53 Unbelievably Beautiful Places in Switzerland to Visit

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Are you looking for some beautiful places in Switzerland to add to your itinerary? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

We had previously traveled to Switzerland a few times in the past for layovers in Zurich, or have done a day trip to just Geneva. But last summer we finally decided to do a full trip there, which was an entire week of the most beautiful mountain hikes, epic viewpoints, and beautiful villages that we got to explore.

In our Switzerland travel guide we included the basic places to visit around the country, but in this guide we’re sharing all of the most incredible places to go in Switzerland, including some incredible hidden gems!

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How to Experience the Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland

Before diving int all of the most beautiful places in Switzerland to add to your itinerary, let’s take a look at what traveling to and around the country looks like.

😍 What is Considered the Most Beautiful Part of Switzerland?

One thing that makes Switzerland unique is that the best places to visit are not the cities. In fact, the true beauty of Switzerland lies in its breathtaking nature, which can be found in every corner of the country.

Some of the most popular areas are Zermatt (the south west), Interlaken (central), and Bern (north west).

Since it’s is a relatively small country, you can certainly find incredibly beautiful places in Switzerland no matter where you base yourself!

🗺️ Where Should I Go for My First Time in Switzerland?

If it’s your first time in Switzerland, we’d recommend enjoying the Jungfrau region. From the gorgeous lakes at Interlaken and the adorable mountain village of Lauterbrunnen to the exciting activities of Murren and Grindelwald, there is simply so much beauty and adventure packed into one region.

If you’re looking for some nightlife, then we’d recommend basing yourself in Zurich, and then doing day trips to surrounding towns and areas in nature.

Need help with planning your trip? We specialize in customized itineraries!

🚗 The Best Ways to Explore Switzerland

Switzerland is wildly different than many other European countries. It’s very mountainous, and a lot of the most beautiful places in Switzerland are actually very remote. The country has mountain villages that can only be visited by train, cable car, or by trekking.

We did. aroad trip in Switzerland, and absolutely loved it. That being said, the country is well-connected by train, and getting the Swiss pass allows you to enjoy scenic train rides across the country.

It’s also a destination that thrives off tourism, and joining excursions with locals is an excellent way to be able to experience some of the major highlights wihtout having to worry about some of the confusing logisitics.

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The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland: The Main Cities & Tourist Hot Spots

There are so many good spots to go in Switzerland, and we love to share both the popular locations and the hidden gems. First, let’s check out the main cities in Switzerland to check out, as well as the most famous hot spots for first-time visitors to check out.

1. Zurich

Zurich is probably the most popular city in Switzerland, as it is the most well-connected location to the rest of Europe.

This city is known as the business capital, but actually has a city center which is small and charming, and there are a ton of great activities that you can enjoy, including the incredible annual Zurich Street Parade.

We’ve been to Zurich a few times now, and even have friends who are living there, so will continue to add to our Zurich travel guide.

2. Geneva

Located right near the French border, Geneva is Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city, and also one of the most politically significant. This is where Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross are located, and it’s also a global hub for diplomacy and banking.

While it may not sound crazy exciting as a tourist, it still is a beautiful city situated on Lake Geneva, and is worth a visit, especially if you are coming from France.

3. Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and is characterized by its medieval architecture. It’s famous for its old town, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, being home to the first Lindt factory, and where Einstein’s most famous published work stands.

4. Basel

Basel is the third largest city in the country. It’s located on the Rhine river, close to the borders of both France and Germany. This city is known as the cultural hub of Switzerland, and is has a beautiful old town, as well as over 40 museums!

5. Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most beautiful and incredibly good places to go in Switzerland. The mountain village has views of the iconic Matterhorn peak, and is a scene straight from a fairytale.

This town is car-free, and the only way to reach there is by train. It’s amazing for hiking in the summer, and for its winter sports at the highest ski resort in all of Europe.

6. Interlaken

Located in the heart of the country, this gorgeous town is wedged right between two big lakes. It is definitely one of the top tourist destinations, and most likely one you’ll find on any list of really good places to go in Switzerland.

Despite the crowds, we have to say that it is truly a magical place, and it has so many awesome spots to offer such as waterfalls, castles, and some of the most incredible viewpoints in the country.

