Switzerland is a pristine European country centralized among the majestic Alps. It is renowned around the world for its pristine crystal lakes, towering mountain peaks, and charming small villages. In this comprehensive guide, we invite you on our journey through the seven best villages in Switzerland you should visit. Each village, with its unique characteristics and attractions, promises an incredible Swiss experience that will make memories that will last a lifetime!
Discovering the Alpine Magic of Switzerland
Switzerland, often referred to as the “Playground of Europe,” is an international hub for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those seeking peaceful tranquility amidst stunning panoramic landscapes. The alpine magic of Switzerland is not confined to its renowned cities; it extends to its quaint villages, each encapsulating a unique piece of Swiss culture and beauty.
Best Villages in Switzerland (Your Ultimate Guide to Swiss Bliss)
Zermatt – Where the Matterhorn Beckons
Located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a postcard-perfect village that blends outdoor adventure with the natural alpine beauty. As you wander through the car-free streets, all you have to do is look up to see the Matterhorn. The inspiring backdrop and colorful buildings make this feel like a scene from a fairy tale. You will find Zermatt filled adventure seekers, since this village offers a range of activities that really encompass the spirit of the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a casual hiker, the village has something for everyone, with hiking trails providing breathtaking views at every corner.
During the winter season, Zermatt transforms into a skiing paradise, with the crisp mountain air, powdery layers of fresh snow, and well-groomed slopes creating the perfect setting for a thrilling skiing experience. Zermatt may be the best place to ski in the world, so if you’re visiting Switzerland in the winter, don’t miss out on this attraction. After a day of skiing and adventure, indulge in famous Swiss cuisine at local restaurants such as Swiss Chalet! From traditional cheese fondue to savory rosti, there’s something for every taste bud.
To witness the best view of the Matterhorn, embark on a cable car journey to Gornergrat for an unforgettable panoramic view at 10,285 feet elevation! Another activity that can be enjoyed in Zermatt is exploring the Matterhorn Museum. The Museum adds a cultural touch to your stay as you delve into the history of mountaineering in the region. In Zermatt, outdoor adventure is not just an activity; it’s a way of life. The village invites you to explore, ski, hike, and marvel at the nature that surrounds you. Lace up your hiking boots or strap on your skis – Zermatt awaits with open arms and there’s no doubt it’s one of the best villages in Switzerland.
Lauterbrunnen – Nature’s Symphony of Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen, another fairytale village in the Bernese Oberland, awaits every traveler with 72 waterfalls, beautiful meadows, and more alpine charm. The village lies in a valley, and as you stroll along, you will see beautiful waterfalls in nearly every direction. The best thing to do in Lauterbrunnen is to hike and enjoy the scenery! Lauterbrunnen is a good starting point for hikers, with trails leading to Jungfrau, Mürren, and beyond.
Staubbach Falls, with its graceful descent, is a must-see marvel. For us, Staubbach is what we couldn’t wait to see the most and the view of it as we drove into Lauterbrunnen was stunning. When most travelers think of Switzerland, the view of Lauterbrunnen is what first comes to mind. For a nice panoramic view to capture on camera, hop on a scenic train ride to Wengen. Lauterbrunnen is not only one of the best villages in Switzerland but in our opinion, one of the most beautiful in the world!
Wengen – Alpine Tranquility and Best Views of Lauterbrunnen Valley
Perched on a sunny terrace, Wengen offers unparalleled views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Wegen is not a huge tourist destination, so everything up there feels so much more traditional and authentic. The wooden Swiss chalets throughout the village are beautiful and have stood for centuries. In our opinion, the best thing to do in Wengen is to take a 5-minute stroll from the train station over to the church (Kirche Wengen) for the most beautiful view in all of Switzerland.
There’s a bench you can sit at to admire the views of Lauterbrunnen Valley. On a sunny summer day, there is nothing better and we could sit there for hours! While we were there, a few locals were laying in the grass reading books. I can’t imagine a better way to read your favorite book and it’s incredible to think that some people live there!
A fun activity to do in winter in Wengen is to go ice skating or sledding! Imagine gliding down snow-covered slopes with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop. That’s the magic of sledding in Wengen. No fancy gear is required – just grab a sled, embrace the thrill, and let the adventure unfold. Overall, Wengen captivates visitors with its timeless charm and the gentle melody of cowbells in the air. As you wander through the village, the scenic backdrop of snow-capped peaks creates a serene and calm atmosphere, which makes it another one of the best villages in Switzerland.
Grindelwald – Adventure Awaits
This village is found amidst the towering peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Grindelwald is a Swiss village that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. The village exudes an energy that resonates with the thrill of alpine sports, hiking, and exploration.
One of the best things to do in Grindelwald is visit Grindelwald First! To get to Grindelwald First, you will need to take a gondola ride up to it, which takes you to an elevation of 7,165 feet! Grindelwald First offers multiple activities. One of our favorite activities was the adrenaline rush of zip-lining the First Flyer!
