Switzerland is more than a visit to the Matterhorn and fondue. Sure, they are popular for a reason, I thoroughly enjoy melted cheese while mesmerised by a Matterhorn view just as much as any tourist. But to really get to know Switzerland, you need to get off the tourist track. So that is why each and every year I gather together a list of places that you might not find on your average “must-see” in Switzerland list. The suggestions come directly from local writers and content creators who all are just as passionate as I am in discovering everything that Switzerland has to offer.
I am especially proud of this list, because I myself, who have called Switzerland home for over twenty years, haven’t even stepped foot in over half of these places. We’ve really curated a list that brings you to small idyllic places, from gorges to mountain passes, epic train rides to crystal clear lakes.
So join me on our annual trip around Switzerland to discover places off the travel guide path.
Areuse Gorge, Neuchâtel
The stone arch bridge “Saut de Brot” is the highlight of the hike in the Gorges de l’Areuse in northwestern Switzerland near Neuchâtel, about an hour west of Bern. Together with the nearby rock wall Creux du Van, this is the second most photographed landmark of the Val der Travers area in the Jura Mountains. The starting point of the popular hike through the Areuse Gorge is the small village of Noiraigues and the stone bridge is located approximately 2.5 km from the start of the route. The whole hike is 11 km long and ends either in the village of Boudry or Bôle and then you will catch the train back to Noiraigue. The trail is very varied: from an easy walk on the asphalt path along the river Areuse to going up and down some steps, crossing footbridges, or walking through the tunnel. You will certainly love it here, especially in summer, when the forest vegetation provides plenty of shade from the hot sun.
Recommended by Hana from Our Swiss Experience
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Read more about the Areuse Gorge over on Hana’s Blog
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Bergün, Graubünden
Bergün is a mountain village in Graubünden that is often found on lists of Switzerland’s most beautiful villages. It sits at the gateway to the Albula pass and is right in the middle of the stunning UNESCO protected stretch of the Rhaetian Railway. However, if you just pass through you will miss the charm of the beautiful Engadine houses, the delicious food at the beautifully restored art nouveau Hotel Kurhaus, and the stunning blue water of nearby Lake Papuogna. In Winter, Bergün attracts thousands of visitors, when the Albula pass road from Preda to Bergün is turned into a 6 kilometer, fully illuminated sledding track, winding underneath the famous train line. Bergün even has a small ski resort with 30 kilometers of slopes – perfect for beginners or those wanting to avoid the crowds of the bigger resorts.
Recommended by Ellen from z’Nüni
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Read more from Graubünden
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Bernina Pass, Graubünden
While taking the Bernina Express from St. Moritz into Italy is on many people’s must-do’s when visiting Switzerland, what you may not know is that there is also a hop-on-hop-off public train that takes the same route. This train requires no reservation, is cheaper and enables you to hop on and hop off along the entire route, allowing you to explore as you wish.
Highlights for us along the Bernina hop-on-hop-off route from Pontresina to Poschiavo include a walk towards the Morteratsch Glacier, a cheese plate lunch at the Morteratsch Dairy and the alpine reflections in Lago Bianco’s crystal clear waters. The viewpoint at Alp Grüm, which felt like a scene straight out of a disney movie, had the entire train at the window as we made our way down.
But if you asked any of us our absolutely favourite part? Our perfectly timed return trip from Poschiavo, which had us sitting in an open air train carriage. There was not one grumpy face, even from many locals, as we wove through the mountain train line wind in our hair as we navigated through tunnels and back along the lake. The train even impressed the up until then bored teenager!
Recommended by Kristin from z’Nüni
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Stay at the nearby Morteratsch Campground
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Brissago, Ticino
Brissago in the canton of Ticino, just 2km from the Italian border, is the kind of place I can imagine retiring to one day. From the moment our family of four jubilantly arrived in town to the moment we drove away (silently sobbing) I felt totally relaxed and utterly carefree. Quite an achievement considering the tumultuous year we had had!
