Switzerland is a spectacular country full of jaw-dropping vistas and idyllic lakes. You’ll find charming towns in the Alpine nation from old fishing villages to picturesque ski resorts and villages with cobbled streets and old towns.
Switzerland is a small, landlocked country only about the size of the U.S. states of New Hampshire and Vermont combined. With the country’s highly-efficient train system, exploring them all is easy. Let’s take a look at the nine most beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland.
1. Baden
A spa town with hot springs and a mild climate, Baden is the main town in Aargua, Switzerland’s northernmost canton. The town has hosted visitors since Roman times, and the name Baden means “to bathe.”
Villages like Baden with Altstadts (OldTowns), ancient architecture, and cobblestone streets are the pride of Switzerland for their historic significant and beautiful, well-preserved buildings.
Wandering through the streets in the heart of the town, you’ll see a small castle on the banks of the river Limmat flowing from Lake Zurich. But the highlight of the town are the wellness and thermal spas surrounded by panoramic views.
2. Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken is in the midst of some of Switzerland’s tallest peaks. It’s in the Bernese Oberland with easy access via the Alpine railways to the huge peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The expansive open meadows and flower-lined streets of Interlaken are framed by panoramic views of the Alps. Hiking is a popular way to take in the views of Interlaken. Hiking paths are plentiful beginning at the viewpoint of Harder Kulm that’s accessible by the funicular railway.
3. Lucerne
Lucerne is a strikingly beautiful ancient city located on one of the country’s loveliest lakes, Lake Lucerne amid snow capped peaks. There are a lot of things to do in Lucerne but it’s mostly visited for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture and colorful Altstadt.
The town’s centerpiece is the old Chapel Bridge. A notable landmark from medieval times, the bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges in Europe. It links the Altstadt to the right bank of the Reuss River.
The best way to enjoy the views in Lucerne is on foot. Stroll through Weinmarkt Square to admire the fresco-adorned historic houses. You’ll also see the famous Musegg Wall, part of a defense system built in 1386.
Other ways to enjoy the beauty of Lucerne are with a steamship cruise on Lake Lucerne and by taking the cableways to the Stanserhorn, Rigi, or Pilatus mountains.
4. Lugano
Lugano is a postcard picture-perfect town situated on the shores of its eponymous lake. The main attraction is beautiful Lake Lugano, a glacial lake on the border of Switzerland and Italy.
Often called the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland,” Lugano is famous for its Film Festival and Mediterranean-like scenery and climate. The temperate climate allows the growth of cypress and citrus trees.
The stunning park of Civico-Ciani is located right on Lake Lugano. The park is 63,000 square meters of green space with tree-lined pathways, fountains, and flower beds. You’ll see trees typical to the Ticino region including oak, lime, and maple trees.
5. Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland and the nation’s political center. It’s Europe’s smallest capital city and has a fairy-like charm. Bern’s Old Town has been named a UNESCO World Heritge site because of its historic features and medieval look.
Bern’s outstanding architectural beauty is best appreciated on foot to admire the 12-century buildings. Noteworthy buildings include the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) where the Swiss Parliament meets, the magnificent Französische Kirche (French Church,) and the Zytglogge, a medieval tower.
Bern’s natural beauty is enhanced by the River Aare. Fed by waters from the surrounding Alps,the river is a beautiful bright blue color.
6. Grindelwald
Although it’s one of the Jungfrau region’s larger resort towns, Grindelwald has all the charm of a small Swiss village. Part of the reason is its remoteness and surrounding awe-inspiring scenery. The city has also retained its classic Swiss fairytale look.
Grindelwald is a popular destination for travelers and Swiss holidays the year round. Enjoy scenic walks in the summer months with views of lush green valleys full of colorful wildflowers and alpine cows.
In the winter months, Grindelwald comes alive with snow-covered mountainscapes and impressive ski trails to explore.
7. Morcote
Situated on beautiful Lake Lugano, Morcote is an old fishing village with a picturesque waterfront area. A photographer’s dream, it was once voted as Switzerland’s most beautiful village which is a very high honor since there are so many to choose from.
In addition to its dazzling lake views, Morcote is home to some significant architecture. There’s the church of Santa Maria del Sasso with its lovely terraced cemetery as well as striking noble homes and lakeside houses with impressive arcades.
The quaint cobblestone lanes that wind through the village are lined with pretty cafes and shops.
8. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a classic village in Switzerland situated between towering mountain peaks and rock faces. The name ‘Lauter Brunnen’ means many fountains and refers to the 72 cascading waterfalls sprinkled throughout the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Hiking trails with gorgeous views make the waterfalls easy to find.
The village itself is characterized by pretty Swiss chalet buildings amid colorful alpine meadows. All of the surrounding beauty makes Lauterbrunnen a haven for nature lovers.
Visitors wanting to find more stunning views can take the mountain railway to the nearby ski regions of Wengen-Kleine and Mürren-Schilthorn.
9. Gimmelwald
Not to be confused with the better-known ‘Grindelwald’, the little mountain village of Gimmelwald is a hidden gem deep in the Swiss Alps. Located in a remote corner off the beaten path, this sleepy little village is traffic-free and surrounded by all the scenic views of famous Swiss resorts but quieter and quaint with charming old hotels and cozy timber homes.
The village sits perched atop a cliff with unbeatable valley views, alpine meadows, and gigantic mountain peaks.
Gimmelwald has some of Switzerland’s most challenging hiking trails with spectacular views.
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