In this post, I will outline the best alternatives to Switzerland for the beautiful scenery of the mountains comprising North America, Europe, and Asia.
These spots have stunning, pristine lakes and unforgettable frontline alpine views, mountain adventurous activities, and rich cultures and traditions.
These Southwest, Kyle, and Okanagan Valley sites and the best stops to experience breathtaking mountains.
These alternatives will be compared to Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities.
Key Points & Best Switzerland alternatives for Scenic Mountain Views
| Destination | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Banff, Canada | Turquoise lakes and Canadian Rockies |
| Dolomites, Italy | Dramatic jagged peaks and alpine villages |
| Austria | Snowy Alps with charming ski towns |
| Norway | Fjords framed by towering mountains |
| Scotland | Mystical Highlands and rugged beauty |
| Sweden | Lapland wilderness and Arctic peaks |
| Slovenia | Julian Alps and Lake Bled views |
| New Zealand | Southern Alps and cinematic landscapes |
| Xinjiang, China | Golden valleys and snow-capped ranges |
| Japan (Mount Fuji region) | Iconic volcanic peak with serene lakes |
10 Best Switzerland alternatives for scenic mountain views
1. Banff, Canada
Before Banff in the Canadian Rockies opened its Ski resorts in the early 1960’s, visitors flocked to the town for its breathtaking views, and offered them a vast array of activities to enjoy along with the to see the snowy, towering peaks, and crystal-clear glacial lakes, and the wild Alpine scenery.
Located in a town with excellent amenities, visitors are able to enjoy many gentle to rock scrambling hiking trails, to gondola rides that overlook the mountains to soothe tired, overworked legs.
There are even natural hot springs to bask in (and even some rock pools for a refreshing swim). With its wild landscape and vied with over 250,000 visitors a year, its no wonder that Banff stands tall and proud to show off its one of a kind and authentic scenery.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Lake Louise | Iconic turquoise glacial lake surrounded by peaks. |
| Moraine Lake | Stunning valley of the Ten Peaks backdrop. |
| Banff Gondola | Panoramic views from Sulphur Mountain. |
| Icefields Parkway | Scenic drive through glaciers and rugged mountains. |
2. Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy are a good option if you want stunning mountain views, but would like to avoid the high costs of Switzerland.
The famous pastel colors of the Dolomites, the unique and different from the rest of Europe, is the terrain surrounded by the rugged Lie stone mountains, cliffs, and towering peaks.
What is unique to the dolomites is the mountain traditions and culture of Italy. The charming calm of the small towns, the mountains, and the delicious food give a warm and inviting touch to the rugged rugged.
The light on the peaks is also a great picture. Hiking and skiing are also available. The cliffs and rock formations of the mountains are different in the countryside, because it is a unique double culture.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Tre Cime di Lavaredo | Dramatic three peaks, a Dolomites symbol. |
| Alta Via Trails | Famous long-distance hiking routes. |
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | Glamorous ski resort town. |
| Lago di Braies | Emerald alpine lake with wooden boats. |
3. Austria
Austria boasts incredible mountain scenery that is an excellent alternative to Switzerland’s Majestic Alps.
Austria features frosty mountain peaks, iustrious blue lakes, and picturesque alpine towns. Austria is also very different then Switzerland.
Austria has dramatic and rich cultural experiences with baroque style architecture, historical castles, and classical music which is very different from Switzerland.
Austria also has very interconnected networks of sight seeing trains, cable cars and hiking trails which allows you to explore the highlands.
The incredible diversity of sights and experiences in Austria is unsurpassed and exemplified in the highlands where the dramatic scenery allows you to experience the towering
frosty, snow capped peaks and warm, breathe in the hospitability of Austria Towns and cozy textile chalets. The combination of scenery, hospitality, and culture is one of a kind and makes experiences in Austria very memorable.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Hallstatt | Fairy-tale lakeside village in the Alps. |
| Grossglockner High Alpine Road | Scenic mountain drive. |
| Innsbruck | Olympic city surrounded by snowy peaks. |
| Salzkammergut | Lakes and mountains region with charming towns. |
4. Norway
Norway has gone from being Switzerland’s competitor to being Switzerland’s alternative. It has subtotal range views of mountains from deep fjords, rugged peaks, and tall waterfalls.
Norway’s view though, with its sweet inter-coastal-alpate trees, has towering peaks and opens up to fjords, giving a much more interesting view.
Norway has many good hiking trails, scenic drives, and fjords with a glassy smooth surface.
The travel between peaks that mirron the sky is stunning, as the mountains, water, and sky all make up a scenic view.
The mix of weather and winds, calm and northern, add a great use to the mountains and is a view people will not forget.
Norway is an interesting and unique view and place. It is all Norway has to offer that makes it different , this view and mix of weather.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Geirangerfjord | UNESCO fjord with waterfalls and cliffs. |
| Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) | Iconic cliff viewpoint. |
| Lofoten Islands | Dramatic peaks rising from the sea. |
| Trolltunga | Famous rock ledge over a valley. |
5. Scotland
Scotland’s diamond in the rough, as opposed to Switzerland, highland region, complete with glens, and lochs.
Esoteric, and timeless, and nature purest, with high fraged peaks jutting from rolling hills, reflected upon crystal lakes, and the rest ether.
People can hike the west highland way, discover ancient castles hanging from cliff faces, and the remote glens that offer solace like no other.
