Metro Alpin
1 / 10

Metro Alpin

4.7
·388 reviews·Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Ride the world's highest underground funicular to Mittelallalin for breathtaking glacier views and a unique revolving restaurant experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Metro Alpin

Metro Alpin

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride the world's highest underground funicular to Mittelallalin for breathtaking glacier views and a unique revolving restaurant experience.

4.7
(388 reviews)

"One brilliant piece of engineering to get to the most beautiful spot on Earth!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Open Windows for Photos

Open the carriage windows for reflection-free photos and videos of the stunning glacial scenery.

🧥 Layer Up for Altitude

It's cold at 3,500m! Pack warm layers, a hat, and gloves, even in summer.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Highest Underground Funicular

World's Highest Underground Funicular

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Ride the Metro Alpin, an engineering marvel deep beneath glaciers, connecting Felskinn to Mittelallalin.

Mittelallalin Summit Views

Mittelallalin Summit Views

Mittelallalin (3,500m)

Experience breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine peaks and glaciers.

Highest Revolving Restaurant

Highest Revolving Restaurant

Mittelallalin

Dine or enjoy a coffee at the world's highest revolving restaurant, surrounded by stunning glacial landscapes.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tickets in Advance

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets for the Metro Alpin, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee your spot on this unique underground funicular. Consider package deals that might include other Saas-Fee attractions.

Dress for Alpine Conditions

Even in summer, the altitude at Mittelallalin (3,500m) means cold temperatures and strong winds. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves, regardless of the weather forecast in Saas-Fee. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for exploring the summit.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Skiing conditions, cozy atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Add this to your bucketlist! 🚂 🇨🇭 #glacierexpress #swissalps #switzerland #bucketlisttravel #bucketlist #luxurytravel #traveltips
@thegingerwanderlust
205.4K likes • 3.9M views

📸 Open Windows for Photos

Open the carriage windows for reflection-free photos and videos of the stunning glacial scenery. TikTok

🧥 Layer Up for Altitude

It's cold at 3,500m! Pack warm layers, a hat, and gloves, even in summer. Instagram

3 Ways to Get to Kamikochi🇯🇵⛰️ Kamikochi is a breathtaking mountain valley tucked deep in the Japanese Alps. Surrounded by towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and untouched forests, it feels like stepping into a different world. Whether you’re walking along the Azusa River, spotting wild monkeys, or just breathing in the fresh alpine air, every moment here is peaceful and unforgettable. If you...
@travel.japan_together
15K likes • 316.2K views
🎥 Time-lapse through the highest underground train tunnel in the world 🚠🗻 Welcome to Metro Alpin, an engineering marvel buried deep beneath the glaciers of Saas Fee, Switzerland. This isn’t your average mountain ride. It’s the highest, in altitude, underground funicular railway on Earth, connecting Felskinn (2,980 m / 9,777 ft) to the world’s highest revolving restaurant at Mittelallalin (3,456 m...
bgbedell
17 likes • 794 views

🚡 Cable Car to Felskinn

You'll need to take the Alpin Express cable car from Saas-Fee to Felskinn station first. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Needed

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the summit area and the revolving restaurant. TikTok

The Metro Alpin is considered the highest underground funicular in the world, located above the town of Saas-Fee in Switzerland, going from 2,980 m to 3,456 m! 🇨🇭the views from up there are incredible! ✨ 🚠You have to take the Alpin Express Cable Car from Saas-Fee up to Felskinn station, and then it brings you up to the shore of the Fee Glacier to the Mittelallalin station! ❄️ 🏔️This ski resort ...
travelling_fanny
16 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Open Windows for Photos

Open the carriage windows for reflection-free photos and videos of the stunning glacial scenery. TikTok

🧥 Layer Up for Altitude

It's cold at 3,500m! Pack warm layers, a hat, and gloves, even in summer. Instagram

🚡 Cable Car to Felskinn

You'll need to take the Alpin Express cable car from Saas-Fee to Felskinn station first. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Needed

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the summit area and the revolving restaurant. TikTok

✨ Peaceful Atmosphere

Visit during off-peak times for a more serene experience with fewer tourists. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(388 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Metro Alpin as a brilliant piece of engineering and a gateway to breathtaking Alpine scenery. The unique experience of riding the world's highest underground funicular and enjoying the panoramic views from Mittelallalin, including the revolving restaurant, are frequently highlighted as unforgettable moments. Some mention the journey from Zurich as thrilling, though the car-free nature of Saas-Fee requires planning.

"We had an amazing day with fresh snow on the Allalin mountain. There were virtually no tourists, only skiers and the atmosphere was really peaceful."

Nguyen Dao

"We visited here multiple times. Indeed heaven on earth. We travelled from Zurich. The bus route from station to here is thrilling."

A Biswas

"Absolutely beautiful place. No words needed for describing it. Just must see for all mountain lovers"

Dmytro Korol

What People Like

Engineering marvel
Stunning panoramic views
Highest revolving restaurant

What People Dislike

Car-free village logistics

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach the Metro Alpin, you first need to take the Alpin Express cable car from Saas-Fee up to Felskinn station. From there, you board the Metro Alpin itself, which is the highest underground funicular in the world. Instagram

Saas-Fee is a car-free village. You'll need to park in the multi-story car park at the entrance to the village and then take a short electric bus or walk to the cable car stations. Reddit

Yes, you can reach Saas-Fee by public transport. Take a train to Visp, then a PostBus to Saas-Fee. The journey from Zurich to Saas-Fee by public transport is scenic and takes around 3-4 hours. Reddit

The Metro Alpin travels from Felskinn at 2,980 meters (9,777 ft) up to Mittelallalin at 3,500 meters (11,500 ft), making it the highest underground funicular in the world. Instagram+1

The ride on the Metro Alpin is quite short, taking only a few minutes to ascend to the Mittelallalin summit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the Metro Alpin can typically be purchased at the ticket office for the Alpin Express cable car in Saas-Fee. It's advisable to check the official Saas-Fee tourism website for current pricing and booking options, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

Ticket prices can vary depending on the season and any package deals. It's best to check the official Saas-Fee tourism website or inquire at the ticket counter for the most up-to-date pricing information. Instagram

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or a regional guest card, inquire if it offers any benefits for the Metro Alpin or associated cable cars. Reddit

Operating hours for the Metro Alpin usually align with the cable car operating hours in Saas-Fee and can vary by season. It's recommended to check the Saas-Fee tourism website for the most accurate daily operating schedule. Instagram

If you are skiing in Saas-Fee, your ski pass may grant you access to the Metro Alpin as part of the ski area. However, this is not always the case, so it's best to confirm with your ski pass provider or at the ticket office. Reddit

🎫 🏔️ Onsite Experience

At Mittelallalin, you can enjoy spectacular 360° panoramic views of the Alps, dine at the world's highest revolving restaurant, and explore the glacial surroundings. It's also a starting point for some hiking and mountaineering routes. Instagram

The revolving restaurant at Mittelallalin is generally open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check their specific opening hours, especially outside of the main summer and winter seasons. Instagram

The views from Mittelallalin are absolutely stunning, offering a breathtaking panorama of numerous 4,000-meter peaks, including the Dom, Weisshorn, and Matterhorn on clear days. You also get incredible views down to the Fee Glacier. InstagramReddit

While the primary attractions are the views and the restaurant, children will likely be fascinated by the underground train ride and the sheer scale of the mountains. The revolving restaurant can also be an exciting experience for them. TikTok

Yes, Mittelallalin is a gateway to various hiking and mountaineering routes. However, these often require appropriate gear, experience, and potentially a guide, especially for glacier crossings. Always check local conditions and safety advice. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photography. During the day, opening the carriage windows allows for clear shots without reflections. TikTok

You can capture unique shots of the underground tunnel, the interior of the funicular, and through the windows, the dramatic glacial landscapes as you ascend. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash inside the carriage. Be aware of any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and glacier colors. Instagram

