Switzerland is renowned for its majestic mountains, and your Swiss Travel Pass gives you free or discounted access to some of the most spectacular peaks in the Alps. This guide covers the mountain excursions available with your pass, what to expect, and how to plan your visit for an unforgettable Alpine experience.
Swiss Travel Pass Mountain Benefits
Your Swiss Travel Pass includes various mountain excursion benefits:
- Free access to selected mountains (Mt. Rigi, Stanserhorn, Stoos)
- 50% discount on most mountain railways and cable cars
- 25% discount on select premium destinations (Jungfraujoch)
- Convenient connections from major cities and towns
- Optional seat reservations for popular routes during peak season
- Combination tickets available for enhanced experiences
Mt. Rigi: The Queen of the Mountains
Elevation: 1,797 meters (5,896 feet)
Access Points: Vitznau, Arth-Goldau, Weggis
Travel Time: 30-40 minutes from access points
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: 100% free
Highlights: Panoramic views of 13 lakes, vintage cogwheel railway (Europe's first mountain railway), hiking trails for all abilities, year-round activities
Mt. Rigi offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and surrounding lakes. The historic cogwheel railway has been operating since 1871, making it a journey through both stunning landscapes and railway history. In winter, enjoy sledding and skiing; in summer, explore extensive hiking trails and alpine meadows.
For the classic experience, take a boat from Lucerne to Vitznau, then the cogwheel railway to the summit. Return via the cable car to Weggis and boat back to Lucerne for a complete "Round Trip" adventure.
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Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe
Elevation: 3,454 meters (11,332 feet)
Access Points: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen
Travel Time: 2-2.5 hours from Interlaken
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: Free transport to Grindelwald/Wengen + 25% discount on mountain railway
Highlights: Highest railway station in Europe, Aletsch Glacier (UNESCO World Heritage), Ice Palace, Alpine Sensation, Sphinx Observatory
The journey to Jungfraujoch is as impressive as the destination itself, passing through tunnels carved into the Eiger and Mönch mountains. At the top, you'll experience breathtaking views, scientific exhibitions, and the magnificent Aletsch Glacier - Switzerland's largest ice mass.
The railway journey begins in Interlaken, climbing through picturesque mountain villages before the final ascent. This is a full-day excursion, so start early and check weather forecasts for optimal visibility at the summit.
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Schilthorn: James Bond's Mountain
Elevation: 2,970 meters (9,744 feet)
Access Points: Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren
Travel Time: 1.5 hours from Interlaken
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: 50% discount
Highlights: Piz Gloria revolving restaurant (featured in James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"), Bond World interactive exhibition, Thrill Walk cliff pathway, views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
Schilthorn offers one of the most spectacular views in the Swiss Alps, with a 360-degree panorama from its revolving restaurant. Film buffs will enjoy the James Bond connection, while adventure seekers can test their nerve on the Thrill Walk - a cliffside path with glass floor sections.
For the full experience, travel from Interlaken to Stechelberg, then take a series of cable cars through picturesque Gimmelwald and car-free Mürren before the final ascent to the summit. Morning visits typically offer the clearest views.
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Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Elevation: 3,883 meters (12,740 feet)
Access Points: Zermatt
Travel Time: 45 minutes from Zermatt
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: 50% discount
Highlights: Europe's highest cable car station, Glacier Palace ice sculptures, panoramic platform with views of 38 four-thousand-meter peaks, year-round skiing
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers Europe's highest viewing platform with breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn peak. The Glacier Palace features stunning ice sculptures 15 meters below the surface of the glacier. This is one of the few places where you can ski year-round.
The journey begins in car-free Zermatt (accessible by train with your Swiss Travel Pass) and continues via a series of state-of-the-art cable cars. The final cable car, the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, features glass floors for an unforgettable ascent experience.
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Mt. Pilatus: Dragon Mountain
Elevation: 2,128 meters (6,982 feet)
Access Points: Lucerne, Alpnachstad, Kriens
Travel Time: 30-40 minutes from access points
Swiss Travel Pass Coverage: 50% discount
Highlights: World's steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient), Golden Round Trip combination (boat, cogwheel railway, cable car), dragon legends, panoramic views of Lake Lucerne
Mt. Pilatus is steeped in legends of dragons and healing powers. The mountain offers multiple adventure activities including hiking, a rope park, and Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run. The variety of transportation options makes this a particularly diverse excursion.
The "Golden Round Trip" is the classic way to experience Pilatus: boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, cogwheel railway to the summit, cable car down to Kriens, and bus back to Lucerne. The cogwheel railway operates from May to November, while the cable car runs year-round (weather permitting).
Get Your Swiss Travel PassPlanning Your Mountain Excursions
- Check weather conditions before heading up - mountains often have their own microclimate and webcams on mountain websites can provide real-time conditions
- Dress in layers - temperatures can be 10-15°C cooler at the summit than in the valley, and weather can change rapidly
- Start early - morning often offers the clearest views before clouds form, and you'll avoid the largest crowds
- Book ahead for popular destinations like Jungfraujoch, especially during peak season (July-August)
- Consider combined experiences like the Golden Round Trip for Pilatus or the Classic Round Trip for Rigi - these combine different transport modes for a more varied experience
- Bring sun protection - sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential as UV exposure is stronger at high altitudes
- Allow enough time - don't rush these experiences; plan for at least half a day per mountain, or a full day for distant peaks like Jungfraujoch
- Download the SBB Mobile app for real-time train schedules and any service disruptions that might affect your journey
Dealing with Altitude
Some mountain excursions reach significant altitudes where the air is thinner. Consider these health tips when visiting high-elevation destinations:
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which can worsen altitude effects
- Take it easy for the first 30 minutes after arrival to acclimatize
- Consult your doctor before visiting high-altitude destinations like Jungfraujoch if you have respiratory or heart conditions
- Recognize symptoms of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness
- Descend if symptoms persist or worsen - don't try to "push through" discomfort
- Consider alternatives like Mt. Rigi or Pilatus if you're sensitive to altitude, as these peaks are significantly lower