Switzerland doesn’t do ordinary things. Even in its smallest towns, you feel your chest constrict, and your camera gets strained working at high altitudes. Not every mountain town here is the same, however, and that’s what makes it exciting! From the peaks to the adrenaline to the cobblestone look and feel, there’s a Switzerland for you. These are the three mountain towns where to begin.
Zermatt
We’ve reached the point in Zermatt where, as you exit the train and gaze up at the sky, the Matterhorn rises up to dominate the area, and all else fades away. That’s what people come here for. And it is always on point.
Zermatt is car-free. High-altitude stillness and mountain drama that is different when you’re in it, no traffic, no noise. You ski world-class slopes, ride on a cable car to 3,883 metres, hike the routes which serious alpinists have been using for a hundred years, or just walk the village. A Matterhorn view is available from each street. Minutes from the trailheads, there are luxury hotels. There are reasons why Zermatt is somehow good for everyone – and that’s not easy to pull off.
Interlaken
Interlaken certainly does not want you to sit still. This mountain town has carved out an adventure playground for itself between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Bernese Highlands behind it.
There’s paragliding, parasailing, white-water rafting and more; all of it runs out of Interlaken, and all of it is easy to book. It is also the link to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch at 3454m. The ride on the train is enough to make the trip worthwhile. The point at the top shows you the whole scale.
Lucerne
You do not have to do any climbing to earn Lucerne’s place. It rests on a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and it is famous for its Old Town with cobblestones, medieval buildings, and the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, which for good reason is the most photographed building in Switzerland.
When you cross that bridge for the first time, it’s cinematic. Outside of it, the medieval city rewards slow walking: guild houses, lakeside cafés and corners that feel true to the character. Opt for a steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne, or for mountain views, hop a cable car up Mount Pilatus without getting any of the exercise.
It is also possible to reach Lucerne in one hour by train from Zurich. One of the easiest ways into Alpine Switzerland, and one of Switzerland’s best first impressions.
The Bottom Line
There’s no such thing as choosing a type of traveller in the mountain towns of Switzerland. Zermatt is the place for those who enjoy drama and tranquillity. Interlaken is for those who require their vacation to have a pulse. For those who want beauty served on a rock, Lucerne is for them. Pick one. Better still, choose all three, for there will be no regrets for not staying longer.
FAQs
Q1-What are the 4 regions of Switzerland?
Switzerland is divided into four distinct linguistic and cultural regions based on its four official national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
Q2-What are the top 3 cities to visit in Switzerland?
The top three cities to visit in Switzerland are Lucerne, Zurich, and Bern. Each offers a distinct blend of stunning alpine scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, making them perfect entry points to experience the best of the country.
Q3-What is the most beautiful mountain village in Switzerland?
Because “beauty” is subjective, there is no single most beautiful village in Switzerland. However, Mürren in the Bernese Oberland is widely considered the ultimate fairytale mountain village. Perched on a cliff 1,650 meters above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, it is entirely car-free and offers dramatic, unobstructed views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
