Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are the portion of the Alpine mountain range that lies within Switzerland, forming much of the country’s high mountain terrain and backbone. The range contains many high peaks, glaciers and major alpine passes and is central to Switzerland’s geography and tourism.

Among the most visited areas are high-mountain centres, long-distance hiking routes and world-class ski resorts. Mountain activities include alpine climbing on summits above 4,000 metres, glacier travel, downhill and cross-country skiing, and extensive summer hiking networks.

The range developed over millions of years through the Alpine orogeny and subsequent glaciation, which carved deep valleys, high cols and extensive icefields. Human activity since the 19th century established mountain transport, huts and resort infrastructure that support large numbers of visitors year-round.

Geographically the Swiss Alps cover the southern two thirds of Switzerland and extend into neighbouring countries; they include distinct subdivisions such as the Pennine Alps in the south-west, the Bernese Alps in the centre and the Lepontine and Ticino ranges to the south, the latter adjoining the administrative canton of Ticino.

• Highest peaks: The highest point in the Swiss Alps is Dufourspitze at 4,634 metres, and Switzerland contains dozens of peaks above 4,000 metres.
• Glaciers and passes: Glaciers and high mountain passes are defining features; the Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps and reaches lengths of about 20 to 25 kilometres.

What to See #

• Pennine Alps (Monte Rosa - Matterhorn): Pennine Alps sector containing Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, including Switzerland's highest summit, Dufourspitze at 4,634 metres.
• Bernese Alps (Eiger - Jungfrau): Bernese Alps sector containing the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massifs and extensive glaciation, including the Aletsch Glacier - the largest glacier in the Alps.
• Ticino and Lepontine Alps: Lepontine and Ticino ranges to the south with lower, heavily forested valleys and alpine passes that connect to northern Italy and central Switzerland.