alps mountains tourism

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World-famous, beautiful, charming and exciting, the Alps often sound more like movie stars than mountains. Austria, France, Germany , Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland each offer an assortment of winter and summer sports, National Parks, and scenic tours on this legendary mountain range arcing 750 miles from Genoa to Vienna. Sample the region’s richly flavored mountain cheeses, comforting rosti , and the beloved communal dishes of fondue and raclette . Sip festive drinks like schnapps, glühwein , and punsch to name a few. The Alps boast castles and gardens, spas and yodeling, alpine cowbells and schuplattein dancing. Across distinct mountain cultures and abundant attractions, the Alps are extraordinary even when you’re not wearing skis . Raise your European vacation to its greatest heights in the Alps

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12 of the best things to do in the Swiss Alps

May 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Experience the best of the Swiss Alps with this guide to the top things to do © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

It can be hard to know where to start on a trip to the Swiss Alps, such is the region’s abundance of unmissable scenery, exhilarating activities, nerve-shredding alpine roads and high-altitude accommodation that makes you feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud.

Yes, you’ll want to see the Matterhorn and the Eiger – and you absolutely should – but make time for some lesser-known sights and activities too and you’ll come away with a well-rounded picture of Switzerland ’s magnificent natural playground. Read on for a selection of the best things to do in the Swiss Alps.

1. Traverse the historic Gemmi Pass on foot

There’s something hallowed about a mountain pass – an alpine route established centuries ago by traders, pilgrims and farmers – and the Gemmi Pass is among the most accessible. It became a tourist draw in the 19th century, when Thomas Cook brought his first ever package tour group here, and famous visitors such as Jules Verne, Pablo Picasso and Mark Twain have all trodden its path.

Follow in their footsteps by hiking up from Leukerbad to the start of the pass, or – much easier and faster – take the leg-saving  Gemmibahn cable car. From there, it’s a 3-hour hike to Sünnbuel, where another cable car whisks you down to the Kandersteg Valley. Along the way you’ll pass barren peaks, turquoise lakes, flower-laden meadows and the  Hotel Schwarenbach , dating from 1742, where you can stop for a restorative drink.

Detour: Make time to explore the villages on either side of the mountain pass. Ogle the mountain view from the warm waters of Leukerbad’s thermal baths , and don’t miss the jewel-like Oeschinensee , a lake accessible by cable car from Kandersteg.

2. Ride the Verticalp to the Emosson dam

Around half of Switzerland’s electricity comes from hydropower and Emosson is one of the most interesting dams to visit because getting here is part of what makes the experience so special. From Martigny, take the  Mont Blanc Express to Châtelard, where you jump on the  Verticalp funicular, built 100 years ago for workers constructing the original dam. At the top, a toy-like mountain railway trundles along a cliff edge to the base of the concrete behemoth, from where a smaller funicular takes you up to the level of the reservoir.

Take time to gawp at the sheer expanse of the dam, the vast volume of water it holds back and the dizzying views over the edge, before hiking up through tranquil scenery to a second, older dam, the Vieux Emosson, where a mountain hut offers snacks, drinks and souped-up views.

Planning to see more of Switzerland? Here are the best places to visit

3. Drive or cycle across three mountain passes

With their snaking hairpins and otherworldly landscape, Switzerland’s mountain passes are a sight to behold and a thrill to navigate. Experience three in one go by driving or  cycling a circular route that takes in the Grimsel, Furka and Susten passes.

The scenery – and the air temperature – changes constantly as you climb and descend the switchbacks, while passing lakes, craggy peaks and glacial tongues. There’s plenty to explore en route too: the  Gelmerbahn – Europe’s steepest funicular – up to the Gelmer lake; the foot of the Rhône glacier; the (now closed) Hotel Bélvèdere on the Furka pass, which is recognizable from the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger ; and the  Grimselhospiz , a hotel since the Middle Ages, where you can spend a tranquil night after the daytrippers have gone home.

