Switzerland is famous for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and enchanting views.
Here are 22 fairytale villages you have to visit!
1. Grindelwald
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 and Pfingstegg for the kids.
It is also one of the best gateways for the Jungfraujoch and the Männlichen walks
2. 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!
👉👉 Things to do in Zermatt
3. Appenzell
Step back in time in Appenzell, known for its colorful houses, traditional customs, and stunning alpine scenery.
4. Morcote
Known as the “Pearl of Ceresio,” Morcote sits on the shore of Lake Lugano and features charming streets and beautiful gardens.
5. 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 inspired 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
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
A hidden gem in the Swiss Alps, Gimmelwald is a car-free village with stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
This is truly a locals village unlike Mürren above which puts on a bit of a show for the tourists. Take a short walk downhill from Mürren and discover the true alpine gems in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
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8. Stein am Rhein
This village boasts beautifully preserved medieval architecture and colorful frescoed buildings along the Rhine River.
9. Soglio
Perched on the side of the Bregaglia Valley, Soglio offers incredible views, historic buildings, and a tranquil ambiance.
The mountains in this part of South-eastern Switzerland are almost like the Himalayas despite being only 3000m high.
10. 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.
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.
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The main street is full of fantastic restaurants in the arcade-style terraces tucked away from the rain and glaring summer sun.
12. Saas-Fee
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.
13. Iseltwald
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.
14. Mürren
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.
15. 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, easily accessible, and a peaceful spot to sleep!
16. Andermatt
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 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.
18. 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.
19. Kandersteg
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.
20. Weggis
Located on Lake Lucerne, Weggis offers beautiful lake views, a mild climate, and charming Swiss architecture.
It’s also the perfect gateway to Lucerne and the surrounding mountains such a Mount Rigi, Mount Pilatus, Bürgenstock and more
21. Vals
Known for its thermal baths and striking mountain views, Vals is a hidden gem in the Swiss Alps. It focuses on the thermal baths that occur naturally there, and is also a great place to go hiking.
And with little else to do in the dead-end valley, it is also the perfect spot to unwind!
22. Grimentz
Tucked away in the Val d’Anniviers, Grimentz is a storybook Swiss village where centuries-old wooden chalets burst with cascading geraniums in summer and snow-dusted charm in winter.
With cobbled lanes, traditional Alpine architecture, and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
23. Gandria
Nestled at the foot of Monte Brè on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, Gandria is a car-free village where time seems to stand still.
With its narrow alleyways, terraced houses adorned with colorful shutters, and panoramic lake views, Gandria offers a tranquil escape that feels like stepping into a storybook.
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