1. Leukerbad (from USD 126)

Away from Sion Airport by only 44 minutes, the city of Leukerbad is nestled amid the vineyards above the Rhône Valley in the canton of Valais. People are drawn to this place not only because of its stunning natural beauty that is hidden in the majestic Pfyn-Finges Forest but also because of its rich ancient history.

As you venture into the city, you’ll be impressed by everything it has to offer. Whether you are a hiker and would like to winter hike from Kandersteg-Sunnbüel to the Gemmi Pass, enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal spas, indulge in a vinotherapy massage of grape seeds and saline water, spend a balmy afternoon with your kids playing disc golf, or get inside a cable car and travel down to the pristine Daubensee Lake, you will be spoiled for choice here.

For accommodation, you can check in to Hotel Quellenhof Leukerbad.

2. Interlaken (from USD 221)

Interlaken rests in the mountainous area of Bernese Oberland and is flanked by Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Because the scenic resort town is surrounded by the majestic mountains of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, it lets visitors enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure amid the breathtaking mountain vistas, pristine wilderness, crystal-clear water, and snow-capped peaks. The closest airport is Bern Airport and it can be reached within 41 minutes by car.

Among the many exciting and entertaining things to do in this area are a snowshoe tour to the Lobhornhütte, a visit to the iconic Jungfrau Park, a paragliding adventure on the parachute while getting a bird’s eye view of the snowy Alps, or jumping into pools of water in the Saxeten canyon.

Ready for soaking in the local culture? Sign up for a tour on a quad bike, explore local farms, and learn to make local cheese while sipping an aperitif.

3. Stein am Rhein (from USD 186)

You’ll find this charming town at the point where Lake Constance again becomes the Rhine River. Best known for its old-world flavor and half-timbered houses, the Old Town is filled with some of the most iconic places to visit, such as the Monastery of St. Georgen, the Lindwurm Museum, and the Hohenklingen Castle. You can also visit the oldest church in the Canton of Schaffhausen, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, constructed in the 3rd century A.D. Visitors can reach the Zurich Airport in 44 minutes, and it is only 54.9 km (34.11 mi) away from the town.

If you are in town on a romantic getaway with your partner, make sure you hop aboard a boat that passes by the scenic Schaffhausen and stops at a vineyard. Let your kids enjoy and have a gala time at Ticiland. Traveling solo? Go on a bike tour along the Thurgau route.

4. Grimentz (from USD 193)

Away from Sion Airport by a mere 43 minutes, Grimentz rests at an altitude of 1,564 m (5,131.23 ft) amid wooden houses and blooming geraniums. The mountain road that passes by a gorge leads you to Val d'Anniviers. You’ll also find the ancient Burgher House here, constructed back in 1550 and known for its white glacier wine maturing in one of the barrels of its cellar.

No matter the season, there will always be something fun to do here. Watch roe deer, red deer, fawns, chamois, eagles, and buzzards in their natural dwelling under the supervision of a native hunter. You can also learn a thing or two about baking traditional rye bread in a four-banal oven in a historic bakery while your partner takes the kids out for their skiing lessons in a ski park in Bendolla. Nature lovers can visit the Moiry Reservoir Lake, dam, and glacier.

5. Gimmelwald (from USD 197)

Gimmelwald, sitting high up in the Swiss Alps, is one of the villages to visit in Switzerland. This charming village sits right in the heart of Lauterbrunnen Valley, so getting to this paradise is not as easy as it is with other places. The area can only be accessed by hiking through the scenic valley, and if you feel like you aren’t up for the trek, there is a cable car you can take.

The village has an inviting feel, with warm people, stunning scenery, and lively, colorful small houses. With beautiful accommodation options like Esther’s Guesthouse to reside in, this location is a great place to visit.

6. Zernez (from USD 94)

With several exciting outdoor trails through its lush landscape, Zernez is one village you will love. This small, charming destination acts as the gateway to the Swiss National Park and it is easily accessible. It can be reached from the countries close to Switzerland like Austria and Italy. The lifestyle in Zernez is calm, simple and very peaceful, and its exciting network of trails makes it a favorite spot among mountain bikers and hikers. And you can stay in the exceptional Chesa Sper l’Ovel.