7. Lucerne

There are some really good places to go in Switzerland as far as lake destinations, and Lucerne is certainly one of them.

Just a half hour outside of Zurich is one of Switzerland’s most prized lakeside towns. Lucerne measures 44 square miles, and is dotted with cute villages and incredible boutique hotels, making it an excellent place to spend a night or two.

8. Lausanne

Lausanne is the fourth largest city in Switzerland, and is located on Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking region of Vaud. It’s worth visiting for its beautiful architecture, as well as it’s connection to the Olympics.

It is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, and also has the Olympic Museum and lakeshore Olympic Park as some of its highlights.

9. St Gallen

Located in north east Switzerland, this beautiful city is known for its baroque cathedral, as well as the gorgeous Abbey Library with 170,000 documents, most which are hand written.

10. Montreux

Another great city to check out on Lake Geneva is Montreaux, which is one the other side of the lake from the city of Geneva. It’s known for being a resort town, and having beautiful backdrops of the Swiss Alps around it.

11. Lugano

Located all the way in the south of the country near the border of Italy, Lugano is another beautiful lake worth adding to your Swiss bucket list.

Truthfully, as soon as we arrived we felt as if we had already arrived in Italy! With its charming architecture and delicious Italian cuisine, it’s the perfect place to experience a slice of Italy before crossing the border.

Lugano resembles a city from Italy.

12. St Moritz

If you’re a luxury traveler, then you’ll love the luxury alpine resort town of St Moritz. This beautiful town situated on a lake surrounded by mountains also is famous for hosting the winter Olympics two different years, and is a great place for enjoying winter sports.

Beautiful Places in Switzerland: Adorable Villages

While many countries in Europe are known for their big cities, most of the really beautiful places in Switzerland are certainly in their small villages. Here are a few of our favorites that you should check out.

13. Grindelwald

Grindelwald is the perfect village to check out if you want to experience some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes around Switzerland. Like Zermatt, it’s amazing for hiking in the summer, as well as skiing in the wintertime, but regardless is stunning to experience year round!

14. Gimmelwald

This small village is located up in the mountains, and is unable to be reached by car. It is super picturesque, and sits at the foot of the Jungfrau protected area, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

15. Lauterbrunnen

If you’re looking for some really good places to go in Switzerland, then you won’t want to miss out on Lauterbrunnen!

This may just be one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever encounter. The adorable village is tucked between the mountains, and is surrounded with waterfalls. This place seriously looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, and is a must-visit for your trip to Switzerland.

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most romantic places to visit in Switzerland.

16. Murren

If you’re looking for good places to go in Switzerland for adventure, then look no further than Murren! This mountain village is home to one of the most epic via ferratas in the world, and is a true bucket list spot.

The town of Murren can be reached by an incredible cable car ride from Lauterbrunnen, followed by a scenic train ride. Despite being a journey to get to, it is truly one of our top recommendations while in Switzerland. Just make sure you book your via ferrata equipment in advance!

Murren can only be reached by cable car and train.

17. Chur

This small Swiss village is really a great place to go to if you’re looking for sweet locals and authentic Swiss experiences. It has great festivals, stunning viewpoints, and a cozy small town to enjoy. Not only that, but it is a great place to spend the night if you plan on visiting the region of Ticino or Liechtenstein as well.

18. Adelboden

This may have just been our favorite place in all of Switzerland! This quaint village is everything you’d imagine from a Swiss fairytale- with wooden cabins, cozy coffee shops, and breathtaking mountains surrounding it.

It’s also the town where you can reach “the most beautiful swing in the world“, which we’ll be mentioning later on in this article.

19. Foroglio

Foroglio is a true hidden gem. Located in the region of Ticino, it really is tucked away from it all. Despite it not being the most convenient to get to, it’s a place that is worth it if you have extra time, are renting a car, and are a lover of quaint and quiet places.

20. Thun

The village of Thun is located on the western bank of Thun Lake, one of the two lakes surrounding Interlaken.

This town is the perfect place to escape the crowds, and enjoy charming streets full of flowers, bridges, and some other great highlights like the prettiest castles in Switzerland.

21. Rosenlaui

While Rosenlaui isn’t necessarily a full village like the rest of the places on our list, it’s another hidden gem of Switzerland we really enjoyed witnessing.

