8 beautiful Swiss towns to visit

As a country of rivers, stunning mountains and picturesque lakes, cities in Switzerland are often set among majestic surroundings. However, it isn't just the landscape that makes Switzerland captivating, as many Swiss towns and villages are also well worth a visit.

Best towns to visit in Switzerland

Along with the larger cities, there are many beautiful Swiss towns that expats and locals need to see. Whether it be for the opulent surroundings or heritage, no trip to Switzerland would be complete without visiting a local town. Here are some of our favourites: 

Stein am Rhein - For houses as pretty as a picture

Situated along the Rhein River, the town of Stein am Rhein is a must-see for any traveller or curious expat. The old town specifically is well known for its immaculately decorated houses, depicting religious events, battles and significant moments in Swiss history.

When in Stein am Rhein, be sure to check out the waterfront for some fresh fish from the river. Only, 1 hour 17 minutes by train from Zurich, Stein am Rhein is a perfect place for a grand day out.

Bischoffzell - Switzerland's City of Roses

Switzerland’s own “city of roses”, the town of Bischoffzell, Canton Thurgau, is most famous for its flowers and old town. In the spring, the locals in the town decorate 26 fountains with freshly cut flowers, creating a rainbow wave of colour that has to be seen to be believed.

Along with flowers, the old town of Bischoffzell has been well preserved, including the remains of a once-formidable castle. The town is only half an hour away from St. Gallen and is really worth a visit if you find yourself in eastern Switzerland.

Saint-Ursanne - The prettiest town in Switzerland

Nestled in a small valley on the banks of the River Doubs, the small medieval town of Saint-Ursanne is regularly voted as the most beautiful in Switzerland. With its cute church and cloister, the town is straight out of a fairy tale.

Named the “Pearl of Jura”, the town is home to a number of art galleries and antique shops. However, the peaceful isolation of the town comes at a cost, with the closest Swiss city, Basel, being over an hour away by train.

Video: Djemo Graphic / YouTube

Gruyères - More than just cheese

Despite being more famous for its cheese, the town of Gruyères is also home to an imposing castle and stunning mountains. Gruyères itself has cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings, many of which have stood for hundreds of years.

Visitors can look around Chateau Gruyères, a hilltop fortress that is over 800 years old, or visit the Gruyères cheese factory, home to the most popular cheese in Switzerland.

Murten - A gem of historical importance

A city steeped in history, the ancient town of Murten sits high above the Murtensee in central Switzerland. Placed along the Röstigraben - the border between French and German-speaking Switzerland - Murten or Morat has been a settlement since 8200 BC. It has also been a prominent location in Swiss history, being the site of the Battle of Murten which resulted in a decisive Swiss victory against the Burgundians.

Not too far away is the city of Avenches, which was once the Roman capital of Switzerland. As a result, the surrounding area has ancient Roman walls, part of a Roman viaduct and an amphitheatre.

Most beautiful villages in Switzerland

Looking for something even smaller than these great Swiss towns? Here are some beautiful Swiss villages set in rural beauty for you to visit!

Wengen - A beautiful Swiss mountain town

Wengen is a small village in the Canton of Bern, located near the border with Valais. The town is situated near some of the most famous spots in the Swiss mountains, including Interlaken, and with connections to Jungfraujoch. 

Despite standing at an altitude of 1.274 metres, Wengen sits in a wind-protected spot and is a popular choice for families looking to soak up the sun amid nostalgic timber houses and belle-époque-style hotels. The fact that the village is a car-free area only adds to its olden-days charm. 

Guarda / Scuol - A Romansh paradise

Looking to explore something different? You could try a trip to this stunning Romansh paradise! The village of Guarda / Scuol is home to a number of beautiful hiking trails and offers views of the valley’s high peaks. Its unique and beautifully preserved Engadine houses are just one of the many things that draw visitors to this isolated spot. 

The village has previously been awarded a Wakker Prize for its intact village image and has been given the distinction of being a village of “national importance”. 

Lauterbrunnen - For views of the Bernese Alps

For another quaint village with fabulous views, Lauterbrunnen is a popular choice. Nestled in one of the most fantastical valleys in the Alps, between huge rock faces and mountain peaks, Lauterbrunnen is a majestic tangle of colourful alpine meadows, thundering waterfalls and secluded mountain scenery. 

The village boasts more than 70 waterfalls for hikers to enjoy and offers beauty and plenty of activity in both the warm and cold seasons.

Get out and see these Swiss towns for yourself!

This is only a selection of the most beautiful towns in Switzerland. If you have a favourite town that you think every tourist needs to visit, let us know in the comments below!