Planning a trip to the Swiss Alps and feeling overwhelmed by all the stunning options? You’re not alone! Switzerland is packed with picturesque villages and charming towns, each offering its own unique flavor of Alpine magic.
Whether you’re after breathtaking views, easy access to ski slopes, or a cozy village vibe, there’s a perfect place. Let’s break down the best spots to stay in the Swiss Alps to plan your dream trip!
1. Interlaken – The Adventure Hub
Sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a dream destination for adrenaline junkies. Think paragliding, skydiving, and canyoning!
Plus, it’s a fantastic base for exploring the whole Jungfrau region as it’s the center point for transport.
- Transport: Major train hub with connections across Switzerland. As well as trains direct to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and along the lakes (Thun & Brienz)
- Lauterbrunnen: 24 min by train
- Grindelwald: 36 min by train
- Wengen: 37 min by train
- Mürren: 50 min by train/gondola
- Jungfraujoch: 1h 37min
- Accommodation: Huge range from budget hostels to luxury hotels like Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel.
- Amenities: As the largest town in the region, it has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Nearby Attractions: Harder Kulm, Lake Brienz, Lake Thun.
Best for: Those who want the most accommodation options and shops, restaurants. Also great for adventure seekers, first-time visitors, and those who want easy access to multiple destinations.
2. Grindelwald – The Storybook Village
If you’ve ever imagined the perfect Alpine village, it probably looks like Grindelwald.
Nestled below some of the region’s highest mountains, this town offers spectacular mountain views and easy access to must-visit attractions like the Eiger, Jungfraujoch, and First Cliff Walk.
This is the perfect spot for those who want hotel options, restaurants and epic mountain views. It is not quite as small and cute as some of the options below, but offers a great compromise between a mountain village and city.
- Transport: Well-connected by train from Interlaken, with gondolas and trains into the mountains.
- Interlaken: 36 min by train
- Lauterbrunnen: 41 min by train (with one change)
- Mürren: 1h 7 min by train/gondola
- Jungfraujoch: 1h 17min – 1h 26min (two routes)
- Accommodation: From budget hostels to upscale resorts like Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald.
- Amenities: Grocery stores, ski rentals, and charming cafés.
- Nearby Attractions: Jungfraujoch, Eiger Trail, First Cliff Walk, Männlichen.
Best for: Nature lovers, families, and travelers looking for that classic Swiss charm with facilities nearby.
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3. Lauterbrunnen – The Waterfall Wonderland
Lauterbrunnen is straight out of a fantasy novel, with countless waterfalls cascading down its steep cliffs.
It’s a peaceful, scenic spot that makes an excellent base for visiting Mürren, Wengen, and the Jungfraujoch.
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The main downside of Lauterbrunnen is that it is tiny and lacks major facilities and hotel choices. That is not to say there is nowhere to eat or buy food or gear, just that your choices are quite limited.
- Transport: Accessible by train from Interlaken, with cable cars to Mürren and a direct train to Wengen.
- Interlaken: 24 min by train
- Grindelwald: 41 min by train
- Wengen: 13 min by train
- Mürren: 21 min by gondola/train
- Accommodation: Quaint lodges and family-run guesthouses like Hotel Oberland.
- Amenities: Small grocery stores, bakeries, and local restaurants.
- Nearby Attractions: Trümmelbach Falls, Staubbach Falls, Schilthorn, Mürren, Wengen, Jungfraujoch.
Best for: Peaceful getaways, nature lovers, and travelers looking for a quieter spot with a slower pace.
4. Mürren – The Car-Free Hideaway
This tiny, car-free village sits above Lauterbrunnen and offers insane views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
It’s perfect for a quiet retreat away from the crowds, with stunning hikes and skiing opportunities. The big compromise with Mürren (which I often tell my clients) is that you are stuck up high in the corner of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is still possible to get down in 20min (minimum) but it is something to keep in mind.
- Transport: Cable car/train combination from Lauterbrunnen or bus to Stechelberg then a gondola.
- Interlaken: 50 min by train/gondola
- Grindelwald: 1h 7 min by train/gondola
- Lauterbrunnen: 21 min by gondola/train
- Wengen: 43 min by train/gondola
- Accommodation: Cozy chalets and boutique hotels like Hotel Eiger Mürren.
- Amenities: Local restaurants, ski rentals, and small shops.
- Nearby Attractions include Schilthorn—Piz Gloria, Birg Thrill Walk, Allmendhubel, and hikes. Lauterbrunnen waterfalls are easily accessible.
Best for: Romantic escapes, peaceful retreats, and those who love an authentic Alpine experience.
5. Wengen – The Cliffside Gem
Wengen is a picturesque, car-free village perched above Lauterbrunnen, offering stunning valley views and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s an ideal spot for both winter and summer adventures, with easy access to skiing and scenic trails and is only 13min down to Lauterbrunnen, which connects you to everything else in the region quite easily.
This is one of the best spots for those who want a Swiss mountain village without sacrificing accessibility.
- Transport: Reachable by train from Lauterbrunnen, which gives you access to everything else.
- Interlaken: 37 min by train/gondola
- Grindelwald: 53 min by train/gondola
- Lauterbrunnen: 13 min by gondola/train
- Mürren: 43 min by train/gondola
- Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels like Hotel Schönegg Wengen and charming chalets.
- Amenities: Ski rentals, restaurants, and cozy cafés.
- Nearby Attractions: Männlichen, Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen.
Best for: Families, outdoor lovers, and those seeking a peaceful Alpine escape with lots of mountain access.
Final Thoughts: Which Swiss Alpine Destination Is Right for You?
No matter what kind of trip you’re planning—whether it’s a luxury escape, a scenic adventure, or a peaceful retreat—the Swiss Alps have a perfect destination waiting for you. If you want adventure, Interlaken is a no-brainer. For charm and waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen won’t disappoint. And if you’re looking for car-free Alpine beauty, Mürren and Wengen are fantastic choices.
Wherever you decide to stay, you can’t go wrong with Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes, seamless transportation, and world-class amenities. Now, the only question is—when are you booking your trip?
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
