22 Switzerland’s scenic Viewpoints :: Reachable with Ease

22 of the Best Viewpoints  in Switzerland

I am so excited to finally publish this amazing collaboration post. Since our beautiful little twins joined us, we had to put our passion for mountain hiking a bit on hold. Wherever we go on holiday I am searching the web for easy hikes suitable for toddlers and viewpoints that one can reach without a great climb. It is not always easy to get this information and this is why I wanted to cover as many of Switzerland’s most scenic viewpoints – reachable with ease, so everyone whether they be the whole family, your grandparents, your toddler, a friend with mobility difficulties or simply anyone who is not really a mountain hiking person can enjoy some of the most amazing views Switzerland has to offer.

To be able to cover as many Switzerland’s scenic Viewpoints – reachable with ease, I reached out to  other amazing travel bloggers from all around the world who have helped to make this list possible.

The viewpoints have been listed alphabetically according to their Canton (region).

Some of the fellow bloggers that wanted to join in this amazing post said quite rightly, that not everyone is seeking high altitude viewpoints but would travel for a great lake view. At the end of this post you will find some great recommendations for lake views.

Enjoy a trip through Switzerland 

Bern ❀ Graubünden ❀ Fribourg ❀ Lucern ❀ St.Gallen ❀ Ticino ❀ Uri ❀ Valais ❀ Vaud ❀ Lakes

1 ❀ Schilthorn :: Mürren (007 filming location) - Bern

If you are looking for an amazing view in Switzerland with some 007 charm, then Schilthorn should be on the list! You can access the lift from the mountain base town of Stechelberg You’ll want to ride the Schilthorn cable to Mürren, then up to Birg with your final destination being Schilthorn at almost 3,000m. Total time spent on the cable cars is just over 40 minutes, but allow up to 60 minutes with transfers. Ticket prices start at 105 euros for adults, 52.50 euros for children aged 6-15 and free for children under 6 years of age.

Once you reach your final destination, you’ll want to first take in the amazing views from multiple observation points. On a clear day you can see all the way to the mountain tops of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Enjoy a nice lunch in the world’s first revolving panoramic restaurant or explore the interactive exhibition featuring “Bond World 007” from the James Bond film ‘on Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Our son really enjoyed exploring the helicopter and putting his hand on the actor’s handprints.

On your way back down (or up), stop at the Birg station to enjoy the Skyline walk and the Thrill Walk. Imagine walking over a steel path attached to the side of the cliff face! Certainly not for the faint of heart!

Top Tips: Be sure to check the weather, you don’t want to start your ascent if the weather isn’t favourable. Dress in multiple layers so you can adapt to the changing temperatures as you go higher and lower in altitude.

Recommended by Chelsea from Pack more in to life.  Find out more about family friendly trips to Switzerland from Chelsea. 

2 ❀ Grindelwald  First - Bern

Grindelwald sits in the middle of the Jungfrau region of Switzerland and offers incredible views of the Swiss Alps. While Jungfrau, the mountain for which the region is named, is the most popular viewpoint, you can find spectacular views on Grindelwald First as well. The enclosed lift (or gondola) to Grindelwald First leaves from the centre of town. On the way up, you’ll get views of the beautiful countryside and cow farms below. The ride takes about 25 minutes and riders will stay on the lift at Bort and continue on to the FIRST stop. 

Steps from the lift drop off, is a cafeteria serving classic Swiss food with an incredible open air patio. This is the perfect spot to take in the views of the Eiger’s North Face. For those looking for an even more panoramic view, Grindelwald First has a free Cliff Walk. If you are traveling with kids, you may also want to check out the playground at the Bort stop on the way down. To say the views from Grindelwald First are amazing, is an understatement. It’s so beautiful that my friends and I had to keep reminding ourselves that they were real. Even if you’re not skiing, you won’t want to miss Grindelwald First!

Recommended by Dorothy from Oz and other Places  Find out more about Dorothy's travels on Instagram

3 ❀ Oeschinensee :: Kandersteg - Bern

Are you ready to dive in to a wonderland? Then head over to Kandersteg in the Oeschinen valley in the Canton of Bern, grab the cablecar and head up to paradise.

