Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. With its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, it’s no surprise that many people say the country looks like a postcard come to life. From the scenic peaks to peaceful lakeside towns, here are 21 of the most breathtaking spots you’ll want to visit on your next trip to Switzerland.
Swiss Travel Pass
If you’re planning to explore multiple regions of Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is a must-have. It provides the following benefits:
- Unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat.
- Free entrance to hundreds of museums.
- Free mountain excursions to peaks like Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos, with 50% off on most others.
- Full coverage on scenic panorama trains.
- City transport and additional perks!
If you’re mainly relying on trains, buses, and boats for transportation, the Swiss Travel Pass will be incredibly useful, making travel more affordable and convenient across the country.
Buy your Swiss Travel Pass below:
Here’s a map showcasing 21 of the most picturesque destinations in Switzerland
1. Schäfler Ridge
Schäfler Ridge offers dramatic views with jagged peaks and steep drop-offs, making it a must-visit for those looking for breathtaking alpine scenery. It’s relatively easy to reach and makes for a fantastic day hike in the Appenzell Alps.
The most common way to reach Schäfler is via the Ebenalp cable car. Once there, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You can also extend your hike to nearby spots like Berggasthaus Äscher, where you can enjoy Swiss food with a fantastic view.
How to Get There: Take the Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen. For a more adventurous route, you can hike from Wasserauen to Schäfler.
Cost: CHF 24 one-way, CHF 36 for a return trip.
Where to Stay: Stay at Berggasthaus Schäfler for an unforgettable experience with stunning mountain views.
Photography Tips: For the best lighting, head a few hours before sunset when the golden light enhances the beauty of the surrounding greens and jagged peaks.
2. Fronalpstock
Fronalpstock, located above the car-free village of Stoos, is known for its 360-degree views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. It’s one of Switzerland’s most beautiful locations, offering incredible vistas from the summit.
After reaching Stoos via the steep funicular, a short chairlift ride takes you directly to the summit. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Rigi and Pilatus mountains.
How to Get There: Start with the funicular from Schwyz to Stoos, followed by a chairlift to Fronalpstock.
Cost: CHF 56 for a return ticket, free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Where to Stay: Stay at the Fronalpstock Hotel for a luxurious experience right at the top, with amazing views and great service.
Photography Tips: Sunset is the best time to capture the dramatic views from Fronalpstock, especially with the possibility of cloud inversions creating a unique atmosphere.
3. Wengen
Wengen is a postcard-perfect mountain village with wooden homes, lush green hills, and incredible views of Lauterbrunnen Valley. It’s a peaceful escape, making it the perfect place to relax and explore the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
From Wengen, you can easily access Männlichen via cable car or visit Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” for a memorable mountain experience.
How to Get There: Take the Wengernalp Railway from Lauterbrunnen to reach Wengen.
Cost: CHF 7 for a one-way ticket, free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Where to Stay: Hotel Bellevue offers excellent views of the valley and is a great choice for your stay. If you want your stay to be a little more elevated, you could check out Braunbär Hotel & Spa, Hotel Alpenruhe, or Hotel Jungfraublick.
Photography Tips: Mid-morning light provides the best conditions to capture the landscape and the village, giving a fresh, summery feel to the photos.
4. Rosenlaui Valley
Rosenlaui Valley is a hidden gem, known for its breathtaking landscapes of towering mountains, clear rivers, and dramatic views. The viewpoint in the valley provides a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding scenery.
The valley is also home to the beautiful Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge, a stunning natural wonder worth exploring. For those with extra time, a longer drive through the valley is highly recommended.
How to Get There: Drive to Rosenlaui Valley and head to the designated viewpoint.
Cost: CHF 8 for road access.
Where to Stay: Consider staying at a nearby hotel in Rosenlaui or in nearby towns for accommodation options.
Photography Tips: Visit a few hours after sunrise for soft lighting that highlights the valley’s vibrant greens and blues. Sunset is also ideal for a dramatic effect.
5. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is one of the most iconic and picturesque spots in Switzerland. The village is surrounded by lush meadows and towering cliffs, dotted with stunning waterfalls, making it feel like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Wander the village, visit the famous viewpoint near Chalet Pironnet, or explore nearby Trümmelbach Falls for a deeper immersion in Switzerland’s natural beauty.
How to Get There: Drive or take a train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen.
Cost: Free to visit. Activities like visiting Jungfraujoch or Trümmelbach Falls may have additional costs.
Where to Stay: Hotel Staubbach and Camping Jungfrau are great options for staying in Lauterbrunnen.
Photography Tips: Arrive early or during cloudy weather for moody, atmospheric photos with the mist and low clouds around the waterfalls.
6. Wasserfall-Arena Batöni
Wasserfall-Arena Batöni is a hidden gem featuring multiple waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. This natural amphitheater is less crowded but offers a stunning and unspoiled landscape, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.
The hike to Wasserfall-Arena Batöni is challenging, but the reward is worth the effort. The cascading waterfalls and vast open space make it a photographer’s dream.
How to Get There: Drive to the trailhead and begin your hike toward the waterfalls.
