There are few places in the world that have garnered attention from tourists as much as European countryside has. Romanticized in movies, books and shows, charms of the European countryside has gripped every traveller’s imagination. While Ireland and England boast jaw-dropping scenery, Switzerland is home to some of THE most picturesque villages in the world. Tucked in the lap of the Alps and surrounding valleys these most beautiful villages in Switzerland offer tourists a chance to unwind and experience local life and culture.
Aashish Pawgi
Travel Expert
It’s true that Switzerland’s sleek cities are greatly admirable. Most tourists are so captivated by the allure of Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva that they hardly venture out to Switzerland’s rustic side. If you are planning a holiday in Switzerland, make sure you visit a few of the beautiful villages in Switzerland. Here’s a list of top villages in Switzerland that you can choose from to go on your next holiday:
Regarded as one of Switzerland’s oldest resort towns, Grindelwald has been seeing the visitors since the 19th century. Surrounded by a number of mountains and glaciers, you need to visit this beauty to actually see it believe it. While there are numerous activities around like hiking, trekking, skiing and mountain biking; it is the flying fox ride which is a must do.
The First Flyer at First Summit is a flying fox which is the best adventure can get. Also, you can hike around Grindelwald to the Lake Bachalpsee to witness breathtaking views around. And while you are here, do not forget to explore the town in the evening, when it gets all lighted up with the backdrop of huge Alps. Thus, Grindelwald is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.
How to reach Grindelwald by air? Zurich-Kloten is the nearest international airport from Grindelwald. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Grindelwald from Zurich Airport by car and 3 hours by Train.
Alternative ways to get there:
Wengen is a beautiful Swiss village located at the foothills of Jungfrau Mountain. This little town boasts breathtaking views, warm locals, amazing food and access to some of the most beautiful natural wonders. There is a lot to do while you are in Wengen. While there quite a few ski resorts that you can visit, Wengen is quite popular for the hikes.
You can hike through the lush green hills during the springtime or admire the valley from different viewpoints during autumn. Also, there are skiing or other adventure sports in winters, that you can enjoy. Thus, Wengen is definitely a perfect year-round destination for all and one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.
How to reach Wengen:
The only way to reach Wengen is by train. You will first have to reach Lauterbrunnen from where you will have to take the cogwheel train that will take you to Wengen.
Guarda is a picture-perfect small town which is among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. During the months of summer here, you can visit the village and go for a hike to the famous Piz Buin. Also, there are numerous hikes that can be done around Guarda. While the day can be spent hiking, you can spend the evenings lazing around in one of the cafes here.
It is during the winters when the villages turn into a wonderland. Activities like toboggan runs, ice rinks and cross-country ski routes are available to keep the visitors entertained. You can enjoy a ski ride or do some ice skating here on the rinks. Thus, Guarda is among the best villages in Switzerland that has great national importance as well.
How to reach Guarda:
One can reach Guarda from Zurich via road. The journey is about 2 hours 30 minutes long and covers 166 km of a scenic route. Another popular way to reach Guarda is via St. Moritz. One can take a bus, train, or the road to reach Guarda from St. Moritz. The journey from St. Moritz to Guarda takes about one hour.
If you want to visit a beautiful Swiss village full of rich history and culture, Morcote is the perfect option. Morcote is home to some of the most notable architectural wonders. A few of them are highly listed in the Swiss heritage sites of national significance. Among them, some of the must-see places are the ornate Church of Sant’Antonio Abate which is a beautiful old aged Church.
There is an Egyptian temple with ancient architecture to marvel at along with the number of Greek Sculptures. Visiting, Morcote feels like travelling back in time. With all the old age structures and beautiful houses, you will also meet some of the warmest people here. Thus, Morcote is among the list of villages in Switzerland that are both rich in beauty as well as history and culture.
How to reach Morcote:
The best way to reach Morcote is by first reaching the nearby town of Lugano. Morcote is a 25-minute drive away from Morcote.
Located between the two clear lakes, Interlaken is a perfect place for the ones who are seeking peace as well as crave for the adventure. Interlaken offers a perfect combination of both relaxation and different adventure activities. You can spend the whole day overlooking the beautiful scenery with lush green patches, small houses with elegant architecture and grand hotels and ski resorts.
If you feel like going on an adventure, then you must visit the Adventure Park here which offers rafting, water sports, paragliding and much more. Also, skiing is quite popular here as you ski down while looking at the majestic Alps here. Thus, Interlaken is undoubtedly among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.
How to reach Interlaken:
Interlaken is one of the most easily accessible Swiss Villages. The nearest airport to Interlaken is Bern Airport. From Bern Airport it takes about 45 minutes to reach Interlaken via road and one and a half hours by train. One can even reach this beautiful Swiss village from Zurich. Zurich to Interlaken train journey takes about two and a half hours. Get more information on how to reach Interlaken here.
