Zermatt, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Montreux, Lugano, and Appenzell are must-visit Swiss towns.
Last winter, Linda and I traveled to Switzerland. We each made our own list of the best towns we visited.. Some places were the same, and some were different. Then we checked our lists together and chose The Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland.
I have crossed the country by train in every season, so I know what really works. This guide mixes our favorite places with simple, real travel tips. You will find clear choices, smart travel routes, and easy ideas to help you enjoy your trip.
How to choose your Swiss towns
It helps to start with what matters to you. Do you want mountain views, lake life, or culture. Set a simple plan before you book trains and hotels. That makes it easy to sort the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland into a shortlist.
Consider these quick filters:
- Time on trains Choose hubs to cut long transfers.
- Season Winter is for ski and snow. Summer is for hikes and lakes.
- Budget Mountain resorts cost more than small towns.
- Language German, French, and Italian areas change food and vibe.
- Pace Mix one base town with two day trip towns.
Pro tip from the rails. Book a Swiss Travel Pass if you plan many rides. It saves money and stress on busy days.
The Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland
Zermatt
Zermatt sits under the Matterhorn. The village is car free and calm. Trails, lifts, and views are world class. Zermatt ranks among the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland.
- Highlights Gornergrat Railway, Sunnegga, and Matterhorn views at sunrise.
- Best for Hikers, skiers, and photo lovers.
- Getting there Train via Visp. Luggage carts meet you at the station.
- Personal tip I like the 5 Lakes Walk at golden hour.
Lucerne
Lucerne blends lake, mountains, and a storybook old town. The Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument are close by. Boats run all day on Lake Lucerne. Lucerne belongs on any list of the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland.
- Highlights Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and the old town squares.
- Best for First timers and families.
- Getting there One hour by train from Zurich.
- Personal tip Ride the boat to Vitznau then take the cogwheel to Rigi.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a gateway, not the show. But it links many top spots. You can reach Jungfraujoch, Schynige Platte, and lakes in minutes. It is one of the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for easy day trips.
- Highlights Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm.
- Best for Travelers who want options in any weather.
- Getting there Direct trains from Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne.
- Personal tip Stay near Interlaken Ost for faster mountain links.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a valley of waterfalls and steep cliffs. The vibe is soft and slow. Wengen and Mürren sit above on opposite sides. It deserves its place among the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland.
- Highlights Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls, cable cars, valley walks.
- Best for Couples and casual hikers.
- Getting there Train from Interlaken Ost in 20 minutes.
- Personal tip Walk to Stechelberg early to have the path to yourself.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald has big Eiger views and many lifts. It is busier than Lauterbrunnen but more connected. You get top hikes from the door. It stands out as one of the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for active trips.
- Highlights First Cliff Walk, Bachalpsee, Eiger Express.
- Best for Hikers who want lots of trail choice.
- Getting there Train from Interlaken Ost in 35 minutes.
- Personal tip Start at First at opening time to beat the lines.
Bern
Bern is the capital with a medieval core. The arcades keep you dry and shaded. In summer, locals float the Aare River. Bern earns a firm spot on any list of the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland.
- Highlights Zytglogge clock, Bear Park, Rose Garden views.
- Best for Culture fans who still want nature.
- Getting there Fast trains from all major hubs.
- Personal tip Pack a dry bag and float the Aare with locals.
Montreux
Montreux rests on Lake Geneva with a warm feel. The lakeside path is lined with flowers and art. Chillon Castle is a short walk or bus ride away. It is surely among the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for lake life.
- Highlights Chillon Castle, Riviera Promenade, jazz festival in July.
- Best for Food lovers and relaxed walkers.
- Getting there Train from Lausanne in 20 minutes.
- Personal tip Take the GoldenPass train up to Rochers-de-Naye for views.
Lausanne
Lausanne sits on hills above the lake. It is sporty and young. The old town and Ouchy waterfront make a fine pair. Many rank it with the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for culture plus lake.
- Highlights Olympic Museum, Cathedral, Ouchy.
- Best for Wine and food fans who like city buzz.
- Getting there Trains from Geneva and Bern are frequent.
- Personal tip Ride the metro to skip steep climbs.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is high, sunny, and sleek. Lakes shine blue in summer and white in winter. The Engadin valley holds many small villages. It stands as one of the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for winter sports.
- Highlights Corviglia, Muottas Muragl, frozen lake events.
- Best for Skiers and design lovers.
- Getting there Glacier Express from Zermatt or trains via Chur.
- Personal tip Visit nearby Sils for a quiet lakeside walk.
Lugano
Lugano brings Italian flair to the Alps. Palms, piazzas, and pasta meet Swiss order. The lake is the star. Lugano ranks among the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for a Mediterranean feel.
- Highlights Monte Brè, Monte San Salvatore, Gandria village.
- Best for Food, sunshine, and mellow hikes.
- Getting there Fast base tunnel trains from Zurich.
- Personal tip Walk the olive trail to Gandria and boat back.
Ascona
Ascona is a small jewel on Lake Maggiore. Colorful homes face the water. Cafés buzz till late. It is rightly included in the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for slow days.
- Highlights Promenade, Brissago Islands, nearby Valle Verzasca.
