3 Legendary Mountaintop Attractions

Swiss Summits Worth the Ascent

Reading Time:     4 Min.
Publication:         November 27, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer

Switzerland’s mountaintop attractions are more than scenic lookouts, they are immersive experiences that combine dramatic landscapes, clever engineering, and a sense of awe that lingers long after you descend back into the valleys. Whether reached by historic cogwheel railways or soaring cable cars, these summits offer a rare feeling of stepping into another world, where glaciers, jagged peaks, and endless horizons form the backdrop to unforgettable moments.

Jungfraujoch - “Top of Europe”

Perched at 3,454 meters above sea level, Jungfraujoch, often dubbed the “Top of Europe”, is one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain destinations. Visitors arrive via the impressive cogwheel train of the Jungfrau Railway, which winds up through the Alps to reach Europe’s highest railway station.

At the summit, there’s the Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest observation decks on the continent. From its terrace you get a sweeping 360° view of snow-covered peaks and the sprawling Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder.

Beyond the views, Jungfraujoch delivers a full alpine experience: wandering through glacier tunnels, exploring the “Ice Palace,” or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air. For many, the journey, climbing up through dramatic mountain landscapes, is as magical as the summit itself.

Gornergrat - Matterhorn Views & Alpine Panorama

From Gornergrat, you’re rewarded with views of up to 29 four-thousand-meter peaks, including the Matterhorn and the vast massif of Monte Rosa. Beneath you lies the dramatic glacial landscape, including the sprawling Grenz Glacier, making the view a dynamic mix of jagged peaks, glaciers, and alpine rock.

For photography lovers or anyone who enjoys alpine majesty without strenuous hiking, Gornergrat is ideal: in a little over half an hour from Zermatt, you find yourself immersed in a panorama worthy of postcards.

Schilthorn - Alpine Thrill and Cinema-Worthy Panoramas

For lovers of alpine drama, and a touch of cinematic glamour, Schilthorn is a standout. Rising to 2,970 meters in the Bernese Alps, this peak offers sweeping views over some of the most famous mountains in Switzerland: the trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. 

But Schilthorn is more than just a viewpoint. The summit features the revolving mountaintop restaurant Piz Gloria, made famous by the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. For fans of the film (or just spectacular dining), enjoying a meal here while the panorama turns slowly beneath you is unforgettable. 

For thrill-seekers, Schilthorn doesn’t disappoint: at the intermediate station Birg, you’ll find the “Thrill Walk,” a cliff-edge pathway offering heart-stopping views, a mix of adrenaline and alpine beauty. Combine that with hiking, gliding in summer, or skiing in winter, and Schilthorn becomes a versatile alpine adventure destination.

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Image sources: a_v_a, PublicDomainPictures and Julius_Silver via Pixabay