10 Bucket List Experiences in Switzerland for Outdoor Lovers!

Planning a trip to Switzerland? We could not be more excited for you! Full of mind-blowing scenery, fantastic food, and adventure around every corner, this spectacular country is one of our favourite travel destinations on the planet. In this blog post, we will share 10 epic experiences in Switzerland to add to your bucket list!

*This post is sponsored by KLM Airlines. All experiences and opinions are our own.*

It is no secret that Switzerland is home to some of the most photogenic landscapes in Europe. Famous for hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, and paragliding, this place is an adventure lover’s paradise.

We’ve dreamed about visiting Switzerland for years, and when we finally got the chance to go, we wanted to make sure every part of the trip—from the moment we left home to the last hike—was unforgettable.

That’s why we flew with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and this time, we treated ourselves to World Business Class. From their comfortable seating and world-class service to their seamless European connections, it was the easiest and most relaxing way to kick off our Switzerland adventure.

Once onboard, it felt like the trip had already begun with cozy lie-flat seats, thoughtfully designed amenity kits, incredible meals, and attentive service.

This trip reminded us that travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about how you get there, too. Starting the journey rested, relaxed, and cared for made all the difference.

Why KLM is Our New Go-To Airline

We’ve flown a lot over the years, but our recent experience with KLM stood out in all the right ways. Before diving into all the unforgettable things we did in Switzerland, we wanted to share why KLM has become a new favourite:

• Effortless from the Start: Every step felt seamless from priority check-in to SkyPriority boarding and baggage.
• Flat-Bed Seats & Privacy: The cabin layout felt both spacious and cozy. We slept well, woke up refreshed, and had plenty of personal space to stretch out.
• A Culinary Surprise at 30,000 Feet: Multi-course meals crafted by top chefs paired with incredible wines were honestly one of the best parts of the flight.
• Thoughtful Comfort Touches: From the amenity kits featuring high-quality essentials to the iconic Dutch house keepsake, every detail felt carefully curated.
• Warm, Professional Crew: We were blown away by the kindness and professionalism of every staff member we encountered.
• Everything at Your Fingertips: Their mobile app and in-flight system made the experience even smoother, whether we were watching a movie or checking our connection.

Flying with KLM made us realize that getting there can be just as meaningful as the destination itself. Feeling rested, relaxed, and taken care of from the start helped us slow down and really be present for everything that came next.

And in Switzerland, everything that came next felt unforgettable.

Without further ado, let’s get into the 10 BEST experiences in Switzerland for adventure lovers!

1. Go Hiking in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland is a mountainous country in Central Europe, known for its picturesque lakes, charming villages, delectable chocolate, and, of course, the Swiss Alps. World-renowned for its trails and viewpoints, it is only fitting that hiking is first on this list!

Hundreds of trail options are available, from easy walks to multi-day treks. There are many options to take gondolas for a portion of the hike or stay in alpine huts to extend your experience.

We packed a lot of gear (boots, hiking poles, camera gear), and we were grateful for KLM’s generous baggage allowance—it made it easy to travel fully prepared without the usual stress of overpacking.

Countless weeks went into researching and planning the perfect hiking route through this spectacular country, and we’re spilling ALL the beans in the blog post below.

So, take a peek through, choose some exciting ones, and don’t forget your hiking boots! We can confidently say that there are no bad views in Switzerland.

Related Post: 9 Insane Hikes in Switzerland to Add to Your Bucket List!

2. Reach New Heights Paragliding

Turquoise lakes. Lush rolling hills. Massive waterfalls. Snow-capped peaks. If you have ever daydreamed about soaring effortlessly above a landscape straight out of a movie scene, you have got to try paragliding in Switzerland.

Seriously, we won’t take no for an answer.

At any given time, on any day, you can look up and see paragliders taking in a new perspective. Whether you choose a thrilling adventure in front of the Matterhorn, a relaxing flight through the valley of 72 waterfalls, or an epic sunset flight over Lake Brienz, your expectations will be blown out of the water. We promise.

This was one of our favourite experiences in Switzerland, and we are positive you will feel the same way. There are several excellent locations, but here are our top three.

