10 Most Breathtaking Towns In Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its snow-capped Alpine peaks and stunning glacier-fed lakes, which together create some of Europe’s most unforgettable scenery. While the country is home to world-famous ski resorts high in the Alps, including one where world leaders gather every winter, its beauty reaches far beyond the slopes. It also includes a lakeside village listed in the Swiss federal inventory of protected sites and a fairytale-like town famous for crafting one of the world’s most beloved cheeses, Gruyere. From the towering heights of the Adula Alps to the storied shores of Lake Geneva, here are 10 of the most breathtaking towns in Switzerland.
Davos
Every January, the world’s government and corporate leaders flock to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum. But during the rest of the year, this Swiss village in the Rhaetian Alps rolls out the red carpet for everyone. Year-round, visitors can hop on board the Parsenn funicular to reach the top of this mountain, which is open for skiing in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer. Even better, Davos also has Jakobshorn, a locals’ favourite that’s always had a free spirit, hence why it was one of the region’s first ski mountain to allow freestyle skiing and snowboarding on its 55 kilometres (34 miles) of trails. In the summer, Jakobshorn is open for hiking, biking, paragliding, and trail running.
In town, there’s plenty more to see and do, including the Kirchner Museum Davos, where visitors can take a deep dive into the colourful world of the 20th-century expressionist artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. And over at the Hotel Schatzalp - Davos, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s own funicular, allowing fast rides between the property and the city center, along with multiple restaurants, a gorgeous botanical garden, and access to numerous outdoor activities nearby.
Chur
Situated in the Grisonian Rhine Valley, right where the Rhine River begins to flow northward, the town of Chur overflows with fascinating history. In Old Town Chur, travellers will encounter several striking landmarks, including the Kathedrale St. Mariä Himmelfahrt, which has stood here since the 13th century. There's also the Rätisches Museum, which traces the history of the canton of Graubünden from ancient times and the Middle Ages to the 20th century. And speaking of ancient, visitors can even stop at the local tourist office and request the key to enter the Römische Ausgrabungen Chur, which houses the town’s Roman-era archaeological site and artifacts.
This only scratches the surface of what awaits ambitious explorers in Chur. No matter what kind of vacation you're looking for, the Ambiente Hotel Freieck places you within very easy reach of Old Town Chur’s many historic treasures while also providing guest rooms with modern amenities.
Schwyz
Tucked between the imposing Schwyzer Alps and the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne is the sharp and stunning town of Schwyz. Perhaps the most recognisable natural landmark is Grosser Mythen, the 1,898 metre-tall (or 6,227 feet) mountain that makes for a real hiker’s and climber’s paradise. Meanwhile, in town, folks can take a journey back in time at the Bundesbriefmuseum and go all the way back to Switzerland’s origin story with a collection that includes the confederation's founding document. And for some more interesting living history, it’s a short hop over to the Victorinox Factory Store Ibach, where folks can shop their selection of fine Swiss Army knives in the town where these compact tools were first crafted.
After a long day hiking the trails or traipsing around town, it’s good to know that the Hotel Wysses Rössli is available to stay the night with sleek and comfortable guest rooms at a prime location at the heart of the village.
Andermatt
High in the Adula Alps of the Uri canton, about 109 kilometres (or 68 miles) south of Zürich, is the always adventurous mountain town of Andermatt. A key highlight here is Gemsstock, the 2,962 metre (or 9,718 foot) tall mountain that’s picture-perfect for skiing during winter, and for hiking during the warmer months. In addition, mountain bikers can hop on the Gottardo Bike trail and ride this route that originally consisted of military access roads all the way through the mountains and down to Biasca in the Ticino canton. And at the Vier-Quellen-Weg (or Four Springs Trail), hikers can traverse through the ruggedly beautiful Gotthard Massif backcountry and discover the sources of four European rivers: the Rhine, the Reuss, the Ticino, and the Rhône.
