Switzerland is famous for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and picturesque alpine settings. Here are some must-visit villages in Switzerland:
Zermatt
It’s a car-free town, and vehicles are not allowed within its limits. You can typically arrive by train, and electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages are used for transportation within the town. The Gornergrat Railway, one of the highest cogwheel railways in Europe, starts from Zermatt and takes visitors to the Gornergrat summit. From there, they can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks.
Zermatt is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with a range of slopes suitable for all skill levels. Climbers attempting to summit the Matterhorn often use the Hörnli Hut as a base camp. The climb is challenging, and the hut plays a crucial role in supporting mountaineers.
✨ The Zermatt Festival, an annual event, combines classical music with the stunning backdrop of the Alps. It attracts both local and international musicians and music enthusiasts.
Lauterbrunnen
The village is in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, a deep glacial valley surrounded by high cliffs and dominated by lush green meadows. There are 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with the most famous ones being Staubbach Falls, which is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. Also, Trümmelbach Falls is a series of impressive waterfalls inside a mountain. Trümmelbach Falls are accessible by a tunnel lift and showcase the power of glacial meltwater.
The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” is accessible from Lauterbrunnen via cable cars. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Wengen
It is also a car-free village in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Wengen offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alps, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Wengen is part of the Jungfrau Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning alpine landscapes. The village serves as a popular base for exploring the Jungfrau Region and its numerous hiking and skiing trails. The architecture in Wengen reflects traditional Swiss chalet-style buildings.
Gruyères
A small medieval town in the Fribourg canton of Switzerland…
Famous for its cheese, Gruyères has cobblestone streets and a stunning castle. The town is dominated by Gruyères Castle (Château de Gruyères). It’s a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. The castle is on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The region is also known for its fondue, and you can enjoy traditional Swiss fondue in local restaurants. Fondue is a classic Swiss dish where cheese is melted and served with bread for dipping.
Saas Fee
Similar to Zermatt and Wengen, Saas Fee is a car-free village, contributing to its peaceful and clean atmosphere. Visitors typically reach Saas Fee by using the nearby car park and continue on foot or via electric taxis. Saas Fee is the “Pearl of the Alps” or the “Glacier Village” due to its location surrounded by thirteen towering 4,000-meter peaks, including the Dom, the highest mountain entirely in Switzerland. It’s possible to explore the Ice Pavilion, a cave within the Fee Glacier with ice sculptures and tunnels. The entrance is on the Mittelallalin.
The revolving restaurant at the Mittelallalin, called “360°,” is the highest revolving restaurant in Switzerland.
