: 3,089 m a.s.l.
• Cable Car: Cog railway
• Base Station: Zermatt
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, sledding, skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing
• What to Expect: Mountain restaurant, fresh and thin mountain air, views of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa Glacier, interactive exhibition “Zoooom the Matterhorn”
• Tip: Combine your visit to the Gornergrat with a hike to the Riffelsee. It’s not far from the Rotenboden station and beautifully reflects the Matterhorn. You can cover the route between the lake and Gornergrat in about 40 minutes on foot.

Aletsch Arena

The Aletsch Arena isn’t a mountain peak in itself, but it’s definitely worth a visit in the Valais. It’s located in the UNESCO World Heritage area "Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch" and is perfect for nature lovers of all kinds. It covers the entire area south of the Aletsch Glacier and the Fiescher Glacier. The Aletsch Arena and the Aletsch Glacier are connected to the Aletsch Forest.

The sun plateau is completely car-free and served by numerous cable cars. The Aletsch Arena is particularly popular for its many viewpoints overlooking the largest, albeit shrinking, glacier in Switzerland. The area is very family-friendly thanks to its well-maintained hiking trails and extensive recreational offerings.

• Elevation: 2000 to 2900 m above sea level
• Cable car: Cable car
• Valley stations: Mörel, Betten, Fiesch
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, trotti-biking, mountain carting, yoga, mini-golf, glacier tours, paragliding, winter hiking, snowshoe hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, sledding
• What to expect: Viewpoints on the Fiescher and Aletsch glaciers, Aletsch Forest, restaurants, mountain lakes, marmot learning trails, climbing parks, via ferratas
• Tip: Visit the World Nature Forum in Naters near Brig beforehand to learn about the area. The exhibition is very comprehensive, and after a stop in the center's cinema, you'll be full of anticipation for the Aletsch Arena.

Glacier 3000

The glacier area Glacier 3000 is located between Les Diablerets and Oldenhorn. It covers more than 4.5 square kilometers and dazzles with the breathtaking Peak Walk by Tissot. This 107 m long suspension bridge is strung between two mountain peaks and can give some visitors a bit of a shaky feeling.

From various viewpoints, you'll be greeted by panoramic views of 24 peaks above 4000 meters and other mountain summits like Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Grand Combin, and Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

• Altitude: 2965 m above sea level
• Lifts: Cable car to the summit (chairlifts, ski lifts in the ski area)
• Base Station: Col du Pillon
• Activities: Hiking, climbing, paragliding, skiing, freeriding, sledding, dog sledging
• You can expect: mountain restaurant with brunch, mountain lounge with a view down to 1400 m, via ferratas, toboggan run
• Tip: At Glacier 3000, you can even walk on a glacier in the middle of summer, depending on the weather, wearing just a t-shirt. But it's better to wear waterproof shoes since the snow can be quite wet.

Corvatsch

The Corvatsch in the Engadin is a paradise for sports enthusiasts and active people. It's especially popular among winter sports lovers, as it often has powder snow until the end of April. The Corvatsch Park features one of the largest snow parks in the Alps. And let’s not forget the longest illuminated slope in Switzerland.

But the Corvatsch is also worth a visit in the summer. The 360° panorama of the mountains, including Piz Bernina and Piz Palü as well as several glaciers, is impressive year-round. With around 80 km of hiking trails, it’s not easy to choose where to go.

• Height: 3451 m above sea level
• Mountain Railway: Cable car
• Valley Station: Surlej
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, skiing, paragliding, freeriding, sledding, snowshoeing, winter hiking
• What to expect: Diavolezza Mountain House with accommodation, glacier, mountain lakes, Fex mountain church, Edelweiss Airline bench, Plattas da Fex Museum, Fun Park, Corvatsch Night Show
• Tip: Every year at the end of March, the Freeski & Snowboard World Cup takes place over a weekend. The prize money up for grabs is 25,000 CHF.

Säntis

Although Säntis is "only" 2502 m above sea level, its summit has a high alpine climate due to its exposed position. It is the highest peak of the Appenzell Alps and a mountain of weather records. in 1999, the highest snowfall ever recorded in Switzerland was 8.16 meters. The Säntis also holds the record for wind speed with 230 km/h.