While Andermatt excels in outdoor excursions, it’s also possible to enjoy the finer things in life here. In fact, The Chedi Andermatt is a Forbes five-star and two Michelin-starred luxury hotel that’s home to the two Michelin-starred Japanese Restaurant, a highly acclaimed spa and health club, and a full selection of deluxe guest rooms and opulently oversized elite suites.
Morcote
Located on the idyllic shores of Lake Lugano, about 77 kilometres (or 48 miles) north of Milan (Italy), is a Ticino town so gorgeous that it’s listed in the official Swiss federal inventory of sites worthy of protection. Here in Morcote, there’s never a shortage of stunning landmarks, from the saintly Chiesa Santa Maria del Sasso that’s been watching over town since 1478, to the stately Castello di Morcote, where a 15th-century castle lords over a contemporary family-run and eco-friendly winery. Even at the seemingly simple Parco Scherrer, it’s hard not to be overtaken by the exceptional lake views and the grand Mediterranean and Asian-style gardens of this historic house.
In case all of that isn't impressive enough, Morcote is also home to the Michelin-key-winning Relais Castello di Morcote boutique hotel. Originally built in the 17th century and previously used as a monastery, this hotel now welcomes guests to a heavenly environment with magnificent lake views, the delectable La Sorgente Swiss-Italian restaurant, and a chic collection of lovely rooms and suites.
Grindelwald
Perched in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps is Grindelwald, a gloriously gorgeous mountain village 74 kilometres (or 46 miles) south-east of the nation’s capital of Bern. As the name suggests, the Grindelwald-First mountain is a must-do for ambitious hikers and (winter) skiers, as well as those who simply want to ride the cable car up and take in the amazing mountain and glacier views. In addition, visitors can take the gondola cableway up to Männlichen to try a number of scenic high-altitude hikes on the mountain. And for something really impressive, travellers can ride the Jungfrau railway all the way up to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe” (at 3,454 metres, or 11,332 feet, above sea level) featuring Europe’s highest train station, the “Ice Palace” on the Aletsch Glacier, and a working research and weather station.
Whatever folks decide to do in town or in the mountains, the Hotel Restaurant Fiescherblick is happy to welcome guests to Grindelwald and provide wonderful Swiss-style farm-to-table cuisine at the restaurant alongside cosy rooms and suites at the hotel.
Zermatt
Just north of the Switzerland-Italy border is the uniquely enchanting Valais (or Wallis in German) village of Zermatt, the town at the foot of one of the world’s most famous mountains. Of course, this mountain is the Matterhorn, the 4,478-metre (14,692-foot) tall “Mountain of Mountains." The Matterhorn Glacier Trail provides hikers with some of the best views of this iconic peak and the area glaciers during the summer season. Meanwhile, during winter, Matterhorn Ski Paradise lets skiers ride the highest trails in the Alps, spanning the international border. And for those wanting an easier journey into the mountains, they can simply hop on the cable car up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which has a viewing platform at 3,883 metres (or 12,739 feet) above sea level, Europe’s highest restaurant, and panoramic views of 14 glaciers across three nations.
As noted above, Zermatt can claim several “Europe’s highest” titles. Here’s another one: The Riffelalp Resort 2222m is officially Europe’s highest luxury hotel at 2,222 metres (or 7,290 feet) above sea level, plus they go the distance to overachieve with their sumptuously soothing Spa, their all-star lineup of gourmet restaurants, and their sustainably posh chalet-style rooms and suites.
Verbier
Located in the Val de Bagnes of the Pennine Alps, Verbier is a Valais village that’s become synonymous with world-class skiing and exceptional Swiss Alpine luxury. The crown jewel of this region, and perhaps for the entirety of Switzerland’s ski scene, is Verbier 4Vallées, the largest ski and snowboard resort complex located entirely within Switzerland, with a whopping 410 kilometres (or 255 miles) of runs that reach as high as Mont Fort’s summit at 3,330 metres (or 10,925 feet) above sea level. The resort offers an incredible 1,830 metres (6,004 feet) of vertical, and tends to remain open 10 months out of the year.
