Exploring The Swiss Alps: Views From Austria's Borders

The Alps are a majestic mountain range that spans over 750 miles and eight countries, including Switzerland and Austria. While both countries offer breathtaking views and exhilarating outdoor activities, there are some key differences to consider when planning a trip to the Alps. Switzerland is known for its high prices, with everything from lodging to food being more expensive than in Austria. Austria, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly option with equally stunning scenery. The Swiss Alps also boast taller mountains, including some of the tallest in the world, while the Austrian Alps have a more quaint, small-town feel. When it comes to transportation, Switzerland's compact size makes it easier to travel between resort towns, while Austria's larger size may require longer travel times between destinations. Both countries offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences and budgets, making them popular destinations for mountain lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Swiss Alps: Activities, sights, and food

The Swiss Alps are a sight to behold, with their exhilarating activities, nerve-shredding alpine roads, and high-altitude accommodations. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit to the Swiss Alps.

Activities

The Swiss Alps offer a plethora of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Here are some suggestions:

• Traverse the historic Gemmi Pass on foot or take the Gemmibahn cable car for a 3-hour hike to Sünnbuel, passing barren peaks, turquoise lakes, flower-laden meadows, and the centuries-old Hotel Schwarenbach.
• Ride the Verticalp funicular to the Emosson dam, one of Switzerland's most interesting hydropower facilities, and take in the vast expanse of the dam and the dizzying views.
• Drive or cycle across three mountain passes: Grimsel, Furka, and Susten. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery and air temperature as you navigate the snaking hairpins and otherworldly landscapes.
• Follow the bisses, ancient waterways in Valais, which have been restored into excellent hiking trails. Explore the Bisse du Torrent Neuf, which clings to the rock face above the Rhône valley, offering vertigo-inducing but safe views.
• Experience the Aletsch glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps, from the Aletsch Arena. Take the cable car up to the ridge for a panoramic view of this mighty river of ice, and hike along its edge for a tranquil, solitary experience.
• Go mountain biking in Verbier, which offers downhill trails, cross-country, and enduro routes suitable for all levels of cyclists. E-bikes and charging points are also available for those seeking battery assistance.
• Challenge yourself to the via ferrata, a fixed-rung climbing route that starts at Mürren and descends sheer cliffs to the hamlet of Gimmelwald.
• Stay the night at the Berghotel Faulhorn, one of the oldest mountain hotels in Switzerland, offering stunning views of the twin lakes of Brienz and Spiez. In winter, the path from the hotel transforms into the world's longest toboggan run.
• Take the gondola to Blauherd and hike the Five Lakes trail to see the iconic Matterhorn reflected in three of the lakes.
• Spot wildlife in Swiss National Park, the country's only official national park located in the eastern Graubünden canton. Keep your eyes peeled for chamois, marmots, red deer, and ibex as you hike the designated trails.

Sights

The Swiss Alps are home to breathtaking scenery and iconic landmarks. Here are some must-see sights:

• The Matterhorn: Recognized as the mountain on the Toblerone chocolate bar, this peak sits on the Switzerland-Italy border and offers magnificent views from Zermatt and the top of Gornergrat.
• Lake Lugano: This scenic lake stretches across Switzerland and Northern Italy. Take a boat cruise, visit the fishing villages of Morcote and Gandria, or stroll along the tree-lined promenade.
• Monte San Salvatore: Take a funicular ride and enjoy the stunning views from the summit, including the Melide causeway.
• Swiss Vapeur Parc: Located in Le Bouveret, this unique park displays miniature trains and replicas of Swiss heritage landmarks in a picturesque setting.
• Valle Verzasca: Known for its unique green river water and clear waters, this valley offers a great drive and swimming experience.
• Muottas Muragl: Enjoy perfect locations, excellent views of the lakes, and a cosy restaurant with an excellent menu.
• Lake St. Moritz: Surrounded by a beautiful path and frozen lake, this lake offers a gorgeous walking experience.
• Jungfraujoch: Take a day trip to this stunning region and enjoy the mountain views and activities.

Food

The Swiss Alps offer a variety of culinary delights influenced by German, French, and Italian cultures. Here are some traditional foods to try:

• Rösti: Switzerland's unofficial national dish, rösti is a giant potato pancake grated and fried in a pan, often served with eggs, cheese, bacon, onions, or apples.
• Alplermagronen: Nicknamed "herdsman's macaroni," this dish combines pasta, potatoes, and cheese, typically served with applesauce.
• Raclette: A traditional dish from the canton of Valais, raclette involves melting a large wheel of cheese and scraping the melted portion onto plates, served with potatoes, onions, meat, pickles, and bread.
• Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel): A perfect dessert option, apfelstrudel is influenced by German cuisine.
• Grotto Restaurants: In Ticino, explore "grottoes," old wine caves converted into restaurants serving traditional food in forested settings.
• Polenta, Panettone, Pasta, Sausage, Risotto, Chestnuts, and Gelato: These are popular dishes and ingredients in the Italian-influenced canton of Ticino.