• Interlaken for views over two stunning lakes, the Bernese Highlands, and the snow-covered Alps in the distance.
• Lauterbrunnen is the place to get up close and personal with the massive waterfalls cascading down the sides of a fairytale canyon.
• Zermatt for a one-of-a-kind experience in front of the Matterhorn.

The prices vary between operators, but you should be able to book a tandem flight with a well-rated company for CHF 170-220 per person.

3. Stay in a Mountain Hut

If you haven’t hiked in Europe before, you might be surprised by the incredible alpine hut system. Unlike North America, where backcountry travel usually means carrying your own tent, stove, and food, Switzerland offers well-placed mountain huts on nearly every trail, no matter how remote, where you can find a warm meal, a cold drink, and even a place to sleep.

Book an alpine hut if you’d like to visit a viewpoint for sunrise, connect multiple trails, or spend a night enjoying cider by the fire in the mountains. With over 300 scattered throughout the Alps, you are almost guaranteed to find one that fits your plans perfectly.

This was a foreign concept to us, so here are a few things that we learned about these alpine huts in Switzerland:

• Most huts can be booked in advance online.
• They all take cash or credit cards.
• They have dorm rooms and private rooms. Typically, your linen is all supplied in a private room. You may or may not need to bring a sleeping bag or a liner for a dorm. This information will be given to you at the time of booking.
• Most stays include a 3-4 course dinner and a buffet breakfast. Many also provide snacks and day food for an extra fee.
• On most hikes, even if you are not staying the night, there are huts where you can buy a meal. In other words, no need to pack a lunch, ever! The food at the huts is always reasonably priced, delicious, and convenient.
• All huts provide clean drinking water. Sometimes they will charge a small fee.
• You can usually charge your devices, but we recommend bringing a backup battery as a precaution.
• Most huts offer heat, flush toilets, and showers for a small fee of a few Swiss Francs.
• They always sell beer, wine, and cider.

Check out this blog post for more information on our top choices.

Related Post: 3 Alpine Huts in Switzerland to Add to Your Itinerary!

4. Unwind at a Spa

Ah, the spas. We don’t see them all the time in Canada, but they completely blew us away. If you’re wondering what a spa is doing on a list of adventurous experiences in Switzerland, you have obviously never been to a Swiss spa before.

I would have wondered the same thing before visiting, but prepare to be dazzled, my friend!

When we first arrived, we knew many of our hotels included “spa access”, but we weren’t exactly sure what that entailed. Did a spa mean a hot tub? Was there a relaxation area where we could book massages?

We really had no idea what we were getting into or how much we were about to fall in love with Switzerland’s spas. These tranquil areas include saunas, steam rooms, showers, cold plunge pools, relaxation areas, jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor pools, refreshments, and light snacks.

If you’re staying at a hotel with complimentary access to the spa, be sure to take full advantage of it! If you are not staying at a hotel with a spa, don’t fret! Many of them allow day passes for a reasonable fee.

There is no better feeling than completely relaxing at one of these stunning spas after several days of travel and hiking.

A few of our favourites were Hotel Salzano in Interlaken, Boutique Hotel Glacier in Grindelwald, Hotel Mürren Palace, and Hotel Matterhorn FOCUS in Zermatt.

5. Get Up Close & Personal With Glaciers

We have never been so excited about glaciers as we were in Switzerland. That is saying something, too, because we live right beside the Canadian Rockies! Something about the scale and accessibility made them feel more magical than we can put into words.

Thanks to the gondola systems, we could reach viewpoints on a day trip that wouldn’t be possible in many other countries. Because of this, we got up close and personal with several stunning glaciers without having to take a helicopter tour, spend days hiking, or strap on ice climbing gear.

The Great Aletsch Glacier, measuring 23 km in length, is the largest in the Alps. This massive ice field is one of the most impressive things we have ever seen! Covering over 80 square kilometres in the Bernese Alps, standing beside this monumental glacier was a pivotal experience.

There are several ways to reach this glacier, including taking a gondola, hiking, or a combination of both. We chose to take a gondola to Bettmergrat and then complete an 8-kilometre hike beside this spectacular slab of ice.

Related Post: 9 Insane Hikes in Switzerland to Add to Your Bucket List!

