21 Fairytale Villages in Switzerland You Have to Visit Before You Die

Wengen

Switzerland is famous for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and enchanting views.

Here are 22 fairytale villages you absolutely have to visit!

1. Grindelwald

Grindelwald-Männlichen Gondola Cableway
Grindelwald-Männlichen Gondola Cableway

Nestled in the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is a picturesque village surrounded by soaring peaks and lush meadows. Perfect for skiing and hiking, it offers loads of activities, mountain excursions such as First.

2. Zermatt

Mountain biking is free in Zermatt

Home to the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers breathtaking views and world-class skiing. Cars are banned here, adding to the village’s charm.

And with all the stunning hikes and outdoor activities here, you are spoiled for choice!

3. Appenzell

Step back in time in Appenzell, known for its colorful houses, traditional customs, and stunning alpine scenery.

4. Morcote

Morcote
Morcote

Known as the “Pearl of Ceresio,” Morcote sits on the shore of Lake Lugano and features charming streets and beautiful gardens.

5. Lauterbrunnen

Staubbach falls, lauterbrunnen

Famed for its 72 waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is a valley village that looks like it’s been plucked from a fairytale.

It is said to have been the inspiration for Tolkein’s Rivendale in Lord of the Rings, and when you go there and see the valley from afar, you will know why!

6. Gruyères

Gruyeres
Gruyères

Known for its medieval architecture and delicious cheese, Gruyères is a picturesque village with a charming castle.

It is also home to some of the tastiest cheese fondues I have ever had and the most insane museum and bar from the creator of Alien (the creature in the movie).

7. Gimmelwald

Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald

A hidden gem in the Swiss Alps, Gimmelwald is a car-free village with stunning views and a serene atmosphere.

8. Stein am Rhein

stein am rhein switzerland
Stein am Rhein

This village boasts beautifully preserved medieval architecture and colorful frescoed buildings along the Rhine River.

9. Soglio

Soglio

Perched in the Bregaglia Valley, Soglio offers incredible views, historic buildings, and a tranquil ambiance.

10. Ascona

ascona switzerland
Ascona

Located on Lake Maggiore, Ascona features a Mediterranean flair with its lakeside promenades and charming old town.

It is a great place to relax and pretend you are in Italy, only with the cleanliness and efficiency of Switzerland.

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11. Morat (Murten)

The medieval town of Murten in the French-speaking part of Switzerland is famous for its well-preserved city walls, historic buildings, and beautiful lake.

13. Saas-Fee

Saas Fee village

Known as the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee is surrounded by glaciers and offers charming, car-free streets and superb skiing.

It is also the quieter and cheaper option to Zermatt, yet still boasts a very similar experience, albeit without the Matterhorn.

14. Iseltwald

Iseltwald Interlaken
Iseltwald on the shore of Lake Brienz

Situated on Lake Brienz, Iseltwald is a tranquil village with stunning lake views and traditional wooden chalets.

It also makes for a great stop on a boat ride on Lake Brienz.

15. Mürren

Schilthorn
Cable car from Murren to Schilthorn

Perched on a cliff, Mürren offers spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. It’s also car-free!

It is also the gateway to the ever-popular Schilthorn, home of James Bond.

16. Wengen

Wengen
Wengen

Accessible only by train, Wengen offers panoramic views of the Jungfrau region and quaint chalets straight out of a storybook.

It is one of the most stunning places to stay in the Lauterbrunnen Valley and easily accessible as well as a peaceful spot to sleep!

16. Andermatt

things to do andermatt
Andermatt in winter

A historic village in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is known for its picturesque landscapes and winter sports.

It’s also on the way south over the Gotthard pass should you happen to be going that way, or over the Oberalp Pass on the Glacier Express.

17. Champéry

Located in the Valais region, Champéry boasts traditional chalets and access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area.

19. St. Ursanne

St. Ursanne
St. Ursanne

A medieval town in the Jura region, St. Ursanne is famous for its old bridge, quaint houses, and the Collegiate Church of St. Ursanne.

20. Kandersteg

Kandersteg
Oeschinensee

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Kandersteg is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Not only that, but it is the gateway to the renowned and stunning Oeschinen Lake.

Located on Lake Lucerne, Weggis offers beautiful lake views, a mild climate, and charming Swiss architecture.

21. Vals

Known for its thermal baths and striking mountain views, Vals is a hidden gem in the Swiss Alps. It is very much focused on the thermal baths that occur naturally there, and is also a great place to go hiking.

And with not that much else to do in the dead-end valley, it is also the perfect spot to unwind!

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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