Tours to Switzerland: mountains, thermal springs and prices 2026

Switzerland is small in area, but the mountains, lakes, and thermal baths here are close together. In one day you can go up to Jungfraujoch and in the evening soak in a thermal spring.

A trip here is almost always built from three parts: mountains, lakes, and thermal resorts. Below are specific places and ticket prices.

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What to choose: skiing, summer, or thermal baths

💡 In short:

• In winter, pick a ski resort; in summer, panoramic trains and trekking; thermal baths are available year-round.
• Reserve your spot at Jungfraujoch in advance: booking is mandatory from May through October.
• Prices: 09/2026, verified on the official website

Switzerland splits into three tourist scenarios. The winter one starts in December and lasts through late March. The summer one runs from June to September. Thermal resorts welcome guests year-round, and prices are lower in the off-season.

Choose based on your pace. If you love speed on the slopes, head to the mountains. If you want panoramas and easy trails, plan your trip for summer. If you need a calm rest by the water, look at thermal baths and spas.

For many tourists, the country is attractive for short weekend trips. The clean air and proximity of the Alps make such a weekend convenient even for two days. Pick one resort and don't spread yourself thin: travel between regions eats up time.

Ski resorts: Zermatt and Grindelwald

Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, the country's most recognizable peak. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise area offers up to 200 km of slopes, and the International ski pass adds another 160 km on the Italian side (as of: 09/2026, matterhornparadise.ch). Prices are dynamic: the earlier you book your date, the lower the rate.

© NOTE: This image is a panorama consisting of multiple frames that were merged or stitched in software. As a result, this · CC BY-SAPhoto: NOTE: This image is a panorama consisting of multiple frames that were merged or stitched in software. As a result, this, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The second major region includes Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. Beneath the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau lie 211 km of slopes, and a ski pass starts from CHF 79 (as of: 09/2026, Jungfrau 2026 rates). The season runs from November 21, 2026 to April 25, 2027.

Mountain resorts book up quickly, especially during the Christmas weeks. Look at accommodation in Zermatt on Trip.com in advance so you can stay in the center rather than on the outskirts.

If you're traveling with a group, get a multi-day ski pass: that makes each day of skiing cheaper. Equipment rental is available at every lift station.

Thermal springs: Leukerbad and Vals

The largest thermal center in the Alps operates in Leukerbad. It has ten pools of different temperatures, water slides for children, and a separate sauna area (as of: 09/2026, Leukerbad Therme rates). The surcharge for the sauna and steam bath is CHF 15. With a guest card, you get a 15% discount on all rates.

© Daniel Reust · CC BY-SAPhoto: Daniel Reust, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The thermal tradition in the country is not limited to one small town. Bad Ragaz, Vals, and other Alpine resorts have their own springs. In many mountain hotels, the pool is filled with the same mineral water that rises from the ground nearby.

Thermal getaways also work for treatment. Resorts offer recovery programs and dedicated courses for children. You combine bathing with walks along the surrounding trails.

Thermal tickets and regional excursions are easy to book in one place: tours and tickets on GetYourGuide.

Jungfraujoch: the highest station in Europe

Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454 m and is considered the highest railway station in Europe (as of 09/2026, Jungfraujoch page). The new Eiger Express and the historic cogwheel railway take you to the eternal ice. Tickets start at CHF 129.60.

© Tallin · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tallin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Seat reservation is mandatory from May 1 to October 31, 2026 and costs CHF 10, while the morning Good Morning Ticket gives a 20% discount (as of 09/2026, 2026 fares and booking). You ride one of the first trains and see the Aletsch Glacier without the crowds.

For several days, the Jungfrau Travel Pass is a better deal. It starts at CHF 165 and includes trains, buses, boats, and mountain railways in the region (as of 09/2026, Jungfrau Travel Pass prices). Book your ticket for Swiss mountain trains in advance.

Tickets and prices: what to book in advance

Current fares for the main attractions are collected in one table. Check the date: prices in Switzerland are revised every season.

All figures in the table are from the official websites jungfrau.ch and leukerbad.ch as of 09/2026.

How to get there and get around the country

Switzerland is connected by a dense network of trains, buses, and boats. From Zurich or Geneva airport, you can reach mountain resorts with one or two transfers.

Train tickets are bought online, and for multiple trips a rail pass is more cost-effective. For connectivity during your trip, get an eSIM for Switzerland: you activate it before your flight.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

In winter people come for skiing, in summer for trekking and panoramic trains. November or April work well for thermal baths, when there are fewer tourists.

How much does a Jungfraujoch ticket cost?

Tickets start from CHF 129.60 (as of 09/2026, official website). From May to October, a mandatory seat reservation is added.

Can you bathe in thermal springs in winter?

Yes. The thermal baths in Leukerbad are open year-round, and the water is warm regardless of the weather. In winter, after a day on the slopes, the thermal baths are a natural extension of the day.

What is a better value: a ski pass or the Jungfrau Travel Pass?

For a single day of skiing, get a ski pass: in the Grindelwald region it starts from CHF 79. The Travel Pass from CHF 165 pays off if you are going for several days and want to visit different peaks.

Do you need to book cable cars in advance?

For Jungfraujoch, seat reservations are mandatory from May to October. In other months, booking is not required, but it helps you avoid queues. Ski passes are purchased online, and prices in Zermatt are dynamic: early booking lowers the rate. During holidays, spots sell out faster.

In short: what is worth booking

Switzerland offers three clear scenarios, and the choice depends on your goal. If you want skiing, choose Zermatt or Grindelwald. If you want thermal baths, plan for Leukerbad. If you want panoramas and a glacier, book Jungfraujoch with a seat reservation in advance.

Put together a trip in two parts: a day in the mountains and an evening in the thermal baths. This rhythm covers both activity and recovery. Hotels in Switzerland on Trip.com and tours on GetYourGuide will help you take care of the rest.