Planning tip : If you don’t want to drive and your legs (quite understandably) can’t hack the cycle, take the bus instead. Switzerland’s trusty yellow postbuses navigate this route daily.

4. Follow the bisses , ancient waterways in Valais

Particular to the canton of Valais, the bisses are ancient irrigation channels, once used to transport water across alpine meadows and grazing pastures, which have been restored and repurposed into excellent hiking trails. Mostly flat but occasionally vertiginous, these paths follow the trickle of water across fields, through woods, and sometimes along the edge of a cliff.

One example of the latter is the  Bisse du Torrent Neuf , which clings to the rockface above the Rhône valley and includes sections of wooden walkway pinned against the sheer mountainside. It’s all perfectly safe, but those with vertigo may want to stay away.

5. Hike hut to hut

Switzerland’s mountains are strewn with overnight cabins in such amazing places – on mountain tops, overlooking glaciers, in remote spots hours from anywhere – that it’s hard to imagine how on earth they were built in the first place.

Hiking from one to another on a multiday expedition is a classic Swiss experience. Plan a bespoke route on  Wanderland.ch and book your cabins on the  Swiss Alpine Club website , or choose an established hut-to-hut itinerary such as the Tour des Muverans, a magnificent 33km (20.5 mile) circular route, which suggests overnights at  Cabane Rambert and the  Refuge du Lac de Derborence .

Planning tip: Cabins are very popular and tend to get booked up in high season, especially on weekends, so always reserve in advance (you can usually call to cancel if the weather doesn’t play ball). Swiss Alpine Club huts are open to non-members as well as members.

Want more inspiration? Here are the top hiking routes in Switzerland

6. Experience the Aletsch glacier with fewer tourists

The longest glacier in the Alps, the 20km-long (12-mile) Aletsch snakes its way through the mountains straddling the cantons of Valais and Bern. Most visitors ride the epic mountain railway from Grindelwald to the  Jungfraujoch to see it, a memorable but pricey experience you’ll usually share with tons of other people playing human Tetris.

Instead, head to the  Aletsch Arena and take the cable car up to the ridge overlooking the glacier for what is arguably a better panorama of this mighty river of ice. From there, numerous hiking routes skirt its edge, and you’ll often be completely alone with the view.

Planning tip: The Aletsch is beautiful in all seasons, but in autumn the larch forests on its flanks come alive with color, which is in striking contrast to the monochrome glacier.

7. Go mountain biking in Verbier

Fans of mountain biking – or vélo tout-terrain (VTT) as it’s known in these parts – will love Verbier, which transforms itself from skiing paradise in the winter to biking nirvana across summer. The  bike park offers 19km (12 miles) of downhill trails for thrill-seekers, while cross-country and enduro routes for cyclists of all levels meander far and wide across the  4Vallées .

If you’d like some battery assistance, don’t worry, Verbier is big on e-biking – in fact, there’s an  e-bike festival in August, e-bikes for hire in rental shops and charging points all over the area.

Looking to go skiing? Here are the best Swiss resorts and off-piste slopes  

8. Get the best view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from Mürren

You could spend days – weeks – exploring the  Bernese Oberland , one of the most beautiful alpine regions in Switzerland and a major tourist draw thanks to its big three peaks: the Eiger (ogre), Mönch (monk) and Jungfrau (maiden, or virgin). But if you only have time to visit one place in the area, please make it Mürren.

This car-free village on the slopes above the Lauterbrunnen valley was made famous by the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (the  Schilthorn summit station, high above the village, stood in for Blofeld’s lair in the film), but it has thankfully retained its sleepy alpine charm.

Hiking on the area’s network of trails is blissful: you’ll pass cow-grazed meadows, tranquil lakes and sun-darkened wooden barns, while marmots chirp and the big three peaks loom large right in front of you.

Detour: If you’re brave enough, challenge yourself to the  via ferrata , a fixed-rung climbing route that starts at Mürren and descends sheer cliffs to the hamlet of Gimmelwald.

