Switzerland is known for white mountain peaks, extravagant towns, delicious cheese fondue and a glamorous lifestyle. That’s why every year there are millions of tourists coming to visit places like Zurich, St. Moritz or Matterhorn.
Since nobody wants to walk through the crowds, wait in line for a picture or pay overpriced tourist attractions we have gathered some of the most hidden gems that you can probably visit in Switzerland. So you can actually enjoy a tranquil vacation far away from mass tourism.
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Unveiling Switzerland’s Lesser-Known Villages
Even though Switzerland is very popular amongst tourists traveling Europe, there are still quite a few very traditional villages in Switzerland off the beaten path. So let’s start this list off with some of the most beautiful and still rather unknown towns of this beautiful mountainous country.
Guarda: a fairytale village in Engadin
First on our list of hidden gems in Switzerland is Guarda, located in Engadine in the canton (Swiss version of a province) of Graubünden, close to Scuol and Zernez. It can be reached by train from Zurich and Bern. But you can also go there by car of course.
The village offers a fairytale atmosphere with narrow alleyways, cobbled streets and old stone houses adorned with colorful flowers. It is a picturesque, typical Swiss mountain village known for its well-preserved 17th century Engadine houses. Guarda is also part of the Swiss National Park and therefore impresses with breathtaking scenery and amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
This is why it makes the perfect hidden gem in Switzerland for hiking or cycling. You can do several different tours on your bike or by foot to explore the impressive nature of the Engadin.
Ernen: music and tranquility in Valais
Ernen is an idyllic Swiss village in the Goms valley, known for its tranquility and cultural events. The village center is characterized by traditional wooden houses and a charming 15th century church.
In case you are interested in music, especially classical music, Ernen hosts one of the most unique experiences in Switzerland for you. The famous music festival “Musikdorf Ernen” attracts classical music lovers from all over the world and really is worth visiting. You can enjoy high class concerts and performances in a magical setting.
But even if this special festival isn’t for you, you can still explore the picturesque hiking trails in the surrounding area, which lead to impressive viewpoints and mountain huts. Ernen is close to the Aletsch region, where you can admire the largest glacier in the Alps.
Secluded natural hidden gems in Switzerland
When going to Switzerland it is usually because you want to enjoy the untouched beauty of flora and fauna in the Alps. Unfortunately, many areas are not so untouched anymore. This is why we looked for the most secret spots in Switzerland that won’t disappoint you.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley’s hidden waterfalls
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is located in the Bernese Oberland in the canton of Bern. It is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, some of which are hidden in the rock faces and can only be reached on foot or by cable car.
The waterfalls are formed from the meltwater of the surrounding glaciers and dip from impressive heights into the depths. The best-known waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley are the Staubbach Falls and the Trümmelbach Falls, but there are also many lesser-known waterfalls waiting to be discovered.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is easily accessible by train from Interlaken. The nearest railway stations are Lauterbrunnen and Wengen. But you can also get there by car. We really recommend going there and hiking along the trails in the valley to discover the hidden waterfalls. There are also guided tours to easily find the best viewpoints of the waterfalls and learn more about their formation and history.
Aletsch Glacier’s Secret Viewpoints
The Aletsch Glacier is located in the canton of Valais. It is the largest glacier in the Alps and therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While many tourists visit the main viewpoints, there are also secret viewpoints that are less crowded and offer a unique view of the glacier.
These secret viewpoints are often located off the main trails and require a certain amount of hiking or the use of cable cars and chairlifts. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth it going the extra mile to get to these incredible secret places of Switzerland.
You could pack your own little picnic with traditional Swiss cheese and take a break at one of the viewpoints. To enjoy panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains as well as the peace of nature.
Cultural and historical secret spots
You thought Switzerland is just for hiking and enjoying nature? We’re afraid we have to disappoint you but this country is also home to authentic, ancient villages with incredible architecture and a long history. Let’s take a look.
The old town of Stein am Rhein
Next on our list of hidden places to visit in Switzerland is the town of Stein am Rhein. It is located in the canton of Schaffhausen, on the banks of the Rhine, close to the border with Germany. You can go there within one hour by train from Zurich.
