A patchwork of dramatic alpine slopes, storybook architecture and emerald lakes, Switzerland offers far more than its well-known cities. Sequestered between mountain peaks and along tranquil shorelines are dozens of lesser-known towns and villages, each with its own distinctive charm and character.
From waterfront retreats to high-altitude hamlets, we've ranked 20 of the most beautiful destinations across the country.
Click or scroll on to discover the breathtaking Swiss towns and villages that deserve a place on your travel itinerary...
Cradled by towering peaks in the Urseren Valley, the idyllic village of Andermatt in central Switzerland balances natural beauty with alpine charm. A gateway to eight mountain passes, it has 112 miles (180km) of ski runs and a quaint centre filled with half-timbered houses, historic chapels and a lively piazza that hosts festivals and concerts.
One of the area's most striking landmarks is the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, which stretches from Andermatt to the neighbouring village of Göschenen. In 1799, it was the site of a fierce battle between Napoleon’s troops and Russian forces. Today, a scenic hiking trail winds through its soaring cliffs.
The peaceful village of Guarda, nestled in the Lower Engadine region of Graubünden, is as enchanting in real life as in its depiction in the beloved Swiss children’s book Schellen-Ursli. Known for its tranquillity, the traffic-free village requires visitors to leave their cars in a car park at its entrance.
Often compared to a living museum, Guarda is home to remarkably well-preserved buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its narrow streets are lined with historic homes decorated in sgraffito, a traditional technique that reveals layered colours through intricate, hand-etched designs.
Small in scale but steeped in character, the tiny mountainside hamlet of Corippo is located in Switzerland's southernmost canton, Ticino. With a population of just 13, it holds the title of the nation's smallest village.
Though its beautiful granite homes, rustic tavern and cobbled streets had grown quiet over the years, the community is experiencing a revival. A unique hospitality project has repurposed six 18th-century houses into a concept hotel, with rooms dispersed throughout the hamlet and integrated into its historic fabric. Guests can now experience a taste of traditional mountain life, stay in centuries-old buildings, explore the Alps and cool off in natural rock pools.
Hugging the banks of the Rhine, just across the water from Germany, Diessenhofen in the canton of Thurgau sits at a distance from the region's typical tourist trails. The riverside town's rich history extends back to at least AD 757, and its medieval architecture still takes centre stage today.
The historic centre comprises charming cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and the striking Church of St Dionys. Among Diessenhofen’s most iconic sights is its covered wooden bridge, a centuries-old structure that has connected Switzerland and Germany since the 13th century.
The highest village in the canton of Ticino, Bosco Gurin is situated more than 4,921 feet (1,500m) above sea level. It was founded in 1253 by Walser settlers: agricultural migrants from the Valais region, who were drawn by its verdant landscapes. The village's strong cultural identity has endured centuries, evident in the traditional wood-and-stone homes, distinctive Walser dialect and ingrained local customs.
Surrounded by breathtaking views, Bosco Gurin offers panoramic hiking and biking trails overlooking the Maggia Valley, while in winter, its slopes attract skiers from near and far.
Known as the 'pearl of the Jura', the quaint town of Saint-Ursanne rises in a forested valley on the banks of the river Doubs. Its cobbled streets and squares are peppered with antique shops and art galleries, and framed by beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Dating back to the 12th century, the town is said to have been founded by Ursicinus, an Irish monk who once lived as a hermit in a nearby cave. Today, echoes of its fascinating past can be seen in landmarks like the Romanesque basilica, the Gothic town hall and the Saint-Jean Népomucène bridge, which serves as a grand entrance to the town.
Perched on the shore of Lake Lugano, the fishing village of Gandria is one of the most unspoilt settlements on the glacial lake, which straddles the border between southern Switzerland and northern Italy. The village is characterised by its winding, narrow streets, colourful frescoed buildings and 17th-century grottos – stone cellars built into the lakeshore, still used for storing produce and goods.
Almost frozen in time, Gandria's old-world charm is in part due to its remoteness. Its streets are too narrow for cars, and it wasn’t until 1936 that a road to the village was even built. Before that, the only way to reach it was on foot or by boat.
A haven for nature-lovers, hikers and skiers, the village of Grimentz in the southwest canton of Valais is encircled by the spectacular Pennine Alps. Its rugged surroundings are crisscrossed with winter sports trails and walking routes, offering sweeping views of the peaks and the vivid blue waters of the Moiry Reservoir, some 8,202 feet (2,500m) above sea level.
Grimentz is an enchanting example of a traditional alpine village. Along its cobblestone streets, you'll pass historic timber homes, stores, hotels, barns and granaries. In the summer months, geraniums spill from window boxes and balconies, making it a truly idyllic mountain escape.
Interlaken, in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region, is among Switzerland's oldest and most beloved holiday resorts. There's a reason its appeal has endured the centuries – tucked in a narrow valley between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the shadow of the Jungfrau mountain, the picturesque town offers the best of lakefront and alpine living.
Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy everything from river rafting and kayaking to speedboat rides, while thrill-seekers can take on paragliding and bungee jumping. For a slower pace, the historic cog railway climbs to Schynige Platte, a mountain station at 6,453 feet (1,967m), where panoramic views and a peaceful alpine botanic garden await.
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The medieval town of Bremgarten, located in the northern canton of Aargau, rests on a bend of the Reuss river on a scenic peninsula. It's renowned for its beautiful shuttered buildings, meandering alleyways and covered wooden bridge, which dates back to the 16th century. Once a vital transport hub in the Middle Ages, it's evolved into a vibrant community with a rich cultural life.