Even for those not keen on skiing, there’s still plenty to see and do in Verbier. In particular, the Sentier des Chamois is an incredible hiking path into the Haut Val de Bagnes nature reserve, where visitors can spot local wildlife like mountain goats, chamois, and marmots in this pristine high Alpine wilderness. Or, for a more easygoing day out during the summer season, folks can ride the gondola up to Savoleyres and enjoy views of Pierre Avoi while feasting on homemade artisan pizza. Whatever one decides to do around town, there’s nothing quite like a stay at the W Verbier, the region’s premier luxury resort with easy ski-in/ski-out access, 123 fashion-forward rooms and suites, and a dedicated Mountain Concierge team providing guests with exclusive access to everything from snowboarding lessons to private backcountry heliski excursions.
Gruyères
Gruyère cheese is beloved for its sweet yet salty, complex flavour, and the town of Gruyères in Fribourg is the perfect place to experience the magic behind this famous Swiss cheese. In fact, the nearby La Maison du Gruyère dairy takes visitors behind the scenes in the making of Gruyère cheese, including meeting the local cows and seeing the rooms where the cheese wheels age. Just up the road from the dairy is the Château de Gruyères, an authentic 13th-century castle that sits at the foot of the idyllic Fribourg Pre-Alps. Staying in the neighbourhood, visitors can also pop over to the Musée H.R. Giger and view the creations of this imaginative Swiss artist who won an Academy Award for his work on the sci-fi classic Alien (1979).
For the ultimate in local hospitality, it’s worth a stay at Le Saint Georges. Not only is this a beautiful boutique hotel located steps away from the Château de Gruyères, but it’s also home to the world champion cheesemaker Damien Raemy and his delectable fondues, as well as an in-house pizzeria baking incredible pizzas in their wood-fired oven.
Montreux
Often called the “Pearl of Lake Geneva” for its natural beauty and artistic flair, the Vaud town of Montreux (around 92 kilometres, or 57 miles, east of the city of Geneva) has some of Switzerland’s most precious treasures. For one, the Château de Chillon is the nation’s most visited historic landmark, and a simple glance at this Medieval era island castle does a lot to explain why. Then, in the heart of the town is the Old Town of Montreux, a wonderful local neighbourhood to wander the cobblestone streets, dine at the leisurely bistros and cafés, and catch hiking trails like the one leading into the Chauderon Gorge. And just a few blocks from Old Town, visitors will find La Cave Montreux Riviera, the perfect launchpad for dipping into the local wine scene and their tasty variety of award-winning varietals, including Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, and Chardonnay.
Of course, no conversation about Montreux feels complete without mentioning the Montreux Jazz Festival that they’ve been hosting every summer for nearly 60 years. Mere steps away from the festival’s main venue, guests can stay in extravagant luxury at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, a historic (1906) Belle Époque hotel, which has a convenient location that makes it easy to explore more of the Swiss Riviera.
Let Switzerland Take Your Breath Away In These Beautiful Towns
Throughout Switzerland, travellers can stumble upon illustrious towns and villages that provide a wide array of special treasures worth experiencing. At Davos, visitors can ski, snowboard, hike, and bike the mountain trails that sit above the meeting grounds of the World Economic Forum. Then there’s Chur, a city that traces its roots back to Ancient Roman times and preserves several grand Medieval landmarks. Over at Andermatt, explorers can hike or ski the Swiss Alpine backcountry where four rivers originate.
Heading west, Verbier may be Switzerland’s ultimate posh playground with the country’s largest ski area alongside pristine nature preserves and lavish luxury resorts. And finally, Gruyères is a must-see, do, and taste for its world-famous cheese and majestic historic castle.
It may be incredibly difficult to limit oneself to just ten breathtakingly beautiful Swiss towns to visit, but hopefully everyone now has a better idea of all that this European nation has to offer.