Austrian Alps: Activities, sights, and food

The Austrian Alps are a great destination for nature lovers and adventurers. The region offers a wide range of activities, sights, and food to enjoy.

Activities

The Austrian Alps provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and paragliding. Visitors can explore scenic mountain landscapes, majestic ice caves, and tranquil palace grounds. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a popular scenic drive through majestic mountain landscapes, offering multiple viewpoints, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters.

Sights

The Austrian Alps are home to several must-see attractions, including:

• Fortress Hohensalzburg: A historic castle with panoramic views, state rooms, and a puppet museum.
• Salzburger Altstadt: A festive Christmas market in the heart of the Old Town, featuring handmade chocolates and traditional crafts.
• Schloss Mirabell & Mirabellgarten: A UNESCO World Heritage site with serene gardens and historical ambiance, known for its beautiful florals, statues, and iconic movie scenes.
• Swarovski Kristallwelten: A crystal-themed attraction with interactive art exhibits and outdoor installations set against an Alpine backdrop.
• Salzburg Cathedral: A Baroque cathedral showcasing opulent artwork, grand architecture, and remarkable acoustics.

Food

Austrian mountain food is perfect for fuelling up after a day of outdoor activities. Here are some traditional dishes to try:

• Cheese Dumpling Soup (Käsenodelsuppe): Bread dumplings filled with Tyrolean grey cheese or mountain cheese, pressed flat, fried until golden brown, and served in a beef broth.
• Tiroler Gröstl: A hearty dish of bacon, onion, and potatoes, fried together and served with an egg on top.
• Käsespäetzle: Austria's take on macaroni cheese, made with German-style pasta, grated cheese, and fried onions.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Sweet Austrian pancakes chopped into chunky pieces, sprinkled with icing sugar, and served with apple sauce or plum compote.
• Kiachl: Traditional doughnut pastries fried in boiling lard and filled with cranberry jam.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, breathtaking sights, or delicious food, the Austrian Alps have something for everyone.

Transport: Swiss Alps vs Austrian Alps

The Swiss Alps and Austrian Alps are both stunning, mostly German-speaking countries nestled in the European Alps. While Switzerland may be more famous for its Alps, both countries offer incredible natural landscapes, picturesque villages, and impressive transport networks.

Transport in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland's public transportation system is a marvel, with trains and buses reaching every city, town, and mountain pass. The country also boasts an array of transport options to reach the peaks, including cable cars, gondolas, funicular trains, cogwheel trains, steam trains, chairlifts, and even elevators. Some of the most famous Swiss trips include the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz and the train to glacial Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland. The country's impressive network of trains, cable cars, and alpine trains makes it a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and sightseers. Additionally, some Swiss alpine villages have even forbidden passenger cars, making them accessible only by train or on foot.

Transport in the Austrian Alps

Austria also offers comprehensive and well-organised transport options for travellers wanting to explore its Alpine region. While it may not have the same extensive network of mountain trains as Switzerland, Austria provides excellent bus coverage, with even the tiniest bus stop in the most remote area named and searchable on the Austrian trains website.

Travellers can easily access popular Alpine destinations near Vienna, such as Schneeberg, Semmering, and Rax, by train in 60 to 90 minutes. The Schneeberg mountain, in particular, is reachable by taking a train to "Puchberg am Schneeberg" from the Hauptbahnhof in Vienna, with a change in Wiener Neustadt. A nearby rail service then takes visitors up the mountain to walking trails and restaurants.

Salzburg and Innsbruck are also well-known Austrian cities associated with the Alps. Innsbruck, in particular, is a popular gateway to the Tyrol region, with good bus and train connections to surrounding areas. Additionally, the Adlerweg (Eagle's Way) trail across the Tyrol from St. Johann to St. Anton can be easily accessed by train.

Overall, while Switzerland may have a more extensive transport network in its Alpine regions, Austria offers a more affordable option with equally impressive scenery and efficient travel options.

Accommodations: Swiss Alps vs Austrian Alps

When it comes to accommodations, both the Swiss and Austrian Alps offer a range of options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly chalets. Here is a comparison of the two destinations in terms of accommodations:

Swiss Alps Accommodations:

The Swiss Alps are known for their picturesque villages, luxury hotels, and scenic lodges. The country has an efficient transport network, including trains, cable cars, and alpine trains, making it easy to access the different resorts. The Swiss Alps offer a variety of accommodations, including:

• Luxury Hotels: The Swiss Alps are home to several luxury hotels that offer spacious rooms, gourmet cuisine, and spa facilities. Some popular options include The Omnia, Hotel Firefly, and Hotel Schweizerhof St. Moritz.
• Family-Friendly Resorts: The Swiss Alps have a range of family-friendly resorts, such as the Alpenrose – Familux Resort and Chalet Resort Sölden, which offer activities and amenities specifically for children.
• Budget-Friendly Options: While Switzerland is known for its high prices, there are also some budget-friendly accommodations available in the Swiss Alps. These include hostels, guest houses, and apartments. For example, the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald offers dorm beds and stunning views at an affordable price.
• Ski Resorts: The Swiss Alps are a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. Many resorts offer ski-in/ski-out accommodations, such as the Hotel Alpina in Murren and the Hotel Schweizerhof in Grindelwald.
• Chalet Rentals: Renting a chalet can be a great option for groups or families looking for more space and privacy. Chalets can be found in various locations throughout the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views and easy access to outdoor activities.

Austrian Alps Accommodations:

The Austrian Alps also offer a diverse range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:

• Luxury Hotels: The Austrian Alps have their fair share of luxury accommodations as well. Hotels like the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg and the Hotel Jagdhaus Monzabon in St. Anton offer elegant surroundings, spacious rooms, and exceptional service.
• Spa and Wellness Hotels: Many hotels in the Austrian Alps offer spa facilities and wellness programs. For example, the Alpenhotel Montafon in Sankt Gallenkirch and the Das Naturhotel Chesa Valisa in Gaschurn provide guests with relaxing spa experiences and stunning mountain views.
• Family-Friendly Hotels: The Austrian Alps are a popular destination for family vacations. Hotels like the Kinderhotel Laderhof in Obertauern and the Hotel Villa Carlton in Salzburg offer family-friendly amenities and activities to keep both children and adults entertained.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Similar to Switzerland, Austria also has budget-friendly accommodations. Hostels, guest houses, and apartments can be found in towns and villages throughout the Austrian Alps, offering more affordable options for travelers.
• Ski Resorts: The Austrian Alps are renowned for their ski resorts, which offer ski-in/ski-out accommodations and easy access to the slopes. Resorts like the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel am Schwarzsee and the Hotel Post Lermoos in Lermoos provide skiers with convenient access to the pistes.
• Chalet Rentals: Renting a chalet can also be a great option in the Austrian Alps. Chalets can be found in various locations, offering privacy and stunning views. Chalet resorts like the Chalet Resort Sölden and the Chalet Resort LaPosch in Sölden provide guests with luxurious accommodations and easy access to outdoor activities.

Cost: Swiss Alps vs Austrian Alps

Switzerland is known for its high prices, with everything from food to accommodation costing a premium. It is ranked as the second most expensive European country to visit, so a trip to the Swiss Alps does not come cheap. However, the country's stunning scenery and tall mountain peaks are often considered worth the cost. The Swiss Alps are ideal for skiing and paragliding, and the country boasts some of the highest Alpine peaks in the world, including the famous Matterhorn. The Swiss Alps also offer a diverse range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to more affordable options in Alpine villages, where rooms may have shared bathrooms. Transportation within Switzerland is generally convenient and efficient, with trains, buses, cable cars, and car rentals available, but it can be costly, with train rides costing around $100 USD and bus fares averaging $75 USD.

In comparison, Austria is significantly more affordable than Switzerland, with food and lodging priced more reasonably. While not exactly cheap, Austria offers better value for money, allowing visitors to experience more activities without breaking the bank. Austrian accommodations are less expensive, with options ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts offering an authentic experience to luxury resorts in famous destinations like Vienna or Salzburg. Transportation within Austrian cities is also typically less expensive than in Switzerland, with rental cars starting at $28 USD per day, train rides from $9 USD, and bus rides from $3.50 USD. However, due to the larger size of the country, travelling between towns can take longer and may require renting a car or taking a train.

Both the Swiss and Austrian Alps offer breathtaking views and a range of exhilarating outdoor activities, world-class shopping, and dining options. Switzerland is ideal for those seeking high-adrenaline activities and willing to pay a premium, while Austria is perfect for those wanting a more authentic, small-town experience without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions