Switzerland is a stunning destination to visit. From the rolling hills to beautiful lakes to hot springs – there is so much to see and do in Switzerland.
We loved driving around Switzerland and especially loved exploring some of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.
We are lucky as my cousin lives in Switzerland, it is always wonderful to have some family in a country and to get some insider insight into what to see.
Some of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland (on our list below) offer incredible views, fascinating historic buildings, cathedrals, and museums.
Here is our list of the 20 most beautiful villages to visit in Switzerland will help you decide where to go to get the most out of your Swiss vacation.
20 Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland to Visit
Our list of the best villages in Switzerland will take you on a culinary and scenic journey through some of the prettiest towns in Switzerland.
As a side note: We have included villages and towns that are under 5500 population for this list.
1. Gruyères
Often considered the best village in Switzerland to visit, Gruyères attracts visitors with its medieval charm.
While Switzerland is known for its cheese, and Gruyères’ namesake nutty delicacy stars in local dishes like Moitie-Moitie, Raclette, and Fondue, there are plenty of other things you can do in Gruyères.
Among the top things to do in Gruyères, visitors can explore the magnificent 13th-century St. Germain Castle, discover the unexpected delights of the Tibetan Museum, and visit the intriguing H.R. Giger Museum of “Alien” fame.
Perfect for a day trip from Geneva, this charming village is easily accessible via organized tours that combine scenic train rides with chocolate and cheese tasting.
2. Morcote
Among the prettiest villages in Switzerland, Morcote shines as the “Pearl of Ceresio” on Lake Lugano, nestled at the foot of Monte Arbostora.
This former fishing village captivates visitors with its medieval center, where modest houses mingle with grand palazzi and arcaded waterfronts showcase decorated patrician facades.
A spectacular 404-step Way of the Cross leads to the Santa Maria del Sasso sanctuary, offering panoramic views from its artistic cemetery.
The subtropical Parco Scherrer adds exotic charm with its palms and camellias, while regular boat services from Lugano provide a scenic approach to this picturesque haven.
3. Grindelwald
One of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, Grindelwald nestles dramatically between towering mountains, earning its place among the prettiest places to visit in Switzerland.
While compact, its center bustles with shops and restaurants, serving as a perfect base for both summer hiking adventures and winter sports across 200 kilometers of pristine slopes.
The village offers spectacular viewpoints and serves as a gateway to the Jungfraujoch—Europe’s highest railway station. (purchase your Round-Trip Railway Ticket from Grindelwald here).
This town is easiest to visit by booking this day trip from Zurich, though it’s also well-connected by train via Interlaken, making it accessible for independent travelers seeking Alpine beauty.
4. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen stands as the most beautiful Swiss village, nestled in a dramatic U-shaped valley beneath the Bernese Alps.
Pristine chalets and a charming church dot the landscape, backdropped by steep mountains and the cascading Staubbach Falls.
Beyond its postcard-perfect views, the village serves as a gateway to adventure with extensive hiking and cycling routes.
Scenic cable cars and trains connect visitors to mountain hamlets like Mürren and Wengen.
The journey to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at 3,463m, rewards visitors with views of snowy peaks and the majestic Aletsch Glacier—a stunning contrast to the valley’s summer greenery.
This Alpine gem is easily accessible by car (rent a car through Discover Cars here) or train from both Bern (1 hour) and Zurich (2 hours).
Our Best Tips for Visiting Lauterbrunnen:
- We recommend you stay here for 2-3 days.
- The best hotel to book is Hotel Oberland. It is a really popular 4-star hotel due to its awesome location.
5. Adelboden
Adelboden enchants visitors with its wildflower meadows blanketing the mountain slopes in the Bernese Oberland region.
Located just an hour from Bern, the village is easily accessible—you can rent a car through Discover Cars or take a train to Frutigen with a connecting bus to the village.
A gondola provides easy access to numerous hiking trails on the Engstligenlap plateau.
Adventure seekers can explore the thundering Engstligen Falls or brave the cantilevered walkways of Choleren Gorge.
After a day of hiking, visitors can relax in the village center’s stunning open-air swimming pool, surrounded by mountain views.
6. Lungern
Among the scenic villages in Switzerland, Lungern sits halfway between Interlaken and Lucerne, with emerald-green Lake Lungern at its doorstep.
In summer, the lake buzzes with swimmers, paddleboarders, and campers soaking up the sun.
Nature lovers can explore the Brunig Safari Walk to spot roe deer and chamois, or check out the Butterfly Trail with its 100+ species from June to August.
The impressive Dundelbach Waterfall drops 150 meters in two tiers near the village center.
Getting here is simple: it’s a 50-minute train ride from Lucerne, and drivers (rent a car through Discover Cars) can stop at the Schoenbuehel viewpoint for amazing views of the lake and mountains.
