But at the top, perched like an eyrie above a rolling sea ... blue ice. Or ride Muottas-Muragl funicular for views of 4,049m (13,284ft) Piz Bernina, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps.

The route crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, each offering a new perspective of the Swiss Alps. It then climbs ... and hop aboard the budget-friendly blue train.

High season runs throughout European summer (June-August)—consider visiting in May or, for warmer sea swimming ... Sail Grand Prix will be held on the blue-green waters of Lake Geneva in ...