Centrally located in Alpine Switzerland, Andermatt is a quaint village that will keep you coming back again. Some of the most popular activities that you can do here is hiking, mountain biking, climbing and fishing. The village offers some of the most spectacular views of the Alps. Also, it is Andermatt from where you can board the slowest express train in the world- The Glacial Express. This express will take you through picturesque villages and stunning panoramas all the way to Zermatt. Thus, Andermatt is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, that you must visit.
Andermatt is yet another spectacular swiss village that is easily accessible. Situated in the heart of Switzerland, Andermatt can be reached by car, train as well as by air. The nearest city to Andermatt is Lucerne. Take the one-hour long scenic drive from Lucerne to Andermatt. (Zurich to Andermatt– 1:30 Min; Lugano to Andermatt– 1:30 Min; Milan to Andermatt– 2:20 Mins).
Alternative ways to get there:
Easily among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is truly remarkable with its natural beauty and the number of activities that it offers. Located in the Lauterbrunnen municipality of Swiss Alps, it offers visitors some of the spectacular views of the mountains along with the numerous waterfalls. This scenic Swiss village is quite popular for its cascading waterfalls and boasts more than 72 waterfalls in its vicinity.
Among them is the most beautiful Staubbach Falls at a soaring height of 300 meters. It can be seen from the town and adds up the beauty. While you are here, you can also take the cable car from Stechelberg Village to Schilthorn mountain while admiring the views of Bernese Alps. Also, there are numerous activities here that you enjoy. Thich includes skiing, hiking, trekking and adventure sports. Thus, Lauterbrunnen is among the list of villages in Switzerland that you must visit.
How to reach Lauterbrunnen:
Lauterbrunnen can be reached by road and rail. The fastest way to reach this picturesque Swiss village from Interlaken is by taking the train. The train journey takes about 20 minutes to reach Lauterbrunnen.
Located high in the Swiss Alps, Gimmelwald is among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Because Gimmelwald is situated deep in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, there are only two ways to reach this tiny hamlet. One is by hiking through the beautiful valley and the other way is taking a cable-car. The whole village has a vibrant vibe to it with colourful small houses. The slow-paced life, gorgeous scenery and warm people make Gimmelwald feel like a dream. Thus, Gimmelwald is easily among the most beautiful villages near Zurich in Switzerland.
How to reach Gimmelwald:
The fastest way to reach from Interlaken to Gimmelwald (Duration: 55 Minutes).
Imagine a beautiful small town located on the edge of a lake with a majestic castle in the centre of it. Yes, Spiez is a perfect example of a small town on the edge of the lake Thun with a beautiful castle in the centre of it. The village offers spectacular views of the mountains, while you can take a stroll around the lake. You can also take a boat ride in the lake to witness the natural beauty around.
The village also has some of the finest vineyards, breathtaking scenery and old age church and a castle. And while you are here, do not forget to visit the 1000-year-old Church in the Spiez Castle. Thus, Spiez is among the beautiful villages near Zurich that you must visit.
How to reach Spiez:
Spiez serves as a major railway junction. Trains from around the country stop here.
The two neighbouring towns of Crans and Montana are often regarded as one and considered to be one of the best and popular resort towns in Valais Alps. You can admire the natural beauty around the town with the backdrop of the majestic Alps, surrounding houses and the famous Mont Blanc.
These towns also boast several lakes where you can swim and enjoy the natural beauty around. Also, there are quite a few hiking trails which will take you a higher viewpoint from where you can witness the views of Crans- Montana with the Swiss Alps. If you are someone who loves golf, the town has an 18 hole golf course right in the centre surrounded by beautiful views.
And while you are here, do not forget to stroll through the beautiful streets that have a lively atmosphere, delicious food and crisp mountain air. Thus, Crans-Montana is easily among the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.
How to reach Crans-Montana:
Crans-Montana can be reached by air, road and train. Geneva and Berne are the closest cities to this scenic village in Switzerland. From Geneva, It takes about 2 hours to reach Crans-Montana via road and 3 hours by rail.
In the end, Switzerland is all about beautiful cities and the numerous things that it offers to its visitors. But if you are someone who loves to explore places beyond the usual, then the above list of beautiful villages will help you to make the most out of your trip to Switzerland.
1. How long can you stay in Switzerland without a permit?
Stays for longer than 90 days are possible without a visa but you must apply for a residence permit.
2. Can I travel to Europe with Swiss visa?
Swiss citizens. If you hold Swiss nationality you do not need a visa to enter an EU/EFTA country. A valid passport or ID card is enough.
3. What is the cheapest month to fly to Switzerland?
The cheapest month to fly to Switzerland is November.
4. How safe is Switzerland?
Travelling in Switzerland is safe, it’s highly ranked on the list of the safest and most dangerous countries. Violent crime is very rare in the country.
5. What is the rainy season in Switzerland?
The rainy season begins at the end of April. By the end of May, the air temperature is rising up to +19 degrees in the warmest regions.
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