In this guide we show you the 121 most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland in 2023. The places have been carefully selected throughout Switzerland from the must-seen tourist places to unknown hidden gems. If you prefer to be guided in a private day or multi-day tour, feel free to visit this page of the best rated tour operator Myswisspanorama.
Best places to visit in Switzerland
Are you looking for the most beautiful places in Switzerland and want to add touristy and unknown places to your travel bucketlist?
Then you are right here, because this “ultimate Switzerland Guide” shows you the best places of Switzerland including many Insider tips. In this article you will find a total of 121 excursion destinations in Switzerland for families, couples, singles, friends, tourists – in short for everyone who loves Switzerland and nature. They are divided into the different regions.
However, not only well-known excursion tips like Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfrau or Gstaad can be found in this article. Ever heard of the Lagh da Val Viola or the Sormattfall? Let yourself be surprised about the unknown beauty of our country.
The places in this guide are all accessible in summer and autumn, many also in winter and spring. Would you like a compact ebook about the best excursion destinations in Switzerland? Then download the EBook “111 Top Places of Switerland” with many insider tips here for free.
Places to visit in Graubünden, the South-Eastern part of Switzerland
- Lagh da Val Viola – a hidden place in the Grisons Alps of Switzerland
The Val da Camp near Poschiavo in the Grisons has a lot to offer. And yes, I find it one of the most picturesque valleys in Switzerland. The Lagh da Val Viola is right up there on the list of Switzerland’s most beautiful excursion destinations. Filled with crystal clear blue-green water and surrounded by larches, this is one of the magical places I always love to return to. A refreshing swim in the ice-cold water is highly recommended!Hiking enthusiasts beware. It is possible to reach the Lagh da Val Viola and Lagh da Saoseo by bus (reservation strongly recommended). However, it is worth the 2.5h hike through the Val da Camp to the two mountain lakes. This biodiversity, idyll and nature remains unforgettable.
- Lagh da Saoseo
The canton of Graubünden also many lakes, most of them hidden gems. But connoisseurs call this place the most beautiful lake in Switzerland, the Lagh da Saoseo in the Val da Camp (right next to the Lagh da Val Viola) A few years ago still an insider tip, on warm days many people already come there. For photographers this place is a paradise!We recommend arriving during the week, if possible, to avoid larger crowds. The lake has a completely different effect when it is quiet and idyllic than when there are crowds of people. Since it is a nature reserve with many rare species, we ask you to enjoy the lake in silence.
- Davos Sertig
Davos is famous for the World Economic Forum (WEF). Also many tourists flock to Davos especially in winter for skiing. But this place definitely has much more to offer than skiing, WEF or a day trip. What is surprising now: for me it is one of the regions in Switzerland with the most insider tips and beautiful destinations. One of them is the Walser village Davos Sertig, located in a side valley called Sertig valley. The Walsers were allowed to live in Graubünden only away from the main routes for free, that’s why all Walser villages are hidden in valleys. But let’s be honest, who would say no in this beautiful valley?At Restaurant Bergführer in Davos Sertig you can stay and eat in a 450 year old house. The rooms are so beautiful and furnished with love and the food is really delicious. https://www.sertigtal.ch/
- Arosa
Arosa in the Grisons, like Davos, is known for its ski resorts. However, Arosa also has more to offer than winter fun. Besides the famous Arosa Humorfestival and the Bärenland, there are many panoramic hikes and places to see in summer and autumn.Insider tip Arosa 1: For experienced hikers we recommend the beautiful alpine hike in the Swiss Alps from Arosa to Davos Frauenkirch (from Arosa via Maienfelder Furgga and Stafelalp to Davos Frauenkirch). Although the return trip by RhB from Davos to Arosa takes quite a long time, the hike is worth it.
Insider tip Arosa 2 : Gourmet friends and panorama lovers watch out. About a 30-minute drive away from Arosa is the pretty place of Strassberg, an ancient Walser village. With a permit, which you can buy in the local store in Langwies or by SMS, you can even drive directly into the place in summer and autumn https://www.berggasthaus-strassberg.ch/
- Scuol – picturesque wellness place
Did you know that real mineral water bubbles out of the village fountains in Scuol? But not only that. Scuol is known as a wellness place in Switzerland with spas, carbonic acid baths, salt water baths and many more. https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/reiseziele/scuol/Scuol is also one of the hiking paradises of Switzerland and shows the beauty of the Grisons.
