The best-known towns in the Swiss Alps are the ski resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, but skiing is only part of their appeal. Both towns buzz with activity year-round, offering lively nightlife, upscale dining, and cultural events in winter and summer alike. St. Moritz, in particular, has long been established as a year-round destination—its reputation as a luxurious resort was already thriving well before it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928.
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© BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL
One of the icons of St. Moritz is the five-star Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, often credited with helping to establish the town as one of Europe’s most glamorous alpine destinations. The hotel shares the scene with several other elegant venues where you can enjoy fine dining, afternoon tea, or evening cocktails in splendid surroundings. For a more local, sociable atmosphere, popular spots such as Hemingway’s Club and Papperla Pub host live music and dancing, while numerous nightclubs meet the demand for late-night entertainment.
Perched at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt has a more intimate, village-like atmosphere. Its car-free center is rich with cozy bars and restaurants where you can warm up with a pot of traditional cheese fondue or sip a hot drink after a day on the slopes or a mountain hike. Alongside St. Moritz and Interlaken, Zermatt also offers some of the best shopping in the Alps—perfect for picking up Swiss chocolate, regional crafts, and alpine gear.
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For an unforgettable journey through the high Alps, consider the Glacier Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt. This famed rail route takes about seven hours and traverses dramatic terrain—crossing deep gorges and 291 bridges while offering ever-changing panoramic mountain views that make the trip as memorable as the destinations.
Many Swiss mountain resorts are increasingly year-round destinations for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers. In summer, terraces come alive as people linger to enjoy long alpine sunsets well into the evening. Saas-Fee and Crans-Montana are two resorts that retain a traditional Alpine vibe while offering a lively nightlife: Crans-Montana alone boasts more than two dozen clubs and bars, and Saas-Fee features popular terrace venues such as Zur Mühle and Black Bull where visitors relax after outdoor adventures.
Alpine towns are generally welcoming to all visitors. While specifically LGBTQIA+ venues remain limited, inclusivity is common and some destinations are especially notable. Arosa, for example, has hosted Arosa Gay Ski Week since 2005 and is widely regarded as one of the most gay-friendly ski resorts, even flying a rainbow flag throughout the year.
Nestled in a valley surrounded by peaks, Interlaken offers a year-round hub for alpine tourism with a particular focus on spas and wellness retreats. Long summer evenings make it possible to enjoy water-based relaxation: float around Lake Thun in a sauna boat or try a HotTug, a hot tub that sits afloat on the lake for a unique and soothing alpine experience.