9. Stay the night on top of the Faulhorn

One of the oldest mountain hotels in Switzerland, the  Berghotel Faulhorn sits on the Faulhorn mountain in the Bernese Oberland, overlooking the twin lakes of Brienz and Spiez far below. To get there, take the mountain railway from Wilderswil to  Schynige Platte and hike the 10km (6-mile) trail to the hotel, perched atop a scree-covered slope.

Your reward is a night at 2681m (8796ft) altitude with the biggest starry skies, hearty homemade food and a comfy bed in a wood-paneled bedroom that has been welcoming guests since 1830.

Planning tip: The hotel is shut in winter, but the snow-laden path from its front door down to Grindelwald turns into the world’s longest toboggan run. To ride the 15km (9-mile) path, take the cable car to First and tug your sled up to the Faulhorn, about a 2-hour walk. It’s worth the effort for the exhilarating descent.

10. See the Matterhorn from the Five Lakes trail

Yes, it’s a touristy thing to do, but you can’t come to the Swiss Alps and not see the Matterhorn (Cervin in French; Cervino in Italian), the iconic mountain which looms over the village of  Zermatt .

One of the best views is from the top of the Gornergrat mountain train, where you’ll get a 360-degree panorama of the Swiss-Italian Alps and access to tourist attractions including a VR experience of paragliding over the Matterhorn.

However, if you want to leave the crowds behind (at least a little – it’s rarely quiet in Zermatt) take the gondola to Blauherd and hike the  Five Lakes trail . Gazing at the reflection of the Matterhorn in three of those five lakes, you’ll understand why this famous peak, with its distinctive crooked top and relative isolation on the skyline, is considered so special.

11. Spot wildlife in Swiss National Park

Switzerland’s only official national park , which is located in the eastern Graubünden canton, is a true wilderness and works hard to keep itself that way. The flora and fauna are left to their own devices (tree felling, flower-picking and hunting are not permitted), while visitors aren’t allowed to camp or make fires, nor can they do anything but hike.

Thankfully, the designated trails (which you can’t stray from) are worth all the rules, offering rock formations and untouched forests you won’t see elsewhere on the planet. Keep your binoculars handy for potential sightings of chamois, marmots, red deer and ibex; the park’s big four animals.

Planning tip: The only places to stay overnight in the park itself are Hotel Il Fuorn and the rustic Cluozza hut, both built before it gained national park status. Otherwise, stay in nearby Zernez and come in for day hikes.

12. Climb Le Grammont for the best view of Lake Geneva

The croissant-shaped Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is truly vast, stretching for more than 70km (43 miles) from Geneva in the west to Villeneuve in the east. To really appreciate its scale, make sure you get up high. A popular and easily accessible spot is  Rochers-de-Naye , a 2042m-high (6699ft) mountain accessed via cogwheel railway from  Montreux .

But for something even more spectacular – and less frequented – get the bus or drive to Le Flon in the Valais and hike via  Lac de Taney up the simple but steep trail to Le Grammont. With the glittering blue expanse of the lake spread out far below, a mountainous skyline stretching into the distance, and usually, a fair gust blowing, you’ll 100% feel like you’re standing on top of the world.

This article was first published Jul 6, 2023 and updated May 2, 2024.

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11 Must-See Mountains in the Alps

The Alps are home to some of the highest and most magnificent peaks in Europe. And thanks to their location in the heart of Europe, this is one of the most accessible mountain chains in the world.

This means you don’t have to scale snow-capped summits to appreciate their jaw-dropping beauty.

Imagine getting whisked up to altitudes of over 3,000 metres (9,843 feet) in a cable car or mountain railway. Or simply soaking up your surroundings from Alpine towns and villages brimming with old-world charm.

In this guide, discover 11 of the most beautiful mountains in the Alpine region. Plus, get tips on how to see them for yourself.

• Have a multi-country adventure on a  self-drive tour of the Alps

Where are the Alps mountains?

In the Alps, mountains stretch for around 1,200 kilometres (746 miles) through 8 European countries. These are France, Germany,  Switzerland , Austria, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Slovenia.

