Ten Most Picturesque Villages in Switzerland

One drawback of taking a Road Trip across Switzerland is that ‘it spoils you rotten’. From border to border, you will find a perfect line up of rugged mountain views punctuated with picturesque valley floors. A paradise for hikers in summers and skiers in winters, the beauty of Switzerland thrives every season of the year. But what attracted us the most, is spending time in these charming, quaint, belle-epoque Villages in Switzerland.

We have made a list of ten most iconic villages in Switzerland, so that you do not miss out on them on your visit. We have also tried to keep a balance between mainstream and offbeat villages in Switzerland. This will help you get the perfect blend of an all-round experience. So without much ado, let’s roll. . .

1. Lauterbrunnen

A cascading high waterfall, a beautiful medieval Gothic Church and a graveyard decorated with the most exotic flowers – this terrific trio screams, “Welcome to Lauterbrunnen”.  This village nestled in the BernerOberland (Central Switzerland) is the highlight of your trip and hence features first on the list. This is because, Lauterbrunnen is the jump-off point for almost all your village and mountain explorations here. Be it visiting the Jungfrau Joch or the mighty Schilthorn Mountains; or exploring the quaint medieval villages in the vicinity, this is going to be the starting point.

One of the most Iconic Lauterbrunnen Fall. . .

Spring in All its Glory at Lauterbrunnen! When your jump off point is this gorgeous. . .

Lauterbrunnen Graveyard in all its Glory! Souls must definitely Rest In Peace in such picturesque ambience. . .

Lauterbrunnen in itself deserves a bit of exploration. So put on your hiking shoes, park your car near the ost and catch a cog wheel train or gondola to your favourite locations.

2. Appenzell

This North-Eastern Alpine village oozes a story-book charm like no other. Home to impressive castles, catholic Church, Mural covered Town Halls, the tour around the village’s architectural delight is always a treat.

Hikers/Posers in Wasserauen, Appenzell. . .

The Seealpsee Lake at Appenzell. . .

Scenic Hiking Trails in Appenzell. . .

A paradise for hikers and trekkers, you can experience some of the most scenic treks of your life here. Read our experience at Appenzell, Switzerland.

3. Zermatt

Lauded for its picture perfect “Matterhorn” views, this village located in the Southern part of Switzerland comes with a classy Italian vibe.

Hiking in the Village of Zermatt, South Switzerland! Can you spot the Matterhorn in the background though. . .

Always wanted to see the Matterhorn Up Close! The Lone Mountain stands tall in all its glory. . .

Home to exotic mountaineering and ski resorts, Zermatt is the most definite place to go if you are seeking a pinch of glitz and glamour with your outdoor activities. If a close-up of ‘The Matterhorn’ is your dream as well, make sure to trek upto Lake Stellise. Or hike upto Matterhorn View Point (1 km) from Zermatt Ost to get a clear view of the coveted ‘Lone Mountain’.

4. Diemtigen

Vast stretches of undulating greens, rippled mountains, cozy BnBs, a race course and a nature park. Diemtigen Village is the real package deal you are looking for.

View from our B’n’B Bed at Diemtigen. Stunning, isn’t it?

Morning Coffee with a View!!!

Our base was a cozy Air BnB where we stayed for the entire tenure of our Central Switzerland (Bernese Oberland) exploration. And it couldn’t be more perfect. With the nature park nearby, our mornings were often privy to some wild stags staring at our room and a bunch or chirpy colourful birds playing near our cottage verandah! But the best part of the stay here are the gorgeous views. . .

5. Gimmelwald

A quaint, sleepy, farming village in the Bernese Oberland, Gimmelwald is the perfect off beaten path destination for your Swiss Village diaries. Fields of hay, Log Cabins, stone cottages and majestic mountains abound this tiny village. Enjoy your morning with a cup of Swiss milk tea while enjoying the exotic views.

