Surprising visitors with its captivating beauty at every corner of the country, Switzerland is a European country fortified with pristine lakes, spectacular waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and lush valleys. Along with being famous for world-class watches, exquisite chocolates, and delicious cheese, there are numerous picturesque small towns in Switzerland, each with its unique charm and story to tell. From the medieval town of Gruyeres to the skier’s paradise in Andermatt, every town embraces its unspoiled nature splendour and welcomes visitors from far and wide to indulge in the rich heritage of Switzerland. Let’s explore the tales of Switzerland’s soulful small towns worth visiting on your next tour here.
9 Picturesque Small Towns In Switzerland
Known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, there are several enchanting small towns in Switzerland worth visiting, especially for those seeking a vibrant escape from the noise of the town and a little closer to nature. Here is a list of lively towns:
1.Gruyeres
Home to Gruyeres Castle, Gruyeres is a medieval town that embraces picturesque landscapes and stunning scenery. Packed with several shops, cafes, and galleries, this gorgeous town is known for its delicious Gruyeres Cheese that you must have on your plates during your visit here. Holding the dignity of being the smallest town in Switzerland, and with the lake of Gruyeres beside, Gruyeres is among the places you shouldn’t miss to include in your itinerary. Indulge in the culture of the Middle Ages by taking an amazing walk through the cobblestone streets of this one of the small towns near Geneva Switzerland and enjoying awe-inspiring views of roaring fountains.
Major attractions: Gruyeres Castle, Cobblestoned Streets, HR Giger Museum
Accommodation options: La Fleur de Lys, Hôtel de Gruyères, Hôtel de Ville
Must Read: Wildlife In Switzerland
2. Gimmelwald
Glorifying its unspoiled natural beauty, Gimmelwald is one of the best small towns in Switzerland that is free from traffic population and can also be accessed by walk or cable car. This little town flaunts its wonderful traditional farming charm and is perched above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Offering the most panoramic views of gigantic mountains and thundering waterfalls, the town is fortified with numerous houses constructed with the stones known as Schindles. With the proximity to Jungfrau Mountain, and Interlaken, this small town is worth including on your itinerary and spend a mesmerising day far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Major attractions: Piz Gloria, Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory, Staubbach Falls
Accommodation options: Esthers Guesthouse, The Alpenhof Mountain House, Hotel Alpenruh
3. Soglio
Flourishing its natural charm with jaw-dropping sceneries, snow-capped mountains, and cherished blossoms, Soglio is one of the best small towns to visit in Switzerland. The prime attraction of this tiny town is the Church of San Lorenzo and its bell town which provides a blissful experience to all the visitors. Take a stroll around local narrow cobblestone streets where you will find a few hotels, embellished with Mediterranean ambience, as well as some food spots to have a tasteful treat for your appetite. For adventure-seekers, the Bergell train and chestnut forest provide an amazing hiking experience, worth discovering during your visit to Soglio.
Major attractions: Piz Cam, Bergalgapass, Gletscherhorn
Accommodation options: Hotel Stüa Granda, Hotel La Soglina, Hotel Palazzo Salis
Suggested Read: 10 Unique Museums In Switzerland
4. Zernez
A leisurely paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts, Zernez is one of the wonderful small towns in Switzerland which also serves as an entry point for the Swiss National Park. Featuring various points of interest, including a wellness centre, an outdoor swimming pool, a massage centre, and a children’s paddling area, this tiny village town is connected with many scenic trails that lead to the Lower Engadine region excursion. Zernez is packed with plenty of hotels, vacation apartments, guest houses and tourist camps, making it one of the best small towns to stay in Switzerland.
Major attractions: Swiss National Park, National Park Centre, Familienbad, Munt-la-Schera-Tunnel
Accommodation options: Hotel Crusch Alba Zernez, Hotel Acla Filli, Hotel Alpina, Hotel Baer & Post Zernez
5. Interlaken
Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is a resort town at the centre of two panoramic lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The small town captures the attention of adventure souls by offering various recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, bungee jumping, skydiving, and kayaking. Adrenaline seekers can go hiking at Harder Kulm Mountain which is known for surprising visitors with its breathtaking vistas. Dotted with old log-style houses, local shops, and sparkling buildings, this one of the gorgeous small towns in Switzerland also famous for its stunning Christmas town. Surrounded by lush greenlands, snow-peaked mountains and pristine lakes, Interlaken is no less than a paradise for thrill seekers and nature lovers.