This town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque charm. You can take impressive photos of the magnificent half-timbered houses, Gothic churches and romantic squares. Stein am Rhein is also known for its richly decorated facades, which are adorned with murals and frescoes from different eras.
Surrounded by a well-preserved town wall and boasts a variety of historic buildings, you can walk through the narrow streets of the old town, take a boat tour on the Rhine to experience the city from the water and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Bellinzona: the city of three castles
Although Bellinzona is a city in Switzerland, it is totally different from Stein am Rhein, which we just talked about. This city is located in the canton of Ticino, in the south of Switzerland, close to the border with Italy.
Bellinzona is a historic city known for its three imposing castles: Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. As you can probably guess by the names, in this off the beaten track part of Switzerland people usually speak Italian.
These medieval fortresses were built between the 13th and 15th centuries and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the castles, Bellinzona also offers a charming old town center with narrow streets, historic buildings and picturesque squares.
If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of the castles and the buildings of Bellinzona, visiting the castles and strolling through the historic center are a must.
Culinary hidden gems of Switzerland
Besides nature and culture, Switzerland also offers a rich cuisine of very special meals. Why not combine culinary tourism with a little bit of adventure? Here are the best non touristy places in Switzerland to enjoy some culinary delights.
Alpine cheese dairies in Gruyères
Have you ever tried Gruyère Cheese? If not, now is the time to do so. The Gruyères alpine cheese dairies are located in the canton of Fribourg, in the area around the picturesque medieval village of Gruyères.
Just as expected, this village is world famous for its cheese. But not many people actually go there to have the full cheese-perience (get it?). So to experience the entire cheese-making process, from milking the cows to maturing the cheese, you need to go visit an alpine cheese dairy.
However, the best part about this adventure is the cheese tasting. You can taste different varieties of Gruyère cheese and learn more about the artisanal techniques used to make this delicious Swiss cheese. All while enjoying the picturesque Alpine landscape.
Vineyards of Lavaux
The fact that there is locally produced wine is already one of the most hidden gems of Switzerland itself. Not many people know that there is delicious Swiss wine to taste.
The Lavaux vineyards are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and their terraced landscape created by man. The region is famous for its white wines, especially Chasselas, which thrives on the steep terraces.
Of course you can just go there and take a walk through the vineyards. But we recommend you visit the local wineries and taste the different wines of the region, accompanied by local specialities. You can also participate in guided tours to learn more about wine production while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the surrounding villages.
Adventures off the beaten path
If that is still not enough for you, we can provide you with some more non touristy things to do in Switzerland. Let’s get to know the even wilder, more adventures but certainly not lesser beautiful part of this small but diverse country.
Via ferratas of the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps offer a variety of via ferratas in different regions, including the Bernese Oberland, Valais, Graubünden and central Switzerland. In case you didn’t know, via ferratas are routes equipped with ropes, ladders and iron clamps that allow even less experienced climbers to scale steep rock faces safely.
This still might sound pretty demanding to you, but the Swiss Alps offer many via ferratas for all levels of difficulty. From beginner routes to challenging routes for experienced mountaineers. The trails lead through breathtaking landscapes, past imposing peaks, deep gorges and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
If you are interested in seeing the unique places in Switzerland, you could go on a guided via ferrata tour. This lets you explore the best routes in the Swiss Alps and master the challenge of the vertical world together with an experienced guide.
Just make sure to always wear the right equipment and to follow safety precautions to ensure a safe climbing experience.
Wild swimming in Switzerland
Wild swimming or wild bathing refers to swimming in natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and mountain streams. Without the need for facilities such as swimming pools or beach areas. Switzerland offers a variety of hidden spots that are just perfect for wild swimming. Who wouldn’t want to go swimming in the midst of breathtaking mountain landscapes that are perfect for refreshing and relaxing in nature?
You can basically go swimming in any secluded mountain lake, in riverbanks or even in waterfalls. Just be sure to observe safety precautions before entering the water and be aware of potential hazards such as strong currents or cold water temperatures.
The wild swimming spots in Switzerland are often remote and not always easy to reach. Some can be reached by car or public transport, while others require a short hike. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime-experience that is worth all the hiking.
We hope this list inspires you to plan a full hidden gems vacation in the beautiful country of Switzerland. If you are looking for more information on travel tips and tricks, stay tuned.