The wildish, unkempt, and ancient history, with abundance of legend fully adorn the highlands, and make them probably the most picturesque highlands in the entire world, or at least, like, the most highlands, if that makes sense.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Ben Nevis | UK’s highest mountain. |
| Glencoe Valley | Rugged and mystical landscapes. |
| Isle of Skye | Fairy Pools and Cuillin mountains. |
| Cairngorms National Park | Expansive highland wilderness. |
6. Sweden
Sweden competes quite favorably with Switzerland with respect to magnificent mountain scenery and is also more affordable.
Sweden is a country with huge untouched wildness and unspoiled natural beauty. The mountains of a Lapland region, for example, are gentle and more accessible and offer great views, but are less crowded than the Alps, allowing lots of solitude.
Sweden also features large, gently sloping, and unspoiled wilderness areas to hike, ski, and view the northern lights.
Sweden is a hiker and skier northern lights viewing north country and a great unspoilt mountain wilderness for a deep and magical natural experience.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Kebnekaise | Sweden’s highest peak. |
| Abisko National Park | Northern Lights and alpine scenery. |
| Lapland | Arctic wilderness with reindeer. |
| Icehotel Jukkasjärvi | World-famous hotel made of ice. |
7. Slovenia
Slovenia was an undiscovered treasure and gave you the chance if missed to mountain scenes to enjoy and to experience the beautiful compact and doline scenic wonders.
With her mountain peaks and emerald valleys and crystal-clear rivers creates an amazing masterpiece.
Popular hiking and walk areas include, mountain and ski areas, beautiful mountain caves, and scenic waterfalls within close range.
With her accessible high alpine and storybook emerald valleys, crystal-clear rivers creates an amazing masterpiece.
Snow capped mountains and picture high mountains makes her during scenic adventures an amazing destinations.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Lake Bled | Iconic island church and castle. |
| Triglav National Park | Julian Alps and Slovenia’s highest peak. |
| Lake Bohinj | Serene alpine lake. |
| Vintgar Gorge | Scenic canyon walkways. |
8. New Zealand
New Zealand is unparalleled in snow-capped mountains. The South Island is home to the Southern Alps which have turquoise glacial lakes and waterfalls.
The unique feature of New Zealand compared to other destinations is the variety of its landscapes. Hosting to New Zealand’s majestic peaks are fjords, forests, and beaches.
New Zealand has a world-class reputation for its mountains, and the easily accessible snow-capped range surrounded by raw and majestic glacial peaks is the reason.
For those who adventure, New Zealand offers unparalleled skiing, heli-tours, and glacier hikes. Every twist and turn has vista bursting with beauty. New Zealand is a photographers dream.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Mount Cook (Aoraki) | Highest peak in NZ. |
| Milford Sound | Fjord with waterfalls and cliffs. |
| Queenstown | Adventure capital with alpine views. |
| Franz Josef Glacier | Accessible glacier in Southern Alps. |
9. Xinjiang, China
China’s Xinjiang region provides dramatic views of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains and is a perfect substitute for the mountains of Switzerland.
It is a remote and highly dramatic landscape and contains features including snow capped mountains, glacial lakes, and steep valleys.
The region also contains high deserts, green mountains, and oasis settlements. The deserts also provide for interesting preaching and camping opportunities.
For many adventurers there’s the opportunity to visit large and untapped alpine lakes. Xinjiang’s diverse and dramatic terrain makes it a perfect substitute for mountaineering.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Tianshan Mountains | Snow-capped peaks and valleys. |
| Kanas Lake | Emerald lake surrounded by forests. |
| Sayram Lake | “Atlantic of the East” high-altitude lake. |
| Altai Mountains | Remote wilderness with nomadic culture. |
10. Japan (Mount Fuji region)
Japan’s Mount Fuji region is a breathtaking substitute for the mountainscape views in Switzerland, as it also offers a unique combination of nature and culture.
Fuji’s peak is exactly symmetrical, snow capped, and beautiful. Fuji commands the scenery featuring a cascade of lakes, dense woodlands, and, most notably, the country’s famous cherry trees in spring and autumn.
The area’s charm culminates in a perfect balance of the picturesque mountains and relics of Japan’s primitive cultural heritage
Traditional jinja near Fuji, villages, ryokan, and the hot steaming onsen that you can bathe in whilst admiring the peak. Mount Fuji is unique, culturally and historically, and so is the rest of the Japan’s Mount Fuji region.
| Famous Thing | Description |
|---|---|
| Mount Fuji | Iconic volcanic peak. |
| Lake Kawaguchi | Best reflection views of Fuji. |
| Chureito Pagoda | Famous photo spot with Fuji backdrop. |
| Fuji Five Lakes | Scenic lakes around the mountain. |
Conclusion
In cocnlsuion. For people with the desire to visit other destinations outside of Switzerland. People can visit Banff and see the turquoise lakes, the Dolomites and see the jagged peaks, the dramatic. fjords of Norway. Mount Fuji and its iconic symmetry.
All of these places offer beauty and a variety of adventure experiences. For people to see the mountains and explore the world.
It is a diverse and unforgettable alternative and all of these destinations offer scenic mountain exploration.
FAQ
Which destinations offer the most dramatic mountain scenery outside Switzerland?
Banff (Canada), Dolomites (Italy), Norway, and New Zealand are top picks for breathtaking peaks.
Are these destinations suitable for hiking and trekking?
Yes, most locations like Austria, Scotland, and Slovenia have well-marked trails for all levels.
Which alternatives are best for winter sports?
Austria, Banff, and Norway are ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Where can I see lakes with mountain backdrops?
Banff, Slovenia, New Zealand, and Mount Fuji region in Japan feature stunning alpine lakes.