At the top of the cable car you can already enjoy an amazing view over the whole Oeschinen valley. But hold on this is not it. A gentle 30min walk will bring you to the viewpoint you can see in the photo featured. Have you seen anything more beautiful lately? 
No worries, you do not need to hike, jump on the electric bus and let yourself be chauffeured down to the shore of the amazing Oeschinensee and enjoy the peaceful view and the bluest lake there is.
Many BBQ stations are provided on the right-hand side of the lake, whilst you can go swimming on the left side. A beautiful restaurant invites to enjoy some delicious Swiss specialties.

Recommended by us Packed Again Find out more about the Oeschinen See 

4 ❀ Allmendhubel Flower Park :: Jungfrau Region - Bern

Our favourite way to enjoy the Swiss alps with kids is on a playground with a view. The Allmendhubel “Flower Park” near Mürren checks all the boxes and it belongs on the Switzerland’s most scenic Viewpoints list. It’s easy to access (and surprisingly affordable compared with other options in this region) with cable cars, a short stroll through an adorable car-free village and a funicular ride up to the viewpoint and playground. From here, you get a spectacular view of the famous Jungfrau and Eiger peaks among many others.

The playground is enormous, with slides, swings, a zip line, obstacles for climbing, a mole tunnel to crawl through, and even a play alpine dairy farm. There is also an alpine flower garden and short “flower” path with interactive signboards educating you about the flower’s native to this area.

While the kids play, you can enjoy a hearty Swiss meal or well-deserved beverage at the adjacent restaurant or lounge in one of the many sunbeds scattered about the surrounding alpine meadows. If you want hike, you can easily add-on one of the beautiful hikes that connect here, including ones suitable for strollers and small children. We’ve sent lots of friends, family and tourists here and we always get back glowing reports. We hope you love it as much as we do.

Recommended by Tanya from Swiss Family Fun. Find out more from Tanya about family-friendly hikes in this region.

5 ❀ Weissfluhjoch :: Davos - Graubünden

The Weissfluhjoch Ridge (2,693 m) above Davos, Switzerland can be reached with almost no effort whatsoever!

From Davos’ main street, you can take the Parsenn funicular railway right to the top. It’s the longest funicular in Switzerland and has an interchange in the middle where you must change trains to keep going up. It was built in 1931 to take advantage of the amazing skiing in the area. You can also take a gondola up another 200 meters to Weissfluhgipfel, about as far up as you can go!
You can buy tickets for the funicular and gondola at the base Parsenn station. If you spend a night in a local hotel you will receive a guest card good for all transit and all mountain railways during the summer months. If you go as a family without the guest card it will cost 75 CHF or 30 CHF for a single adult.
There is a restaurant at the Weissfluhjoch where you can sit inside or outside and enjoy a hearty meal and the panoramic views (although even in summer it can be quite chilly, so take a sweater).
I really enjoyed our visit here and took a lot of photos; it was really gorgeous.

Recommended by Theresa from Adventures in Middle Aged Travel . find out more about Theresa's travels on twitter.

6 ❀ Moléson - Fribourg

The Moléson is a 2002 metre mountain located in the Swiss Prealps. With the beginning of alpine tourism Moléson started to be popular in 18^thcentury. The cable car was built in 1960 and the holiday village in 1980. Overlooking picturesque medieval village of Gruyères is an all-season sport playground for mountain lovers. Via ferrata, hiking, skiing, sledging, bobsleigh, downhill cart, minigolf, slackline – you name it – it’s there.

What makes it perfect is also the fact that it is easily reachable. Can’t go easier than that. When you arrive in the village of Moléson-sur-Gruyères you will see the funicular that will take you up to 1517 metres – station Plan Francey. From then you can continue your trip up to the summit with a cable car. The end station is on 1982 meters and from there on it’s just an easy little walk to reach 2002 m.

Next to the station there’s a restaurant Le Sommet with a huge terrace that offers a breathtaking panorama. You can also take a stairway up to a viewpoint. Take a drink and just look around.

Recommended by Agnieszka from Aggies Switzerland. Find out more about Aggie and her travels on Facebook.