1. Matterhorn

Altitude: 4,478 metres (14,692 feet)

Where better to start than with the Matterhorn? This jagged summit is easily one of the most famous peaks in the Alps. If you’ve tried Toblerone, you probably already know that its steep, rocky sides inspired the shape of this iconic triangular chocolate bar.

Visit Zermatt, and you’ll get striking views of the mountain from the town itself. For a closer look, take a cable car to Sunnegga. From here, you could follow way-marked hikes to beautiful lakes including Stellisee and Leisee.

Or why not ride the historic Gornergrat Railway? Completed in 1898, this electric train will take you from Zermatt up to an altitude of 3,089 metres (10,134 feet). Picture yourself gliding through pine forests and pretty meadows admiring the Matterhorn as you go. 

Once you arrive, the scenery only gets better. From the ridge at Gornergrat, you’ll glimpse the mighty Dufourspitze – another must-see mountain – and the dramatic Gorner Glacier. 

No matter whether you’re in Zermatt or hiking nearby, with the Matterhorn as your dramatic backdrop, you’ll want your camera handy.

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2. Jungfrau

Altitude: 4,158 metres (13,641 feet)

The Jungfrau lies at the heart of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site . This is just one of 4 natural UNESCO sites you’ll find in Switzerland.

The best way to get up close to the mountain is by riding Europe’s highest-altitude railway to 3,454 metres (11,332 feet) above sea level.

When you arrive at Jungfraujoch – also known as the "Top of Europe" – you’ll soon discover that this is no ordinary train station. Perched on a ridge below the Jungfrau’s summit, this is surely one of the world's most breathtaking stations.

 As well as a viewing platform with a jaw-dropping outlook there’s an ice palace, multimedia experience, restaurants and a Swiss chocolate shop.

• Check out these Swiss travel packages  and start planning your trip
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Altitude: 3,967 metres (13,015 feet)

Unlike the neighbouring Jungfrau, there’s no train to take you up the Eiger.

But for skilled mountaineers, there are still a few ways to get to the summit. The toughest of these routes can be found on the mountain’s infamous north face. 

To see the Eiger for yourself, venture to the charming village of Grindelwald. Or hop on the train to Kleine Scheidegg, where you can hike below the north face.

As you’ll discover, it’s not just the high altitudes and mountaineering legends that add to the wonder of the place. The Eiger also overlooks the astonishing Aletsch Glacier. This immense river of ice is the largest glacier in the Alps.

4. Dufourspitze

Altitude: 4,634 metres (15,200 feet)

The second tallest summit in the Alps mountain range is the Dufourspitze, located on the Swiss-Italian border.

It’s part of an enormous massif – or group of mountains – called Monte Rosa, which includes some of the highest peaks in the Alps. At 4,634 metres (15,200 feet) tall, Dufourspitze is the loftiest point on the massif.

Fun fact: You might assume the name Monte Rosa means “pink mountain”. But “rosa” actually comes from an old word in the local area meaning “glacier”.

• Related:  Fun facts about the Alps

5. Mont Blanc

Altitude: 4,806 metres (15,768 feet)

No round-up of Alpine peaks would be complete without Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. Straddling the border between France and Italy, and reaching over 4,800 metres (15,748 feet) above sea level, Mont Blanc is an awe-inspiring sight.

For unrivalled views of Mont Blanc, head for the French town of Chamonix. From here, you can take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, a nearby summit at an altitude of 3,842 metres (12,605 feet). Panoramas of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps await.

On a clear day, you can also glimpse Mont Blanc from the shores of Lake Geneva.

Fun fact:  The whole Mont Blanc range was once called the “Montagne Maudits”, or “Cursed Mountains”, thanks to the local legend that demons and goblins lived there. Nowadays, just a single mountain – Mont Maudit – has that name.

Altitude: 4,545 metres (14,911 feet)

Go south from the Eiger, and you’ll find the Dom. Part of the dramatic Mischabel massif, it’s the third-highest mountain in Europe and the tallest peak in Switzerland not shared with another country.

