10 Enchanting Swiss Villages Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Switzerland is often perceived as a hub of international diplomacy and finance, but at its heart, it's a country that is more rural than urban, characterized by small villages and decentralized cantons rather than sprawling urban centers. Unlike many other countries, Switzerland's essence is captured best in its serene landscapes and small communities, which play a significant role in the national identity.

Here is our selection of the top 10 villages in Switzerland, each offering a unique glimpse into the country's rich heritage and stunning natural beauty.

These villages, set against the backdrop of dramatic Alps and serene lakes, feature traditional Swiss architecture, including steep-roofed chalets and wooden facades. There are also cobblestone streets that meander through their centers. The enduring appeal of these locales lies not only in their built environment but also in the surrounding landscapes, which encompass vast forests, alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes.

Each village allows visitors to immerse themselves in a serene, historically rich atmosphere that feels both timeless and untouched of Swiss country life:

1. Grindelwald

Nestled in the Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is a stunning village that offers breathtaking views of towering mountains like the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. This village serves as a gateway for numerous alpine adventures but also holds a charm with its traditional wooden chalets and tranquil setting.

Tip: Plan to visit during the off-peak seasons (late spring or early autumn) to enjoy the hiking trails and mountain views with fewer tourists. Also, consider taking the Jungfraubahn for a scenic train ride to the Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe.

2. Morcote

Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, Morcote is a small village that has been voted the most beautiful village in Switzerland. With its narrow alleys, ancient buildings, lush subtropical gardens and an architectural ensemble that seems frozen in medieval times, Morcote is a picture-perfect scene from a storybook.

Good to Know: Dedicate some time to visiting Parco Scherrer, a lush subtropical garden filled with art, sculptures and exotic plants — a hidden gem that encapsulates the cultural fusion that characterizes this village.

3. Guarda

This village in the Lower Engadine valley of the Canton of Graubünden is famous for its well-preserved traditional houses. Guarda is the archetype of a Swiss fairy-tale village, complete with sgraffito-decorated buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and dense forests.

Tip: Take a walking tour to fully appreciate the sgraffito technique on the facades of the buildings, a beautiful artistic method that tells stories of the region's history and culture.

4. Gimmelwald

A small, car-free village in the Bernese Oberland, Gimmelwald is perched on a cliff high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It’s a peaceful place that feels untouched by time, offering stunning alpine views and a quiet escape from the modern world.

Good to Know: Since Gimmelwald is car-free and accessible only by cable car from Stechelberg, it's ideal for those looking for tranquil solitude and direct access to nature. Pack good walking shoes to explore the numerous footpaths offering stunning vistas.

5. Zermatt

Although better known as a resort town, Zermatt also boasts a fairy-tale village atmosphere, particularly because of its location at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the world. The traditional wooden barns and old churches add to its charm, creating a magical alpine setting.

Tip: Zermatt is a hub for winter sports but also offers year-round cable car access to surrounding peaks. Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for breathtaking views and skiing even in the summer.

6. Wengen

Accessible only by train, Wengen is a serene and picturesque village overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Traditional chalets and hotels dot the landscape, and with no cars allowed, the tranquility here is almost surreal, perfect for a storybook setting.

Good to Know: As Wengen is car-free, the quiet adds to the village's charm, making it perfect for a peaceful retreat. It’s best accessed by the Wengernalp railway, which provides scenic views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley during the journey.

7. Stein am Rhein

Famous for its well-preserved medieval buildings, Stein am Rhein's old town features stunning frescoes and Renaissance-period architecture that make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The painted facades and ornate buildings around the town square are incredibly photogenic.

Tip: Explore the town hall (Rathaus) to see well-preserved frescoes and the museum that details the town’s rich history. Walking tours are highly recommended to capture the essence of the medieval architecture and learn about the local legends.

8. Evolène

Located in the Valais region, Evolène is a village where traditions are kept alive and the architecture is characterized by dark wooden houses and granaries that have stood the test of time. The village is less frequented by tourists and retains a genuine sense of seclusion and preservation of the Swiss way of life from centuries past.

Good to Know: This village hosts vibrant traditional events throughout the year. Plan your visit during the "Carnaval d'Evolène" to experience local customs, traditional music, and the unique masks that are central to the festivities.

9. Brienz

This village on the shores of Lake Brienz is known for its wood carving tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Brienz's picturesque lakefront setting, embellished by the surrounding mountains, gives it a tranquil and rustic charm. Walking along the lake, with the quaint, beautifully carved wooden houses in the background, is truly like stepping into a living postcard.

Tip: Brienz is renowned for its woodworking schools and shops. Take a workshop to learn about this traditional craft or visit during the Brienz Woodcarving Festival to see expert carvers in action.

10. Soglio

Dubbed "the gateway to paradise" by famous painter Giovanni Segantini, Soglio is a gem in the Bregaglia valley. Its location offers awe-inspiring views of the rugged Bergell mountains, while its streets are lined with stately stone houses and wildflowers, creating a pastoral idyll that is serene and breathtaking.

Good to Know: Soglio is the perfect starting point for hikes into the Bergell valley. Don’t miss a walk through the village to enjoy its stone architecture and the stunning views of the Piz Badile, especially beautiful at sunset.