7 ❀ Mt. Pilatus - Lucern

Standing at the summit of Mt. Pilatus, overlooking Lake Lucerne from 2,132 meters, was the highlight of my time spent in Switzerland. Getting there is half the fun! There are a few ways in which you can reach the summit of Mt. Pilatus that don’t involve any hiking. One option is to take a trip on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. The railway climbs 1,600 meters from the village of Alpnachstad to the summit of Mt. Pilatus in 4.6 km with a gradient of up to 48%. It’s a thrilling 30 minute ride to some of the best views I’ve ever seen! Another option to get to the summit is to take a gondola and an aerial cableway. The gondola is a 30 minute ride from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg station. From Fräkmüntegg station, the aerial cableway takes you to the summit in a short, but exhilarating 3.5 minute ride. With large windows extending from floor to ceiling, the aerial cableway offers spectacular 360 degree views and truly gives you the sensation of flying. Perhaps the best way to experience Mt. Pilatus is to try all of these options in one epic round trip excursion!

Recommended by Cait from Postcarts from Cait. Find out more about Cait's travels and join her on Facebook.

8 ❀ Säntis :: Schwägalp - St.Gallen

Säntis at 2501m is the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland. It is also the culminating point of the whole Appenzell Alps, between Lake Walen and Lake Constance. Due to its location not lying on the touristy-must-see-route, it is wrongly overlooked and missed by international tourists. What a shame. It is such an amazing viewpoint and by the way also on the Grand-Tour of Switzerland itinerary. Located in eastern Switzerland, Säntis can be reached by cable car from the station Schwägalp.
Experience a floating feeling up to the summit of Säntis with the lofty heights of the Schwägalp Pass beneath your feet. Don’t worry if you arrive at the base station  and it is foggy, you will most probably be floating out of the foggy sea into the blue sky. Another of Switzerland’s best viewpoints – reachable with ease.

Why not plan a great family lunch at the top or a birthday celebration? Whatever you do add Säntis to your next “must visit when next in Switzerland” list. Here is an insider tip. If you can plan the visit at full moon the station organizes special night trips. Imagine how close you can be to the moon.

Recommended by us Packed Again Follow us on Instagram .

9 ❀ Staubern 1860m - St.Gallen

This has got to be an insider viewpoint tip from a local. The Staubern  mountain cable car is world's first system that uses solely solar energy to operate.

From Frühmsen in Rheintal canton St.Gallen this amazing cable car will bring you up to one more amazing Switzerland’s most scenic viewpoints. And guess what, you can get there with ease.  If you love Alpine flowers like I do then this place will amaze you. Bring an Alpine flower identification book and try to identify some of the most beautiful Alpine flower species there are. Kids normally love such an activity.

The restaurant provides great Swiss style menus and some nice local wines. From here you could do an amazing ridge hike over to the Hoherkasten. Or simply stay at Staubern, have lunch and relax in the Alpine meadows.

Recommended by us Packed Again Follow us on Facebook for some more insider tips 1st hand.

10 ❀ Monte Generoso - Ticino

One of the most stunning viewpoints in the Italian speaking area of Switzerland (Ticino) is Monte Generoso, at an altitude of 1704 metres. I am talking about a 360 degrees incredible panorama over Lake Ceresio, local villages and distant snow-covered mountain peaks – including the Gotthard Massif and Monte Rosa. On a very clear day, you can even see the spires of the Duomo of Milan. All this, from a cozy panoramic terrace, right next to (extra points for this) a brand-new playground. You can reach Monte Generoso by cogwheel railway, from the train station of Capolago (take any S10 train southbound from Lugano). The Monte Generoso cogwheel railway operates all year round and kids under 6 travel for free. With a Swiss Traveler Pass you pay half price (kids 6-15 are free); there are special offers for families, too.

Recommended by Augusta from Mini Me explorer. Join Augusta on Instagram.

11 ❀ Gemsstock :: Andermatt- Uri

In the middle of the Swiss Alps where the Rhine and three other massive rivers originate, a modern cable car takes you over the Gurschen glacier to almost 3000 meters high, with a 360° view of a gigantic mountain range. You can admire the glacier closely from the Summit Lounge and the restaurant’s terrace.
Take in the stunning views of the valley and Andermatt. If you visit in summertime, you can enjoy a walk to the Lutersee Lake for a barbecue or a demanding hike up to the Gotthardpass or the Vermigelhütte. Don’t worry, if you see some Yaks. The biggest herd in Switzerland grazes in full freedom without fences below the Gemsstock.

