Last Updated on 2nd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Switzerland is a landlocked country in Europe that’s characterised by its crystal alpine lakes, towering snow-capped mountains, and charming fairytale towns. And while Switzerland remains one of the most sought after travel destinations on the continent, there are still plenty of hidden gems left to uncover. Here’s your guide to the best secret spots in Switzerland…
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Ascona
By Sophie of Solo Sophie
Ascona sits in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland on the shores of Lake Maggiore (otherwise known as Lago Verbàno or Lago Maggiore in Italian). Picture perfect and ever so calm, the little town boasts plenty of lovely attractions for a laid-back weekend.
Those who are into design will love the Italianate architecture, while photographers out there will enjoy snapping photos of snow-capped peaks.
Not far from the border with Italy and the Italian province of Varese, Ascona is the lowest lying town in Switzerland and offers visitors easy access to plenty of water-based activities, including sailing to the nearby islands of Lake Maggiore.
However, the true draw of the town is its many spa hotels. Ascona is particularly famous for its mild climate, which has led to several luxury spa hotels being constructed in the area surrounding the town.
We personally stayed in Eden Roc and had the most relaxing time swimming in the various indoor and outdoor pools and relaxing in the sauna. Ascona is also a short walk away from the picture perfect town of Locarno.
Schaffhausen
By Rhonda Krause of Travel? Yes Please!
Schaffhausen is a small, historic town in northern Switzerland that dates back to the Middle Ages. The settlement originated on the north bank of the Rhine River so that shippers would have a place to unload their goods before reaching the impassable Rhine Falls.
Schaffhausen’s long history has been beautifully preserved in the town’s car-free Old Town. There are gothic and baroque guildhouses, elaborately painted facades, and buildings with lavishly decorated oriel windows. In addition to the eye-catching architecture, visitors who stroll around the Old Town will also see fountains adorned with statues and flowers.
One of the top things to do in Schaffhausen is visit the Munot fortress. This 16th century, ring-shaped fortress was built on a hill overlooking the town so offers several great vantage points for admiring the Rhine River, Schaffhausen’s architecture, and the surrounding vineyards. It even has a rose garden and a resident family of deer.
Another interesting attraction is the Abbey of Allerheiligen which is home to a museum, a pretty cloister, and a 4.5 tonne bell.
The riverside is a lovely area to relax at a cafe, enjoy a leisurely dinner, or go for a walk or bike ride. You could even cycle along the river to some nearby towns, including the medieval Stein am Rhein.
Schaffhausen is also a good base for visiting the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall in terms of volume and width, since it’s only a very short train ride away.
Lake Thun
By Angela of Where Angie Wanders
Lake Thun is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and is the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland. It also holds a secret; on its shores are five fairy-tale Swiss castles.
These castles have been impressing visitors for centuries and were once the summer homes of Swiss nobility. Nowadays they are landmarks of Lake Thun holding clues to the history of the area in their castle museums.
Several of Lake Thun’s castles or ‘Schloss’ as the Swiss call them, have been restored to their former glory and re-invented into prestigious restaurants and one is even a hotel.
Castle Oberhofen is one such castle and is probably the most photographed of the five Lake Thun castles, as it seems to float above the water. It is now home to a museum, formal flower gardens and a sensational restaurant which is well loved by locals and tourists.
Castle Schadau is the most beautiful of all the castles and is located at the end of Lake Thun close to the main town. Its 19th century pink turreted façade is home to a fine dining restaurant and hotel all set within a park.
The stunning views from the castle terrace lead the eye down the length of Lake Thun to the Swiss mountain range of Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger and is mesmerising to see.
And the Old Town of Thun is a great destination in its own right with the medieval Castle Thun looming high above the cobbled streets below.
The River Aare runs through the heart of Thun and is a delightful place with restaurants and bars lining its banks. A covered bridge decorated with flowers is a focal point of Thun and a great place to take a photograph.
