Summary

  • Zermatt, Switzerland: A picturesque ski resort town with a festive atmosphere and activities for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Elevation: 5,315 feet.
  • Fer-A-Cheval, France: View Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, from the village of Sixt after hiking through a less crowded path. Elevation: 2,388-10,167 feet.
  • Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland: Experience the beauty of the Alps from an actual glacier, surrounded by meadows, glacial lakes, and pine forests. Elevation: 13,763 feet.

Those who love the mountains and all the landscape entails are undoubtedly familiar with the Alps, which is one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world. Aside from the Himalayas, few places compare to the beauty of Europe's tallest mountain features. These views bring people from all over the world to experience their humbling presence every year, and any number of activities - from hiking to skiing - are all part of the experience. Luckily, many of the hiking trails in the Alps are fairly easy, which makes these vistas that much more accessible. According to those who have seen them, though, these are the places to be humbled by these extraordinary mountain landscapes.

UPDATE: 2023/11/28 13:22 EST BY NOAH STAATS

The European Alps Will Forever Be Iconic

This article has been refreshed with another Alp to check out: Zermatt in Switzerland. Considering the Swiss Alps are a favorite to many European vacationers, heading to this festive town is a great idea for the holidays and beyond. Remember, the elevation throughout all Alps will be intense, so prepare yourself before embarking. Have fun, and be well!

Related: The Swiss Alp's Hotel Belvedere Is So Iconic It Starred In James Bond

Zermatt, Switzerland

Person Wearing A Red Jacket Standing On Snowy Mountain In Zermatt, Switzerland
Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash
Person Wearing A Red Jacket Standing On Snowy Mountain In Zermatt, Switzerland

One of Europe's most stunning (and visited) Alps is the Swiss Alp, Zermatt. This municipality in the country offers people a ski resort in Southern Switzerland and plenty of year-round beauty. Flora and fauna aside, Zermatt is perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, with things to do for the entire group. The town boasts its main street, "Bahnhofstrasse," lined with shops, restaurants, and holiday cheer into November and December. Zermatt feels more tourist-friendly than some other Swiss Alps and is often regarded as a favorite for holiday vacationing in the country/ Europe. There will also be public ice skating rinks for visitors of the city and plenty of smiling faces along the way. It's magical!

  • Elevation: 5,315 feet

Fer-A-Cheval, France

Ski resort in French Alps, Val d'Isere, France
Shutterstock
Ski resort in French Alps, Val d'Isere, France

Mt. Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, and while viewing it can get a bit crowded with tourists heading to see the same views, there's no doubt it's worth the trip. After heading to Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car will provide plenty of vantage points for this view. For a more local view, Traveller suggests heading to the village of Sixt, but not before hiking through a lesser-traveling path through the valley to get a close-up view of waterfalls and monstrous cliffside.

  • Elevation: 2,388–10,167 feet

Related: Here's How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Ljubljana, Slovenia

Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland

Aletsch_Glacier_view
Seba3mmmCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A winter view of the Aletsch Glacier in Europe

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The Aletsch Glacier isn't only a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it's also an important part of the ecosystem and a cornerstone of the environment in the Rhone Valley. This destination is one of the most iconic in the Alps, as meadows full of vibrant wildflowers are showcased alongside glacial lakes and pine forests. There's nothing like soaking up the beauty of the Alps from an actual glacier; this is one of the most beloved. With stunning places like Zurich on top of the Alps, Switzerland is a MUST for European visitors.

  • Elevation: 13,763 feet

Lech, Austria

Winter Mountainscape Lech-Zürs in Austria
Shutterstock
Winter Mountainscape Lech-Zürs in Austria

For those who fall in love with winter landscapes, there's no better place to experience them than Austria. Voted the world's most stunning place to take in the winter months, Lech is a gem among them all. This ski-oriented village is high in the Alps, comfortably cushioned in the valley between the White Ring ski circuit. From the stark, dark green evergreens below all the way up to the striking peaks of every mountain summit, there's no beating a place such as this, and in terms of beauty, it's enough to take a person's breath away.

  • Elevation: 4,738 feet

Related: Views From The Most Scenic Train Rides In The World

Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina D'Ampezzo Italy
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Cortina D'Ampezzo Italy

Those familiar with skiing and all the best locations to do so are probably familiar with Cortina D'Ampezzo, hailed as one of the best ski resort towns in the world. They've carried on this reputation since the 1860s, and thanks to the surrounding Dolomite Mountains, they can continue their premier winter sports reputation. However, one doesn't need to be an expert skier (or a skier at all) to appreciate all the Dolomites have to offer. Cortina D'Ampezzo is a stunning village filled with plenty to do and see, from small-town shopping to brilliant restaurants lining the streets. Cozying up in the resort and taking in the views of the slopes is all it takes to fall in love with this destination.

  • Elevation: 4,016 feet

Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled in Slovenia
Photo by Greenvalley Pictures on Unsplash
Lake Bled in Slovenia

The Julian Alps are a close second to Switzerland's mountain range but see fewer visitors each year, making this destination a great alternative. Triglav National Park is where visitors will want to head to witness the amazing spectacle of these Alps, featuring Lake Bohinj, which only helps drive home how beautiful this untouched landscape truly is. Mt. Vogel, one of the main points of interest in the Julian Alps, can be reached via cable car, making it accessible to everyone. As an alternative (and a workout), visitors can hike up Savica Falls which has inspired many an artist.

  • Elevation: 1,665.7 feet

Related: For Affordable Yet Scenic Skiing, These Are The Cheapest Slopes In Europe

Gornergrat, Switzerland

Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland
Photo by Young Shih on Unsplash
Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland

Gornergrat is famous for its sharp, pointy-looking peaks captured in many photos of the Swiss Alps. This is also an area most famous for the Matterhorn, which brings people worldwide to witness its height, unique shape, and generally intimidating presence over the mountains. Another alluring aspect of visiting Matterhorn is strolling through the town just below it, a village full of magic just waiting to be explored. In the winter, Zermatt turns into a glorious ski town, bringing winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy its peaks and bounds while lending stunning views of the slopes and the surrounding mountain range.

  • Elevation: 10,285 feet

Many compare the Himalayas to the Swiss Alps, with both offering something to visitors.