Our main objective was to do very little and enjoy a week of lakeside living so we chose the Parkhotel Brenscino; a hotel that offered delicious food, a great pool and the most incredible views across Lake Maggiore.
When we weren’t lounging by the water or enjoying “the very best pizza” we had ever eaten at Ristorante Pizzeria Gabietta (we actually visited twice!), we did venture a little bit further afield. One day taking a ferry across to the Isole di Brissago and explored the stunning botanical gardens. Any destination that offers a scavenger hunt for the kids is always a winner in our eyes. Another day into Locarno and visited their famously fantastic lido for a few hours of water park fun.
But most days we just took it easy, enjoyed the impossibly blue skies and soaked up the Italian vibes and friendly hospitality.
Contributed by Claire from z’Nüni
Lake Cavloc near St Moritz, Graubünden
The Engadin in southeast Switzerland is full of hidden treasures, not the least of which is this lovely alpine lake nestled between tall mountain peaks. It’s a relatively easy 1-hour hike up from the Maloja pass, no cable car needed, and free to visit. You can even push an all-terrain stroller up there, though it does climb about 130 m of elevation, so it will take a little effort. In summer, this is a popular place for picnics, and some people even jump in the water for a quick dip. It’s particularly nice to visit in mid-October when the golden larch trees are bright yellow, and the lake’s edges start to freeze. If you feel like a longer hike, you can take a different route on the way back, visiting another tiny alpine lake, catching more beautiful reflections in its still water.
Contributed by Tanya from Swiss Family Fun
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Read more about Lake Cavloc over on Tanya’s Blog
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Chateau D’Oex, Vaud
A few years back, we heard about the Hot Air Balloon Festival held each winter in the small village of Chataux d’Oex, nestled in the Pays-d’Enhaut between Gruyères and Gstaad. After a little online research we knew we had to see this spectacular for ourselves.
The Hot Air Balloon festival is one of the calendar highlights of Chataux d’Oex, however the whole region has much more to offer than just this festival each year. Throughout the three hamlets of the Pays-d’Enhaut you will find some of the most stunning, intricately carved traditional Swiss Chalets and their window boxes overflowing with Gardenias . If you came to Switzerland to see real “Swiss Chalets” this is where you will find them.
Chataux d’Oex is also conveniently located on the MOB railway between Montreux and Zweisimmen. I’ve added the Golden Pass Classic to my future bucket list which allows you to enjoy the splendour of how rail travel used to be and glamourised by trains such as the Orient Express.
Not up for a full day trip on the train, no problem, a quick 32 mins up the road by train is the luxurious village of Gstaad, where you can shop for Gucci and Prada before you take to the hills for to enjoy more of Switzerland’s scenic hiking trails.
Contributed by Amanda from Amanda Joy Photography
The Entlebuch, Luzern
My favourite region in Switzerland is one with great hikes, wild and rugged landscapes, and excellent food. What makes it even more notable is its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere, meaning a nature reserve devoted to biodiversity, conservation and sustainability. I’m a bit biased, because it’s the region my husband comes from, but just when I think I’ve discovered all its charms, something new surprises me (much like him).
My favourite hikes start from Sörenberg or Marbachegg, which can be reached with cable cars and offer skiing in the winter as well. From both places you can hike over the cantonal border to Bern, to the beloved Kemmeriboden-Bad where they serve their famous meringues and cream. Sörenberg has the added bonus of the Mooraculum, a beautiful playground dedicated to the alpine moor it inhabits, with great interactive play for kids and lots of water features.
Marbach itself is worth a visit, if only for its famous dairy, Bergkäserei Marbach, which offers numerous cheeses produced in the Biosphere including ones from a local herd of buffalo (try the mozzarella), and a great selection from culinary wizard Stefan Wiesner, whose famous Rössli restaurant is located in nearby Escholzmatt.
