Swiss Alps attractions

At 4,547 feet (1,386 meters) tall, the mountain plateau of Pfingstegg is one of the best spots in the Swiss Alps to find a dramatic alpine view. The area boasts Grindelwald's only aerial cable car, and from the mountaintop vantage point, the panorama spans the rolling meadows and glacial peaks of the Grindelwald valley.

A long winding valley cupped between the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps and following the Inn River, the 50-mile-long (80-kilometer-long) Engadine (or Engadin) valley is one of Switzerland’s most desirable holiday destinations. A sunny climate, beautiful lakes, and a stunning alpine backdrop make Engadine, which encompasses star-studded destinations like St. Moritz, one of Europe’s most highly populated valleys.

At an altitude of almost 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), the Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski slopes are among the highest in Europe. Unlike many ski resorts in the Alps, this one is accessible year-round. In the warmer months, skiers head high up to Theodul Glacier to enjoy miles of ski runs with spectacular mountain backdrops.

The biggest ski mountain in the Davos-Klosters area of Switzerland, Parsenn is known for its long, wide descents and sweeping views that keep loyal skiers, hikers, and bikers returning to its slopes. While limited for beginners (and arguably snowboarders), the area is an intermediate skier’s playground with well-groomed pistes, a modern lift system, and a ski-cross course by the Totalp chair lift.

On the shores of Lake Geneva, Swiss Vapeur Parc is a railway-themed miniature park with 6,560 feet (2,000 meters) of train tracks, rideable steam trains, and a model-train landscape dotted with Swiss landmarks and alpine villages. It’s a must for train enthusiasts, as well as a fun destination for the whole family.

High in the Swiss Alps and not far from the Italian border, Ecomuseum Simplon encompasses a series of historic buildings, castles, and museums linked together by the Via Stockalper (Stockalperweg) hiking route. Follow some or all of the 22-mile (35-kilometer) trail to discover the history and heritage of this remote alpine region.

Step inside one of the wooden coaches of the historic cogwheel railway that trundles up to Switzerland’s Schynige Platte, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Then get out on the Alpine plateau, where sweeping views of the Eiger mountain and the Jungfrau countryside await you.