While you are in Thun be brave, don your swimsuit and take a dip in the glacial waters of the lake. It’s not for the fainthearted but is a popular pastime with the Swiss!
Travel Tip: No visit to Lake Thun is complete without joining a lake cruise to see the castles from the vantage point of the water.
The Emmental Valley
By Sarah & Matt of Two Outliers
Located just outside of Switzerland’s capital, Bern, the Emmental Valley features beautiful vibrant green rolling hills dotted with charming Swiss chalets.
Most importantly, the Emmental Valley is home to numerous dairy farms that produce Emmental Cheese, the classic holy cheese more commonly referred to as “Swiss Cheese”.
Despite the area’s natural beauty and extensive cheese production, it receives fairly few visitors and you’ll have no trouble finding a bit of solitude. For those looking to get off the beaten path in Switzerland, the Emmental Valley is a paradise for hikers, bikers, and cheese enthusiasts alike!
E-biking through the Emmental Cheese Route is one of the best ways to explore the Emmental Valley! The Emmental Cheese Route departs from the small town of Burgdorf, located about 20 minutes by train from Bern, where you can rent an e-bike for 60 CHF per day.
There are two different route options through the Emmental Valley, which total either 35km or 78 kilometers and are suitable as either a one or two-day biking trip.
Along the route, bikers are treated to beautiful views of the Emmental Valley, the chance to sample and learn how cheese is made at the Affoltern Dairy Farm, and a stop by the Burgdorf Castle.
The route also includes the option to visit the Lueg, one of the most popular viewpoints in the area featuring incredible views of the Emmental Valley’s lush rolling hills.
To make planning an e-biking trip through the Emmental Valley a breeze, there is even an Emmental Cheese Route app which provides a detailed map of the route as well as a self-guided audio tour. Be sure to pack a pair of headphones to follow along at each stop!
Hoosesaggmuseeum
By Ivan Kralj of Pipeaway
This Swiss gem is so hidden that one might even miss it if blinking at the wrong moment. Hoosesaggmuseeum, translatable as Pants Pocket Museum, can literally fit in the trousers.
And that is one of its main curatorial criteria, as a matter of fact. As long as one has at least 30 thematically-connected objects the size of a palm, an exhibition at the smallest museum of Switzerland can become a reality!
Located in the cultural city of Basel, in the heart of the Old Town, at the address Imbergässlein 31, Hoosesaggmuseeum is displayed in the door window of a seemingly ordinary house.
Many people passed by this building in the last six centuries, but since 1995, they have a special reason to stop by. Every month, Dagmar Vergeat surprises them with a miniature world of memorabilia.
Basel museums are world-famous, but this one built its name around exhibiting everyday objects that tell a story. From porcelain toilet souvenirs to perfume bottles, from dice to mice, nothing is too mundane for the unusual door-size museum.
They’ve been presenting eggs collected from all over the world, Pokemon figurines, beer bottle caps, toothbrushes, nativity scenes, even beetles!
The door remains closed, however, this museum is open to visitors’ eyes 24/7. One might stumble at it in the middle of the night, but shouldn’t be afraid of ringing the bell. It’s an interactive button that will make the display move, adding another magical layer to this unique museum story.
Additional tip: Switzerland is not a cheap country to visit, but there are still plenty of free things to do in Basel. Hoosesaggmuseeum can be just a start of the journey through the hidden gems of Switzerland’s cultural capital!
Lungern
By Moumita & Sankha of Chasing the Long Road
Nestled halfway between Interlaken and Lucerne, Lungern is an incredibly beautiful Swiss village. Perched at an elevation of about 750 metres above sea level, Lungern is a perfect spot to commune with nature.
This village is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of Switzerland. Lungern lies on the eastern shore of Lake Lungern or Lungernsee, an incredibly beautiful lake with emerald-green water.
In summer, this lake is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and paddleboarding. Sailing and fishing are also popular activities on Lake Lungern. You can also camp on the shore of the lake and take in the breathtaking view of the lake surrounded by spectacular mountains.
