12 Incredible Experiences You Need to Have While in Switzerland (Includes Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Village)
Deciding what to do in Switzerland can be completely overwhelming. How do you decide exactly what to do and where to go in one of the most scenic destinations in the world?
Switzerland is filled with some of the most unique experiences for all ages and we’ve curated 12 of the most incredible experiences you need to have while in Switzerland.
You can also check out our money-saving tips for Switzerland and 6 Free Things to do while there.
Hammetschwand Elevator
Known as the highest exterior elevator in Europe, the Hammetschwand lift shoots up more than 500 feet in under one minute! Great for thrill-seekers and adventurers alike, the ride up is exhilarating and one to be experienced at least once.
This is one of the best ways to get stunning views of Lake Lucerne if you dare. The price for the Hammetschwand Elevator ticket is 18CHF or approximately 20USD depending on the currency exchange at the time of visiting.
They are open from 9:30 am to 6 pm but check with them as hours may differ due to COVID-19. This definitely makes our list of the 12 incredible experiences you need to have while in Switzerland.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Near the Hammetschwand Elevator
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Tours, Sightseeing, and Cruises
Berggasthaus Aescher Wildkirchli
Chances are you likely haven’t set foot inside a 170-year-old Swiss guesthouse. The Berggasthaus Aescher Wildkirchli is a guesthouse and a restaurant that is built into the side of a mountain. That alone is reason enough for you to be curious about this place. The views of and from the guesthouse are stunning and one of the most incredible experiences you will have while in Switzerland.
The guesthouse is no longer taking guests but only operates the restaurant with delicious food. Take note, they are only open from May to the end of October. Berggasthaus Aescher Wildkirchli is accessible by the Wasseraunen-Ebenalp cable car for 27CHF or a steep hike along the mountain path. Both modes are equally enthralling.
While you’re there, you can also visit the Wildkirchli caves close by which are said to have been inhabited by Neanderthals some 40,000 years ago. The caves are now a site of a hermitage for monks.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Near the Berggasthaus Aescher Wildkirchli
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Outdoor Activities
Trift Bridge (German: Triftbrücke)
We like the feeling of creating our own Indiana Jones moments so if you’re anything like us, you’ll love this pedestrian-only suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps. There is a pre-requisite though and that is to be brave.
Great for adrenaline junkies, the bridge stretches over 557 feet and is 328 feet high poised over Lake Triftsee. It was originally built in 2004 for hikers to reach a hut which was blocked by a glacier and then reconstructed in 2009.
This bridge is to be experienced as soon as possible since the glacier is melting. You will need to take a cable car up for 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit is during the weekday as the gondola is small and there are usually long queues during the weekend.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Near the Trift Bridge Hiking Path
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Arts and Culture
Deinkick Langenbruck – Solarbob & Seilpark
One of the unique experiences to have while in Switzerland is the Solarbob. This is not only great for kids, but also to let your inner child out.
The Solarbob is the only sled run in Europe with a 540° circular loop operated only by solar energy. We really love the fact that they combine both fun and ecology.
You can sit individually or hop in as a couple to zoom down the loop. There is one lever you use to control the speed of the sled and take our word for it, you’ll want to go full speed to enjoy the ride thoroughly. It is located in Langebruck and only 35 minutes from Basel.
Pro Tip: Mount a GoPro to your head or chest to capture the stunning views while being pulled up by the lift and then sliding down the loop.
Accommodation: Where to Stay Near Deinkick Langenbruck – Solarbob & Seilpark
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Food and Drink
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva has to be one of the most beautiful lakes we’ve laid eyes on. I mean, Holy Wow! It is the largest and deepest (1017 ft.) Alpine lake in Europe shared between Switzerland and France overlooking the Swiss Alps.
Filled with scenic views, luxurious hotels and historic mansions, a visit to Lake Geneva is one of the incredible experiences you need to have while in Switzerland.
You will have free access to most public beaches at Lake Geneva but some may charge a small fee for extra facilities.
Accommodation: Where to Stay In and Near Lake Geneva
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Tickets and Passes
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is Switzerland’s most beautiful village tucked away in the lush green valley in the Swiss Alps. It is no wonder that a lot of Bollywood movies have chosen this pristine location for their musical scenes.
Lauterbrunnen is also known as the waterfalls village and has over 72 waterfalls some of which are over 1000-ft high.
Pro Tip: Walk through the Wasserweg trail to see most of the waterfalls.
It will take 3-4 hours or more if you’re a photographer, to walk along the Wasserweg trail which is a relatively flat route. Lauterbrunnen offers great nature therapy and we highly recommend visiting post the Coronavirus pandemic.
You’ll get to experience the enormous Spissbach Falls and Staubbach Falls and the glacial waters of Trümmelbach Falls which flow through the mountain crevices along with so many other beautiful scenery.
