10 Most Charming Villages in Switzerland Worth Visiting

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with plenty of postcard-perfect locations. The landlocked country is dotted with rugged mountains, dramatic landscapes, picturesque lakes, and beautiful towns and even more beautiful villages nestled in the valley. If you want to venture beyond Zurich and Geneva, Zernez, Stein am Rhein, Zermatt, and Kandersteg are some of the most charming places to visit in Switzerland. Beyond that, here are 10 more of the most charming villages to visit in Switzerland.

Grindelwald

1. Grindelwald

One of the oldest resorts in Switzerland, Grindelwald is also known as the “Glacier Village”. The picturesque village, surrounded by many mountains and glaciers, is a popular holiday destination for hikers and adventurers. You can go hiking, skiing, mountain biking and ride the famous flying fox. Lake Bachalpsee offers a breathtaking view. At night, when the village lights up with lights and the vast Alps behind it, it becomes even more beautiful.

2. Lauterbrunnen

Situated in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Lauterbrunnen has won many hearts over the years with its lush green meadows dotted with chalets and surrounded by breathtaking rocky cliffs and snow-capped mountains. Lauterbrunnen is also known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” as it has 72 waterfalls that flow down the steep cliffs of the valley. Staubbach Falls and Trummelbach Falls are two famous landmarks of this Swiss village.

3. Guarda

Guarda, also called Schellen Ursli, is another beautiful Swiss village known for its historic architecture, including 17th-century houses with colorfully painted facades. You can hike up the Piz Buin mountain, and in winter, enjoy toboggan runs, ice rinks, and cross-country skiing trails.

Appenzell

4. Appenzell

Nestled in the middle of green hills is the tiny capital of the canton of Appenzell, known for its traditional architecture and colorful facades. With an attractive main square, brightly painted timber-framed houses and narrow streets with a beautiful castle, a Catholic church and a frescoed town hall, Appenzell is one of the most charming and attractive places in Switzerland.

5. Iseltwald and Brienz

Iseltwald and Brienz, located on the shores of Lake Brienz, are two charming villages, you can explore one and then take a boat to the other. Iseltwald, with its many chocolate-colored chalets with colorful doors and ornamented windows, surrounded by huge mountains, is the perfect place to unplug.

On the way to Brienz you can see the magnificent Giessbach waterfall. Brienz is famous for its traditional wood carving. Visit the Rothorn mountain, mountain walks are a great way to enjoy here. Explore the Bernese Alps, Lake Brienz, the Grimsel area and the museum to learn more about the country.

Andermatt

6. Andermatt

The village of Andermatt is located in a valley where eight mountain passes meet in the Alps, in the center of the Gotthard massif. In winter, the favorite activity in the village is skiing. If you come in winter, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, climbing and fishing. Andermatt is a beautiful and peaceful village, loved by photographers. After exploring the village, you can ride the Glacier Express and make a stop in Zermatt, another beautiful place in Switzerland.

7. Wengen

Wengen is a popular destination for hikers and skiers. The car-free Alpine village is located in the Jungfrau region and offers views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and mountains such as the Jungfrau and Schilthorn. There are many hiking trails from the Männlichen to the Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch mountains.

Gimmelwald

8. Gimmelwald

Another car-free alpine village, Gimmelwald is located halfway up a mountain in the Bernese Oberland in the Alps, overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The village can be reached on foot or by cable car. Gimmelwald is a charming, peaceful and beautiful village with the most breathtaking views.

9. Spiez and Interlaken

Spiez and Interlaken are two of Switzerland's most charming towns. Spiez is located on the shores of Lake Thun, surrounded by mountains and bright blue lake waters. Enjoy the view, go hiking, visit the castle and the 1,000-year-old church at Spiez Castle.

Interlaken is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, offering a lot of activities. Surrounded by mountains, it is a popular place for paragliding. From Interlaken, you should take the Jungfraujoch Express and explore the Jungfrau region.

Murren

10. Murren and Soglio

Murren is a tiny village located at the foot of the famous Schilthorn peak. Naturally, this charming mountain village offers dozens of hiking trails with the Alps. You should take the cable car to the village, as the village is car-free, or you can also hike from the bottom of the Lauterbrunnen valley.

The village of Sogilo is also a tiny green village located on the hills surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In summer, wild flowers make this village even more perfect. The church of San Lorenzo with its bell tower is a popular landmark in the village. You can also go hiking or visit Palazzo Solis.

Have you been to these villages before? Which one would you like to visit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.