Major attractions: Höhematte, Reformed Castle Church, Harder Kulm,
Accommodation options: Hotel Central Continental, Hotel Chalet Swiss, Hotel Interlaken
Suggested Read: 10 Interlaken Restaurants In Switzerland
6. Sion
With approximately 30,000 of population, Sion is one of the most beautiful small towns in Singapore known for flaunting its tranquillity. A perfect place to spend a majestic time amidst mountains, castles of Switzerland, sunshine, and serenity. Sion is the capital of Valois and serves as an aperture to smaller villages throughout the canton. Home to the two popular castles, Castle Tourbillon and Castle of Valeria, the place mesmerised tourists with the echoes of the tales from the bygone era, as well as provided the most panoramic vistas to delight their eyes and senses. Don’t miss having a delightful sipping experience of local white wine, known as Ferdant, during your visit to Sion.
Major attractions: Château de Tourbillon, Valère Basilica, RealFly, Les Celliers de Sion
Accommodation options: Hotel Ashray International, Hotel Sharda, Hotel Midtown Pritam
7. Andermatt
Spellbinding the visitors with a myriad of attractions and adventures, Andermatt is one of the small beautiful towns in Switzerland packed with the most scenic and peaceful surroundings. Nestled in a valley where eight mountain passes coverage, it serves as a wonderful skier’s paradise. It invites thrill seekers to indulge in various activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. One of the prime attractions of the town is Gemssock where you enjoy amazing skiing experiences as well as witness breathtaking views. Don’t miss to pay a visit to Talmuseum Ursern Folk Museum which serves as a mesmerising experience for curious minds and history buffs. Andermatt also boasts several shops, cafes and restaurants, worth exploring during your visit to this enchanting town.
Major attractions: Oberalp Pass, Suworow-Denkmal, Teufelsbrücke, Gemsstock
Accommodation options: Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, The Chedi Andermatt, Hotel Crown
Suggested Read: 15 Best Switzerland Honeymoon Resorts
8. Guarda
Perched at 5,400 feet above sea level at the Lower Engadine mountains, Guarda is one of the Switzerland small towns that captures the attention of tourists with its charming vicinity. Rewarded with the Wakker Prize for maintaining the architectural heritage of the town, this remote village reveals the tales of the region’s history with its well-preserved traditions and customs. Often hailed as a Schellenursli village, this village offers visitors an immersive experience to closely observe the untold stories of the bygone era. The prime attraction of the town is the Chalandamarz event which is hosted by locals every March and a big crowd-puller. The locals of the town use Romansch for communication, one of the official languages of Switzerland.
Major attractions: Sé-Catedral da Guarda, Parque Urbano do Rio Diz, Judiaria da Guarda
Accommodation options: Guesthouse da Sé, Hotel Santos, Ferrinho
Further Read: Top 10 Villas In Switzerland
Embracing breathtaking scenery and spellbinding natural beauty, Switzerland is a country that beckons travellers from all over the world to have an amazing retreat for their eyes and senses. There are numerous small towns in Switzerland worth visiting and witnessing the epitome of unspoiled natural charms. On your next trip to Switzerland, pay a wonderful visit these small towns awaiting your exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Towns In Switzerland
Which are the best mountain towns to visit in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a glorious country packed with several lakes, villages and mountains, some of the amazing small towns to visit in Switzerland are as follows:
1.Interlaken
2.Lauterbrunnen
3.Wengen
4.Gimmelwald
5.Zermatt
6.Montreux
What is the best time to visit Switzerland?
The spring or early summer from April to June or September and October is the best time to visit Switzerland. It’s also when the weather is at its most pleasant, as well as you are less likely to have to deal with a tourist crowd.
How many days are enough in Switzerland?
To explore Switzerland at its best, a trip for 8 to 10 days is enough. In ten days, you will have plenty of time to see all of the major sights in Switzerland, as well as have extra time for some leisure activities.
What is Switzerland famous for?
Switzerland is well known for its stunning landscapes such as the majestic Swiss Alps and picturesque lakes. The place is also famous for its delicious cheese and chocolates that attract food lovers to visit this wonderful country.
What are the must-buy things in Switzerland?
Some of the amazing things that you must explore and buy in Switzerland are as follows:
1.Swiss Watches
2.Swiss Chocolate
3.A fondue
4.Cowbells
5.Swiss army knife
6.Swiss wine
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