10 Most Scenic Places in Switzerland (A Local’s Guide)

Switzerland is one of the most scenic countries in the world. From dramatic alpine peaks and turquoise glacier lakes to medieval towns and vineyard-covered hills, the country is packed with breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for the most scenic places in Switzerland, this guide covers 10 destinations that truly showcase the country’s beauty.

1. Zermatt & Riffelsee – The Iconic Swiss Alps View

No list of scenic places in Switzerland would be complete without Zermatt and the legendary Matterhorn (yes, that’s the mountain that gave the Toblerone chocolate it’s shape!).

Zermatt is a year round destination. I personally love the area in summer, because there are tons of hiking trails to explore.

One of the most beautiful hikes in the region leads to Riffelsee, a small alpine lake famous for perfectly reflecting the Matterhorn on calm days. For more details on this hike check out the detailed description here. The hike between Riffelberg and Rotenboden can be customozed depending on difficulty and time (e.g. hike up the hill or hike down the hill).

Zermatt Riffelsee — Reflection of Matterhorn in the Riffelsee

2. Pizol 5 Lakes Hike

The Pizol 5 Lakes hike is one of the most scenic hikes in Switzerland. Located in Eastern Switzerland, this trail takes you past five stunning mountain lakes, each with a different shade of blue.

It’s not the easiest hike with over 600m of elevation gain and at approx. 4+ hours for a roundtrip, but the mountain views, the lakes, and the swimming opportunities definitely make it worth it!

You can find more details on the hike here.

5 Lakes Hike Pizol — Views from the Pizol 5 Lakes Hike!!

3. Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee looks exactly how people imagine Switzerland: towering grey mountains, lush green meadows, grazing cows, and an icy blue glacier lake.

It’s easily one of the most scenic places in Switzerland and still one of my personal favorites. Whether you hike around the lake or simply walk up to the lake or rent one of the rowing boats, it will be a trip to remember!

You can find more details about the hike on this page here.

Scenic Oeschinensee in Switzerland — Views from the Oeschinensee Hike

4. Aletsch Glacier – Walk Along a Real Glacier

The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps and one of the most impressive natural wonders in Switzerland.

Hiking along the glacier gives you the rare opportunity to observe massive ice formations, deep crevasses, and ancient ice that has existed for thousands of years. It’s dramatic, powerful, and just beautiful to look at.

Check out more details about the hike here.

Aletsch Glacer — The super scenic Aletsch Glacier

5. Lavaux Region – Vineyards Overlooking Lake Geneva

Not all scenic places in Switzerland involve hiking!

The Lavaux region, located along Lake Geneva, is famous for its terraced vineyards and stunning lake views. The Lavaux region along Lake Geneva is the most well-known wine region in Switzerland, and it’s especially known for their whites. On a warm, sunny day, you can enjoy wine tastings while overlooking the water and the distant Alps in one of the many wineries in the region. One of my favourites is Le Deck at Le Baron Tavernier.

If you’re a nature lover this place is still for you, because there is actually also a really nice hiking trail passing through the vineyards! Check it out here.

Scenic Lavaux Vineyards in Switzerland — Lavaux Vineyards

6. Lake Thun & Lake Brienz

The lakes surrounding Interlaken are famous for their vibrant turquoise color.

A boat trip on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is one of the most scenic experiences in Switzerland. Along the way, you can stop at St. Beatus Caves or visit the Giessbach waterfalls and historic hotel.

I recommend to combine the above-mentioned destinations by starting your trip in Thun, then taking the boat to Interlaken with a stop at the St. Beatus Caves. Then taking another boat from Interlaken to Brienz, with a stop at the Giessbach Waterfalls.

7. Zurich Old Town – Scenic City Charm

While many visitors head straight to Lucerne or Geneva, Zurich offers a beautiful blend of city life and natural scenery which is just as charming 🙂

Explore the charming Niederdorf area, stroll along the expensive shops at Bahnhofstrasse, visit the opera house at Bellevue, or hike up Uetliberg for panoramic city and lake views.

Zurich proves that scenic places in Switzerland aren’t limited to mountains and lakes.

8. Gruyères

Gruyères is a charming medieval town located in the canton of Fribourg. Perched on a hill, it offers cobbled streets, small shops and cute restaurants, traditional Swiss architecture, and beautiful countryside views. But most importantly: It’s home to a Gruyeres cheese factory, aka one of the best swiss cheeses!!

Gruyeres Medieval Town — Gruyères Medieval & Cheese Town

9. Berggasthaus Aescher – The Cliffside Restaurant

If you’ve seen a tiny house built into a mountain cliff on social media, it was probably Berggasthaus Aescher.

This dramatic location is one of the most unique scenic places in Switzerland. You can hike up or take a gondola, making it accessible for most travelers.

The hike is not easy as there’s an elevation gain of almost 900m, but you’ll also pass by the scenic Seealpsee making it even more worth it! You can find more details about the hiking trail here.

If you plan to take the gondola, make sure to check the prices and the timetable before visiting!

While you’re in the region, Nearby the town of Appenzell is also worth visiting for its colorful houses and traditional atmosphere. Appenzell will make you think “wow, this is exactly what I pictured Switzerland will look like”!

10. Verzasca Valley

The Verzasca Valley is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, close to the city of Locarno.

Famous for its crystal-clear river and smooth rock formations, this valley feels almost Mediterranean. In summer, visitors swim in the emerald pools — though be warned, the water is icy cold!

It’s one of the most unique and scenic places in Switzerland, especially during the summer months.

Scenic Verzasca Valley in Switzerland — Verzasca Valley

Final Thoughts on the Most Scenic Places in Switzerland

As someone who grew up here, I sometimes take Switzerland’s beauty for granted. But these 10 places always make me remember how extraordinary my home country really is.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, I hope this guide helps you discover the Switzerland you’ve always imagined, including some very well known spots and maybe some places you haven’t heard of before.

Ready to start alanning a trip to Switzerland? Check out all my Switzerland Travel Guides!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is the most scenic place in Switzerland?

Zermatt and the Matterhorn are some of the most famous places in Switzerland, but Oeschinensee and the Aletsch Glacier are close very scenic contenders in my opinion! But if you have time, I truly believe all scenic places on the list are stunning and a must-see during your trip to Switzerland!

What are the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland?

Oeschinensee, Lake Brienz, and Lake Geneva are among the most scenic lakes in Switzerland.

When is the best time to visit scenic places in Switzerland?

June to September is ideal for hiking and lake visits, while winter offers magical snowy landscapes in the Alps. Unless you plan to ski, I’d recommend to visit in the summer!