The best way to avoid reflections is to open the carriage windows, as suggested by travelers. This allows for direct, clear shots of the scenery. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Metro Alpin offers a unique adventure for families. The ride itself, being an underground train, is often a novelty that excites children. The novelty of traveling 'deep inside the mountain' and then emerging to vast snowy landscapes can be magical. TikTok

At Mittelallalin, the revolving restaurant provides an entertaining dining experience for kids, with the changing views keeping them engaged. The sheer scale of the mountains and glaciers can also spark curiosity about nature and geography. Ensure children are dressed warmly, as the altitude can be quite chilly even in summer. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the summit area.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Metro Alpin and Mittelallalin present a wealth of opportunities. The underground journey offers a chance for unique shots of the funicular's interior and the tunnel itself. Instagram+1 Opening the carriage windows is key to capturing crystal-clear images of the dramatic glacial scenery without reflections. TikTok

At the summit, the panoramic views are spectacular. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the sweeping vistas, while a telephoto lens can isolate distant peaks. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sky and the whites of the glaciers. The changing light throughout the day can create dramatic photographic moments, especially during sunrise or sunset if accessible.

⛰️ Hikers & Mountaineers

Mittelallalin is a prime location for those seeking alpine adventures. It serves as a crucial access point for numerous high-altitude hiking trails and challenging mountaineering routes. TikTok The proximity to glaciers and 4,000-meter peaks makes it a sought-after starting point for experienced climbers. Reddit

It's imperative for hikers and mountaineers to be fully equipped with appropriate gear, including crampons, ice axes, and warm, waterproof clothing. Glacier travel and high-altitude trekking carry inherent risks, and it is highly recommended to hire a certified local guide who can ensure safety and provide invaluable knowledge of the terrain and conditions. Always check the latest weather forecasts and avalanche reports before setting out.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Metro Alpin

The Metro Alpin is not just a mode of transport; it's a testament to Swiss engineering. Opened in 1984, it holds the title of the world's highest underground funicular railway. This impressive feat of engineering burrows deep beneath the glaciers of Saas Fee, connecting the Felskinn station to the Mittelallalin summit at an astonishing altitude of 3,500 meters. The funicular operates with two carriages, utilizing a unique passing loop system at this extreme height, a design that was groundbreaking for its time. Instagram+1

Recently, after nearly 40 years of service and over a million kilometers traveled, the original carriages are being replaced, marking the end of an era for this iconic underground railway. The new generation of funiculars promises continued reliability and comfort for visitors ascending to the glacial heights. The smooth operation and efficient design ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers, making the ascent an experience in itself. Instagram

Travelers often express awe at the sheer ingenuity required to build and operate such a system in such a challenging alpine environment. The journey through the mountain offers a unique perspective, a stark contrast to the open-air cable cars, and builds anticipation for the spectacular views awaiting at the top. Instagram+1

Experiencing Mittelallalin: Beyond the Ride

Upon arrival at Mittelallalin via the Metro Alpin, visitors are greeted by an unparalleled 360-degree panorama of the Swiss Alps. On a clear day, you can spot iconic peaks like the Dom, Weisshorn, and even the Matterhorn in the distance. The vastness of the glacial landscape is truly awe-inspiring, offering a profound connection with nature's grandeur. InstagramReddit

A unique highlight of Mittelallalin is the world's highest revolving restaurant. Here, you can savor a meal or enjoy a coffee while the restaurant slowly rotates, offering ever-changing vistas of the surrounding glaciers and mountains. This dining experience, combined with the extreme altitude, creates a memorable and almost surreal atmosphere. Instagram

For the more adventurous, Mittelallalin serves as a starting point for various hiking and mountaineering expeditions. However, it's crucial to be well-prepared with the right gear, experience, and knowledge of the terrain, as glacier travel and high-altitude trekking can be challenging and potentially dangerous. Always consult local guides and safety information before embarking on any such excursions. TikTok

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