10 Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland + Where To Stay

Searching for the most beautiful places in Switzerland? These are the must-see destinations and where to stay in each spot!

After spending quite a bit of time in the country, I have come to the opinion that Switzerland is one of the most stunning destinations in Europe. Not only is the country partially home to one of the most famous and scenic mountain ranges in the world, the Alps, it is full of turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and great outdoor activities no matter the season.

In addition to this, Switzerland is also full of some incredibly picturesque towns featuring traditional Swiss architecture and views that can’t be beat. Here are my picks for the most beautiful towns in Switzerland.

 

Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland

 

Appenzell

Located in Northeastern Switzerland at the foot of the Alpstein Mountains, Appenzell is a rural paradise surrounded by lush rolling hills. The town is home to about 7000 people, is car-free, and is known for its traditional ways and folk festivals.

In Appenzell, stroll the pretty streets, check out the Appenzell museum, take a hike in the Alps, and eat all the locally-produced Appenzell cheese.

Tip: Take a small-group tour from Zurich to the Switzerland mountains where you can try fresh milk, delicious swiss cheese and chocolate.

 

 

Lauterbrunnen

Set in the stunning Lauterbrunnen valley, one of the largest nature conservations in Switzerland, the town of Lauterbrunnen is a must for every nature lover. Gorgeous mountains tower over the village itself, and if you check out more of the area you’ll find gorgeous meadows, tons of valleys, and waterfalls galore.

In Lauterbrunnen, take a stroll down the main street, go waterfall hunting and, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a helicopter tour over the Alps — it’ll be the best view — or book a speedriding experience!

 

Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen

The modest Hotel Steinbock offers great mountain views and excellent proximity to the train station, while the slightly-trendier Hotel Silberhorn offers a sun terrace, great menu options, and family rooms.

 

Kandersteg

Kandersteg is a resort village in the Alps, and is one of my favorite locations in the Bernese-Oberland region. This peaceful town is perfect for outdoorsy-types, as there are so many natural wonders in the area.

In Kandersteg, be sure to get out to the glacier-fed Lake Oeschinensee, check out Lake Blausee, visit the Tropical House Frutigen, and go on one of the many hikes in the area.

 

Where to Stay in Kandersteg

If you prioritize an elevator and being right in town, I highly recommend Hotel Bluemlisalp, while if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere and a cable car ride, then I’d say go for Berghotel Oeschinensee. That said, Hotel Des Alpes is another simple, yet quaint option located right in town.

Read more: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kandersteg & Lake Oeschinensee

 

Iseltwald

An old fishing village located on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, Iseltwald is a scenic place to go that’s just a ten minute drive from Interlaken. The town itself features traditional-style hotels, a small castle, a harbor, and a small island just offshore.

Apart from water-based activities, Iseltwald is also a popular hiking spot, with several hiking trails in the region.

 

Where to Stay in Iseltwald

A classy spot situated right next to the lake, Strandhotel is perfect if you’re looking for awesome views right from your hotel room.

 

Zermatt

Set at the base of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe, and consists of 54 mountain railways and chairlifts. If you’re not into hitting the slopes, the area is also full of soothing spas, hiking trails, great restaurants, and cable cars.

The village itself is a car-free zone, so be prepared to set out on foot.

 

 

Grindelwald

Grindelwald, a valley and a village in the Jungfrau region, is a mountain resort that attracts skiers, rock climbers, and hikers alike. Popular activities in the area include going to the First Cliff Walk, hiking the Eiger Trail, journeying to Jungfraujoch, or exploring the Gletscherschlucht Ravine.

The village of Grindelwald is small, easy to get around, and is full of quaint chalet-style houses, restaurants, and hotels.

 

Where to Stay in Grindelwald

For something more upscale, it’s hard to beat the Hotel Spinne Grindelwald. If you’re going for something more low-key, then I’d recommend the Hotel Central Wolter.

 

Sion

The capital of Valais, the ancient city of Sion is a beautifully traditional Swiss town full of interesting history and locally made wine.

In Sion, I recommend checking out the architecture and the Old Town, going to a music festival, getting a tour of a vineyard, hiking or skiing, and checking out the basilica inside Valere Castle.

 

Where to Stay in Sion

Hotel Elite is a great mid-level option, while if you’re looking for something a little more out of the way (yet only 4km from Sion itself) then I’d go for Hotel des Vignes.

 

Soglio

Hugging Italy’s Northern Border, Soglio is narrow cobblestone streets, pretty castles, mountain views, and unbridled nature. The town rests on a ledge on the mountainside, and offers up some unreal views of the nearby mountains and Bondasca Glacier. If you’re a hiking enthusiast then taking day trips through the Val da Dam or the Via Panoramica are musts.

This quaint village of just a couple hundred people is the perfect place to go if you want to kick back, relax, and take in some unreal valley views.

 

Where to Stay in Soglio

Right by the bus stop and with simple, yet cozy rooms, you’ll find Hotel Stua Granda. Be sure to try the buffet!

 

Wengen

A popular resort town in the Jungfrau region, Wengen is a scenic, fairy-tale like place set high in the Alps. From the town, you’ll get fabulous views of the Alps with the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch mountains in the background.

The simplest way to get to Wengen is to take the mountain railway up from Lauterbrunnen — the views from the train are stunning as well!

 

Where to Stay in Wengen

The crown jewel location of Wengen is the gorgeous Hotel Regina, but if you’re looking for something more budget friendly, check out Alpenruhe Kulm.

Read more: How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget

 

Adelboden

Adelboden is a traditional Alpine village where you’ll find traditional chalet’s, over 300km of mountain and hiking trails, and many wellness options. Adelboden is also next to the second tallest waterfalls in Switzerland, the 600m high Engstligen waterfalls, which are just a 90-minute walk from the town.

In regards to the wellness options, Adelboden has a few different spa options, including multi-sensory showers, footbaths, saunas, and there are many mineral springs nearby.

 

Where to Stay in Adelboden

If you’re looking for an upscale stay complete with a spa and all the amenities, then The Cambrian is the way to go, while if you’re looking for a cute place that’s more budget friendly, I’d recommend checking out Hotel Crystal.

 

 

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