Everyone knows the big Swiss viewpoints. Pilatus, the Jungfraujoch, the Gornergrat, the Chapel Bridge. They’re famous for a reason, but they’re also where every tour group, selfie stick and cruise passenger ends up at the same time as you.
After 25 years of living here, the views I keep going back to are the ones a few minutes (or one bus stop) away from the crowds. Here are 15 of my favorite lesser-known spots, split by region, so you can slot one or two into the trip you’ve already planned.
Lucerne
Most visitors stick to the old town and the lakefront promenade. Walk 20 minutes in almost any direction and the views open up without the crowds.
1. Gütsch Hill
Gütsch is home to one of Lucerne’s top hotels, the fairytale-looking Château Gütsch, but you don’t need to stay there to enjoy the view. A short funicular ride takes you up the hill, and from the top you get the whole city, the lake and the mountains laid out in front of you.
Grab a drink on the terrace if you want to linger, or just enjoy the lookout and wander back down through the woods.
PRO TIP: THINGS MOST PEOPLE MISS IN LUCERNE
2. Richard Wagner Museum
The house where Wagner lived is now a small museum, and it sits on its own little point on Lake Lucerne. Even if classical music isn’t your thing, the lakeside grounds give you a view back across the water towards Rigi that you won’t get from town.
It’s an easy walk along the lake from the station, which makes it a nice half-hour escape on a busy Lucerne day.
3. Meggenhorn
This little peninsula has a historic castle, a lovely park and almost 360-degree views of Rigi, Pilatus and the peaks beyond. It’s one of my favorite quiet spots on the lake.
The lake boats stop right there, so you can make it part of a cruise rather than a separate trip. I’ve included it (along with a few others here) in my list of the best views in Lucerne too.
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Grindelwald
Grindelwald gets busy, especially around First. These three spots get you the same mountain scenery with a fraction of the people.
4. Bussalp
Far from the hustle of town and the queues at First, Bussalp is a great spot for a hike or just a long lunch with a big view. A bus runs up from Grindelwald, so you don’t need to be a hiker to get there.
5. Rosenlaui
Head up and over the Grosse Scheidegg pass and you’ll find glaciers, rushing rivers and alpine meadows you won’t forget in a hurry. The road is closed to private cars, so the bus over the pass (summer only) is half the experience.
While you’re there, the Rosenlaui glacier gorge is well worth the short walk.
6. Ischboden Hut
You can reach this one on foot or by bus, and it’s very much a local spot for lunch. The reward is a different angle on the Grindelwald gorge and the mountains around it, one most visitors never see.
Looking for more ideas in the area?
Check out the best hikes in Grindelwald.
Lauterbrunnen
The valley floor is beautiful, but some of the best Lauterbrunnen views come from looking down into it.
7. Isenfluh & Sulwald
This is a spot that’s rarely visited, but it’s well worth the trip if you have the time. Isenfluh is a tiny village you can reach by bus from Lauterbrunnen, and from there a small cable car takes you up to Sulwald for even bigger views.
8. Lauberhorn Ridge
If the Männlichen trail sounds too busy, the Lauberhorn ridge is a great alternative. You get 360-degree views of both the Lauterbrunnen valley and the big mountains beyond, and far fewer people sharing them with you.
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9. Wengen Church (or the Train Up)
This one is free (well, with a train ticket). Some of the best views in the valley are from the train window on the way up to Wengen, so grab a window seat on the valley side. Once you arrive, the church courtyard in Wengen gives you a postcard view straight down the valley.
It’s one reason I think more people should stay in Wengen.
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Zermatt
Everyone comes to Zermatt for the Matterhorn, and most people see it from the same two or three places. These give you a different angle.
10. Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint
Right above the village is one of the best Matterhorn views that few people ever get to. It’s a short climb from town, no lift ticket needed, and it’s especially good early in the morning when the peak catches the first light.
📍 Matterhorn Viewpoint on Google Maps
11. Findelbach Bridge
This is where you can watch the Gornergrat train cross a high bridge as it climbs towards the top, with the mountains behind it. It’s part of a pleasant stroll along the valley, so it’s easy to combine with a walk back into town.
📍 Findelbachbrücke on Google Maps
12. The Lakes
Lots of small lakes sit above Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the background, and on a calm day you get a reflection too. The Stellisee is one of the best on the 5 Lakes Walk, and the Riffelsee on the Gornergrat side is another favorite.
Go early, before the wind picks up, for the best chance of that mirror shot. Not sure how much time to give it? Here’s my take on how long to spend in Zermatt.
Montreux
Lake Geneva gets far less attention than it deserves, and most visitors never leave Montreux’s promenade.
13. Balcon de Chantemerle
Just a 15-minute walk up from downtown Montreux, this viewpoint overlooks Lake Geneva and the mountains on the far side. It’s a quick win if you only have an afternoon in town.
📍 Balcon de Chantemerle on Google Maps
14. Rochers-de-Naye
A fun cogwheel train takes you from Montreux to the top of this nearby mountain, with local flora and fauna along the way. The view back down over the lake is the payoff.
15. Lavaux Vineyards
Plenty of people see the Lavaux terraces from the train window. Not many take the time to head up into the vineyards themselves, which is a shame, because that’s where you’ll find some of the best views (and tastiest wines) in the region. More on that in my guide to Swiss wineries.
👉👉 SEE WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO IN MONTREUX
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
I’m Ashley Faulkes, an Aussie who has lived in Switzerland for 23 years, and I run SwitzerLanding to help travelers like you get the most out of your trip. If you want a hand fitting spots like these into your plans, here’s how I can help:
- Book a 1-on-1 video consultation to go through your questions and itinerary
- Request a train pass selection based on your travel plans
- Request a custom travel itinerary with a full quote for hotels, trains and more
- Explore my Swiss guides
Got a favorite lesser-known view I’ve missed? Tell me in the comments.
