Swiss Alps

Published 2021-04-15
Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2020 | Switzerland draws travelers from around the world for its legendary mountains. From the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau to Appenzell, we savor both the country’s jaw-dropping alpine beauty and the rich and resilient culture of its people. As we lace together that dramatic mountain wonder with scenic train rides, breathtaking lifts, and unforgettable hikes, we also enjoy alpine life — from exploring glaciers to making cheese the old-fashioned way. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #swissalps

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Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

00:00 Introduction
01:53 Zermatt
03:33 Matterhorn
04:27 Back to Zermatt
06:48 Little Matterhorn viewpoint
07:38 Glacier Express train line
08:47 Appenzell
09:15 Swiss heritage and folk museum
12:38 Lauterbrunnen Valley
13:29 Jungfraujoch station
17:30 Enjoying the trails
18:42 Gimmelwald
22:40 Schilthorn

All Comments (21)
  • @2PengBristol
    I’m fortunate enough to live in the Valais region of the Swiss alps, Zermatt and the Matterhorn is just next door from my village! If anybody reading this takes a trip over here let me know and I’ll happily show you around
  • @loveaodai100
    Rick Steves is like the high school teacher we all wish we had. I was born and raised in New York City. In the home we grew up there was a painting done by my father of the Matterhorn in the living room. And I became enchanted by it and determined to go there when I was very young. Dad promised to take me there if I could earn the airfare. At the age of fifteen, I found a job at a Wetsons Hamburger restaurant. About 10,000 flipped hamburgers later I had saved enough. I was sixteen in the summer of 1970 when we made the trip firstly to Paris where my father was born. After spending about a week with relatives in France we drove to Switzerland. One of the great jaw dropping experiences one can have in life is to ride the train to Zermatt arriving late afternoon on a sunny day witnessing the Matterhorn first come into view. We stayed a week in Zermatt and my father let me trek alone from Zermatt to the Hornlihut on the ridge of the Matterhorn. That hut is where the mountaineers spend the night before ascending the steep ridge. I was wearing regular shoes and just a light windbreaker with no backpack. All of the others were there with full gear. They looked at me as if I had just come from the moon. The entire trip including my visit in France was sublime. And that trip planted the travel bug in me to ever more distant and exotic lands eventually leading me to where I am now Vietnam which went from one of the most dangerous places to be in 1970 to one of the safest today. My last trip abroad was a wonderful trip to Turkey from Vietnam back in 2019. Hoping all hte best to you Rick Steves!
  • @222ableVelo
    I absolutely love Rick Steve's documentary style. I'm not sure how he does it, but it's so calming, informative, and interesting. One of my favorite shows ever!
  • As a Swiss resident I enjoy our country side so much and and all those hidden gems, that still aren't discovered. Living in this country is a complete blessing.
  • @Anna21101
    I live in switzerland and sometimes I seem to forget just how beautiful my country really is. Thank you for reminding me! :-)
  • Switzerland is my ultimate dream place. This place is simply breathtaking. Wish I can go here someday.
  • @timsel6796
    I have a C1 level in English but I must say that I learn many words when I watch Rick Steves' videos. I love them ❤
  • @dwoodw6990
    Watching this brings back so many happy memories of my grandmother and I watching Rick on PBS. She has been gone for several years now, but she always loved watching Rick explore Europe. Thank you for the memories.
  • @vhoy7899
    How can we not love this universe? Switzerland is so beautiful. Everything looks so clean...
  • @erichuff6945
    Switzerland looks so beautiful. It's like someone says hay I'm going to video this over here and everyone cleans and vacuums everything.
  • @diegocrven4127
    I am forever grateful to be born and to live in such a magnificent country. If anyone needs tips or is planning a visit soon, I’d be happy to help and even to take time to show you around ! I visited most of Switzerland and it is never enough. Thank you Steve for such a wonderful video!
  • @mynacarlo1046
    People of switzerland are very much lucky they lived in paradise.
  • @bryanb7697
    When I grow up, I'm going to be a Rick Steves. Please keep making the shows Rick!
  • @razibangali7241
    These videos are my food and medicine during this pandemic. In whatever way possible, from your old unpublished material, virtual tour....keep on offering these free gifts, Rick. You are doing an unforgettable social service.
  • @bkshivgami7273
    Since i'm a kid i have a strong pull towards Switzerland...its my dream country that i wish to visit once before i die. Love frm Malaysia.
  • Wow amazing Switzerland every Asian citizen dreams to visit this amazing country.
  • @RN-kl4kp
    I'm for a village in India a fairly middle class low income boy . I'm very glad I could enjoy such scenic beauty of Switzerland .. If I achieve or made good for life ill definitely visit all this place and enjoy each moment with peace .
  • @ellieadkins
    I’ve watched this numerous times, traveling vicariously through Rick’s helpful, exciting and charming videos to breathtakingly beautiful places. Someday soon I’ll see Switzerland in person!
  • While watching this, I told my colleague that if ill be able to visit this place, then I am ready to die. Then I continue watching and I had the biggest smile or the biggest www on my face. This place is majestic. I feel relaxed and at peace just watching this. How much more if I can see this place with my own eyes? This place is like a heaven version of living human beings. Someday ill be there
  • In a time like this - these videos are very heartening to watch - thank you!