There are also mountain carts or trotti bikes that you can take to ride down the mountain! You can also take the Famous Cliff Walk for any adrenaline junky who loves to live on the edge. There’s also a beautiful hike that you can take at Grindelwald First to the serene beauty of Bachalpsee Lake. Grindelwald is the ultimate adventure and we’d recommend going at least once in a lifetime!
Murren – Channel Your Inner James Bond
Perched on a high terrace overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Murren just looks like it was frozen in time, offering more breathtaking views and aesthetically vibrant colors. Accessible by a cable car journey, Murren unveils a panorama of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks all in one!
The best activity in Murren is easily taking the journey to the Schilthorn. You can channel your inner James Bond here at the Schilthorn, aka Piz Gloria, which served as a backdrop in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The Piz Gloria Restaurant is the first 360-degree revolving restaurant in the Swiss Alps! We’re not joking, the restaurant rotates around its axis in 45 minutes, so your view changes as you eat!
There’s also a ton of other fun James Bond activities here and it is not just a restaurant. It can be pretty expensive to get here and eat if you are on a travel budget, but it’s truly a unique and unforgettable experience! Like most Swiss villages, Murren is also a great village for skiing in the winter! As you can see, skiing and beauty are two very frequent words in Switzerland and you won’t wonder why when you get here.
Appenzell – Medieval Village of Switzerland
Here in the heart of eastern Switzerland, Appenzell beckons with its medieval heritage. Here, you can explore the village on cobblestone streets, refurbished houses, and more Instagram worthy backdrops for your Swiss adventure. As you wander through the town, make sure to pop into the Appenzell Museum, where you can learn about the region’s rich history. The museum’s exhibits, showcasing everything from traditional dress and uniform to historical artifacts, provide a delightful immersion into the local way of life here.
For those seeking a taste of the great outdoors, lace up your hiking boots once more and explore the old trails of the Alpstein region. With options ranging from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, the area offers something for every skill level of hiker. Take in the crisp mountain air as you trek to the Aescher mountain guesthouse, perched dramatically on the cliffs, or head on the exhilarating Schäfler hike for a truly rewarding challenge.
And don’t miss the opportunity to delve into the secrets of Appenzeller cheese-making at the Appenzeller Cheese Dairy, where tastings are not just encouraged, but practically mandatory. The cheese here is so delicious and it’s a really fun activity for the whole family. From summit excursions to cultural immersions, Appenzell is one of the best villages in Switzerland!
Interlaken – Hub of the Jungfrau Region
Finish your time in Switzerland at this Swiss paradise. Interlaken is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. If you’re looking to explore the Jungfrau region, Interlaken is the perfect hub! Also, Interlaken has a lot of fun activities to keep you busy the entire time! Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Admire the surrounding mountains and go sightseeing across the lakeside villages or simply view them from the deck. The turquoise color of Lake Thun and Brienz was incredible and unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Another fun activity here is paragliding if you aren’t afraid of heights! Soar through the skies and take in panoramic views of the Jungfrau region with a thrilling paragliding experience. Several companies in Interlaken offer tandem paragliding flights for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to go see Jungfraujoch, Interlaken is also a great place to start. Known as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is accessible by a scenic train ride. Enjoy views of the Alps in comfort, visit the Ice Palace, and experience the high-altitude atmosphere at the Sphinx Observatory.
Switzerland Frequently Asked Questions (Faq’s)
How Do I Get to Swiss Villages From Major Cities?
Swiss villages are well-connected by an efficient train network. From major cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Bern, you can easily reach the villages by train. The scenic train journeys add to the overall experience of your Swiss adventure. Switzerland is also a very drivable country for tourists and can save you money if you’re traveling with a group of 4 or more. So it might be even more adventurous to simply rent a car and drive so you can stop and see any other worthwhile attractions on your way.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Swiss Villages?
Swiss villages are a year-round destination, with each season offering a different yet important aspect of life here that you can enjoy. Summer is ideal for hiking and exploring lush landscapes, while winter transforms the villages into snowy wonderlands, perfect for skiing and winter sports.
How Many Days Should I Spend Exploring Swiss Villages?
To fully immerse yourself in the charm of Swiss villages, we recommend allocating at least 10 days to explore multiple villages with 2-3 days for each one. This allows you to savor each village’s unique offerings and indulge in the beauty of Switzerland’s diverse landscapes. Or if you are returning to Switzerland and have a particular favorite, you can simply spend the entirety of your travel there so you can really deep dive into everyday life and end up becoming a local.
7 Enchanting Swiss Villages for Your Ultimate Alpine Getaway!
You can not go wrong when it comes to planning a trip to Switzerland. It is one of the most popular countries in the world. The people and culture show themselves to be friendly, enthusiastic, helpful, and overall just offering warm hospitality. So just enjoy your time here because it is a life-changing experience.
This article originally appeared on The World Overload. Featured Photo Credit: Unsplash
