Your trip
What this solves
Most "see ibex in Switzerland" lists give one generic answer. The reality is that ibex are visible at 2,500–3,500 m on south-facing cliffs in June–September; marmots above 1,800 m on alpine meadows; bearded vultures soar over the Engadin and Valais but are hard to ID; golden eagles need open terrain and a good pair of binoculars. Pick the species and the tool gives the realistic spot.
Wildlife is wild. The tool gives the historic best spots — but sighting always depends on weather, time of day and a touch of luck.
How to read the results
- Spot 1 / 2 / 3 = typical locations where the species is regularly seen.
- Altitude = the band they roam in the chosen month. Outside this range, you won't see them.
- Time of day = morning (5:30–9:00) is best for mammals; raptors soar 11:00–16:00 on thermal currents.
What this tool ignores
- Live sightings. Birdracing apps (e.g. ornitho.ch) list confirmed sightings; use those for real-time accuracy.
- Reintroduced populations vs natural ones — bearded vultures are recovering, populations still vary.
- Photography ethics — stay 100 m away from ibex and marmots; never feed them.
Common questions
Are marmots easy to see?
Yes — they whistle from rocky meadows near cable cars (First, Grindelwald, Pilatus). Walk quietly along the upper meadows at sunrise. They disappear into burrows if they hear you.
Where can I reliably see ibex?
Above Zermatt (Gornergrat area, 2,500–3,000 m) in summer. Aletsch Glacier region (Eggishorn viewpoint). Augstbord near Täsch. Bring binoculars; they look like brown rocks until they move.
How do I tell a bearded vulture from an eagle?
Bearded vulture has a long, diamond-shaped tail (eagle is fan-shaped) and a rufous underwing. They're 1.5 m wingspan. Soar above 2,500 m valleys. The Engadin and Valais are best.