Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide

Discover the highest revolving restaurant in the world with scenic Swiss train and bus rides, glacier views, and a flexible ticket to explore further.

Planning a trip to Switzerland and looking to tick off an extraordinary experience? This tour promises a ride up to the world’s highest revolving restaurant at Mittelallalin, set at 3,500 meters, with spectacular views, a fun underground funicular, and a scenic journey from Zurich. If you’re someone who loves panoramic vistas and unique dining experiences, this trip could be just the ticket.

What I appreciate about this tour is how it combines multiple memorable elements: the sense of adventure traveling by train and bus, the novelty of dining at the highest restaurant in the world, and the chance to explore glacier viewpoints — all in one manageable day. Plus, the fact that your ticket is valid for the whole day in Switzerland means you can keep exploring after the tour wraps up.

That said, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. The price, at $475 per person, is on the higher side, especially considering the focus on a meal and sightseeing. Also, the tour’s physical demands might be a concern if you have vertigo or respiratory issues. This trip is ideal for those eager to see iconic Swiss landscapes from a truly unique vantage point and are comfortable with a full, active day.

Key Points

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide - Key Points

  • Stunning panoramic views from the world’s highest revolving restaurant
  • Convenient transportation from Zurich Airport, including train, bus, and cable car
  • Unique attractions like the Metro Alpin underground funicular and glacier viewpoints
  • Flexible ticket allows you to continue exploring Switzerland on your own after the tour
  • Guided experience with local expertise, enhancing the scenic and cultural context
  • Not suitable for travelers with vertigo or respiratory issues
You can check availability for your dates here:

The Scenic Journey Begins

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide - The Scenic Journey Begins

Starting your adventure at Zurich Airport, the tour organizers make it straightforward to hop on a train and bus that whisks you away from the city’s urban charm into the heart of the Swiss Alps. The journey lasts about three hours, but it’s far from boring. As you pass through picturesque landscapes, alpine villages, and towering mountains, it’s easy to see why Switzerland’s scenery is so celebrated.

The train ride is generally smooth, and many reviews mention the beauty of the views en route. Some travelers note that the longer train segment is relaxing and offers great photo opportunities. The bus transfer from Saas-Fee to the cable car station takes about 30 minutes, and during this leg, you might find yourself marveling at the glacier-fed peaks and pristine valleys.

The transportation aspect is a big plus — it’s well-organized and includes all necessary tickets, removing the hassle of planning separate routes. Plus, the fact that your ticket is valid for the entire day in Switzerland gives you freedom to explore further after your scheduled activities.

Reaching Mittelallalin and the Highlight: The Revolving Restaurant

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide - Reaching Mittelallalin and the Highlight: The Revolving Restaurant

At Mittelallalin, at 3,500 meters, your journey reaches its peak. The cable car ride alone is an experience, offering panoramic views as you ascend to this lofty altitude. Once there, you’re greeted by a vibrant hub of activity, with options to visit the world’s highest revolving restaurant. The revolving platform makes a full 360° rotation, so you can enjoy a continuous panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys.

Imagine sitting down for a meal while the scenery slowly unfolds around you — it’s a genuinely special experience. The reviews praise the restaurant for its breathtaking vistas, with many describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” view. The menu isn’t detailed here, but the emphasis is on enjoying the meal with a view that, frankly, can’t be beaten.

Many guests appreciate the convenience of the all-in-one trip, where they can enjoy their meal without worrying about timing. However, some mention that the price feels steep for a meal and a view, though most agree it’s a memorable splurge.

The Metro Alpin: The World’s Highest Underground Funicular

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide - The Metro Alpin: The World’s Highest Underground Funicular

After dining, you can take the Metro Alpin, the highest underground funicular in the world, which connects Saas-Fee to Mittelallalin. This short, 20-minute ride is fun in itself, especially because it’s not every day you get to travel through an underground mountain tunnel at such an altitude.

The Metro Alpin offers a quick and easy way to descend, but also allows for views of the glacier from the underground pathway. It’s a neat engineering feat and a highlight for anyone interested in Swiss innovations or just looking for a different perspective.

