You have come all the way to Switzerland to bask in the glory of the peaceful Apline meadows and epic mountain views.
But instead, you are confronted with boatloads of people and huge lines to get on any of the fun stuff!
If that is a vacation you would like to avoid. And you just want a bit of peace and quiet and some Alpine tranquility instead, then this is the post for you.
Below are some of the most popular places in Switzerland and alternatives you may want to consider!
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1. Downtown Interlaken

Interlaken is popular and for a reason. It is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region and the hub for all things transport related in the Bernese Oberland.
In summer, Interlaken can get very busy and finding a hotel can be a complete nightmare.
Alternatives

So, if you are looking for a little peace and quiet after your escape to the mountains, why not try some other towns in the region. Places like Brienz, Thun, or some of the smaller villages along the lake.
Even popular towns like Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Mürren are quiet at night once all the crowds have gone home.
2. Zermatt

Home to the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. And with it’s world-class mountain railways and gondolas, it is extremely easy to get up close and personal with glaciers and alpine lakes, with scenery to blow your mind.
However, during ski season and at the height of summer, the peaceful, car-free town of Zermatt can be chock full of people and not the alpine retreat you had imagined!
Alternatives

My favorite alternative is Saas-Fee, which is the valley next door to Zermatt. It has a similar alpine beauty with a more relaxed and authentic vibe. It has a very similar layout, feel and is also car-free.
And during summer – all mountain transport is free! If you can believe that. With the Gornergrat costing over $100 per person in Zermatt, maybe this is the place to be?
3. Lucerne

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Lucerne is probably the number one city in Switzerland, and I am certainly not here to discourage you from visiting.
Come for at least half a day to experience the splendor of the old town, which is second to none in its position right on Lake Lucerne.
However, if you want to escape the daytime crowds, I suggest you look elsewhere for accommodation.
You can start by heading down the lake to places near Meggenhorn or even on Rigi or Bürgenstock (if you can afford it)- I once stayed at the Hermitage on Lake Lucerne and it is as peaceful as anywhere else I have stayed.
Alternatives

Some other Swiss cities or villages with similar stunning locations and historic buildings include:
- Zug – Stunning views of the alps, a small old town, and a quaint vibe
- Gruyeres – Hilltop village with historical castle, wall and home to the cheese!
- Murten – Another stunning old town inside a small wall and right by a lake in the French part
4. Mount Pilatus

If you are in Lucerne, then chances are you have planned to go up Pilatus. Sure, it is a stunning trip – with the Golden Round Trip encompassing all the goodness of Lucerne and the mountains (boat, gondola, funicular and more). But it can get super busy in peak season, and it might be somewhere you want to avoid. Especially with the lines to get on the funicular at Alpnachstad.
Alternatives
There are lots of other mountains around the Lucerne area and all of them are in my comprehensive guide, but here are a few you might want to consider:
- Bürgenstock – closer to Lucerne and includes a mind-blowing glass elevator.
- Stoos & Fronalpstock – The ride up is fun and you have to get to Fronalpstock – fitter people can do the hike
- Mt Titlis – Further away from Lucerne and complete with a suspension bridge and ice cave
5. Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)

The crown jewel of the Jungfrau Region and perhaps the most visited mountain in Switzerland. Jungfraujoch is stunning, but gets a little crazy in the summer!
You can skip the crowds and go up early, as I highlight in my “Jungfrau Mistakes” posts. (lots of tips in there)
OR, you can head to one of the alternatives which are cheaper, and often less crowded.
Alternatives
Why not sample some of the other stunning mountain destinations in the Jungfrau Region (all of which are in my Jungfrau/Interlaken Guide):
- Schynige Platte – Epic views in all directions and Alpine Horn players too
- Männlichen – Stunning 360 views and some short hikes to take it all in
- Brienzer Rothorn – Combine it with a boat ride on Lake Brienz (and Giessbach Falls)
- Schilthorn – Almost as busy as Jungfraujoch, but cheaper and with distant views of the mountains (also get there early)
6. Montreux

With its world-renowned jazz festival and envied location right on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.
That is why you are better off heading a little further away from the crowds if you want to enjoy some lakeside tranquility on Lake Geneva!
Alternatives
Here are some options outside of Montreux
- Vevey – the nearby town of Vevey with its fork in the water is far quieter and has lots to offer as well
- Morges – is another nearby option worth checking out
- Evian – on the French side of the lake (yes home to the water brand) is another gem
7. Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich

Famed for being one of the most luxurious shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is a sight to behold. The top end is lined with some of the most expensive clothing and watch shops in the world, and for most of us – window shopping is the only option!
But with such fame comes crowds, and Bahnhofstrasse can get a little crazy in the warmer months of the year. And is busy just about any other time!
So, if you want to do a little shopping or enjoy the best Zurich offers, head for some other lesser-visited corners of the city.
Alternatives
Here are some of my favorites
- Zuri West – Catch the train to Hardbrucke and have a bite to eat in Frau Gerold’s Garten, climb the Freitag Tower (and maybe buy a bag) and head along the Viadukt for some shopping (or up top for a walk)
- Europaallee – Home to some great eating options (including ever-popular Hiltl’s vegetarian) and a small shopping mall, this is the latest place to hang in Zurich
- Langstrasse & surrounds – Zurich’s more seedy street, which is slowly being gentrified, has a huge range of eateries in the streets around where I hang all the time. There are also some eclectic shops and boutiques around there.