Accommodation: Where to Stay In Lauterbrunnen
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Unique Experiences
Jungfrau
Jungfrau is a breathtakingly gorgeous mountain summit that is a must-visit when you are in Switzerland. The Jungfrau is approximately 14,000 feet tall.
This mountain is part of the Bern Alps and consists mostly of granite. However, the “northern wall is exposed to limestone from the Mesozoic Jurassic. First-generation is estimated to be about 180 million years ago.”
The trip is made via train and can be a bit pricey around 165USD but the striking views are worth it.
Pro Tip: Just below the Sphinx Observatory and above the Ice Palace is the Plateau where you can get an unobstructed view of the Jungfrau and the best views of the valley down below.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Jungfrau Region
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Classes and Workshops
Interlaken
Interlaken is a resort town in central Switzerland built on a narrow valley between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Even though Interlaken is a relatively small town, tourists flock here for views of the emerald-colored waters of the lakes.
The lakes are so calm and serene. Interlaken is also great for hikers and skiers as there are numerous trails to choose from.
A great tourist attraction is the tandem paragliding that they offer around the city center. This is a great way to get in the views of the lake from a birds-eye view.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Interlaken
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Family Friendly Activities
Rhaetian Railway: Albula/Bernina Railway Line
If you’re looking for one of the most stunning scenic routes between Switzerland and Italy via train, then the Rhaetian Railway showcasing the Albula / Bernina Landscapes will have you awe-struck.
What’s even more fascinating is that the Albula/ Bernina landscapes which you’ll be passing through was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008.
The train ride runs on a 4-hour, 90-mile journey between Switzerland and Italy. The train tours through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, with steep Alpine gradients.
The Rhaetian Railway is undoubtedly one of the most incredible experiences you need to have while in Switzerland. Find out how much it will cost for different routes on the RhB website.
Ruinaulta: Grand Swiss Canyon
The Ruinaulta (also known as the Grand Swiss Canyon) was formed 10,000 years ago in the Anterior Rhine Valley due to an enormous pre-historic rockslide known as the Flims Rockslide.
Stunning formations and emerald waters surrounded by Alpine trees will have you in awe. There are multiple ways you can reach the canyon. You can hike, take a boat ride, take the train or bike.
We recommend taking a hike (difficulty level is easy) over to the stunning viewpoint overlooking the Rhine Gorge. On your walk through the forest, you’ll be met with beautiful flower fields that can make for some cool Instagram photos.
If you are traveling with little ones, there’s a playground at the entrance of the hike and you’ll find a restaurant with delicious food in the middle with lovely views. If it’s a hot day, combine this with a swim at the gorgeous Caumasee.
Pro Tip: You can hike down to the river below to get a different perspective of the formations. You can also combine this with a dip in the stunning Caumasee lake. From there, you can walk along the river to get to the train station.
Gelmerbahn
Let the thrill seeker in you out by taking a ride in one of Europe’s steepest funiculars in the Swiss Alps. The Gelmer Funicular (Gelmerbahn) is Switzerland’s mountain coaster that takes you through beautiful landscapes and rock formations in the Grimsel mountain at a 106 percent slope!
This truly makes our list of the 12 incredible things to do while in Switzerland. It can be a little scary if you’re afraid of heights, but if you’ve made it that to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, then why not get out of your comfort zone for 10 minutes of the ride.
After you’re done with the ride, you can spend some time walking and picnicking around the Lake Gelmersee. Gelmersee is more of a hydroelectric reservoir that looks like a beautiful lake and you can actually visit it for free by hiking up an hour from the parking lot.
Pro Tip: Be sure to purchase tickets for the Gelmerbahn in advance to avoid waiting up to 3-5 hours during high peak season.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Grimselstrasse
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: History and Culture
The Matterhorn
If it’s one place you shouldn’t miss visiting, it’s the Matterhorn in Zermatt. The Matterhorn is one of Switzerland’s tallest mountains in the Alps. It sits between the Italian and Swiss border towering at 14,700 feet.
The Matterhorn is featured in many postcards and magazines but it is much more exciting to see it in real life.
You can reach this mighty peak from Zermatt, a charming village with exceptional hotels and restaurants. Zermatt is unique in that it has banned motorized vehicles to preserve the air quality and serene ambiance.
If you’re looking for the overall experience, then spend your day at the Matterhorn with plenty of options for outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: If you’d like to capture some stunning views of the Matterhorn, then take the Gornergrat rack railway from Zermatt. The Gornergrat is the highest open-air railway in Europe as shown in the last photo.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Zermatt
Alternative Things To Do In Switzerland: Honeymoon Activities
These are only some of the 12 Incredible Experiences You Need To Have While in Switzerland. We hope you enjoyed reading as this stunning destination has a lot to offer for everyone.
Please review the CDC Guidelines for Switzerland before booking your travel.
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