The Säntis is a popular excursion destination in Eastern Switzerland, which you can reach either by cable car from Schwägalp or on foot via one of the many hiking trails in the Alpstein. On the Schwägalp, at the foot of the Säntis, you will find the Nature Adventure Park with various themed trails and in winter the legendary Laternliweg.

• Altitude: 2502 m a.s.l.
• Mountain railroad: Cable car
• Bottom station: Schwägalp
• Activities: Hiking, snowshoeing
• You can expect: Mountain restaurant, views of six countries (Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, France),
• Tip: While the Säntis is more of a destination for hikers and view seekers, the rest of the Appenzell Alpstein mountain range offers a wide range of activities and attractions. With mountain biking, Nordic walking, a visit to the show dairy, three enchanting mountain lakes, scooter-bike descents, sledding, etc., there is guaranteed to be something for your day trip

Zugerberg

The Zuger Hausberg is an easily accessible and versatile destination for outings. You can get there on foot, by car, or with the Zugerberg Railway. This popular viewpoint has something for families as well as for sports enthusiasts.

Families appreciate the kids' ski lift, the sledding slope, the adventure playground, Trotti bikes, and the Zugiblubbi experience trail. For the more active visitors, there are over 80 km of hiking trails, the most well-known bike trail in the region, thrilling freeride and downhill tracks, paragliding, and much more. In winter, you can skate on natural ice on a frozen pond.

Especially since the region around Lake Zug is often plagued by thick fog layers during the winter months, escaping to Zugerberg is very appealing in these cases.

• Elevation: 1,039 m above sea level
• Cable car: Funicular railway
• Valley station: Schönegg
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, downhill, freeride, Segway, Trotti bike, paragliding, sledding, skiing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating
• You can look forward to: Mountain restaurant, hotel, sculpture path, Zugiblubbi adventure trail, Schattwäldli adventure playground
• Tip: At the adventure playground, you'll find several fire pits where you can have a cozy picnic with your family or friends.

Monte Tamaro

The Monte Tamaro is located in Ticino between Lugano, Locarno, and Bellinzona. The cable car takes you to Alpe Foppa, from where it's another 300 meters in elevation or about an hour of hiking to reach the summit of Monte Tamaro.

What's special about Monte Tamaro is that you can see both the highest and lowest points in Switzerland from here. The Dufourspitze, at 4,634 m above sea level, is the highest, while Lake Maggiore, at 193 m above sea level, is the lowest point. On a clear day and with a bit of luck, you might also catch a glimpse of the Matterhorn.

Monte Tamaro is another diverse destination for a day trip, offering something for everyone. Especially during the summer, families are drawn to the summer toboggan run, the zip line, the rope park, and the playground.

• Altitude: 1,962 m above sea level
• Cable Car: Cable car
• Base Station: Rivera
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding
• What to expect: “Santa Maria degli Angeli” church by Mario Botta, toboggan run, zip line
• Special: The cable car to Monte Tamaro operates from April to November.

Monte Generoso

The Monte Generoso is the most significant peak for views in Ticino, offering some extraordinary attractions. Among them are the Bear Cave, the Observatory, the “Fiore di pietra” designed by the architect Mario Botta, and various themed hikes with information panels. On Monte Generoso, you can also find Ice Age plants that have survived nowhere else.

If you're looking for a stunning view over Northern Italy and Ticino, Monte Generoso is definitely worth a day trip. Just the ride on the over 130-year-old cogwheel train to the top is an experience on its own. But be careful, the train runs only from April to November.

• Altitude: 1,701 m above sea level
• Cable car: Cogwheel train
• Base station: Capolago
• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding,
• You can expect: two mountain restaurants, Mario Botta's “Stone Flower”, educational trails, caves, fossils
• Tip: Combine your visit to Monte Generoso with a boat trip. A scheduled boat operates daily from Lugano across Lake Lugano to Capolago.

Swiss Activities Offers at Monte Generoso:

• Monte Generoso Train Ticket

Visiting all 8874 mountain peaks is definitely not realistic and probably not your goal. Nevertheless, you don't have to miss out on breathtaking views and varied activities on your day trip in Switzerland

And if you want to share a little bit of your trip with us: Tag us on Instagram with #swissactivities or @swiss_activies or on Facebook with @Swissactivites.com when you share your photos.