Beyond Zermatt and Jungfrau – Explore Hidden Gems of the Swiss Alps
Why Everyone Talks About Zermatt and Jungfrau
When people think of Switzerland, two names usually come first: Zermatt with the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau region. They are world-famous, spectacular, and certainly worth visiting at least once.
But here’s the truth: Switzerland is full of places just as breathtaking—often more peaceful, authentic, and far less crowded. Why limit yourself to the most marketed spots when hidden gems are everywhere?
The Hidden Costs of the Famous Spots
Zermatt and Jungfraujoch are among the most expensive destinations in the Alps.
A single return ticket to the Top of Europe costs around 200 CHF.
Crowds are unavoidable: packed trains, long queues for cable cars, noise, and chaos.
Meanwhile, in the Aletsch Arena or Saas Valley, you can ride cable cars for free (with the SaastalCard) or for a fraction of the price—and enjoy the same alpine magic in peace.
Eggishorn vs Top of Europe
Top of Europe (3,454 m): 200 CHF
Eggishorn (2,927 m): 52 CHF
The Great Aletsch Glacier—the longest glacier in the Alps—cannot be seen from the Top of Europe, but it dominates the view from Eggishorn and the entire Aletsch Arena.
On Eggishorn, you’ll share the silence with just a few hikers, not thousands of tourists.
Schilthorn vs Allalin
Schilthorn, famous for its James Bond film, costs about 100 € for a trip to 2,970 m, passing through the tourist-packed Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Allalin above Saas-Fee is 3,500 m high, home to the world’s highest revolving restaurant, surrounded by glaciers and more than 18 peaks above 4,000 m.
From Saas-Fee, you ride the Metro Alpin, the world’s highest underground funicular—a unique experience in itself.
Switzerland Is Different
When people talk about “hidden gems,” they usually mean secret spots hard to find in guidebooks. Switzerland is different.
Here, no matter where you go, you’ll encounter:
Charming villages
Dramatic valleys
Crystal-clear lakes
Views that feel like postcards come alive
Almost every journey by train, boat, or bus treats you to spectacular scenery. Even short hikes can lead to panoramic views. Hotel balconies can look like landscape paintings.
In other words, Switzerland itself is the hidden gem.
Why Look Beyond the Famous Names?
Why stop at Zermatt when you can also explore the peaceful Aletsch Arena nearby?
Why stay only in Grindelwald or Mürren when the Haslital Valley is just around the corner?
Is it really worth waiting hours in line at Grindelwald First for a few attractions?
Matterhorn, Jungfrau, and Eiger are beautiful—but they’re already on a million postcards. Isn’t it time to see something new?
A Different Kind of Beauty
Many people hike from Gornergrat to Rotenboden to admire famous 4,000-meter peaks. It’s impressive—but the mountains are still far away:
Matterhorn: 8.3 km
Dufourspitze: 9.3 km
Dom: 14.4 km
In lesser-known valleys, the peaks may not reach 4,000 m, but they feel closer, steeper, sharper. The silence and proximity create a more immersive experience. You don’t just look at the mountains—you feel part of them.
Sometimes, being closer to “less” can feel like much more
How to Find Your Own Hidden Gems
Follow your curiosity: take small roads or trails into the mountains.
Ask locals: they often know spots that never appear in guidebooks.
Travel by train: in Switzerland, even commuting feels like sightseeing.
Visit outside July and August: save money and avoid crowds.
About Me
I am a mountaineer, licensed tour operator based in the Saas Valley, and a proud member of Switzerland Tourism, Aletsch Arena, and Responsible Travel.
For over 25 years, I’ve guided people to discover a different Switzerland—away from the crowds, into places where silence, authenticity, and natural beauty still reign.
Responsible tourism means traveling lightly:
Using public transport instead of cars
Supporting local businesses and traditions
Respecting the environment and communities we visit
Switzerland has over 65,000 km of marked trails. Limiting yourself to Zermatt and Jungfraujoch means missing 99% of what this country has to offer.
