Famous Mountains In Switzerland – 7 Mountain Peaks Shouldn’t Miss
Located in Central Europe, Switzerland is a small, landlocked country big on spectacular scenery from postcard-worthy Alpine villages to shimmering glacial lakes. But taking center stage is the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps covering 65 percent of the country. These famous mountains in Switzerland are certainly bucket list fodder.
While hiking in Switzerland with kids is certainly a memorable option, the massive peaks also attract visitors from around the world for challenging hikes and winter sports.
And…
If hiking or skiing isn’t your thing, some of the summits can be reached by gondola or cable car to experience the most breathtaking views on the planet.
Here are seven famous mountains in Switzerland you shouldn’t miss.
Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus is a majestic mountain shrouded in beauty and mystery. Legend says that it’s the final resting place of Pontius Pilate, a Roman governor of Judaea who presided over the trial of Jesus and ordered his crucifixion.
The dramatic storms that pop up suddenly in the region are said to be the trapped spirit of Pilate in search of a pathway to heaven.
Centrally located and spread over the cantons of Obwalden, Nidwalden, and Luzern, Pilatus towers over Lake Lucerne at an elevation of 2,128 meters (6,982 feet) and is easy to reach from all directions. The highest peaks are on the border between Nidwalden and Obwalden.
The Pilatus Railway with the steepest cogwheel in the world will get you to the top of the mountain in 30 minutes. The railway operates from May to November. You’ll get 360-degree views of 73 different summits throughout the seasons.
Another way to get to the summit is via the gondola. Known as the Dragon Ride, it departs for the top of Pilatus from Fräkmüntegg. The views are different and just as stunning.
Mount Santis
Situated in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland, Santis Mountain is famous as the peak where, when the conditions are right, you can see five other countries: Austria, Germany, France, Italy, and Liechtenstein.
The jaw-dropping views are over 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) in altitude over the Toggenburg region and the mountains of the Alpstein.
You can get to Mount Santis by the cableway that starts at Schwagalp.
Public transport from Zurich will get you to the 1,300-meter-high peak of Schwagalp in about 2.5 hours. There is at least one connection per hour the year round.
Experienced and well-outfitted hikers can take the alpine hiking path and get to the peak in about three hours.
Mount Eiger
Mount Eiger is one of Switzerland’s and the world’s most famous mountains for its unique beauty and the Clint Eastwood movie, Eiger Sanction shot on location here. It’s part of the Bernese Alps in the canton of Berne with views of the picturesque villages of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald from 3,970 meters (13,025 feet.)
The Eiger has the infamous North Face. Known as Morwand, this part of the majestic peak rises to a height of 1,798 meters (5,900 feet.) It is covered mainly by rock and ice and is one of the most dangerous mountains in the world to climb.
Many eager climbers have tried to scale this forbidding wall over the years. While some have succeeded, many have lost their lives. Steep trails, weather conditions, and its elevation are best left to highly professional climbers.
Mount Eiger has other routes to climb including the South Ridge and the Western Flank. None of them are easy, but those who can manage will be rewarded with unforgettable views from the top.
Mount Matterhorn
Located in the Pennine Alps, the iconic Matterhorn is known for its beauty worldwide and is the most photographed peak in Europe. Of the famous mountains in Switzerland, this may be the most famous one.
Visitors get views of different perspectives of Mount Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Railway to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise tourist attraction right by the Italian border. The attraction offers tours, skiing, and snowboarding.
But the only way to get to the top of Mount Matterhorn is a challenging climb best done in summer.
At an elevation of 4,478 meters (14 692 feet), hikers should prepare for the climb months in advance. The easiest route is the Hornligrat which goes from Zermatt by way of the Hörnli Hut. Those who can make it will enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Switzerland.
Jungfrau
Perched high in the Bernese Alps halfway between Interlaken and Fiesch, the Jungfrau is one of Switzerland’s highest mountains at 4,158 meters (13,642 feet.)
It’s also home to Europe’s highest train station, which is located on the saddle between the Eiger and Jungfrau. Here you can experience a hair-raising cogwheel train ride with incredible views of the Swiss countryside.
Mount San Salvatore
At only 912 meters (2,992 feet), Mount San Salvatore is not one of the tallest Swiss peaks but is popular for the view overlooking the beautiful city of Lugano. You can see Lake Lugano and the Alps from the summit in all directions, undeniably making this one of the famous mountains in Switzerland.
The hike to the top of Mount San Salvatore is one of the most leisurely hikes you’ll find in Switzerland. The trails are well-maintained for hikers to take their time and enjoy the views.
Visitors who don’t want to hike can see the scenery from a different perspective with a cable car ride to the summit. Once there, you’ll find several restaurants where you can dine with a view.
Mount Rigi
Located in Central Switzerland, Mount Rigi is almost entirely surrounded by the waters of Lake Lucerne, Lake Lauerz, and Lake Zug. Along with magnificent views, the area offers adventures for everyone from hikers to skiers.
Several trails of varying ability levels at Mount Rigi range from a meadow stroll to a challenging trek through rocky terrain. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, villages, lakes, and forests.
Mount Rigi is a popular day trip when visiting the city of Zurich. The area has a luxury hotel with views and amenities including a spa, bar, and restaurant.