The wide green valley with the mountain backdrop and river running through it is a scene from a storybook, and one we highly recommend seeing if you want something more off the beaten path.

Beautiful Places in Switzerland to Visit: The Coolest Hikes

This country is known for its stunning landscapes, and having some really epic trails and ridges to experience. Here are some seriously beautiful places to visit in Switzerland for the hikers out there.

22. Stoos Ridge 

Stoos is one of the most popular hikes in Switzerland, and is a great day trip from either Zurich or Lake Lucerne. Stoos is a village that can only be reached by funicular, which is the steepest one in the world!

From Stoos there are a variety of hikes, but the most popular one is the Stoos Ridge hike, which is a two hour walk along grassy hills overlooking a series of lakes.

We’ve written a full guide for visiting here, so you can perfectly plan your experience!

Stoos Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Switzerland.

23. Schafler Ridge

Another incredible ridge you can hike is Schafler Ridge, which has some of the most iconic views in all of Switzerland!

With a series of cable cars, mountain huts, and beautiful spots in nature, you could easily spend 1-2 days hiking in Appenzell.

We’ve also written a full guide for this experience, so that you can make the most of this stunning area.

24. Saxer Lucke

Saxer Lucke is another one of the most insanely breathtaking hikes in Switzerland, and one that we got to experience with some other creators we met!

Right near Appenzell, this hike starts after a cable car ride taking you right into the mountains. The trail has incredible views all along the way, and you can even find yourself above (or in) the clouds when you reach the top! 

Just like the other two hikes we mentioned, we also wrote a detailed guide for conquering Saxer Lucke in Switzerland.

The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland: Castles, & Notable Buildings

No list of the most beautiful places in Switzerland would be complete without including some of its incredible buildings. While Italy has impressive churches, Switzerland has a variety of gorgeous castles, as well as another really impressive building we couldn’t leave out.

25. Oberhofen Castle

In our opinion, this is the prettiest castle in Switzerland in terms of architecture.

Located right along Lake Thun, you can admire the castle from a variety of angles, including a swim in the waters right in front of it!

26. Thun Castle

Just around the corner from Oberhofen is another beautiful castle worth visiting. While Oberhofen is a lakeside property, Thun Castle is perched on a hill right in the picturesque village of Thun, and can be visited daily from 1 pm to 4 pm.

27. Spiez Castle

Also located on Lake Thun (the other side of it), is Spiez Castle, which is another of our favorites.

It has stunning views, large gardens, and even a beautiful outdoor cafe you can enjoy. You can also pay to enter inside and tour the castle itself with various exhibits for all ages.

Spiez Castle has one of the most beautiful views around it.

28. Chillon Castle

Another beautiful castle situated along the water is Chillon Castle, which is in Montreaux along Lake Geneva. 

The castle wasn’t open when we went, but we really enjoyed the beautiful views and architecture of the place, as well as its open garden area in the front. It’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and has a large number of rooms and exhibits that you can visit.

29. The Abandoned Belvedere Hotel

We wanted to save this structure for last in this category, as it truly is a unique one! The Belvedere Hotel was once one of the most popular hotels in Switzerland, and has been left abandoned along the scenic Furka Pass. While you can’t go inside, it does make for some great photography!

The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland: Amazing Spots in Nature

If you’re looking for the really really good places to go in Switzerland, then the nature is where it’s at! From breathtaking glaciers to stunning lakes and hidden waterfalls, this was certainly our favorite part of visiting this amazing country.

While this list could go on forever, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favorites.

30. Rhone Glacier

If you’re visiting the abandoned hotel, don’t just continue your drive! The parking lot across from it is actually for another incredible attraction, which you won’t want to miss.

If you plan on visiting Switzerland in the summer, you won’t necessarily think of visiting a glacier. However, the beautiful Rhone Glacier is open year-round, as it is protected with coverings on the outside to keep it in tact.

It has a wooden floor going through the tunnels so that you can safely admire it with any kind of footwear, and it is accessible after just a short walk from the visitor center.

31. Bergli Stuber Waterfall

If you’re looking for good places to go in Switzerland and are a waterfall lover, then this has to be at the top of your list! Despite being a bit far from major cities, Bergli Stuber was our favorite waterfall in the country, and worth the detour in our opinion.