- Best for Couples and art lovers.
- Getting there Bus or boat from Locarno.
- Personal tip Swim in the river pools of Lavertezzo on a weekday.
Appenzell
Appenzell is green, rustic, and proud of its roots. Local cheese and folk art shine here. Trails weave through rolling hills. Appenzell belongs with the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for tradition.
- Highlights Ebenalp and Äscher, cheese dairies, painted houses.
- Best for Easy hikes and culture.
- Getting there Train via Gossau SG.
- Personal tip Hike to Seealpsee at sunrise for mirror views.
Wengen
Wengen is a car free perch above Lauterbrunnen. It faces the Jungfrau and the valley. The pace is calm and classic. Many include it in the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for romance.
- Highlights Mannlichen cable car, Lauberhorn, balcony views.
- Best for Couples and skiers.
- Getting there Train from Lauterbrunnen.
- Personal tip Book a room with a south facing terrace.
Mürren
Mürren hangs on a cliff with wild views. It feels more remote than Wengen. The Schilthorn is the main peak here. It is one of the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland for drama.
- Highlights Schilthorn, Allmendhubel, North Face Trail.
- Best for Hikers who like quiet.
- Getting there Cable car plus train from Lauterbrunnen.
- Personal tip Try the flower trail for an easy, happy walk.
Sample itineraries for every season
Here are simple routes that work well. Each one uses easy train links. Swap days based on weather and mood.
Summer 6 days Jungfrau and lakes
- Day 1 Bern and Aare float
- Day 2 Interlaken base and Harder Kulm
- Day 3 Lauterbrunnen and Mürren
- Day 4 Grindelwald and Bachalpsee
- Day 5 Lake Brienz boat and Giessbach Falls
- Day 6 Lucerne and Mount Rigi
Fall 5 days Lakes and wine
- Day 1 Lausanne and Ouchy
- Day 2 Montreux and Chillon Castle
- Day 3 Vevey and vineyard walks in Lavaux
- Day 4 Bern old town and markets
- Day 5 Lucerne boat ride and old town
Winter 7 days Snow and style
- Day 1 Zurich to St. Moritz
- Day 2 Corviglia ski or snowshoe
- Day 3 Muottas Muragl and sled run
- Day 4 Glacier Express to Zermatt
- Day 5 Gornergrat and village dine
- Day 6 Sunnegga and spa
- Day 7 Bern or Lucerne on the way out
Personal note. I plan spare time into every route. Weather shifts fast in the Alps. This keeps your trip smooth and lets you enjoy the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland without rush.
When to go and what it costs
Peak season runs from mid June to early September. Winter peaks in late December and February. Shoulder months bring lower rates and soft light.
Budget pointers
- Hotels Mountain hubs cost more than lake towns.
- Food Lunch menus and bakeries help you save.
- Passes Swiss Travel Pass, Saver Day Pass, and Half Fare Card can cut costs.
Season picks
- Spring Wildflowers near Appenzell and Lucerne hills.
- Summer Lakeside days in Montreux, Ascona, and Lugano.
- Fall Vineyards in Lavaux near Lausanne.
- Winter Snow sports in Zermatt and St. Moritz.
These notes will help you pick the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland that fit both season and budget.
Practical tips and mistakes to avoid
What worked well for me
- Book mountain lifts early on clear days.
- Start hikes by 8 a.m. to avoid crowds and glare.
- Keep a light rain shell and warm layer in your daypack.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overpacking towns You need time to breathe in the Alps.
- Ignoring weather forecasts Cloud can block views at high peaks.
- Skipping local language basics A simple merci or grazie goes far.
Getting around
- Use SBB Mobile for live timetables and platform changes.
- Reserve scenic trains if you want panorama cars.
- Mix boats, funiculars, and short walks for easy wins.
Wrap this into your plan and you will enjoy the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland with less stress and more joy.
Frequently Asked Questions of Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland
How many towns should I visit on a 7 day trip
Two base towns and two day trips work best. For example, Lucerne and Interlaken as bases with day trips to Lauterbrunnen and Bern.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for visiting many towns
Yes if you use trains, boats, and museums often. It also removes the hassle of buying many point to point tickets.
What is the best month to see the Alps and hike
July and early September balance open trails and stable weather. Start early and check lift maintenance dates.
Can I visit Zermatt and Jungfrau region in one short trip
Yes, but keep it simple with three nights in one base. Add two nights in the other and use scenic trains to link them.
Are large cities like Zurich part of this towns list
Zurich is a great city hub, but this guide focuses on towns. Use Zurich as a gateway before heading to the mountains or lakes.
Which town is best for families with small kids
Lucerne is easy, flat, and full of soft adventures. Try Rigi, boat rides, and short lake walks.
Do I need to rent a car to visit these towns
No, trains and boats connect almost every place you need. Many top towns are car free, which makes rail the smarter choice.
Conclusion
Switzerland shines through its towns. From Zermatt peaks to Lucerne’s calm lake, each stop adds a fresh note. Pick one solid base, add two day trips, and you will see more with less effort. Use this guide to choose the Best Towns To Visit In Switzerland that match your season and style.
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