Bremgarten's lively events calendar is anchored by its famous seasonal markets – most notably the Christkindlimärt, one of Switzerland’s largest and most enchanting Christmas markets, which attracts some 100,000 visitors every year.
Entering the historic village of Gruyères, sequestered in the rolling hills of the Fribourg Pre-Alps, is like stepping back in time to a bygone era. From the 13th-century castle with its regal Knights' Hall to the pedestrianised cobbled streets and magnificent central fountain, the extraordinary hamlet keeps its medieval past alive.
The village also has a prestigious food heritage. Its famous namesake, Gruyère cheese, is still produced here using a centuries-old recipe. At some local dairies, visitors can even witness the traditional cheesemaking process unfold over a wood-burning fire.
Brunngasse, a thoroughfare in the lakefront village of Brienz in the Bernese Oberland region, draws thousands of travellers every year and is a frequent contender for the title of Europe's most beautiful street. Like the wider village, its timber chalets, flower-strewn balconies and mountain vistas are straight out of the pages of a fairytale.
While dramatic peaks rise behind Brienz, its streets slope down to the waterfront, overlooking the emerald expanse of Lake Brienz. The lake is best admired from a boat or kayak, or for a traditional experience, hop aboard the Lötschberg steamboat to witness the captivating Giessbach Falls across the water.
The alpine resort of Zermatt, situated in Valais in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn mountain, the village offers breathtaking hiking trails in the warmer months and access to 224 miles (360km) of ski slopes during the winter season.
Instead of rows of large hotels, Zermatt’s accommodation is spread across timber chalets and charming guesthouses. The village's peaceful, car-free streets are dotted with cosy cafés, traditional restaurants and boutique shops, framed by some of the Alps' most awe-inspiring peaks.
Lauterbrunnen in the canton of Bern resembles a real-life picture postcard. Mountain ranges tower overhead, while mist from the village's 72 waterfalls drifts through the air, settling over the traditional chalet-style houses below. The name Lauterbrunnen, meaning “loud springs,” couldn’t be more fitting.
Part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site, the village is surrounded by sublime landscapes. Six themed trails celebrate the region's flora and fauna, and those in search of adventure can traverse mountain biking routes or explore the many cross-country ski trails Lauterbrunnen has to offer.
Switzerland's lowest-lying town, Ascona is an endearing enclave on the shore of Lake Maggiore in the southern region of Ticino. What it lacks in altitude, it more than makes up for with its vibrant Mediterranean character. Ascona's lakefront promenade is lined with colourful façades, where cafés and restaurants flow out onto the pavement for a front-row view across the glistening water.
The town’s historic heart is a maze of narrow streets, home to artisanal shops, bustling markets and ornate Romanesque architecture adorned with frescoes. A vibrant hub of culture, music and art, Ascona offers a diverse calendar of events throughout the year, including JazzAscona, one of Europe’s largest jazz festivals.
Resting on the edge of a peninsula on Lake Lugano, the former fishing village of Morecote is among the most photographed places in the canton of Ticino. Along the waterfront stand rows of ornate homes built atop magnificent arcades, many constructed for local noble families between the 14th and 16th centuries.
The village centre unfurls in a warren of cobbled alleyways. A 400-step climb leads to the breathtaking church of Santa Maria del Sasso, with its spectacular stone dome. Meanwhile, on the waterfront, Scherrer Park features architectural gardens of subtropical trees and plants sourced from across the continents.
With its verdant rolling valleys, cinematic peaks and quaint traditional architecture, it's easy to see why Grindelwald is often described as one of the most magical places in the Jungfrau Region. The village's exquisite half-timbered buildings house everything from cosy lodges and boutique stores to acclaimed restaurants serving hearty alpine cuisine.
Situated between the imposing Wetterhorn and Eiger mountains, Grindelwald is a renowned winter sports destination, with over 322 miles (200km) of ski slopes on its doorstep. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy a variety of alpine activities, from sledging and snowshoeing to trail-running and scenic hiking through the picturesque landscapes.
The spa town of Spiez on Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland region makes an enchanting first impression. Drawing into the tranquil Spiez Bay, a striking castle rises over the water, flanked by rows of characterful chalet-style buildings along the promenade. Behind the picture-perfect scene, green valleys and peaks rise and fall.
In the warmer months, a blue-and-white train carries visitors between the town's varied attractions, from the castle, historic fortresses and 1,000-year-old churches to lakeside lidos, canoeing trails and the region’s sun-kissed alpine vineyards.
Among Switzerland's most evocative medieval towns, Stein am Rhein in the northeastern canton of Schaffhausen captures the spirit of centuries past. Its old town comprises winding alleys, a historic market square and colourful frescoed buildings, the oldest of which date back to the 15th century. Exceptionally well-preserved, the town offers a captivating window back in time.
Perched in the hills above Stein am Rhein, the brooding 13th-century Hohenklingen Castle is a landmark of the area. Today, guests can stay in the castle's inn, dine in the Knights' Hall and take in awe-inspiring views across the town and the waters of the Rhein below.
While there's steep competition, Kandersteg in Bernese Oberland tops our ranking of Switzerland's most beautiful towns and villages. Surrounded by turquoise glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and some of the country's most extraordinary hiking and cross-country skiing trails, Kandersteg's natural beauty is bewitching.
The village centre, punctuated by alpine rivers, features historic wooden chalets, mountain-view restaurants and artisanal shops. Most captivating of all is Belle Époque week each winter, when Kandesteg becomes a living snapshot of Europe’s golden age. Horse-drawn carriages roll through the streets, locals wear period attire and visitors embrace vintage-style skiing and ice skating.
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