7. Foroglio
Among the best villages to visit in Switzerland, Foroglio surprises visitors with its small-town charm in Ticino’s Bavona Valley.
With just 35 stone houses and flower-filled gardens, this tiny village packs a lot of character.
The star attraction is the Foroglio waterfall, perfect for cooling off in summer. A short hike east of the falls leads to more traditional houses with great views.
Getting here is straightforward—visitors can drive (rent a car through Discover Cars) or take a local bus from Locarno and Ascona. There’s plenty of parking, making it convenient for both sightseeing and starting local hikes.
8. Mürren
Perched 1000 feet above the Lauterbrunnen valley, Mürren’s traditional wooden Alpine houses are home to just 400 residents.
This car-free village is only accessible by cable car or mountain train from Lauterbrunnen.
Visitors come for the stunning views of three famous peaks—Mönch, Jungfrau, and Eiger.
The area offers something for everyone: gentle hiking trails, thrilling Via Ferrata routes with tightropes and zip-lines, and popular paragliding spots that take advantage of the dramatic cliffs.
Our Tips for Visiting Mürren:
- We recommend you stay for at least 2 days
- The best place to book your stay at is the Eiger Mürren Swiss Quality Hotel.
9. Maienfeld
In the Swiss Alps lies Maienfeld, an underrated Swiss village packed with surprises.
Its medieval center features remains of a 13th-century wall, while a 15th-century fortress houses a military museum.
Beyond history, visitors can explore local vineyards, enjoy thermal spas in nearby Bad Ragaz, or hit the trails for hiking, skiing, and cycling.
Located just an hour from Zurich by car (rent a car through Discover Cars) and 15 minutes from Liechtenstein, Maienfeld makes an easy day trip for travelers seeking something different.
10. Vitznau
Among popular summer destinations in Switzerland, Vitznau shines on Lake Lucerne’s northeastern shore.
A cogwheel train climbs to Rigi Mountain for hiking, while the lake beckons swimmers and boaters.
The village pairs outdoor adventures with luxury spas and restaurants overlooking the stunning Alpine views.
11. Splügen
Splügen sits in Switzerland’s Canton Graubünden, a tiny village of fewer than 500 people where hiking trails start right from your doorstep.
The village serves as the gateway to the famous Säumerweg Via Spluga, a 17-km trail through Cardinello Canyon leading to the Italian village of Isola.
Thanks to its location near the Italian border, Splügen makes an excellent base for a day trip to Lake Como via the spectacular Splügenpass, a route beloved by cyclists and motorbikers.
The village itself offers plenty to explore, from winter skiing to historic castle ruins and traditional Walserhäuser buildings.
12. Iseltwald
Iseltwald, home to only around 400 people, hugs the edge of Lake Brienz, with the snow-capped Bernese Alps—Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger—creating a stunning backdrop.
The crystal waters invite paddleboarders and canoeists, while hiking trails lead to the impressive Geissbach Falls, and the iconic Iseltwald Pier offers perfect moments for photos.
The village is easy to reach by bus from Interlaken, just 20 minutes away. For overnight stays, Chalet du Lac offers traditional Swiss lodging with modern comforts and views of both the lake and Iseltwald Castle.
13. Interlaken
Among the best places to visit in Switzerland, Interlaken sits between two stunning lakes in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
Lake Brienz dazzles with its turquoise waters, while Lake Thun’s deep blue shores host five romantic castles. Both lakes offer scenic boat tours.
The town serves as an adventure sports capital with options for skiing, hang-gliding, rafting, and sky diving against dramatic mountain backdrops.
Visitors can take in panoramic views of both lakes and peaks from Harder Kulm’s viewing platform, reached by funicular railway (grab tickets online for the funicular here).
Getting here is simple: direct trains run from Bern (1 hour), Zurich, and Basel (2 hours) to either Interlaken Ost or West stations.
Our Tips for Visiting Interlaken:
- We recommend you stay for 2-4 days
- The best hotel to book for your stay is The HEY Hotel.
14. St. Moritz
Perched in the Engadine Valley, St. Moritz reigns as one of the world’s most prestigious Alpine resorts.
As the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism, this elegant town offers year-round attractions from mineral hot springs to the thrilling Olympia Bob Run, the world’s only natural ice bobsleigh track.
Visitors can indulge in luxury at the Kulm Country Club, featuring a lavish spa and sun terrace, or embark on the scenic Glacier Express from Zermatt, winding through spectacular Alpine landscapes.
The striking contrast between lake and mountain vistas makes St. Moritz an unforgettable destination, accessible by train from Zurich, Milan, or Tirano.
Our Tips for Visiting St Moritz:
- We recommend you stay for at least 2 days, longer if you want to enjoy skiing. Make sure to book your stay at Hotel Steffani. The views from the balcony that will blow you away.