Cost: Free.
Where to Stay: Stay in nearby towns like Weisstannen or Sargans for accommodations.
Photography Tips: Capture the waterfalls on cloudy days for even, soft lighting, creating a moody atmosphere that enhances the scene.
7. Iseltwald
Iseltwald is a charming village on the shore of Lake Brienz, located just outside of Interlaken. The village is peaceful and offers incredible views of the turquoise lake, making it a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
Iseltwald is famous for its dock, which gained popularity due to the Korean drama “Crash Landing on You.” You can also take ferries to nearby lakeside villages for a scenic day trip.
How to Get There: Drive to Iseltwald, located near Interlaken.
Cost: Free to visit, unless you choose to access the dock, which requires a fee.
Where to Stay: Stay at Hotel Châlet Du Lac for a lakeside experience.
Photography Tips: Late afternoon light on the lake provides a beautiful glow, making it the perfect time for stunning photos of the water and the surrounding scenery.
8. Berggasthaus Äscher
Berggasthaus Äscher is an iconic restaurant and guesthouse perched on a cliff beneath Ebenalp, offering one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking views. It’s a perfect spot to stop for a meal or a stay, with spectacular views of the mountains and valley below.
To reach this incredible spot, take the Ebenalp cable car and hike to the guesthouse, which is situated just above the Wildkirchli Cave Walk. The hike is relatively short but offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
How to Get There: Take the Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen. From the top, hike to Berggasthaus Äscher.
Cost: CHF 24 one-way, CHF 36 for a return trip.
Where to Stay: Stay at Berggasthaus Schäfler or in the nearby town of Appenzell for a convenient and charming experience.
Photography Tips: For the best shots, visit at sunrise or sunset when the surrounding peaks are lit by soft golden light. It’s the perfect time to avoid crowds and capture the stunning scenery.
9. Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by towering mountains and wildflowers. Its turquoise waters reflect the snow-capped peaks, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the country.
You can reach Oeschinensee by taking a cable car up to the lake, followed by a hike along the ridge for the best views. The area offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, and even renting a rowboat.
How to Get There: Head to Kandersteg and take the Oeschinensee Cable Car up.
Cost: CHF 40 for a return trip.
Where to Stay: Stay in the quaint village of Kandersteg at Chalet Hotel Adler.
Photography Tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the lake and surrounding mountains. Early mornings offer the best light for photographing the lake’s reflections.
10. Lucerne
Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most iconic cities, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. It’s a fantastic blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Stroll along the city’s footbridges, enjoy views of Mount Pilatus, or take a boat tour on Lake Lucerne. Lucerne also has a lively arts and cultural scene, with museums and galleries to explore.
How to Get There: Drive to Lucerne or take a train.
Cost: Free to visit, but activities like boat tours and Mount Pilatus may have additional costs.
Where to Stay: Boutique Hotel KARL or Hotel Des Alpes offer great options for your stay.
Photography Tips: Capture the beautiful waterfront views from the footbridges, especially with the vibrant flowers and turquoise river in the background.
11. Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a stunning village in the Swiss Alps, filled with chalets, flower-covered balconies, and endless mountain peaks like Jungfrau. It’s an excellent base for hiking, ziplining, and enjoying mountain views.
Grindelwald offers various activities for all types of travelers. You can hike to nearby locations or enjoy adventurous activities such as mountain cart rides and ziplining.
How to Get There: Drive to Grindelwald or take a train.
Cost: Free to visit, though some activities may require additional fees.
Where to Stay: Stay at Bergwelt Grindelwald, Eiger Lodge Chic, or Hotel Bernerhof Grindelwald for great mountain views.
Photography Tips: The village offers breathtaking views just outside your window, especially if you stay at one of the chalets facing the mountains.
12. Saxer Lücke
Saxer Lücke, located in the Appenzell Alps, is known for its jaw-dropping rock formations and cliffs. It’s easily accessible, with plenty of trails that allow you to hike as little or as much as you want.
The hike provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and the iconic Kreuzberge peaks are one of the most photographed spots.
How to Get There: Take the Frümsen-Staubern Cable Car to Berggasthaus Staubern, then hike to Saxer Lücke.
Cost: CHF 40 for a return trip.
Where to Stay: Stay in Weissbad or Appenzell for a comfortable base near Saxer Lücke.
Photography Tips: Midday or sunset light is ideal for capturing the dramatic rock formations and valleys in this area. Consider going on a cloudy day for moody shots.
13. Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee is a gorgeous lake near Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland region. The hike offers beautiful views, and the reflections of the snow-capped peaks in the lake are stunning.
Start your hike at the Grindelwald-First station and follow the trail to the lake, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
How to Get There: Take the gondola from Grindelwald to Grindelwald-First station and start your hike.
Cost: CHF 76 for a return trip.
Where to Stay: Stay at Bergwelt Grindelwald, Eiger Lodge Chic, or Hotel Bernerhof Grindelwald for the best views.
Photography Tips: Walk up the hill for different vantage points of the lake, and use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the scenery.
