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 of course worth seeing 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 only 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, 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) costs 200 CHF, Eggishorn (2,927 m) only 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 and you pass 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 over 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 a handful of secret spots hard to find in guidebooks. Switzerland is different.
Here, no matter where you are, you’ll encounter charming villages, dramatic valleys, crystal-clear lakes and views that feel like postcards come alive.
Almost every journey by train, boat or bus treats you to beautiful views.
Even short hikes 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 just 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 beautiful, yes – but the mountains are still far away:
Matterhorn: 8.3 km
Dufourspitze: 9.3 km
Dom: 14.4 km
Impressive, but distant.
In lesser-known valleys the peaks may not reach 4,000 m but they are 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 that small road or path into the mountains.
Ask locals: they often know the most beautiful spots that never appear in guidebooks.
Travel by train: in Switzerland, even the commute feels like sightseeing.
Visit outside July and August: you’ll save money and avoid the biggest crowds.
About Me
I am a mountaineer, a 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 been guiding people to discover a different Switzerland – away from the masses, 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.
Travel Tip
If planning an itinerary feels overwhelming, there’s an easy way to skip all the research and still see the best of Switzerland – just use the trip request form and you’ll get a ready-made plan tailored to your interest