15. Wengen
Nestled at the foot of the Jungfrau, Wengen is a perfect car-free Swiss mountain village that is only accessible only by rail from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.
Thanks to its high altitude, winter brings excellent skiing conditions with 110 km of varied trails.
While summer invites adventurers to explore hiking paths and try paragliding above the spectacular Lauterbrunnen valley.
Visitors can savor authentic Swiss dishes at charming restaurants with mountain views, including local favorites like rösti and cheese fondue at Pasta and More.
The village’s historic chapel serves as a perfect viewpoint to appreciate the breathtaking Alpine panorama year-round.
16. Zermatt
Among the most beautiful towns in Switzerland, Zermatt stands as one of the best mountain towns in Europe, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn—whose distinctive peak inspired the Toblerone chocolate shape.
Visiting Switzerland in June (or summer months) reveals Zermatt’s summer charm.
With wooden chalets backdropped by Alpine vistas and excellent hiking trails, including the picturesque Riffelsee Lake where the Matterhorn reflects in still waters.
For those wondering where to go in Switzerland in December, Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ski Paradise (grab your cable car ticket online here), Europe’s highest-altitude ski resort, promises guaranteed snow and world-class winter sports.
This car-free haven offers year-round mountain adventures, from summer trips to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (grab your cable car ticket online here) to scenic rides on the Gornergrat train (grab your train tickets online here) overlooking the majestic Gorner glacier.
Our Tips for Visiting Zermatt:
- This is a fantastic town to stay for 1-3 nights at least. We recommend you stay at Hotel Ambassador Zermatt. The location is excellent, the rooms are comfy, the views are stunning and it has both a pool and sauna to enjoy.
17. Gimmelwald
A car-free haven in the Swiss Alps, Gimmelwald stands out as a small village in Switzerland perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
In summer, hikers explore trails through flower-filled meadows, stopping at local farms and markets for Swiss picnic provisions.
Come winter, this intimate village transforms into an ideal ski destination where you can glide right to your doorstep—perfect for beginners or those seeking escape from crowded resorts.
18. Stein Am Rhein
Many of the best villages in Switzerland have stone houses and cobblestone streets in common.
Stein Am Rhein stands out from these as it is famous for its timber-framed houses and buildings with stunning painted facades.
Although you can spend hours walking around this town mesmerized by the medieval architecture of the buildings, there is also a 13th Century castle, Hohenklingen Castle, that you can visit.
As Stein Am Rhein is close to the river Rhine, this makes it perfect to wander along this meandering river.
As you walk along you will get to see the white walls of St. George’s Abbey which dates back to the year 1007.
If you prefer to not walk along the river you can enjoy this awesome river and its falls by taking a boat cruise.
Our Best Tips For Visiting Stein Am Rhein:
- The easiest way of getting to this town is by booking this tour from Zurich (which also includes the Rhine Falls).
19. Soglio
Among the best towns in Switzerland to visit, Soglio captures hearts as a tiny village in Switzerland perched on a mountainside near the Italian border.
While the village itself is small, featuring historic stone houses and the Church of St. Lorenzo with its spectacular Alpine views, its true magic lies in its surroundings.
Hikers can explore trails in every direction, each offering breathtaking vistas of either the village itself or the majestic Swiss Alps.
Our Best Tips For Visiting Soglio:
- To get to Soglio, I highly recommend that you rent a car through Discover Cars. The drive from Zurich will take around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- There are only a few hotels in Soglio, so make sure to book your stay ahead of time.
20. Ascona
Among Switzerland’s picturesque villages, Ascona stands out as a peaceful haven compared to bustling destinations like Lake Como and Lugano.
Its cobblestone streets are lined with vibrantly painted buildings, and the old town boasts delightful gelaterias at every turn.
Nestled along Lake Maggiore, this charming village serves as an ideal base for exploring both the alpine valleys of Maggia and Verzasca.
For those seeking countries close to Switzerland, Ascona offers easy access to Italy with just a quick boat trip across the lake.
Final Thoughts: Best Villages in Switzerland
We hope that this list of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland has given you some inspiration for your next vacation to this European destination.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Switzerland and knowing which is the best town to visit in Switzerland can help make planning your Switzerland vacation a little easier.
If you would like to know more places to visit in Switzerland be sure to read our Switzerland Travel Blog for more ideas of where you can travel in Switzerland. And don’t forget to check out our blog post to find the best time to visit Switzerland here.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Check out our seven-day itinerary for Switzerland here.
- Find out why we think Switzerland is worth visiting here.
- Start your planning for your Swiss holiday with our Switzerland 4-day itinerary here.
- Also, take a look at Switzerland Insurance for Travel option here, and find the one that is best for your trip.
- Find the most beautiful villages in Europe here.