The Gorner Glacier is another fan favourite in Switzerland. Accessible from Zermatt, it is over 12 kilometres long and between 1 and 1.5 kilometres wide. The entire area is full of magic and marvellous mountain views.

Again, you can hike or take a train to a stunning viewpoint. We chose a combination of hiking and trains and tacked on a 5-kilometre hike beside the glacier.

Related Post: The Best Hike in Zermatt: EPIC Matterhorn Views & The Gorner Glacier!

6. Experience Zermatt

Zermatt was one of the most memorable places in the country, making our bucket list for the Matterhorn views alone! Zermatt combines incredible luxury, spectacular views, and epic adventure in one charming, car-free village near the Italian border.

Staying in Zermatt is pricey, but it is 100% worth it! We stayed at The Matterhorn FOCUS Hotel and would highly recommend it if you want to splurge for a night or two. 

You will want to explore the flag-lined streets and soak up the resort town vibes. While you’re there, don’t forget to hit the trails! With over 400 km of pathways, there are endless hikes to try in Zermatt. Our favourite was a loop that included Stellisee Lake, Fluhalp Hut, and Gornergrat.

The Best Hike in Zermatt: EPIC Matterhorn Views & The Gorner Glacier!

7. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping on a Via Ferrata

A Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route found in many mountainous regions worldwide. Picture rock climbing for beginners, with more pronounced steps and handholds. These routes consist of steel cables, steps, ladders, and bridges securely fastened to the rock.

Once suited up in a climbing harness with two metal leashes, you can safely secure yourself to a metal cable as you traverse the course. This allows climbing on otherwise dangerous routes without the risks of a fall or the need for technical climbing equipment.

A Via Ferrata is a great alternative to rock climbing and mountaineering because it requires less skill and specialized equipment.

With over 35 Via Ferrata routes of varying difficulty, Switzerland has several excellent options. We loved the Via Ferrata from Mürren to Gimmelwald because it was easily accessible, located near Interlaken, and offered incredible mountain views.

8. Explore the Valley of 72 Waterfalls

Located just 20 minutes from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Europe. We spent six days camping here and would be inclined to agree. Situated in the middle of a stunning canyon, Lauterbrunnen, which translates to “many fountains,” is home to a whopping 72 waterfalls!

The main street is lined with flags, shops, restaurants, and an old church, so take some time to explore. Right at the end of the main street is Staubbach Falls, Europe’s highest free-falling waterfall. Another famous waterfall in Lauterbrunnen is the Trummelbach Falls. You can walk through a series of caves to get a closer look at the powerful stream of water.

9. Try a Canyon Swing

Have you ever looked at a staggering canyon with a clear blue river running through it and thought, “Man, I wish I could fly through this”? If so, this adventure might be right up your alley!

Located in the Grindelwald Glacial Gorge, you can experience a 90-meter free fall followed by an incredible swing between two towering rock faces at 120 km/h. The professional guides will ensure your safety and cheer you on as you thrillingly overcome your fears. The experience can be booked with or without transport from Interlaken or Grindelwald.

10. Swim in a Turquoise River

Splashing around in the vibrant waters of the Verzasca River was one of our most peaceful experiences in Switzerland. These natural pools are situated in Valle Verzasca, a stunning valley located near the Italian border.

Home to lush vegetation, massive white rocks, and clear, vivid water, this is one of the most picturesque swimming holes we have ever visited.

Park HERE or HERE and follow one of the trails through the trees towards the sound of the river. After walking for a few hundred meters, you will be greeted by the serene beauty of this pristine river valley.

There are several spots along it where you can swim, sunbathe, or have a picnic lunch. We walked along the shore and settled into a sunny spot on a humongous rock overlooking the water. Bring a towel, a good book, and your swimsuit!

Ready to Plan Your Swiss Adventure?

Book your flight with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and start building your Switzerland bucket list today. Because travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how well you go.

We hope you enjoyed this post on our favourite experiences in Switzerland. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comment below with your favourite place on this list! We would love to hear from you.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

3 Alpine Huts in Switzerland to Add to Your Itinerary!

The Mürren Via Ferrata: A Can’t Miss Experience in Switzerland!

9 Insane Hikes in Switzerland to Add to Your Bucket List!