Tip Naluns : This place is not an insider tip but a cable car ride from Scuol to the Naluns and from there a scooter ride over the picturesque Ftan back to Scuol is a lot of fun. - S-Charl – a nature place to relax next to the Swiss National Park
Already the ride in the Val S-Charls reminds you as if you were in a wild national park. Switzerland has the oldest national park in Middle Europe, but unfortunately due to conflicts of interest it has remained at that.In summer and autumn you can take a leisurely hike (family hike) from S-Charl to Alp Plazer (about 1.5h there and back), where you can continue hiking or simply enjoy the view of the Swiss mountain panorama. As a reward you can stop back in S-Charl at the Gasthaus Mayor, where traditional Graubünden food is served. Overnight stays are also offered in that place.
- Ftan – One of the most beautiful fairytale villages in Switzerland
Probably one of the most picturesque villages in Switzerland and a place I can’t stop returning to, is the sun-drenched Ftan. The village fountains, cowbells and typical Graubünden houses will take you back in time and invite you to dream.Especially as a photographer you will love that place so much. Towards the end of September the cows are back and give a top photo subject. It is also worthwhile for hikers and connoisseurs to make a stop above Ftan.
- Tarasp Castle – the place in Switzerland for castle lovers
Tarasp Castle near Scuol is a castle that proudly towers over the landscapes of the Grisons. Although built in the 11th century, it is still perfectly preserved today. This is because the inventor of mouth spray “Odol” bought the castle at the beginning of the 20th century and renovated it. There are even guided tours in the castle.Furthermore, the castle now belongs to the Engadine artist Not Vital, who turned the place into an attraction for art and museum lovers with art and sculptures. Nowadays, it’s a Swiss museum with a lot of charm and innovation.
Insider tip: The Tarasp Castle, which you can even see from the train ride to Scuol, is a great photo subject. Especially in the evening hours you have the best light to photograph from the village. - St.Moritz – one of the best places in Switzerland for Ski lovers
St.Moritz is the founder of winter tourism in Switzerland. Many guests (especially from England) already came to St.Moritz, but in winter they stayed in England. Johannes Badrutt promised his English summer guests to be able to enjoy the sun also in winter, otherwise he would take over the travel expenses. The rest is known – St.Moritz is not only the founder of Swiss winter tourism, but the place where many stars meet or spend their vacations. https://www.engadin.ch/de/aktivitaeten/die-geschichte-von-stmoritz/Insider tip St.Moritz: Especially in summer St.Moritz is a dream with many places for hiking or sightseeing. One of the biggest insider tips is the hike to a magical hidden mountain lake called Lej de la Tscheppa. This hike, which takes about 5-6h and requires a very good fitness level, is one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland that I have ever done. And in the evening you can relax in a beautiful wellness hotel in St.Moritz. The hike is also suitable for a day trip if you leave early, for example from Zurich, but if you have the time, you should definitely book a hotel in St.Moritz.
- Lake Sils
Lake Sils is definitely the most beautiful lake of the Upper Engadine and one of the most beautiful bigger lakes in Switzerland at all. With long hiking routes, perfect swimming spots and golden larches (in autumn), Lake Sils is one of the scenic jewels of Switzerland. Even skating on the black ice is possible in winter, when the lake is frozen but it hasn’t snowed yet. Also Stand-Up-Paddling (SUP) is very popular on the lake.Insider tip Silsersee: Not even 12 minutes you have from St.Moritz to the Silsersee. A hike leads you from Sils in only 1h to the island of Chastè, a natural paradise with views of the Maloja, the larch forests and various glaciers. From mid-June to mid-October there is even a boat, which is Europe’s highest scheduled boat line!
https://www.sils.ch/de-ch/aufenthalt/sils-entdecken/silsersee.html - Flüela Pass
The Flüela Pass above Davos is a place that is particularly worthwhile for hiking or even for resting. Although the two mountain lakes Lai da la Scotta and Lai Nair border directly on the road, you still have your peace (especially at the second-mentioned lake). In summer, the meadows are full of sheep, but most of them are rather shy. A great excursion destination and place to take a break in the Swiss Alps.Insider tip Jöriseen: Probably one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland, if not the most beautiful starts next to the Flüelapass! I can highly recommend the unique Jöriseen circular hike, which takes about 5h and is only for experienced hikers. Especially impressive are the various colors of the lakes. These are caused by the different water access (surface water or glacier water). The Flüela Pass as well as the Jöriseen are easily accessible by the public bus from Davos.
https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/bergtour/praettigau-davos/788-joeriseen-rundtour/11846705/#gref - Schlappin – the perfect place in Switzerland to enjoy the idyl of the mountains
Schlappin near Davos Klosters is another hidden gem. The Walser village is located on the border to Austria, which can be reached in only 500 meters of altitude difference (Schlappiner Joch). The impressive mountain panorama and the beautiful Schlappinsee (reservoir) are dreamlike. Also highly recommended is a walk through the Schlappin forest, where streams and waterfalls meander wildly through the forest.Insider tip Schlappin: This is a great tip for gourmet friends. Berghaus Erika serves delicious food, if possible all prepared from regional products. To be honest, I probably ate here the best rösti in Switzerland (with ratatouille). Furthermore, you can also stay overnight at the Erika Inn but it’s as well a great day trip from Davos or even Zurich.
