Switzerland is one of the smaller countries in Europe but it is an incredible place to visit. The country is also home to the magnificent Swiss Alps, a mountain range that is known throughout the world for its picturesque nature. Its most famous peak is perhaps the Matterhorn which can be climbed or accessed by a funicular train. The country also has a host of other outdoor options, so if you don’t want your entire trip to be blanketed in snow, you still have several other options such as majestic waterfalls and lush forested areas. The people of Switzerland are understandably fiercely protective of their environment and their culture and work hard to preserve it. The towns and villages in Switzerland mentioned on this list are all beautiful and idyllic examples of the charm of this country.
Interlaken
The first one on our list of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland is Interlaken. This picturesque town is centrally located and serves as a great base for exploring the mountains. As the name suggests it is located between two lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. This town has historically been treated as a retreat by people who live elsewhere, and when you visit and experience a hint of the serenity of the region, you will see why. The beautiful area that surrounds the town is varying shades of lush greens and sparkling blues.
Where to Stay:
See more hotel options in Interlaken.
Things to Do:
The Jungfraujoch Top of Europe day trip from Interlaken is highly recommended. If you have a swiss pass, you can choose the Jungfraujoch Train Trip for Swiss Travel Pass Holders instead so you can get a discount.
See our additional activities below, or click here to see more things you can do on your trip to Interlaken.
Zermatt
Zermatt is an absolute paradise for those who are passionate about the outdoors. Tucked just under the famous Matterhorn mountain, this town draws many visitors. Whether you are interested in skiing, mountain climbing, and hiking, you can find an adventure here throughout the year. Public rinks for curling and ice skating allow you to experience classic winter activities within the town limits as well. A cable car up the mountain provides unmatched views.
Where to Stay:
Find more hotel options to stay in Zermatt here.
Things to Do:
See all of our recommended things you can do in Zermatt here.
Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is a small traffic-free town in the alps of Switzerland, most famous for being right below the Jungfrau-Aletsch protected area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can arrive at the town by taking a short cable car ride, and experience sites such as the glaciers here which are a huge draw for ecotourism. The vibrant greenery of the grass and trees pop against the cool grays and snowy whites of the glaciers and mountains, giving the area an absolutely picturesque appearance.
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Spiez
On the shore of Lake Thun, Spiez sits as a relaxing spa town. Enjoy the sights of the castle which was originally built in the 15th century, and was expanded on continuously well into the 18th. If you want something more modern, you can take the cable car up to the Schilthorn: a 10000 foot mountain with a revolving restaurant to truly see the surrounding scenery!
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Here are things you can do in the area.
Soglio
Located near Switzerland’s border with Italy sits the quaint town of Soglio. You can stay at the historic Hotel Palazzo, which is an ideal home base as you explore the area. Visit the old town or experience the beautiful outdoors by going on a hike. This town is unique because although it is in Switzerland, you’re likely to hear some Italian being spoken during your stay.
Where to Stay:
Things to Do:
- Visit the old town
- Go hiking and enjoy the beautiful outdoors
Morcote
Morcote is situated at one of the southernmost parts of Switzerland on the beautiful Lake Lugano. The Chapel of S. Antonio Abate looks over the lakeside town as it has since the 12th century. The Scherrer Gardens are an incredible place to visit – you can see the perfectly maintained garden and incredible works of art.
Where to Stay:
Things to Do:
- Visit Lake Lugano
- Vist the Scherrer Garden
Wengen
Wengen is most famous for hosting the Lauberhorn leg of the Fis Ski World Cup, but you don’t have to be a world class skier to enjoy this Bernese town. Whether you are hiking in the summer months, or skiing in the winter, there is no incorrect way to experience the incredible outdoors that surround this beautiful town. While you explore, keep an eye out for Pfeifende Lurch, a mythical creature that only exists in local folklore, that is said to be some kind of amphibian that can whistle. This town is a unique retreat as it is only accessible by cable cars or trains, as it is free of motor vehicles.
Where to Stay:
See more hotel options to stay in Wengen on Agoda.
Things to Do:
Get a fantastic panorama of the Lauterbrunnen Valley on the new cableway from Wengen to Männlichen. Marvel at magnificent views, and see Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau from close enough to touch. You can choose to ride inside the cable car or on the open-air balcony.
Stein am Rhein
The town of Stein am Rhein rests on the meandering banks of the Rhein river. The medieval city center maintains its old world layout and the buildings within are adorned with beautiful frescos. So many of the buildings were beautifully and carefully preserved that the town has been awarded the Wakker Prize for architectural heritage. If you are interested in history at all, this town is a must for your itinerary. You can also visit the Lindwurm Museum to learn what life was like in the region during the mid 1800’s.
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Grindelwald
The name Grindelwald might sound familiar to Harry Potter fans, but in this case Grindelwald is a beautiful village that sits near the Eiger Mountain in the Bernese alps. Its proximity to this mountain makes it a popular staging area for those daring enough to climb it. Gletscherschlucht is a nearby glacial gorge where you can find unparalleled hiking trails that take you through the countryside, with views of waterfalls and large limestone walls carved by the glacier. For a one of a kind experience, take the Jungfraubahn railway, which works its way up the mountain and includes two stops inside a tunnel where there are sections that are carved out to allow for views of the neighboring mountains.
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Lauterbrunnen
Near the almost 1000 foot tall Staubbach Falls is the town of Lauterbrunnen. Nestled deep into a valley of deep cliffs, this small village will inspire any who come – it inspired a young J.R.R. Tolkien who sketched the area after a school trip. Film buffs may recognize the town from the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The nearby mountains include the Schilthorn, which stands at almost 10000 feet, but you can ascend it without having to climb as there is a cable car which can take you right to the top. At the summit, you can further your experience by dining at Piz gloria, a revolving restaurant with large windows that allow you to witness the incredible views.
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Video Guide: 10 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages in Switzerland
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