Head to the historic town and ski resort of Saas-Fee for uninterrupted views of the mountain’s rugged crest.

Fun fact: This is one of the coldest places in Europe where a flowering plant has ever been found. The plant is a type of purple saxifrage that grows in locations like the high Arctic. Despite temperatures dropping below freezing every night, this hardy species survives on the Dom’s summit.

Altitude: 3,905 metres (12,812 feet)

Ortler is a glacier-topped summit in a region of the Italian Alps known as South Tyrol. At 3,905 metres (12,812 feet) above sea level, it rises high above the surrounding mountains. Take a drive over the Stelvio Pass to see its stunning skyline for yourself.

The mountain’s position close to the Italian-Austrian border means there’s plenty of World War I history to uncover in the area.

In fact, during the 1990s, 2 cannons were found near the summit of Ortler. They were used by Austrian soldiers stationed there during the First World War.

8. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Altitude: 2,999 metres (9,839 feet)

At the eastern end of the Alps mountain range, you’ll find the Dolomites . Despite their lower altitudes, this Italian region is home to some of the most striking peaks you’ll see anywhere in the Alps.

The Tre Cime, or “Three Peaks”, of Lavaredo are probably the most recognisable. You might even have seen these photogenic pillars of rock in travel guides and magazines, or on the likes of Instagram.

Altitude: 3,841 metres (12,602 feet)

Monviso is one of the most distinctive peaks in the Western Alps. On a clear day, you can often pick it out from hundreds of kilometres away. Look out for its pyramidal shape, towering over the landscape.

Fun fact: If you think Monviso looks familiar, it could be because it’s similar to the Paramount Pictures logo. While Monviso is thought to be one of the mountains that inspired the design, Utah’s Ben Lomond and Artesonraju in the Andes are also contenders.

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10. Zugspitze

Altitude: 2,962 metres (9,718 feet)

It might be much lower than the highest Alpine peak. But this doesn’t stop the Zugspitze, in Bavaria, from being one of the most interesting mountains in the Alps.

At 2,962 metres (9,718 feet), it’s the tallest mountain in Germany. And because the Zugspitze sits at the northern edge of the Alps mountain system, the views from here are breathtaking. Some days you can see all the way to Munich, and even to the tiny country of Liechtenstein.

Happily, you don’t need to climb the nearly 3,000 metres (9,843 feet) to get to the top. Instead, take a cable car up to the viewing platform, where you’ll glimpse a glacier and the waters of Lake Eibsee.

11. Mount Pilatus

Altitude: 2,128 metres (6,981 feet) 

On the northern edge of the Swiss Alps, you’ll find the craggy summit of Mount Pilatus. Venture here on a clear day and you could see as many as 73 surrounding peaks. Not to mention the beautiful blue waters of Lake Lucerne below.  

If you’re visiting the medieval city of Lucerne, heading up Mount Pilatus will make for a memorable day trip. Choose between riding a cable car or cogwheel train up the mountain. Or why not take one up and the other down?

No matter how you decide to get to the top, allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery once you get there. As well as an observation deck and multiple viewpoints, there’s a restaurant where you can try tasty Alpine dishes. 

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Explore the Alps with Nordic Visitor

When it comes to the Alps, snow-covered mountains are just the beginning. Venture here and you’ll be rewarded with views of turquoise lakes, wildflower meadows and rambling vineyards.

With a population of over 14 million people spread out across 8 nations, there’s lots of culture to soak up as well. You could visit medieval castles, stroll through chalet-style villages, and indulge in hearty Alpine dishes like fondue or raclette.

Choose a self-drive tour of the Alps  with Nordic Visitor to experience the best of the region at your own pace. Or, pick an Alps small group tour  and a professional guide will take care of the driving while sharing their in-depth knowledge with you along the way. 

However you decide to explore, our travel experts will organise everything for you, including your accommodation, local transport, and any excursions.

Contact us to start planning your trip and prepare for an unforgettable Alpine escape.

Born and raised in Scotland, Catherine has a background in trip organisation and design. When not travelling, or writing about travels, you can find her rock climbing and exploring remote corners of Scotland. Her top travel experiences include cycling along India’s Brahmaputra River, wandering the souks of Marrakech, and mountaineering in the Alps.

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11 awesome itineraries for your trip through the alps.

E urope’s highest mountain range — spanning a whopping 750 miles — naturally holds every kind of adventure one could possibly think of. The Alpine valleys of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland still hide idyllic villages where cheesemaking and woodworking reign supreme. Bustling cities like Zurich, Salzburg, and Munich mean world-class experiences at the foot of Mother Nature’s best work of European art.

But keep in mind that a trip to the Alps is all about who you are. These mountains, villages, and cities can hold whatever you want them to hold — which itinerary will you choose?

— 1 — Town and Country

T ouch down in any buzzing Alpine city and you’ll be surrounded by snowcapped Alps, teeny villages, and bucolic landscapes spreading out into the horizon. This is two very different worlds in one magnificent trip.

Start off in Zurich’s car-free old town , walking the Limmatpromenade, and staying up till morning taking in the city’s world-class nightlife. Relish the music, because soon you’ll be in quiet Bregenzerwald, Austria. Twelve villages make up this portal back into a simpler time, and centuries-old farmhouses and cheesemakers set the pace. Going on foot is the best way to soak in the long-lost architecture and serenity of this almost-off-the-map spot.

Alternatively, make a beeline straight for Germany, where you can contemplate the silence filling the depths of Schwarzwald , or the Black Forest. And yet you’re still not far from 3-star Michelin restaurants and water-filled adventures — Lake Titisee, the largest lake in this untamed wilderness, is right here, too (be sure to dip your toes).

— 2 — 6 Peaks in 5 Days

T he Alps aren’t meant to only be enjoyed from the bottom. But if this is your itinerary, odds are you already know that.

First up — Zermatt. The city lies at the foot of the most iconic Alpine mountain, the Matterhorn, and it’s entirely car-free save for the cable car you can take to the highest mountain station. Take a breather at Zumstein’s farm in Gstaad to fuel up for your next feat: the Wildspitze glacier in Ötztal, Austria (a 12,369-foot peak piercing the sky). And as you depart for the next leg of your journey, look around you. You won’t want to miss the Jungfrau Region and the famous Eiger mountain.

Now, it’s time to head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to summit the Zugspitze , Germany’s highest mountain. Or stay in Austria to visit National Park Hohe Tauern — there are over 200 peaks around 10,000 feet, but the Großglockner stands guard over them all at 12,461.

Finishing up in Berchtesgaden, Germany, take it easy on a ride up the Predigtstuhlbahn — the world’s oldest cable car — to be lifted a mile in just eight minutes.

— 3 — City Break

M ove over Paris, London, and Rome — some of Europe’s best cities are hiding in the Alps.

Start off in Munich however you want — beer gardens, restaurants tucked into cobbled alleyways, open-air markets — but end with a climb up 299 stairs to the top of the Church of St. Peter, taking in the views of the Alps in the not-so-distance.

Then it’s off to either Innsbruck or Salzburg. The former, Innsbruck, is where you can go to recharge in the mountain air. Take in the views from the mountains on the cable car and be sure to celebrate the day with nothing other than Tirolean smoked bacon . The latter, Salzburg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site masquerading as a city, where every corner is steeped in history (and nowhere is that more obvious than wandering the fortress overlooking the Baroque town). Grab a Fürst Mozartkugeln — a ball of pistachio cream encased in nougat and a chocolate shell — before heading to the Walk of Modern Art , escorting you right back to present day.

— 4 — The Alpine Tasting Menu

P repare to taste your way through the Alps. This five-day culinary adventure will have you jetting between white-napkin, five-star dinners and spreads lining the farm table.