http://www.schlappin.ch/index.php/de/ - Lake Cauma
When you think of lakes in Switzerland, Lake Cauma is probably one name that comes to mind because it is one of the most famous mountain lake in the Swiss Alps. Accordingly, the tourist traffic is also huge. It is a very beautiful place in Switzerland, but it‘s worth not to visit the lake during the main hours from 12am till 5 pm.Furthermore, don’t visit Lake Cauma during the summer vacations or weekends, and if so you should arrive at morning and evening hours.
A great tip is the hike to the viewing platform Il Spir, which you can reach in about 1.5 hours. From there you have a wonderful view of the Rhine Gorge, where one of the largest rockfalls in Switzerland occurred.
- Lake Cresta
Not far away from the famous Caumasee lies in a landscape full of fir trees the Crestasee. In summer, instead of going to Lake Cauma, it is worth traveling to Lake Cresta, because the lake is as beautiful, but there are much fewer crowds. Perhaps because Lake Cresta is accessible only by walking (20-30 minutes each way).Tip Crestasee : At Crestasee there is a boat and a standup paddle rental, which can make your swimming trip even more diverse. Furthermore, you can grab a bite to eat at the lakeside restaurant. A place you will love!
- Rhine Gorge with the famous place Il Spir
The Rhine Gorge is known throughout Switzerland, as one of the largest rockfalls in Swiss history occurred here. On the one hand, there is the famous place Il Spir, where it is sometimes very crowded. However, the Rhine Gorge has so many other beautiful viewpoints that the people are also well distributed. Likewise, a hike through the gorge is very impressive and highly recommended. You can even see chamois if you are lucky.Insider tip Rhine Gorge: A great viewpoint away from the crowds can be found at the “Isla Davos”, which is located between Versam and Bonaduz. It is a very biodiverse area, so chances are great that you can see rare species like orchids.
http://www.regiun.ch/index.php?id=16 - Lej da la Tscheppa
Another insider tip regarding places to visit in South-East Switzerland is the Lej da la Tscheppa. The mountain lake is located above the Silsersee and can only be reached with a hike of about 900 meters difference in altitude. In other words, only experienced hikers can do it. But the reward with the panorama and a possible bath in the cold mountain lake is tremendous. - St. Antönien
St. Antönien is a paradise in the Grisons. You could think that here the world is still in order. The place is a super starting point for hikes, both in winter and in summer. In summer I can recommend the Partnunsee, where even a few small boats are waiting for the guests.- Kiln Pass
- Davos Monstein
- Clunerseen
- Macun lake district
- Jöriseen
- Lej de la Tscheppa
- Edelweiss in Swiss National Park
- Versam
- Seewis
- Silvretta glacier
- Landwasser Viaduct
- Panorama lakefront walk on Lake Zurich from Wädenswil to Richterswil
Yes, I love them, these infinity wooden bridges! I bet you do too? That’s why this should definitely be on the bucketlist of the top places to visit in Switzerland. Two of my favorite wooden bridges are on Lake Zurich. One of the most idyllic is the one from Wädenswil to Richterswil. You can reach Richterswil in about an hour. But I’m sure you will definitely stop and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps. There are several places to sit.Tip lakeside walk Lake Zurich: The walk is also well suited for families with strollers.
- Pfäffikersee (with Juckerhof, nature reserve)
The Pfäffikersee is a great place to visit from from Switzerlands biggest city Zurich. It has something to offer for everyone. A circular hike around the Pfäffikersee is especially great. Past moor landscapes and high biodiversity, even deer can be seen with a little luck.Tip Pfäffikersee: I can only recommend a refreshment at the Juckerhof. The farm, which has its own farm restaurant, cooks excellent food and is very family-friendly. In addition to an apple maze, the pumpkin figures are a particular sight in the fall!
- Alpine bath above Lake Zurich
Wellness in the canton of Zurich? Yes, we have a great place for you! The Alpenbad near the Bachtel is a destination for all wellness lovers. What could be better than enjoying the view in the hot tub while eating a delicious Swiss fondue?https://www.alpenbad.ch/besuch/
Tip Alpenbad Bachtel: Especially in winter we recommend an early reservation, because also companies sometimes reserve directly the whole facility for their Christmas dinner.
Places to visit in the Zurich region
Der Beitrag 121 most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland in 2023 erschien zuerst auf Switzerland by Locals.
