While Switzerland may be renowned for its watches and delicious food, especially cheeses and chocolates, there’s more to this country than these. Tucked in the heart of Central Europe, Switzerland is a land of breathtaking beauty, boasting pristine lakes, majestic mountain peaks, and lush green valleys that look straight out of a postcard. It’s brimming with natural beauty that almost every corner of the country feels like a scene from a movie. Below, check out some of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
Les Crosets
Nestled at 1,668 metres in the Swiss Alps, Les Crosets is the jumping-off point for those who want to explore the Portes du Soleil region. It boasts excellent snow conditions and offers a quick connection with France through the Pointe des Mossettes lift at 2,277 metres.
Given its high-altitude location, Le Crosets has an excellent snow record. Despite being small, it offers everything you need for an incredible ski holiday in the Swiss Alps, including accommodations that offer ski-in ski-out access to the gentle slopes of the surrounding areas. Les Crosets is perfect for skiers looking for a quiet environment to relax and ski, including families with children interested in taking up skiing lessons.
Given its strategic position along the Portes du Soleil region, Le Crosets gives direct access to the region’s 650 kilometres of pistes. Experienced skiers can reach Avoriaz in mere 20 minutes and Super Morzine in about 50 minutes. The slopes of Morgin or Chatel are only less than 40 minutes away. You only need to take two lifts to reach the famous Swiss Wall, also known as Le Mur de Chavanette, considered Europe’s longest pistes drop.
Verbier
As the largest of the Four Vallées ski area, Verbier is one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts. With its challenging pistes, stunning location, and fantastic apres-ski, it attracts the more upscale and energetic crowd. Given its sophisticated atmosphere, Verbier is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for luxury ski chalets in Switzerland for the whole family.
While Verbier caters to snowboarders, it is most suitable for skiers. Avid snowboarders and skiers can choose from the 80 lifts and over 400 kilometres of runs. On a clear day, the scenery of Verbier is nothing short of breathtaking. The quaint and compact town has everything you need for a ski getaway, from fantastic chalets to restaurants, bars, and shops.
Aside from snowboarding and skiing, Verbier offers the perfect setting for enjoying other winter sports, like dog sledging, paragliding on skis, and trying out the Verbier Sledge Run considered the longest in the French part of Switzerland. In addition, Verbier is renowned for its legendary après-ski, generally kicking off every day between 3-5 pm. You will find plenty of après-ski options in the mountains and Verbier town.
Evolène
Located in the Valais region, Evolene is the fourth largest commune in Switzerland, offering an extensive array of fun activities, especially winter sports. The medium-sized ski resort has eight ski lifts and boasts stunning mountain panoramas covered in thick snow.
As a top destination for winter holidays, Evolene has 100 kilometres of perfectly maintained Alpine ski runs suitable to all levels of skiers. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Evolene offers the perfect setting for fun excursions like snowshoeing and helicopter skiing, with expert mountain guides to organise your excursions. The resort also offers weekly night program activities like moonlit and torchlit skiing.
While Evolene is best known for its winter offerings, it’s also a fun destination for summer outdoor activities. The splendid Alpine peaks of Dent Blanche have over 250 km of clearly marked trails for scenic hikes. Those into mountain biking will find a hundred kilometres of mountain bike trails. Aside from hiking and mountain biking, those visiting Evolene in summer can enjoy trout fishing and tennis, and the more adventurous ones can try paragliding.
Zermatt
Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places to visit any time of the year. It’s especially great for families travelling with kids since it’s home to some of the country’s most incredible international summer camps, a perfect adventure for all! The city is renowned for its spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and is home to the famous Matterhorn.
Zermatt is worth visiting if you love nature and exploring the great outdoors. Surrounded by Alpine mountains, the picturesque city has numerous hiking trails, making it a haven for avid hikers. The city is home to several ski resorts, so it’s also a fantastic destination for a fun winter getaway. But even if you don’t ski or snowboard, Zermatt is still a delight to visit, with its breathtaking mountain views, which you can best enjoy on a cable car ride.
The iconic Matterhorn is one of the main reasons visitors love staying in Zermatt. It’s one of the world’s most photographed peaks, which you’ll have the opportunity to view up close on your visit to Zermatt. It looks even more spectacular at sunset or sunrise!
With plenty of excellent alpine chalets in Zermatt, you’ll have many choices for great places to stay, especially those travelling with the family. Many of these chalets feature traditional wooden structures and look out to stunning views, including the Matterhorn, allowing for an even more enjoyable stay.
Leysin
Leysin is a picturesque mountain resort in the Canton of Vaud, nestled 1200 metres above sea level. Aside from offering breathtaking views of the Rhone Plain and Mont Blanc, Leysin boasts a mild climate. In fact, it’s a popular health and wellness destination in Switzerland, where people with lung diseases would often come for a holiday.
Leysin is home to the gorgeous mountain lake called Lioson Lake, sitting at an altitude of 1,850 metres. You’ll be in awe of the lake’s magnificent scenery, especially when the weather is good. The climb to the lake is rather steep, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views when you arrive.
In winter, Leysin transforms into a magical winter wonderland with 17 ski lifts and a snow park, offering skiers and snowboarders enjoyment opportunities. The mountain resort also offers a cross-country skiing trail and a toboggan run. After racing down the toboggan park of Leysin, you’ll reach the Snow Village, perfect for warming up and restoring your energy.