If you’ve packed your cocktail attire, splurge for Zurich’s Parkhuus Restaurant , and note their 14 Gault Millau points. Or break out the camera in Appenzell at the Berggasthaus Äscher restaurant — the restaurant’s façade clings to the vertical cliffside.

Two and a half hours later, you’re in the valley resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for dinner under a glass dome at the top of the Zugspitze, nearly 10,000 feet in the air. Of course, you can hike and ski while up there, too.

In Salzburgerland, Restaurant Obauer will fill you with the sights, sounds, and smells percolating at the foot of Hochkönig Mountain. And finally, in Regensburg, go all the way back to the 8th century, cruising to Weltenburg Abbey — one of the oldest monasteries in the world — and sacrificing a moment to indulge at their world-renowned brewery.

— 5 — Alpine Capitals

O ne epic weekend is all it takes to bounce through the Alps’ capital cities. Munich, Innsbruck, and Zurich are ripe with some of Europe’s best cultural offerings, each a gateway to both world-class urban experiences and those Alpine breezes.

Beginning in Munich, a capital city that still has a firm grip on its charm and traditions, choose between the Bavarian State Opera, the National Theater, or any of the city’s world-class museums, and top it off by hiking to the Monastery of Andechs for a sampling of world-famous Bavarian beer — crafted by Benedictine monks.

In Innsbruck, “the Capital of the Alps,” grab some suds at the Hofgarten , position your chair to take in the three mountain ranges towering above, and score a quick peek at the lights surrounding nearby Ambras Castle. Then in Zurich, hike up the Uetliberg mountain, working up an appetite for the city’s signature dish, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes — well-deserved after the climb.

— 6 — Alpine Design

R ich tones, minimalist style, heavy on the pine and the wool — what you see in the magazines isn’t fabricated. You’ll step into the pages of this itinerary by watching local craftspeople at work, wandering through art galleries, and resting your head underneath contemporary Alpine architecture.

Book a room at Geisel’s Beyond Munich , and spend a moment looking through the huge windows onto the Marienplatz. When morning arrives, jet off to Tegernsee — a small, ancient city with as many festivals as farms — for a hot air balloon ride over one of the most beautiful places on our planet.

Innsbruck is worth simply milling about, taking in the architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages in their unparalleled Old Town. In Bregenzerwald — famous for its timber industry — stop by Werkraum , an innovative museum and workspace dedicated to all things wood.

Then rest your bones in Lucerne’s Art Deco Hotel Montana , where the views are inside and out — your room may provide a view of the lake right beneath the peaks. The last stop is Geneva, where a bike rental takes you through lush wine country, ending with samples from a tasty 1,000-year-old tradition .

— 7 — The #nofilter Tour of the Alps

T he most stunning spots in the Alps aren’t all well known. To get that #instaperfect shot, you’ll need to head off the beaten path.

For starters, photos look better at 10,000 feet. Zermatt’s 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat , a hotel-meets-library-meets-restaurant, complete with cozy fireplaces and views of the Matterhorn, is at elevation. Then trade those urban views for ones of Swiss National Park , the oldest national park in the Alps, with a stop in St. Moritz.

Mix up the landscapes with a move to Innsbruck’s land of diamonds: Swarovski’s Daniels Crystal Worlds will grab you from its exterior, and that’s before the gem hunting. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, beeline back to Mother Nature and to the AlpspiX viewing platform — this might be your most popular Instagram yet.

Then you’ll wind up in Hallstatt, a tiny 750-person hamlet straight out of any Alpine postcard. Head to the terrace of restaurant Bräu Gasthof for a classic photo of the village, its lake, and lone cathedral spire reigning above. End your trip with a stop in bustling Munich, test driving your dream car at BMW World — you can take photos at 100 mph, right?

— 8 — The 0 to 100 Alpine Adventure

W hether you’re a white-knuckled thrill-seeker or a calm and mellow explorer, the Alps have you covered. Zip down the Autobahn in a shiny Porsche, go whitewater rafting in the Tirolean Alps, or relax into a flight of rare gins at a rustic distillery. In the mountains, you set the pace.

