The whole country of Switzerland is like one massive postcard. Beautiful, rocky mountain scenery stretches from border to border, with lovely villages dotting the valley bottoms here and there. Hikers and skiers alike will find this area to be a winter and summer pleasure.
The Swiss small towns are the best starting points for exploring the rest of the country, which is a mountain wonderland. However, before venturing out into the unknown, you should definitely stop at some of Switzerland’s most picturesque little villages.
14. Gimmelwald
Leave your car at home and take public transportation to Gimmelwald in the Bernese Alps. Access to the village is limited to foot travel or a cable car since there are no roads leading there. Gimmelwald is a quiet rural village surrounded by beautiful mountains and rolling hay fields.
Due to its small size, the community cannot support its own school; instead, children must commute to Lauterbrunnen. To ward off the harsh winter winds that blow down from Jungfrau Mountain, the roofs of homes in Gimmelwald are topped with stones known as schindles.
13. Andermatt
The village of Andermatt is in a valley where eight Alpine passes meet. This pass is the most expansive of its kind and looks like a beautiful diamond set amid the countryside. Andermatt, located in the heart of the Gothard Massif, is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque villages.
Explore this beautiful area on foot, in a post carriage pulled by five horses, or on a steam train. During the winter months, visitors flock to Andermatt for the skiing on offer at Gemsstock and Natschen, accessible by lifts from the village itself.
12. Sion
Sion, with a population of 34,000, is not quite a little town, unless you include the small-town charm it exudes. As the regional hub of Valais, it serves as a jumping off point to the canton’s many quaint villages. In addition to its sunny weather, the mountains and castles of Sion are well-known tourist attractions.
On the mountains above an ancient Swiss city are two castles: the Castle of Valeria and the Castle of Tourbillon. Sion is known for its white wine, Fendant, which can be enjoyed in the city’s charming Old Town at a local café.
11. Spiez
Spiez, a town in Switzerland, is located on the banks of Lake Thun between vineyards and forests. Spiez, with a population of 12,000, is most famous for its 1200 year old Early Romanesque church, which is housed in a castle that dates back 1200 years.
You might easily mistake this castle, which is now a museum, for a vast white chalet if not for the impressive stone tower. Taking a cruise on Lake Thun is a popular addition to a trip to the castle. Relax with a glass of Spiezer, a local wine, after a day of hiking or fishing.
10. Soglio
Soglio is just one of several little Swiss villages blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. In the summer, wildflowers cover the slopes, and snow-capped mountains dot the horizon. The bell tower of the Church of San Lorenzo, Soglio’s most recognizable feature, towers above the village and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
In the Palazzo Solis, a hotel with a Mediterranean vibe and gigantic sequoia trees, you can wander the winding cobblestone streets. Indulge in the peace and quiet that this little community affords, particularly on a hike along the Bergell route or through the chestnut forests.
9. Morcote
Morcote, like many Swiss towns, has a certain scenic quality. However, the people of this town of 771 take it to the next level. Morcote, which is on the banks of Lake Lugano, was voted Switzerland’s most picturesque town in 2016.
The community is well-known for its architecture, especially its medieval arcade. In addition to Santa Maria del Sasso Church, built in the 13th century, you’ll see residences from that era. The Botanical and Art Park has interesting exhibits of both flora and artwork and is also worth a look.
8. Interlaken
The Bernese Alps are home to quaint alpine villages, and Interlaken serves as a gateway to them. Tourists have been flocking there since landscape painters like Franz Konig popularized the area in the early nineteenth century.
Spa treatments and the fresh mountain air attracted tourists in those days. There are several renowned music events held in Interlaken. In this area, you can enjoy a leisurely paddleboat tour on one or both of Lakes Thun and Brienz.
7. Wengen
The central Swiss village of Wengen may only have 1,300 permanent residents, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the number of visitors. In the summer, 5,000 visitors go there to explore the area’s 310 miles of trails, while 10,000 come for the winter sports.
Ski races often take place in Wengen. The Belle Epoque-era architecture of these vacation houses is a major draw. Keep an eye out for mountaineers trying to scale the Eiger’s north face as you ride the train to Wengen.
6. Stein am Rhein
Even though Stein am Rhein is located on beautiful Lake Constance, the village’s architecture is the primary draw for many tourists. The well-preserved Old Town has half-timbered buildings with colorful, elaborate façades.
Despite its history as a Roman fortress, modern-day Stein am Rhein is home to several impressive structures. There is a museum showcasing 19th-century life in Stein am Rhein, a monastery devoted to St. Georgen, and an old church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
5. Murren
James Bond fans are likely already aware of Schilthorn’s famous cable car and rotating restaurant. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service had scenes shot at Murren.
And if you were a fan of the Heidi novels as a kid, you’ll feel right at home in this quaint Alpine village. Views of the majestic Eiger and Jungfrau as well as flower-filled meadows can be seen in either direction in Murren.
4. Grindelwald
Even though Grindelwald and Gilbert Grindelwald have the same name, that’s about all they have in common. Grindelwald is the name of a town in the Bernese Alps, and Gilbert Grindelwald is a villain in the Harry Potter books.
Views of Eiger’s north face are among the most impressive aspects of the area’s landscape. Grindelwald has been a popular tourist destination since the 18th century since it is home to the biggest ski resort in the Jungfrau area. Great trails, such as the Eiger Trail, are accessible throughout the summer months.
3. Guarda
Colorful houses from the 17th century date to Guarda, another little Swiss town famous for its historic architecture. Because of a fictional figure named Schellenursli, the area is referred to as “Schellenursli village.”
One such trail, called Schellenursli, is ideal for outings with kids. If the winter blues are getting you down, try out Guarda’s age-old custom of ringing cow bells to scare the cold away. Guarda has an official app that will help you navigate the village and learn more about its history and culture.
2. Lauterbrunnen
There are a total of 72 waterfalls in the scenic valley of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. The Staubbach Falls is the most well-known, and it is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, with a plunge of about a thousand feet.
The town serves as a starting point for day trips to the surrounding Jungfrau area, such as to Murren, which is located across the valley. Many authors, including Goethe, found inspiration in this charming mountain village. It’s recommended that you take a stroll around the valley, but those with a thirst for adventure could also try skydiving or paragliding.
1. Zermatt
The Matterhorn’s proximity to Zermatt explains why it is so well-known as a ski and climbing destination in Switzerland. If you want a little sparkle and glamour alongside your outdoor pursuits, Zermatt is the place to be.
Zermatt’s proximity to Italy means that Italian is not the first language spoken there, but German is. You can see the famous Matterhorn from afar by taking a cable car or hiking up into the Alps.