If you fancy admiring the lake from above, hop on the cable car that goes from Lungern to Turren at an elevation of about 1500 metres above sea level. Being located in the lap of nature, Lungern offers many beautiful walking trails.
One such trail is Brunig Safari Walk where you can spot many wild animals like roe deer and chamois. Butterfly Trail is another lovely walk where you will get to see over 100 species of colourful butterflies in summer from June to August. Also, take a stroll around this pretty village and discover the beautiful chalets.
Dundelbach waterfall is a charming waterfall not too far from the centre of the village. It tumbles down in two stages with a drop of around 150 metres. It looks out of the world in early spring when the snow starts to melt.
If you are travelling by car, visit the viewpoint, Schoenbuehel. It’s only 5 minutes drive from Lungern. You will get a stunning panoramic view of Lake Lungern and the surrounding mountains.
Hike to restaurants in mountainside hamlets around Zermatt
By Cecily of Groovy Mashed Potatoes
You may have heard of Zermatt, Switzerland’s famous ski village sitting at the base of the Matterhorn. However, tucked away in the Swiss Alps around Zermatt you will find tiny villages called hamlets with restaurants so good, some are even listed in the Michelin Guide.
These hamlets can be reached by hiking or skiing depending on the time of year and offer spectacular alpine views. For an easy and enjoyable hike, take the gondola from Zermatt to Furi to start your restaurant crawl through the mountains.
You will first walk through the hamlet of Furi and eventually cross over a bridge to Z’mutt, a hamlet over 500 years old sitting on vibrant green pastures. Walk by the traditional wooden alpine huts and grab a seat outside at Z’mutt Restaurant for coffee and a light bite.
Next, hike along the mountainside to the hamlet of Zum See for a gourmet lunch at their restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide. Just 10 minutes away from Zum See is the hamlet of Blatten, which has a restaurant with a large outdoor patio and refreshing cocktails.
From Blatten, it’s a 22-minute walk downhill back to Zermatt. During winter in Zermatt, you won’t want to miss skiing to Chez Vrony, one of the best restaurants in the area also listed in the Michelin Guide.
Located in the hamlet of Findeln, you have spectacular views of the Matterhorn from the outdoor terrace. Their bubbling cheese fondue will warm you up after a day of skiing. Afterwards, ski down to CERVO for some of the best après-ski partying in the alps.
Lavertezzo
By Zoe of Together In Switzerland
Hidden in the mountainous Verzasca valley in the Ticino region, you can find a beautiful hidden gem location called Lavertezzo. Specifically in the district of Locarno, you can easily reach the village and surrounding area with the local bus from Tenero-Contra or with a car best.
It’s a nice fitness challenge, but you can even cycle up here! Dating back to 1327, locals would live here during the summer months before heading further down for the winter months. The main highlight for locals and travellers these days is the Ponte dei Salti, which was built back in the 17th century.
This is a gorgeous double arched stone bridge that is picture perfect. Furthermore, Lavertezzo’s crystal clear waters attracts those who want to dip their toes in some fresh waters. It’s can be rather cold, but from early Spring you will already witness locals having a quick dip or swim.
One thing to keep in mind is that at some sections the water has stronger currents, so be careful where to swim. During summer months it can also get a little busy during the day time hours, so best to arrive a little early or for the afternoon hours for relaxing and enjoying most.
For a top tip while visiting, of course see the main area of Lavertezzo and surrounding area, but take some time to also hike around along the water.
There is one route worth hiking from the local bridge south passing the local houses and river. This route is perfect if you came by public transport, as you can then get back on the bus at other stops along the way.
Abbey Library in St Gallen
By Krisztina of She Wanders Abroad
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Switzerland, look no further than the Abbey Library in St. Gallen. This incredible library is hidden away in an old Abbey and is full of fascinating books and artefacts.