Last year we were smitten with Zyberliland, a region famous for their little plums, Zyberli, and featuring another great hiking trail with a series of interpretive playgrounds for kids. Romoos, the town at the centre has the lovely Napf Beck bakery with Lucerne’s famous Birnenweggen, pear bread, and you can pan for gold on the Napf itself, the mountain that sits in the middle of the region.
Recommended by Andie Pilot of Helvetic Kitchen.
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Want to try your own version of Birnenweggen? You’ll find her recipe here.
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Flüeli-Ranft, Obwalden
The tiny village of Flüeli-Ranft, located in the canton of Obwalden, has several sites of national importance. After you arrive, you will immediately notice the colourful façade of the Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana. Built in the late 19th century, the interior of this art nouveau hotel is just as spectacular as its dramatic exterior. I recommend making reservations at the hotel’s Veranda restaurant, which has large picture windows overlooking the Sarneraa Valley.
Not far from this historic hotel is the former home of Niklaus von Flüe, known as Switzerland’s national saint. You can visit both the home where he was born, and where he raised his family—until he abandoned his wife and 10 kids to become a hermit in the nearby Ranft Gorge. Brother Klaus, as he became known, lived out the remainder of his days in a sparse cell attached to a tiny chapel. From there, he provided advice and spiritual counsel to those in need of support.
If you are interested in hiking, there are several paths to choose from that pass through Flüeli-Ranft. These include the Bruderklausenweg (Brother Klaus Trail), Trans Swiss Trail and ViaJacobi (St. Jacob’s Way). On the way up to Flüeli-Ranft, you will also cross Europe’s highest covered wood bridge, constructed by the Swiss army in 1943.
Recommended by Heddi from Cuisine Helvetica
Guarda, Graubünden
A late-night car train through the Vereina tunnel landed us close to our destination Guarda (meaning ‘look’ in Romansch) one starry Friday night. As we climbed through narrow streets passing chalets resembling birthday cakes with their dainty colours and pleasing shapes it is easy to understand why this village is the inspiration for Switzerland’s most famous children’s book – Schallen Ursli. The Schellen-Ursli museum with it’s heavy wooden carved door was as endearing as the sheep skin throws and heavy burnished gold cow bells charmingly displayed in the entrance of the museum.
We stayed at the old Meisser hotel and slept in a room overlooking valleys deep and wide. On Saturday we hiked through the Swiss national park with flasks of hot chocolate and rucksacks filled with foraged pinecones from the forest floor. We had an Engadine bratwurst in Guarda village and plotted an early Sunday morning exploration of the Schellen-Ursli trail to further indulge our experience of feeling as though we were in a Swiss fairytale. Go here for stars, stories and possibly the prettiest village in Switzerland.
Recommended by Geeta
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Read more from Graubünden
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Meggen, Luzern
The tiny town of Meggen in canton Luzern isn’t really blowing up anyone’s bucket list, and I’m not here to dispute that; truthfully there isn’t much to do. But if you’re in Central Switzerland and you’re looking for a great day out somewhere close by that feels like a world away, Meggen’s castle, Schloss Meggenhorn, is a truly excellent choice and still somewhat of a hidden gem. Best of all, it’s absolutely free! The makings of my favourite kind of Swiss fairytale.
Situated atop a hill and offering sweeping views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne, this newer but nevertheless enchanting castle has expansive grounds with truly something for everyone. You will love the French-style gardens bursting with giant hydrangea and beautiful roses in the summer; your kids will love getting lost in the little labyrinths throughout. You will love the jaw-dropping views from the castle; your kids will love imagining the magical things happening behind its dramatic doorways. You will love walking through the vineyards and buying a bottle of wine produced on the grounds; your kids will love the huge playground complete with a zipline on the other side of the vines. Everyone will love the adorable baby animals living on the farm that are happy for a visit and sometimes even available to pet. Bring a picnic or visit the Schlossbistro (check the hours; they’re tricky) and you’ve got a storybook-perfect day. Maybe add it to your bucket list, after all.
Contributed by Kealan aka @theamimommy on Instagram
Murten, Fribourg
Whether you’re looking to learn about ancient history, to explore a charming medieval village including a castle and walkable rampart walls, a museum visit, a stroll at the lake, a sports event or a delicious moitié/moitié Cheese Fondue – you will find something you like in Murten in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Contributed by Tamara from The Part-Time Working Hockey Mom blog
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Read more about Tamara’s trip to Murten
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Grand St. Bernard Pass and Lacs de Fenêtre, Valais
One of Valais “must” visit locations is the Pays Du St. Bernard region in Bas Valais. Nestled on the Italian border with France just over the mountain, it is an area with endless possibilities for hiking, relaxing or even organising a multi-day adventure.
For a relaxed day, drive up the mountain road to the Grand St. Bernard Pass. Park your car at the unmistakable Grand Saint Bernard Hospice, stroll around the lake, bring a picnic and visit the Musée du St. Bernard, dedicated to the famous mountain dog. The far side of the lake is already in Italy, keep that in mind and bring a passport or ID card, just in case you need it. And a tip, there is also a gelato shop (ice cream)!
For a more adventurous day, hike to the breathtaking Lacs de Fenêtre from the pass. Away from it all in a stunning alpine location, one can find the three lakes of Lacs de Fenêtre. An awe-inspiring area ideal for the whole family. The hike is about 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed but so well worth the effort.
Contributed by Corina from Packed Again
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Read more about hiking near Grand St. Bernard Pass over on Corina’s blog
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Toggenburg, St. Gallen
The Toggenburg region, in particular Alt Sankt Johann and Wilhaus, would have to be one of my favourite and most frequently visited areas in Switzerland.The region is located in a valley between two large and well known mountain ranges of Switzerland, the Churfirsten (also known as the Sharpest Panoramic of Switzerland) and the famous Appenzell mountain district, namely Säntis. It isn’t a far drive, for those of us in the Swiss German part of Switzerland, just over an hour drive for us from Schaffhausen.
The thing I like the most is that every time we go, we discover new and interesting places to visit. In the winter months, we tend to spend most of our time in the Chäserrugg area, skiing and sledding. My husband oftens heads off on ski tours up the other side of the valley, which offer amazing views of the Churfirsten. In the summer, the hiking opportunities are endless. Most notably in the area for families is the Klangweg, a musically themed trail that connects the Chäserrug area to Wildhaus. Another area to visit is the Älpli area, where you can hike to the “Quelle der Thur”, the source of the Thur river.
Contributed by Kaccey from z’Nüni
Val d’Hérens, Valais
Earth pyramids, an incredible blue lake, and an out of this world lunar landscape. How not to recommend you to visit the beautiful Val d’Hérens valley in the Valais region?
The Val d’Hérens is a valley not far from Sion, along with beautiful villages such as Evolène, and Arolla. They are all accessed by a road that leads you through the impressive Earth Pyramids of Euseigne rock formations. These earth pyramids date from the end of the Ice Age and the site is a Swiss natural monument. There are small parking lots along the road to stop and have a closer look at the rock formations.
Most go to Val d’Hérens because of its ‘Lac Bleu’ – a beautiful blue mountain lake that without any doubt is beautiful in all seasons. But in particularly the lake is most beautiful in Autumn when the golden yellow larch trees reach their peak. Our visit was a bit too early in the season for those trees, but there were signs of Autumn and the view from the lake was gorgeous.
Another place to visit in the Val d’Hérens region is Ferpècle. I honestly had never seen anything like this place. Ferpècle mostly reminded me of a moon landscape. There is water in different colours, sand, and there are rock formations. Ferpècle is the alluvial site of 2 glaciers: the Ferpècle and the Mont Miné Glaciers, and is located at 2000m. According to locals, the site, which is literally at the foot of the Mont Miné glacier, has therapeutic energy resources. A perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Recommended by Laura from Let’s Explore:
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More on the Val d’Hérens region and Lac Bleu
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