14. Thun
Thun is a beautiful lakeside town with charming streets, cafés, and stunning views of the Aare River. The area offers plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Take a stroll along the flower-lined streets or enjoy the views of Lake Thun from the lakeside promenades. You can also visit the stunning Thun Castle, which offers fantastic panoramic views.
How to Get There: Drive to Thun or take a train.
Cost: Free to visit, but activities like boat tours may require an extra fee.
Where to Stay: Consider staying at Hotel Restaurant Schönbühl or Deltapark Vitalresort for great views.
Photography Tips: Use the vibrant flowers along the streets as foreground to capture the beauty of Thun, especially with the lake and mountains in the background.
15. Fälensee
Fälensee is a beautiful mountain lake located in the Appenzell Alps. The dramatic mountains surrounding the lake create a stunning backdrop for photography.
The lake is accessible via a hike from the Frümsen-Staubern Cable Car, making it a great spot for hiking and relaxation.
How to Get There: Take the Frümsen-Staubern Cable Car and hike to Fälensee.
Cost: CHF 40 for a return trip.
Where to Stay: Stay at Lodge Hof Weissbad or Hotel Hof Weissbad for a comfortable base.
Photography Tips: Sunrise or midday light is ideal for capturing the peaceful lake surrounded by towering peaks. A slight elevation gives you the perfect angle for photos.
16. Aletsch Glacier
Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. You can reach the stunning Eggishorn viewpoint via a cable car, which offers incredible views of the glacier.
The glacier’s impressive size and the surrounding mountains create a dramatic scene, making it a perfect spot for photography.
How to Get There: Take the cable car from Fiesch to Fiescheralp, then continue to Eggishorn for a breathtaking view.
Cost: CHF 49 for a return trip, with 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Where to Stay: Stay in Fiescheralp for easy access to the Eggishorn viewpoint. Hotel Alpina is a great option.
Photography Tips: The sunset at Eggishorn is unforgettable, with the golden light illuminating the glacier and surrounding peaks.
17. Seealpsee
Seealpsee is a tranquil lake nestled in the Appenzell region, surrounded by scenic hills and dotted with cows. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing hike and offers opportunities for swimming and boating.
The lake is accessible via a hike from Wasserauen, with a chance to stop for a meal at the nearby restaurant.
How to Get There: Start your hike from Wasserauen and head to Seealpsee.
Cost: Small parking fee.
Where to Stay: Stay in Appenzell at Hotel Lowen for a comfortable stay.
Photography Tips: Morning light is ideal for capturing the stillness of the lake, especially when the water reflects the surrounding mountains.
18. Stoos Ridge
Stoos Ridge offers a stunning hike with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and lakes. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Switzerland from a different perspective.
The trail connects the peaks of Klingenstock and Fronalpstock, providing incredible views of the lakes and the nearby mountains.
How to Get There: Take the funicular to Stoos, then ride the chairlift to Klingenstock to start the hike.
Cost: CHF 56 for a return trip to Fronalpstock.
Where to Stay: Stay at Wellness Hotel Stoos for a relaxing experience with stunning views.
Photography Tips: Early mornings provide the best light, especially when the greens and blues of the mountains pop against the skies.
19. Zermatt
Zermatt is an iconic, car-free town famous for its proximity to the Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world. It offers great hiking trails, charming shops, and stunning views of the surrounding Alps.
Take the Five Lakes Trail for incredible views of the Matterhorn or stroll around the village and enjoy the atmosphere.
How to Get There: Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn shuttle train from Täsch to Zermatt.
Cost: CHF 17.20, with 50% off with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Where to Stay: Consider Hotel Schwarzsee, La Couronne Hotel, or Hotel Bellerive for Matterhorn views.
Photography Tips: The Five Lakes Trail provides great reflections of the Matterhorn, so bring a wide-angle lens for capturing the full scene.
20. Foroglio
Foroglio is a quaint village in Ticino, known for its stone homes, narrow paths, and a stunning waterfall. It feels like a step back in time, with beautiful fall foliage and a fairy-tale atmosphere.
The village is small but offers a perfect escape from the crowds. The waterfall is one of the highlights of the village and offers great photo opportunities.
How to Get There: Drive to Foroglio.
Cost: Free.
Where to Stay: Stay in nearby towns in Ticino for a more rustic experience.
Photography Tips: Capture the stone homes, waterfall, and fall foliage all together to get the best of this charming village.
21. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest alpine lakes, offers stunning views of the Alps and surrounding towns. It’s a sophisticated yet serene destination, perfect for leisurely walks along the promenade, boat cruises, or wine tasting in the Lavaux region.
The lake is surrounded by elegant Belle Époque promenades and the fairytale Château de Chillon, offering a perfect setting for exploration.
How to Get There: Fly into Geneva or take a train from nearby cities.
Cost: Free to visit, but activities like boat cruises may have additional costs.
Where to Stay: Stay in Montreux for a lakeside experience.
Photography Tips: Use the flowers along the promenade as a foreground to capture the beauty of Lake Geneva, especially with the Alps in the background.
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