Gimmelwald is Car-Free. You can park your car at Lauterbrunnen Parking and take a gondola to Gimmelwald and then onward to Murren.  However, if you wish to save some bucks like us, we would advise you to drive uptoStechelberg (20 minutes from Lauterbrunnen) and hike to Gimmelwald.

Quaint, Sleepy, Beautiful Gimmelwald where Residents live for more than 100 years!!!

6. Murren

Another Car-Free village worth a visit. Murren is a 55 minutes hike from Gimmelwald. But if you are not much of a hiker, you can take the gondola from Gimmelwald, while enjoying the pretty views. If you’re a fan of James Bond, chances are you’re familiar with the cable car and revolving restaurant on Schilthorn. They were featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service that was filmed at Murren. Or if you loved Alice in Wonderland books as a child, this traditional Alpine village will remind you of her home. Wherever you look in Murren, you’ll see stunning views, from mighty mountains like Eiger and Jungfrau to flower-filled meadows.

Aerial View of Murren. . .

7. Iseltwald

If your planned itinerary is not set in stone then a little detour from the mainland Interlaken will reveal this beautiful paradise village. Set on the shores of the exotic lake Brienz, the surrounding hills were adorned with spring flower blossoms while the snow capped mountains filled the horizon. This beautiful lake side village with the perfect Mediterranean ambience and giant sequoia trees is a must visit village during your one-week Swiss exploration.

Take a Detour, Curl up with a Book, have a Hearty Breakfast by the Lakeside at Iseltwald. . .

Bask in the solitude this tiny village begets, read a book by the lake, have a hearty breakfast in a nearby café and then proceed to your destination. Trust us, you will thank us later!

8. Wengen

For people who have the time and resources to visit just one village, it should undoubtedly be Wengen.

Picturesque Wengen!!! Only if Pictures could do Justice. . .

Everything is picturesque about this village, from the beautiful chestnut trees, to cobble stoned trek routes to the mighty snow capped mountains guarding the horizon. Wengen is basically a ski resort but its summer charm is  mesmerizing as well. Take a train to Wengen from Lauterbrunnen, take a stroll around the village, spread a picnic at a spot of your choice and finally hike up to the Wengen Church for the best views.

9. Grindelwald

The Shangrila of adventure, this north Eiger Mountain facing picturesque village features as the firm favourite of tourists throughout the year.

All set to embark on our Adventure at Grindelwald!!! Gondola Rides, Bike Trots, First Gliders, Cliff Walks and many more. . .

Maddy at Grindelwald First!!!

Trek along the Eiger trails or book the most scenic gondola ride to ‘GrindelwaldFirst’ , also known as the ‘Top of Adventure’. One way ticket for 1 person costs 32 Euros. After a short Cliff Walk and clicking your ‘Post Card Shot’, you can opt for some more adventure activities on the top.  You can opt to come down to Grindelwald on a trot Bike. But if adventure is not really your thing, there is a gondola coming down every 15 seconds.

10. Nyon

As you approach West Switzerland, you will discover a lot of French influence in the architecture and accent. Half-timbered buildings in its well-preserved Old Town are enhanced with ornately decorated and colorful facades.

Can you feel the Medieval Vibes Already?

Soak in the ‘Old-Town’ vibe of the village, as you rewind at a French Café sipping Fendant or Swiss Coffee.

Parting Thoughts

It’s true that Switzerland’s sleek cities are greatly admirable. Most tourists are so captivated by the allure of Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva that they hardly venture out to Switzerland’s rustic side. While Ireland and England boast jaw-dropping scenery, Switzerland is home to some of THE most picturesque villages in the world.

Tucked in the lap of the Alps and surrounding valleys these most beautiful villages in Switzerland offer tourists a chance to unwind and experience local life and culture. Romanticized in movies, books and shows, charms of the Swiss countryside has gripped every traveller’s imagination.

Next time you plan to visit Switzerland, take a break from the posh Swiss cities, and soak in the laid back vibes of the exotic countryside.