It is just a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot, and at your own risk you can go right behind the waterfall! (We didn’t find it dangerous at all, just a little slippery).

32. Staubifall

Staubifall was a waterfall we just so happened to stumble across while driving to Bergli Stuber Waterfall. We got to view it from the road above it, but you can also go down to the village to get up close to this magnificent waterfall.

33. Rhine Falls

If you’re into waterfalls then this is definitely one for the bucket list. Rhine Falls is located on the Rhine River, and is the most powerful waterfall in Europe!

Located in the north east of the country, this was a big detour, so we weren’t able to go. However, it is certainly on the list for future trips!

34. Reichenbachfall

This is a cascade of falls near Lake Brienz, that have a height of 250 meters! In order to get here you need to get a funicular train. The area has three different viewing platforms, and is well set up for tourism.

35. Engstlien Falls

These falls are a true hidden gem in Adelboden, and ones we only learned about from friends we made that are from the area.

Englistlien Falls can be reached by foot from Adelboden in about 90 minutes, and there are two different waterfalls that you’ll get to see.

36. Lake Brienz & Lake Thun

Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are the two lakes that are next to Interlaken, and are equally beautiful and worth visiting in their own way.

They both have several villages dotted along them, water activities to enjoy, and hikes where you can get great views of the turquoise waters.

37. Oeschinensee

We absolutely loved this lake because there is a variety of activites, and it’s the perfect place to take a day trip.

We hiked up to Oeschinensee, and another option is to take a cable car. You can relax at the lake, eat at one of the restaurants, rent a boat, go on a rollercoaster, or you can do other trails with more incredible views of the lake!

Stay tuned for our upcoming article of Oeschinensee, with all of the details for visiting.

38. Joriseen

Joriseen is a group of beautiful alpine lakes in the canton of Graubunden. There is a 12 km hiking trail which is frequented due to the incredible views of the various lakes in the area, as well as the fantastic views of the Swiss Alps.

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39. Schwarzsee

The lake of Schwarzsee is a popular place to visit while in Zermatt, as it lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. It’s a great place for hiking, and offers dramatic views of the most famous peak in Switzerland.

40. Blausee

This may just be one of the most gorgeous lakes in Switzerland, and it is known for its incredibly crystal clear waters. Even though you aren’t allowed to swim in it, it certainly is one of the most beloved lakes, and is a great area for hiking.

41. Seealpsee

We love Seealpsee because it can be reached by an easy walk, but also be combined with the iconic Schafler Ridge.

There are several circuits in the area, and the lake is the easiest spot to reach, as it is along a paved road (only locals have access to drive there though). You can have a bite to eat (or spend a night) right on the lake, as well as rent a boat while you’re there.

If you’d like to learn more about Seealpsee, you can read about the details in our Schafler Ridge guide.

42. Griessee

Griessee is a picture-perfect lake with turquoise waters and is surrounded by mountains. It is located right in the middle of a reservoir, and it’s also known as having the warmest waters out of all of the lakes, making it a perfect spot for swimming in the summer months.

43. Lac de Derborence

Located in the French part of Switzerland, Lac de Derborence is situated in the mountains, and is a great area for hiking, or even spending the night!

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44. Gletschermuhlen

Out of all the most beautiful places in Switzerland, we think this may the most unique one when it comes to being out in nature.

Gletschermuhlen is a river of glacier ponds strung together along Alp Mora. It’s like having dozens of mini ice baths, and is really quite the sight to see.

Keep in mind that this can’t be seen year-round, and the best time to witness it is early spring when the ice around it melts.

The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland: Other Epic Locations

Now you know some really good places to go in Switzerland, but here are some other favorites of ours! From the best views in the country, to epic activity hot spots, you’ll make sure you want to have these ones saved on the map.

45. The Giant Swing

There are some really good places to go in Switzerland for epic views, but this is certainly one for the bucket list! Located in the mountains is where you can find the most beautiful swing in the world! You can reach here by cable car or by hiking from the village of Adelboden.

We’ve written a full “Giant Swing Guide” if you’d like more details.

46. Pontei dei Salti

This double arched stone bridge is a unique spot that you can find in the Ticino region of Switzerland. It also is a great place to enjoy the cool waters flowing under it, and it has a cute town surrounding it.