Exploring Glacier Viewpoints and Photo Opportunities

Once at the top, you’ll have some time to explore glacier viewpoints and snap photos. The tour’s guides are knowledgeable about the alpine environment, and many reviews mention that the guided commentary adds depth to the experience. Because of the high altitude and potential for vertigo, people with respiratory issues or vertigo should consider their comfort level, as some viewpoints might be challenging.

This part of the trip is all about the views — expect to see vast glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and perhaps even a few mountain goats if luck is on your side. It’s a landscape that stays with you long after the trip ends.

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Flexibility to Continue Your Swiss Adventure

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide - Flexibility to Continue Your Swiss Adventure

One of the best parts of this tour? Your ticket is valid anywhere in Switzerland on the day of the trip. That means after the scheduled activities, you’re free to hop on trains, buses, or explore more of Saas-Fee or nearby regions. This flexibility appeals to travelers who want to make the most of their day without feeling locked into a rigid schedule.

Whether you choose to explore more villages, hike a short trail, or relax at a mountain café, this perk can make the outing feel more like a personalized adventure.

Practical Details and Considerations

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide - Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about 8 hours, with the core activities packed into a manageable timeframe. It’s designed to be suitable for most, though it’s worth noting that the physical demands — especially at high elevations — might be challenging for some. Proper footwear, warm clothing, and a camera are recommended, as the scenery is truly photo-worthy.

The tour is a private group experience, which means you’ll have a guide who can answer questions and tailor the experience slightly if needed. It’s conducted in English and German, so language-wise, most travelers will be comfortable.

The cost of $475 per person is fairly typical for a premium Swiss experience that includes transportation, guided tours, and a top-tier view. While it’s not cheap, many guests feel it’s worth the splurge for the once-in-a-lifetime views and the convenience of an all-in-one package.

What’s Missing?

As with many scenic tours, meals and personal expenses aren’t included, so budget accordingly. Also, the trip isn’t suitable for those with vertigo or respiratory issues, so if you have health concerns, consider that before booking.

Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re an enthusiastic traveler who wants a visually stunning experience and doesn’t mind the cost, this trip is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who love mountain scenery, unique dining experiences, and don’t mind a full day of travel and activity. It’s also a good option if you want the flexibility to explore more of Switzerland afterward.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer more relaxed, less altitude-challenging activities, you might find this a bit intensive. The high prices reflect the exclusivity and uniqueness of the experience — after all, dining at the world’s highest revolving restaurant is quite a special occasion.

Ready to Book?

Zurich Day Trip: The Highest Revolving Restaurant Worldwide

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a blend of stunning vistas, innovative Swiss engineering, and the thrill of high-altitude dining. It’s a chance to see some of the most breathtaking landscapes Switzerland has to offer, all packaged into a day. The experience combines scenic transportation, a memorable meal, and glacier views that will stay with you long after.

If you’re seeking a bucket-list adventure that’s both comfortable and visually spectacular, this trip hits most of the right notes. Just keep in mind the physical considerations and the price tag — this isn’t your typical sightseeing tour, but it’s one that promises remarkable views and a sense of achievement.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s important to consider the altitude and physical demands. Children comfortable with mountain environments should enjoy it, but those sensitive to heights or with respiratory issues might find it less suitable.

How long is the train journey from Zurich?
The train ride from Zurich Airport to Saas-Fee takes about four hours, offering scenic views along the way. It’s a comfortable experience, but it’s a good idea to bring snacks or entertainment for the journey.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided tour at Mittelallalin, train and bus tickets from Zurich Airport, cable cars, Metro Alpin funicular, and an unlimited 5G hotspot provided by the guide.

Can I continue exploring Switzerland after the tour?
Yes. Your ticket is valid anywhere in Switzerland on the day of the tour, so you can keep exploring the region at your own pace afterward.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera are recommended to make the most of the high-altitude scenery and photo opportunities.

If breathtaking mountain views, innovative Swiss engineering, and a memorable meal at the highest revolving restaurant sound appealing, this tour is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a full day and the altitude — and you’ll find yourself with plenty of stories to tell long after you return home.

You can check availability for your dates here: