10 of The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland 2021

 A fusion of Italian, French, and German cultures but still with a strong identity of its own, Switzerland makes an alluring travel destination. The landlocked European country is known for its attractive cities, it’s apre-ski chic and famously idyllic mountain scenery complete with cuckoo-clock houses and bell-adorned cows – Switzerland is still a place where you can imagine Heidi skipping through the Alpine meadows! From my many visits to this breathtaking country over the years, here are my favourite best, and beautiful places to visit in Switzerland…

1. Lake Geneva – a beautiful crescent-shaped lake shared between France and Switzerland and overlooked by the Alps

Switzerland is often called the country of mountains and lakes – it harbors around 1500 lakes, and every single one of them is beautiful in their own way. The most mesmerizing water is perhaps Lake Geneva, the largest lake in the Swiss Alps and the second largest freshwater body in Central Europe.

It fascinates with its pristine beauty and unusually clear waters. Not for nothing is it compared with a mirror – the Alps covering it from the wind make the water surface unshakable. This natural mirror reflects picture-postcard mountain peaks, vineyards, tall spruces, buildings, and medieval castles scattered across the slopes.

A beach holiday on Lake Geneva is truly a unique pastime – only here you can sunbathe while admiring snow-capped summits.

2. Zurich – the stunning city nestled on a sprawling lake regularly recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities

Located on the northern shores of the eponymous lake, Zurich wins hearts with a magnificent panorama of the snow-covered Alps on the horizon. The city center is bristling with tourist attractions, sights, and interesting things to do – more than 50 museums, 100 art galleries, boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife will keep you pretty busy.

Architecture lovers will appreciate centuries-old buildings adorned with fresco paintings and plants in flowerpots. When checking out the Old Town of Zurich, look closely at the St.Peter’s Cathedral, it has the largest clock face in Europe. If you prefer recreational activities outside of city confines, boating on the lake or hiking along the scenic Uetliberg Mountain trails are at your disposal.

3. Swiss National Park – part of the worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning Alpine scenery

Switzerland has only one national park, but this one is pretty special. Located in the Western Rhaetian Alps, in eastern Switzerland, it’s part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, it’s home to beautiful scenery, wildlife and 80 kilometres of paths which allows visitors to explore the carefully preserved alpine environment.

Expect to see winding wild azure rivers, stunning peaks and dense areas of beautiful alpine forest.

4. Chateau de Chillon – a beautiful and romantic castle nestled on Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is one of the most famously beautiful lakes in the world but if you really want to crank up the fairytale factor then head for Chateau de Chillon. This medieval castle lords it over Lake Geneva from its rock island, and offers gorgeous views both inside and out.

Over a thousand years of history are displayed in the remarkably well-preserved castle and the building has inspired the works of famed writers Jeans-Jacque Rosseau and Lord Byron – if you visit you’ll see why!

5. Zermatt and the Matterhorn – the famous alpine peak ever and its neighbouring mountain resort village

Located in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton this is Switzerland’s highest ski resort. Zermatt is a car-free Alpine village famous for both its picture-postcard prettiness and its close location to the imposing Matterhorn. The steep slopes of this famous mountain once intimidated hikers from even attempting to scale it.

Since the first successful attempt in 1865, many more brave mountaineers have made it to the top of the famed mountain. This area is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland but this kind of scenery comes at a price – accommodation in Zermatt is among the most expensive in the country. Our blogger friend has also written a post on the best hikes in Switzerland.

6. Wengen – a pretty Swiss Alpine village known for its timber chalets and belle époque hotels

The Alpine village in the Bernese Oberland region is easily one of the most stunning places to take a trip to in Switzerland. Wengen is an impossibly perfect example of an Alpine village where traditional timber chalets cling to the slopes of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

It’s been developed into a car-free resort town that has an exclusive upscale feel and a fine collection of belle époque hotels. In winter the high altitude and gorgeous scenery attract a discerning skiing crowd, in fact, Wengen has so many skiers at this time its population increases almost ten-fold.

7. Lake Oeschinen – one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets

Located in Switzerland’s Kander Valley, this pristine stunning lake is fed by the glacial brooks of three surrounding mountains. It’s a beautiful and tranquil spot where nature lovers come to swim, row, hike and – in winter – ride the 3.5-kilometer long toboggan run which travels from the lake to the gondola station.

The surrounding area is also known for its rich flora and fauna – orchids, gentian, edelweiss and herds of grazing sheep and cows all call this place home.

8. Interlaken – a pretty traditional resort town surrounded by stunning scenery

This is a traditional resort town located between two Alpine Lakes, although it’s not so much the town which has earned itself a place on this list but the surrounding area – Interlaken lies at the footsteps of the most beautiful alpine range in all of Switzerland and arguably the whole world.

The scenery is truly breathtaking with surrounding snowcapped mountains sprinkled with waterfalls, glacial lakes and lush green alpine meadows. It’s also the main transport gateway to the mountains and lakes of that region, making it an excellent base for exploring. Expect stunning mountains, dense forests, alpine meadows and glaciers, great for both hiking and skiing.

9. St Moritz – the glitzy alpine resort town

One of the oldest ski resorts in the world is the highlight of the Engadin Valley and it tends to attract a well-heeled crowd. While its counterparts often suffer from unpredictable weather, St. Moriz boasts 322 sunny days per year. Probably this is why royal dynasties, politicians, billionaires, and celebrities prefer St. Moriz as a resort of their choice.

The high cost puts many people off St. Moritz but those who get here benefit from a kind of ski ‘business class’. Skiing (as well as sledding, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing) is the best reason to visit these parts but not the only one. St. Moritz-Bad is also a famous health resort with lots of spas, thermal pools, massage salons, beauty parlors, mud baths, and saunas.

10.  Appenzell – a charming tradition-rich mountain town

This beautiful region in Switzerland is a place where traditional Swiss culture is still very much alive. It’s only 66 square miles in size yet it’s packed with more charm and cultural richness than you’ll find in most other countries.

Protected by the surrounding mountains, gorgeous villages dot the rolling hills and historical pastimes like folk music and traditional dancing are still a regular occurrence here.