It’s one of the oldest libraries in the world and houses an incredible collection of over 170,000 books. The library itself was founded back in the 8th century, however, the library room you can see today was only built in the 18th century.
Entrance to the library costs 18 CHF which includes access to the Vaulted Cellar and Exhibition Space as well. Children under the age of 16 can visit the exhibitions and the library for free which makes it a great thing to do for families.
One thing to note though is that you are not permitted to take any pictures inside to preserve the artifacts and the books so you can leave your camera at home/in the car. However, you’re more than welcome to pick up a postcard at the gift shop by the entrance to remember your visit by.
The Abbie Library is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Located in the eastern part of the country, close to the Austrian border, the town of St. Gallen can be easily reached from Zurich by train.
It’s also a great destination to get to by car if you’re doing a wider Switzerland road trip. Even if you’re not a bookworm, the Abbey Library is well worth a visit for its historical value and beautiful setting.
Glacier Garden, Lucerne
By Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Its iconic location makes this historic city a must-visit on any itinerary.
There are plenty of things to do in Lucerne, but one of the most unique is visiting the Glacier Garden. It transports travelers back to the ice age, when everything in the city did not exist and was covered in ice!
Visitors enter the century-old building through an imposing entrance. The walls of the building begin to tell their story. You’ll learn how the rocks were formed on the shoreline, then modeled by the ice age’s glaciers, and finally carved into the mountain range.
The glacier garden has five different sections. The glacial pots section features 16 historic glacial pots formed 20,000 years ago – when Lucerne was under 800 meters of ice! The discovery of these pots inspired the creation of the Glacier Garden.
The second section is the Swiss house, the former house of the founding family Amrein. In the Mirror Maze, the third section, more than 50 mirrors depict Spain’s Alhambra. It’s quite the labyrinth.
The Alpine Park displays local flora alongside unique rocks built over thousands of years. The newest addition is the Sandstone Pavilion which will be a small cinema featuring temporary exhibitions.
In the warmer months, walk through the Sommerau Park for an incredible view overlooking the city and Alps. For this reason, it’s great to end the day here when the sun is beginning to set over the mountains.
The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm from April 1 through October 31, and from 10 am to 5 pm the rest of the year. There is also a small bistro and shop for souvenirs on the premise.
Mount Stanserhorn
By Marianne of Pasta Pretzels and Passports
Mount Stanserhorn is located just a short 15-minute drive from Lucerne. This hidden gem in the heart of Switzerland is definitely worth a visit and a great way to avoid some of the crowds during peak tourist season.
The ride to the top of Mount Stanserhorn consists of taking two separate cable cars. The first portion of the journey is by way of the Oldtimer Funicular Train, and the second is via the CabriO cable car.
The CabriO cable car is the world’s first cable car to offer a roofless upper deck. And with 360-degree panoramic views, even if you are seated on the lower level of the cable car, you will have access to absolutely breathtaking vistas!
The CabriO travels at a speed of 8 meters per second, getting visitors to the top in just about 24 minutes. And at 1,898 metres above sea level (6,227ft), the peak offers amazing views of Mt Pilatus and Lake Lucerne in the north, and the Bernese Alps in the south.
The summit at Mt Stanserhorn offers a couple of different observation decks, as well as a gift shop and full-service restaurant. Have a romantic candlelit dinner at the Rondorama restaurant, while its revolving floor allows you to view the 360° panorama in 45 minutes without leaving your seat.
If you are looking to do a little exploring, take the 30-minute Stanserhorn circular trail. This easy walking path will take you around the summit, or if you prefer, to the official peak.
If you are a thrill-seeker looking for a unique experience, guests can book a thrilling tandem paragliding flight from the top of Mount Stanserhorn, down into the valley, with a landing point near Stans.
Tickets for a trip to the top of Mt Stanserhorn can be purchased for either a round trip or a one-way fare. Of course, you could always opt to hike the mountain in one direction. But just a heads-up, the hike consists of a steep and narrow path and will take a minimum of 4 hours to complete.