We found that renting a car is definitely the easiest way to access this area.

47. Handeckfallbrucke

There are some really good places to go in Switzerland for adventure lovers, and some of our favorite ones are the suspension bridges. Handeckfallbrucke connects to Gelmerbahn, and is 70 meters long hanging over a river with a set of waterfalls.

48. Triftbrucke

The Trift Bridge (known by locals at Triftbrucke) is another spectacular suspension bridge in Switzerland.  Spanning 170 meters with a height of 100 metres, it has gorgeous views over the Trift Glacier, and is perfect for the adventure lovers out there.

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49. Titlis Cliff Walk

The Titlis Cliff Walk is another must-visit suspension bridge, and it is located along the cliff of Mount Titlis in the Swiss Alps. Built at a bit more than 3,000 meters above sea level, it is the highest-elevation suspension bridge in all of Europe.

50. Harder Kulm

Located right in Interlaken, this is one of the most popular viewpoints for tourists visiting Switzerland.

Harder Kulm is known for its large triangular platform, which overlooks the entire city of Interlaken, and has panoramic views of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It can be reached by cable car from right between the lakes, or by hiking up.

Harder Kulm is one of the most popular viewpoints in Switzerland.

51. St Beatus Caves

Just outside of Interlaken town you can find some really good places to go in Switzerland, and one of our favorites is the St Beatus Caves.

The system of caves is very unique, as it has tunnels, chambers, and waterfalls coming down from them. Not only that, but it has stunning views of Lake Thun below, as well as a museum you can check out.

52. Landwasser Aqueduct

The Landwasser Viaduct is a single-track curved railway viaduct. It’s made of limestone, and has six arches, spanning from Schmitten to Filisur, in the canton of Graubünden. This spot really is exciting for the photographers out there, and a special place to witness the train going by.

53. Jungfraujoch

Experience the “top of Europe” right in Switzerland. The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting Jungfrau and the Mönch, which are two of the major 4,000ers in the Bernese Alps. It has a pretty iconic view, and definitely is one for the bucket list!

We’re going to be honest though- this is definitely the most expensive cable car you’ll ever go on. At 200 euros, we decided to sit this one out. But if you have the cash to blow, it’s definitely one of the really good places to go in Switzerland.

Final Tips About Visiting the Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend in the Alps or a multi-week road trip across the country, Switzerland is truly a destination that will be sure to take your breath away over and over. From crystal-clear lakes and charming villages to dramatic mountain peaks and scenic train rides, every region has something unique to offer.

We hope this guide helps you discover not only the country’s famous landmarks, but also a few hidden gems along the way. Happy travels, and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the journey.

⭐️ Tips for Visiting Switzerland

And finally, don’t rush! Switzerland is not a country you go for a quick day or weekend trip. While the country looks small, it’s deceiving how long it takes to travel and just how many things there are to do and see.

Build in time for scenic train rides, leisurely hikes, long lunches with mountain views, and the unexpected stops that often become the highlight of your journey. We ended up cancelling Zermatt completely because we made friends in Adelboden and wanted to stay longer.

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👀 What’s Next?

Now that you know all of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, let’s help you learn more about visiting this incredible country!

Here are our other Switzerland guides:
😍 Giant swing in Switzerland
🚤 Guide for visiting Interlaken
🎢 Oeschinensee Lake & Mountain Coaster
🥾 Stoos Ridge hike
⛰ Hiking to Schafler Ridge
⛰ How to get to Saxer Lucke
✈️ What to do in Zurich on a layover
🇨🇭 The ultimate Switzerland guide

So are you ready to explore some really good places to go in Switzerland? If you need more info about traveling around the country, you can check our Ultimate Switzerland Guide, which goes over how to get around, local food, and money-saving tips.

Want to explore some other countries throughout Europe? We have a ton of European destination guides, and continue to have more coming up each week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with all the new articles, and to receive exclusive content and discounts!

Need help planning your trip? Well, we’re here to help save you both money and time. Scratch Your Mapa now offers customized travel planning services, and unlike traditional travel agencies, we don’t sneak in crazy commission rates. Email us today so we can start setting up the most epic trip of your life!

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