Southern Switzerland is a beacon for summer adventure seekers from Czechia

With hundreds of kilometers of biking routes and hiking trails through one of Europe’s most pristine mountain ranges, it’s no surprise that southern Switzerland is a beacon for summer adventure seekers looking to connect with nature.   

Many of the towns and resorts that dot the border region, like the renowned Aletsch Arena and picturesque Saas-Fee, have curtailed car access in an effort to better preserve the area’s natural wonders and crisp air quality. 

There is a lot to explore here, from the famous Matterhorn Alpine Crossing and numerous adventure activities in Zermatt to the Great Aletsch Glacier, which stretches 20 km, making it the longest ice stream in the Alps. 

Ride down the slopes via cable car, mountain cart or kick-bike, enjoying beautiful vistas at every turn. Lunch at the highest rotating restaurant in the world, which sits 3,500 meters above sea level in Saas-Fee and connects to an ice pavilion.  Feed the friendly marmots – the region’s unofficial furry mascots – who are awakening from their winter slumber and partial to peanuts and carrots.

Whether you are traveling solo or with friends or family, the Swiss mountains, glaciers and ice caves will give you an unforgettable holiday experience.

We’ve curated a list of spots not to miss to help you start planning your summer getaway.       

The Aletsch Arena – encompassing several villages in Switzerland’s Valais canton, including the car-free havens of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp – is a hiker’s paradise, with 300 kilometers of paths. Offering breathtaking views, the trails will take you over five suspension bridges and through a forest filled with 1,000-year-old stone pine trees.          

Mountain bikers, meanwhile, can look forward to more than 100 kilometers of equally stunning action-packed routes that vary in toughness, going over paved streets and uneven forested alpine paths. The vigorous Stoneman-Glaciara, with an elevation gain of 4,700 meters over 127 km, is one of the area’s most challenging routes, though beginners and families will also be able to find paths more suited to their skill levels.      

The area’s biggest star, however, is the Great Aletsch Glacier, a geological phenomenon that has shaped the Aletsch Arena over thousands of years. You can book a one- or two-day glacier tour with a local guide from June through October. 

From the Moosfluh, Hohfluh, Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn viewpoints, you’ll gain a proper perspective of the glacier’s scale – a majestic 10 billion ton ice stream stretching from the Jungfrau region to the Massa Gorge.

Situated at the base of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the country’s most popular mountain resorts, offering more than 400 kilometers of hiking paths, including various themed hikes like the Marmot Trail, the Five Lakes Trail and the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. 

You will also find numerous other high-attitude adventure options that the whole family can get in on.    

But before you get started, survey your surroundings. The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing will give you a 360-degree bird’s eye view of this awe-inspiring landscape. Cruising along at roughly 3,500 meters above sea level, this cable journey through the Alps travels between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia, a mountain village in the Italian Alps. 

One stop not to miss is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. The highest mountain station in Europe sits 3,883 meters above sea level. From the viewing platform here, you can see 14 glaciers and 38 mountain peaks jutting 4,000 meters skyward in three countries. 

The stop also includes a restaurant that’s open year round and a unique glacier palace situated 15 meters below ground. In addition to a display of intricate ice sculptures, there is also an ice slide and glacial crevasse you can walk along.   

More fun awaits you at sea level. Zip down the slopes on a mountain cart, kick-bike or scooter. If you’re visiting with kids, Wolli’s Fun Park is a worthy side trip. The park, accessible by the Leisee Shuttle, offers an adventure playground, water activities and barbecue areas.     

Nestled below the Dom, the highest mountain in Switzerland, Saas-Fee has long been a prime summertime holiday spot. The village has just about everything you might need for rest and relaxation. 

It’s car-free. It’s full of cute little marmots that will pose for pictures in exchange for treats. Its sunkissed hiking and biking trails – a network that covers more than 400 kilometers – are enviable. 

For something truly one-of-a-kind: Saas-Fee is home to the highest revolving restaurant in the world, which, just so happens, is attached to a glacier cave. 

From its perch at 3,500 meters above sea level, the Allalin restaurant takes an hour to rotate a full 360 degrees, providing its diners with spectacular views while they are feasting on regional and international dishes.  

Nearby a 70-meter long tunnel leads to the Ice Pavilion, which allows visitors a glimpse of the inside of the Fee Glacier. Inside, you can experience an avalanche simulation. The ice grotto can be reached by Metro Alpin, the highest underground railway in the world.

Pro tip: Be sure to get a SaastalCard for your visit to the Saas Valley. The card allows you free access to the Postbus and cable car networks (with the exception of Metro Alpin) during your stay. You’ll also receive discounts of up to 30 percent at participating attractions.