Children find dwarf goats to pat and a playground with a jumping castle, trampoline, sandbox and a slide to offload energy at the middle station Gurschenalp, while adults can hunt scavengers with satellite support or learn on the theme trail “Bannwald” about the importance of protecting forests on mountain slopes above settlements.
Most enjoyable is an alpine breakfast on Sundays in the mountain restaurant Gurschenalp, when the sunrise turns the mountain peaks pink. If you visit Switzerland in the winter, Andermatt-Sedrun is a busy winter-sports area. Escape the mist, which normally covers the midlands of Switzerland during the winter obstinately and enjoy the Alps under a massive blanket of snow.

How to get to the Gemsstock: Take the train from Göschenen (Gotthard line), Disentis or Brig to Andermatt, where the cable car takes you via Gurschenalp to Gemsstock.

Recommended by Marcelle Simone from Gray World Nomads. Find out more about Marcelle and join her on Facebook.

12 ❀ Gornergrat - Valais

Zermatt. Matterhorn – yes, the Toblerone shaped mountain. You see it all over the place. You walk on the main street Bahnhofstrasse and it sometimes decides to show its beautiful face. Almost wherever you go – it is there! But what would be one of the best view points in Zermatt? There’s Sunnegga, but Gornergrat for me is a winner in this competition.

Firstly you take a stunning train ride up from Zermatt (1620 m) to Gornergrat (3089 m). Europe’s highest open-air cog railway offers breathtaking views through the whole trip. You can admire Zermatt and all the surrounding mountains from the comfort of the train seat. Tip: when going up sit on the right-hand side. When going down – sit on the left.

Already up on Gornergrat? Take a walk around, there’s a panoramic view point, take a look at Monte Rosa massif, the Gorner Glacier which is the second largest glacier in Switzerland and admire 29 above 4000 m peaks.  Walk up to the Bernhard von Aosta chapel, take a drink on the sun terrace of Europe’s highest-altitude hotel – 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. Or just take a picnic with you and sit on the bench and breathe in fresh air before going down to Zermatt.

Recommended by Agnieszka from Aggies Switzerland. Find out more about Aggie and her travels on Facebook.

13 ❀ Mont Fort 3330m - Valais

One of Switzerland’s most scenic viewpoints reachable without any effort has got to be the Mont Fort at 3330m in the Valais. The adventure starts at 1800m in Siviez from where a chairlift ride will bring you up to Tortin passing beautiful Alpine meadows with the chance of seeing the cutest locals there are, the Marmottes.

Arriving in Tortin climb into the cable car and enjoy the altitude gain whilst peeking out for the Bouquetin family which lives mostly at the right-hand side near the top. You are now at the Col de Gentianes which may already satisfy your hunger for an epic mountain view. But there is more, make your way into the last cable car which rides over the Tortin Glacier to 3330m altitude and the Mont Fort viewing platform. Yes you are allowed to keep your mouth open, as it is absolutely stunning to be able to stand here, at such a great altitude and not even having had to train to enjoy the view.

From the Matterhorn (Cervin) all the way across to the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc, it is all yours to enjoy. Honestly I am not sure how many of the 24 Swiss 4000m summits peaks you can see from here, but I am certain you can tick a few.
There is a great playground including a trampoline at the lower station for the kids with a beautiful Igloo restaurant.

Recommended by us Packed Again. Find out more about this great adventure viewpoint.

14 ❀ Tracouet :: Nendaz - Valais

I have done a few of Switzerland’s scenic viewpoints - reachable with ease, but seeing it purely from a family perspective, Tracouet in Haute-Nendaz must be one of the better ones. Let me tell you why. It is easy to access with a gondola from the village of Haute-Nendaz whisking you up to 2170m altitude, which is a pretty manageable altitude for the whole family. But this is not the main reason, Tracouet rolls out the red carpet for multiple family activities. Once at the top take a seat in the garden restaurant and enjoy the 360-degree views on offer, whilst the kids are getting rid of their energy on the great playground.
Or you could make a bit of an effort and walk 5 minutes down to the Lake Noir whilst still admiring the view. Take a picnic with you, lay out the blanket, get comfortable as this will be your place for the day. Kids can play by the water, search for tadpoles, salamander and other great creatures, whilst you absorb the beauty and the fresh Alpine air. And if one of your family needs to get rid of a bit more energy, you can climb up to the cross La Dent de Nendaz which will take you about 40min or alternatively enjoy the 2km panorama path starting from the lake.