7. Wengen (from USD 197)

Located in the shadow of Jungfrau Mountain, Wengen is a picturesque village. This rustic little town is blessed with so much natural beauty, and it offers several amazing things to experience. Savor mesmerizing views of the valley when you go on hikes through the town’s lush forests, enjoy tasty local food and interact with the town’s friendly locals. There are also a few ski resorts and other lovely places to stay like Esther’s Guesthouse.

8. Morcote (from USD 316)

Morcote is a quaint village with a remarkable heritage. It is home to some notable architectural structures and charming houses, with some listed on the Swiss heritage sites of national significance. Don’t miss visiting the ancient Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, the Greek sculptures and the ancient Egyptian temple in the town. The town has several great places to stay, including the luxurious Swiss Diamond Hotel & Spa.

9. Guarda (from USD 247)

What comes to mind when you imagine a paradise-like community? Do you think of a picture-perfect village with rustic houses and green pasture all around during the summer and icy-wonderlands during winter? Then you are thinking of Guarda. This wonderful Swiss town is one of the most beautiful in the country. The summer season welcomes numerous hiking trails and serene picnic spots, and when winter comes, a ton of activities comes with it like ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice rinks, and so much more. Do check out the Hotel Meisser for the perfect place to spend your holiday.

10. Grindelwald (from USD 352)

A beautiful resort town, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s incredible places to visit. This gorgeous town has been receiving visitors since the 19th century, and it is surrounded by so much beauty. Bordered all around by glaciers and massive mountains, the place offers a variety of enjoyable activities to engage in. From hiking to skiing, mountain biking and flying fox ride, there is always something fun to do in Grindelwald. The town is great to explore on cool evenings, and there is a lot of suitable accommodation options like the prestigious Belvedere Swiss Quality Hotel.

11. Spiez (from USD 101)

When it comes to Switzerland’s most scenic villages, Spiez comes right out of a fairy tale novel. This remarkable small town sits majestically on the edge of Lake Thun with a grand castle right in its center. It is a favorite spot of tourists and offers stunning views of the mountains. Spiez is also home to beautiful vineyards, captivating landscapes, an ancient church, and an iconic castle. And when you visit, you can stay at the fabulous Hotel-Restaurant Seegarten Marina.

12. Andermatt (from USD 253)

Andermatt is located in the heart of Alpine Switzerland, a green community. It has such an inviting appeal, breathtaking scenery, welcoming people and fun activities that you’d never want to leave. Aside from the unbeatable views of the Alps, this charming village also offers you activities like mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and fishing. Home to the slowest express train in the world, Andermatt is somewhere you shouldn’t miss visiting. If you are thinking of where to stay, the Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen is a perfect choice.

13. Lauterbrunnen (from USD 186)

When it comes to natural beauty, Lauterbrunnen has it in abundance. This stunning village is located in the middle of the Swiss Alps and offers some fantastic experiences. Scenic and tranquil, visitors in Lauterbrunnen get to enjoy captivating sights of grand cascading waterfalls. There are over 72 beautiful waterfalls in the area. The location also offers a variety of enjoyable activities including hiking, skiing, trekking, and other adventures. It has excellent local food to try out and places to stay like the exceptional Honerpub Apartments.

14. Mürren (from USD 155)

Famous for its role in 1969’s James Bond movie, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, this small mountain town is a delightful place. It is located in the foothills of the monumental Schilthorn Peak and offers several hiking trails with different levels of difficulty and great views of the Alps. The surroundings are very relaxing and serene. Mürren’s location makes it inaccessible by vehicle, so it can only be reached via hiking or cable car. With excellent accommodation like the comfortable Hotel Bellevue, your stay in this town will be unforgettable.

Explore the picturesque and charming Swiss villages

Aside from its incredible big cities, Switzerland is also blessed with some of the most amazing villages you’d ever see. These places sit right in the middle of the nation’s breathtaking mountains, rolling valleys, green scenery, and stunning Alps. Although a lot of visitors tend to miss checking out these fantastic locations, they offer everything you need to make your visit memorable. So take some time and visit these picturesque villages in Switzerland.