8 most charming villages in Switzerland
Switzerland is a land of awe-inspiring scenery and epic natural elegance. Home to some of the most attractive villages and towns in Europe, Swiss towns are the very definition of picture-perfect. It is a true bucket-list destination, from snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes to fairytale castles and flower meadows. Here are the eight most charming villages in Switzerland to discover on your next tour.
Grindelwald
Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Alps, the charming little town of Grindelwald is home to around 3,600 natives and attracts tourists from all over the world. With its clear skies and alpine elegance, the village is a pleasant break from the bustle of busy city life. Placed against some famous towering mountain summits, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful tourist destinations. From the mt Jungfraujoch’s ice-covered areas to the natural lakes of Brienz and Bachalpsee, or the Canyon with its mammoth spider’s web, the draws in Grindelwald are too many to count. Apart from its iconic visitor draws, the village is best known for its outstanding activities and experiences, including skiing (winter), hiking, mountain carting, summer sledding, and Trotti biking.
What makes it great?
- First Summit
- Sphinx Observatory Deck
- Lake Bachalpsee
- Glacier Canyon
- Schellenursli Museum
- Piz Buin
- Church of Guarda
- Chiesa di Santa Maria del Sasso
- Monte San Salvatore
- Parco Scherrer Borgo Antico
- Sefinenfall & Trummelbach Fall
- Tanzbodeli
- Mt. Jungfraujoch
- Aletsch Glacier
- Harder Kulm
- Höhematte Park
- Beatus Cave and Waterfalls
- Schynige Platte Trails
- Gotthard Tunnel
- Andermatt-Sedrun Sports AG
- Schöllenen Gorge
- Teufelsbrücke
- Spiez Castle
- Lake Thun
- Niesen
- Oberhofen Castle
- Skiset Wangen
- Wengen Mannlichen Aerial Cableway
- Schilthorn Alps
- Lauterbrunnen Falls
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The beautiful scenery here reminds me of my hometown. It is very quiet and peaceful. The atmosphere here is soothing.
I couldn’t agree with you more, those towns are the best way to explore the authenticity of Switzerland quietly and soothingly.
I won’t want to spend too much time in towns and cities when I go away. I’m worried that a new variant might get round the vaccines. I’d much prefer to spend my time in a small village when I finally go on holiday.
Luckily the cases in Switzerland as low, and the vaccination is gaining momentum. Visiting the small towns will certainly put the crowded weight off the usual touristic spots.
And here is another beautiful Swiss village where you could happily spend a week, especially if you were an angler.
https://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2018/06/16/10-reasons-to-visit-switzerlands-poschiavo/
Thank you, Michael, it was a great read! The correct add-on to this post.
Having a summary of what makes a village great is useful though it does downplay the Swiss friendless, efficiency, tidiness and pride in their country. For me, it’s often these things that are the clincher when deciding where to go.
Before COVID-19 I was a fairly frequent visitor to Switzerland and with scenery like in these pictures you can understand why. Another thing I like about Switzerland is that you get reliability. The Swiss really know how to look after people day in and day out.
I’ve been living in Switzerland for nearly a decade, and you are absolutely right. Quality is set at the highest standard possible for everyone. This goes perfectly with our company’s policy.
Let’s hope that Gimmelwald can hold out and stay car free. Those villages were built for people and horses, not cars.
More and more towns are becoming car-free in Switzerland. That is a strong policy in protecting the nature of Switzerland.
My number one reason for loving Switzerland is that it has really mesmerising sceneries. It’s like, everywhere you look is just a beautiful sight. The Swiss are also some of the warmest and welcoming people I’ve ever had the chance to meet in Europe. Looking forward to visiting the country again and maybe see Spiez.
I couldn’t agree more! We love living here and providing tours throughout Switzerland. Spiez is a beautiful small town on the coast of Lake Thun. Certainly, the perfect place to retreat.
So,so wonderful!!!
I would like to visit those places.
Switzerland is an amazing place. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we would love to show you all the country’s jewels!
I was born in CH and went school in Interlaken. It’s unrecognizable from what it was and needs to be removed from your list. All there is now is a lot of ritch middle eastern (nothing against them) and that’s hardly a representation of Switzerland.