Recommended by us Packed Again. Find out more about some great family hikes in the Valais.

15 ❀ Eggishorn :: Aletsch Area - Valais

A lot of Switzerland’s scenic viewpoints offer amazing views over a valley, a lake and several mountains. The Eggishorn view point is different. Although you also have an amazing view over some of Switzerlands most famous peaks such as the Mönch, the Eiger, the Jungfrau and the Matterhorn, you will also be looking down onto Switzerland’s most impressive glacier, the Aletsch Glacier. Admire the full length and vastness of this great Glacier in all its glory.

This impressive Switzerland's scenic viewpoint is just a 20-minute cable car journey from Fiesch; the change at Fiescheralp is easy and suitable for those with limited mobility. The whole family can enjoy this great place, it is suitable for wheelchairs and prams which makes it even better.
There is a restaurant on the top which makes it a perfect place to have a family lunch. The platform is a pretty safe area for kids to play around the rocks.

A bit of an insider tip, find a rock you like, write your wishes, worries or happy moments on your lucky stone and leave it at Eggishorn viewpoint. It guarantees you a return to the valley with a lighter step and a lighter heart.

Recommended by us Packed Again. Find out more about us on Instagram 

16 ❀ Gemmi Pass - Valais

Gemmi Pass is a viewpoint 2350 metres above sea level. On a clear day, there are great views to the surrounding mountains including the Matterhorn, as well as down to the picturesque town of Leukerbad.

It is easy to get here and there is no hiking. There is a cable car to this pass from the town of Leukerbad. You can drive to the cable car or catch a bus to Leukerbad and the views at the top (as pictured) are at the end of the cable car journey.  It’s quick, easy and affordable.
In winter, you can ski or play with the snow at the top. There are also chair lifts going to other locations.

Recommended by Sharon from Simpler and Smarter.

17 ❀ Croix des Ruinettes 2195m

Who has not heard about the Swiss high society village of Verbier?  Well if you do not mind so much about the see and to be seen, then I suggest you take the cable car Medran from the centre of the village and enjoy a tranquil day up the mountain.  Nestled on a sun-exposed terrace with a view over the resort of Verbier,  the panoramic views of the splendid mountain scenery and the lush valley will make you stop and marvel. Get back some energy and vitamin D. This Switzerland’s scenic viewpoint can be reached by wheelchair and pushchair which makes it even more a great family day out.

If you like paragliding, you will have a front row seat at their taking-off area. Kids love it. The restaurant up at the Croix des Ruinettes is not always open during low season so best to check.
If you’re up to for some adventure then enjoy a Trottinette run back down to Verbier.  Great fun to end the day and not a lot of effort involved.

Recommended by us Packed Again. Find out more about us on Instagram

18 ❀ Rochers de Naye - Vaud

Rochers de Naye (2042 m) – which literally means ‘rocks of Naye’ is a mountain overlooking Lake Geneva. Not far from Montreux is a perfect idea for a half-day trip for all. The cog railway operates throughout the year and takes less than an hour to reach the summit from Montreux. From the station it is only a 5-minute walk up to the summit. On the way there’s an enclosed park with marmottes, which if you’re one of the crazy ‘how sweet the marmottes are’ people might make your day.

On the way to the summit or when walking around don’t be surprised when you happen to see a head popping out from the side of the mountain. There’s a very popular via ferrata and it just happens to finish on the trail.
The train ride itself is stunning but what will leave you speechless are of course the views. Lake Geneva, Swiss and French Alps from Eiger to Mont Blanc. Unbelievable.
There’s also a little surprise for the kids in December – Father Christmas resides on Rochers de Naye during this winter month.

Recommended by Agnieszka from Aggies Switzerland. Find out more about Aggie and her travels on Facebook. 