A stop in Stuttgart will put you behind the wheel of a Porsche , racing down the limitless Autobahn. Go from high-speed on the ground to high-speed in the air three hours later in Schwarzwald, racing through the Black Forest with Hirschgrund Zipline .

On the way from Gstaad to Lucerne, visit the Interlaken-Jungfrau Region (the “Outdoor Capital of Switzerland”) and hike to the Kleine Scheidegg for fantastic views of the famous mountain trio Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Mix it up back in Lucerne, hopping on the world’s steepest cog railway — a 48-percent gradient. Keep the adrenaline going in Ötztal’s Area 47 , a theme park where you can cliff dive, wakeboard, zipline, and more.

Innsbruck is your final destination, where you’ll shred through the imposing Karwendel range on a mountain bike — or just take in the Alpine views from… your bathroom .

— 9 — Palm to Glacier

F rom lakeside in Lugano to the sky-high mountain air above Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, be sure to pack both your shades and your scarf.

Lugano, a large summer holiday town, is the best of both worlds — a combination of Mediterranean urban flair and Alpine retreat. Sit lakeside at Restaurant Seven Lugano , and then inspire your nose on the two-mile Olive Tree Trail at Monte Arbostora, San Grato’s botanical park.

Bask in St. Moritz’ mineral springs after a long day hiking glacier territory. In Ötztal, raft the rivers, rock climb, or stand on the Wildspitze glacier to be on top of Tirol, near the Italian border. Climb up to the top of Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or finish on a high note in the Alps’ largest nature reserve, National Park Hohe Tauern .

Here, eagles soar overhead, ibex deftly climb the peaks, and the views of Großglockner , Austria’s tallest mountain, don’t get any better.

— 10 — The Purist’s Alpine Bucketlist

I f you gotta do it all, don’t settle. Do it all.

Start in Zermatt, staring up at the Matterhorn. Wander the city’s romantic alleyways, and trek the Five Lakes Hike to Gorner Gorge’s towering cliffs. Spend a moment in luxury in Lugano, and take in those Alpine views without leaving the spa . Hide between Lucerne’s medieval walls and towers, hopping in a boat to Flüelen and taking a scenic train to Bellinzona.

In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, hang with the birds on Germany’s tallest mountain, the Zugspitze, overlooking one of the oldest mountain chains in the world. Then travel back to medieval times in Innsbruck, where Emperors reigned supreme at the Imperial Court.

Follow Mozart’s steps to Salzburg, counting the spires spreading out above the river. Find respite in Hallstatt, wandering between wood-gabled houses that convince you fairytales are real. Toast to your trip at one of Munich’s famous beer gardens , and finish off by exploring 1,000 years of chaos, mayhem, and history at the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg.

— 11 — The Nonconformist’s Alpine Bucket List

T here’s no pop music, pumpkin spice lattes, or long lines here. If you’re more the B-side-of-the-record kind of traveler, look no further.

Heidelberg’s practically preserved in amber — its castle, Old Bridge, and medieval old town have provided artists with inspiration for centuries. Walk along the Philosophenweg , and you’ll feel it. Balance it out with a trip to Stuttgart’s Cube Restaurant , trading city walls for urban modernism.

The rest is up to you: Meditate in Baden’s verdant woods. Tour one of the best gin distilleries in the world. Hide away in Fribourg’s old town Colombi Hotel . Hike the Gourmet Trail , taking in the view between bites. Get bluesy at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Go full-on couture at Gstaad’s famous “shopping mile.” Get your hands dirty at one of the artisan-run workshops in Bregenzerwald’s 12 villages and reward yourself with Käseknöpfle (an Alpine mac n’ cheese). Head to medieval Kufstein to wash it down with the regional drink, pear Schnaps . Top it all off in Zell am See with a stroll along a glacial lake , a repurposed castle, and plenty of people-watching.

Choose one, or choose them all. There’s no wrong way to do the Alps.

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