Madonna del Sasso
By Sophie of Solo Sophie
High above the glittering Lake Maggiore and easy to spy from miles away, the Madonna del Sasso is a breathtaking monastery surrounded by snow-capped peaks and stunning scenery in the pretty hamlet of Orselina.
For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘sacro monte’ can be translated as the ‘sacred mountain’ and that of Madonna del Sasso can be visited while in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. The Madonna del Sasso (which can be otherwise translated as ‘Our Lady of the Rock’) was founded in 1480.
This was after Franciscan brother, Fra’ Bartolomeo d’Ivrea, experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary on the night of the 14th/ 15th of August. Today, the sanctuary and place of pilgrimage are open to the public for free on a daily basis.
As well as admiring views of Lake Maggiore below, it’s possible to step inside the golden sanctuary itself, and visit the Casa del Padre museum. If you’re planning to visit the sanctuary on foot, then plan to leave at least half an hour to make your way up the mountain.
Otherwise, you can take the Locarno-Madonna del Sasso funicular which will take you to Orselina, the hamlet where the sanctuary is based for a small fee. Be sure to get off on the Santuario stop.
Bellinzona castles
By Daria of the Discovery Nut
Located in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton Ticino, Bellinzona is a historic town that is home to three castles, Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbato, the best-preserved castles in Switzerland. These castles have been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While these three grand fortresses are one of the best-hidden gems in the country with fewer foreign tourists coming here than to world-famous sites such as Zermatt or Schilthorn, people from German-speaking cantons of Switzerland come to Bellinzona because of its unique atmosphere and the southern flair that is significantly different from French and German-speaking parts of Switzerland.
The castles had been built in the area of dispute between the Swiss and Italians who had always fought over its control, and to this day the three castles that are collectively known as “Tre Castelli” are considered one of the best fortification examples in the Southern Alps.
When you come to Bellinzona, make sure to leave at least half a day to be able to tour the three castles and check out their museums.
After the tour, head to Old Town Bellinzona for some lunch and more sightseeing. Walk along Viale Della Stazione, the city’s busiest street lined with stores, restaurants, and small cafes.
Bellinzona is a great stop if you are making your way through Switzerland to Italy. It is a getaway for travelers making their way north to Switzerland and the other way around. The town is located at the intersection of roads to St, Gotthard, San Bernardino, and Lucomango passes in Southern Switzerland.
Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux
By Chris of Around the World With Me
Most people don’t think of wine when they think of Switzerland. But Switzerland is blessed with possibly the most beautiful wine region in the world.
There are numerous parts of the country that produce wine, but perhaps the most beautiful region lies on the banks of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey in the canton (i.e. province) of Vaud.
Known as the Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux, this unique wine region was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The terraced vineyards trace back to the 11th century. The bulk of the wineries are spread out on the steep hill along the coast.
A car – or a hired driver – is necessary if you want to go winery hopping and don’t have a lot of time. But if you have all day, there is a train station in the village of Saint-Saphorin that you can get off at to start an epic hike through Swiss wine country.
From Saint-Saphorin follow the paved trail up and down the terraces back to Lutry. You’ll cover 11km and pass countless vineyards along the way. Just be sure to book wine tasting stops in advance, as most wineries are small in this region and don’t have fully staffed tasting rooms. Some do, but better to plan in advance.
From the wineries along the Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux you can see across Lake Geneva to the French Alps. It’s hard to find anywhere in the world where you can enjoy a glass of wine at a vineyard with a better view.
If you’re not just passing through as part of a longer tour of Switzerland, spend the night in one of the beautiful towns along the banks of Lake Geneva, such as Vevey or Montreux.
The Terraces of Lavaux are also an east day trip from Geneva. No matter you get there or how long you stay you’ll be in awe of this amazing wine region and wonder how it’s not more famous around the world!
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