19 ❀ Leysin  Berneuse Kuklos 2045m - Vaude

Now if you like a 360° mountain view, then the Berneuse peak with the Kuklos revolving restaurant, accessible from Leysin, may be your favourite of all the Switzerland's scenic viewpoints. The panorama covers part of the Bernese Alps, Vaud Alps, over to the Rhone Valley, even the Dents du Midi in France, down to Lake Geneva and over on the horizon the Jura.
Seriously what more can you wish for? From Leysin you start the gondola ride where already at the beginning the views will have you in awe.
And then the highlight, just as you think you saw the best, walk up past the restaurant and get blown away with the panorama that lies in front of you.

We have been up many mountain stations but the diversity and long views at the Berneuse make it one of our favourites. This is why there are two photos in two different directions. As you get out of the gondola there is a little area where different animals are kept and a play area for the kids just next to it. Have a walk around the little lake, and depending on the season you will be able to show your kids hundreds of tadpoles which surely will amuse them for a while.
This is a place where you go and stay as the view is just simply so amazing. Have an extensive lunch up there with your family or friends and no one will be disappointed.

You can walk down, but it is quite a long and strenuous on your knees hike. So why not just stay up there and enjoy.

Recommended by us Packed Again. Find out more about some great family hikes in the Valais.

Switzerland's Lake views

20 ❀ Montreux Lac Lemon - Vaude

The little lakeside town of Montreux, Switzerland is the perfect place to catch some stunning views without much effort at all. If you take the extensive Swiss train system to the station Montreux Gare, it’s literally a three-minute walk to the lakeside promenade.  If you are driving, there are small parking lots spread throughout the city.

Once you’ve figured out the transportation and parking situations, feel free to walk across along the promenade or sit on one of the many convenient benches.  If you’re like me, you’ll plop onto one of those for a while and just stare at the awe-inspiring view of Lake Geneva and the French Alps (because France is just across the lake!).  There are also several parks that line the promenade, which make for the perfect place for kids to run and play or perhaps a romantic picnic

Recommended by Sarah from Borders & Bucket Lists  See some more of Sarah's travels on Pinterest.

21 ❀ Lake Lugano - Ticino

Lugano is a beautiful Swiss town along the Switzerland/Italy border that offers breathtaking views of Lake Lugano nestled in the Alps between the two countries. No hiking is required to get to the shores of this gorgeous Alpine lake, and you can catch amazing views like this one right from the road if you're driving or the sidewalk if you're exploring the town. When in Lugano, you're never far from the sight of Alpine peaks and small houses climbing up the slopes reflected in the perfectly still waters of the lake. The views are best enjoyed from the walkway along the edge of the water or by taking a boat ride out into the lake.

Recommended by Kris from Nomad by Trade . Find out more about Kris's travels on Facebook

22 ❀ Lake Lucerne - Lucern

Switzerland is well-known for beautiful views everywhere you turn. A view that stood out to me as one of the most picturesque in all of Switzerland is overlooking Lucerne from Hotel Château Gütsch.
A 4-star hotel, Château Gütsch provides beautiful panoramic views of all of Lucerne from the walls and clock towers all the way to Lake Lucerne with the Swiss Alps serving as a dramatic backdrop.

TIP: You don't have to be a hotel guest at the Gütsch to enjoy the spectacular views. To get to the top, take the Gütschbahn (or Gütsch Funicular) all the way up and the hotel literally sits right beside the top station. There is a very short walk around the back of the hotel where this view awaits you!

Recommended by Heather from Trimm Travels. Find out more about Lucern from Heather

You may also like these Swiss Posts

• Evolène – A Stroll to the Foot of the Mont-Miné Glacier at Ferpècle, Also possible to with the bikes
• Zermatt – Family Hike from Sunnegga to Zermatt
• Things to do in Valais with Kids
• Easy hike around Lake Sanetsch
• Lake Oeschinen :: Switzerland’s Best & Easy Hike with Kids
• Tseuzier Lake :: Best family friendly hike
• Swiss Altitude adventure to 3330m :: with Your KidsValais

Hope you enjoyed your trip through Switzerland. Let me know which one is your favourite one?

Recent Posts about Switzerland

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning your Switzerland trip and seeking the Best Viewpoints in Switzerland 

If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

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