The Alps cover more than 60 percent of the country.
That means Switzerland is essentially a theme park where the rides are cable cars and the gift shop sells world-class cheese.
Not all mountain towns are created equal.
The 15 on this list are the ones worth packing your best walking shoes for.
1. Zermatt, Car-Free Village at the Foot of the Matterhorn
Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn. This iconic peak rises 4,478 meters into the sky. It is one of the most recognized mountains in the world.
The town itself is car-free. That means clean air and quiet streets. You can walk or take an electric cart everywhere.
Zermatt gets over 3 million visitors a year. It still feels charming and unhurried if you visit in the shoulder season.
2. Grindelwald, Glacier Village with the Eiger on Its Doorstep
Grindelwald is known as the “glacier village.” It sits in the Bernese Oberland region. The views of the Eiger north face here are breathtaking.
The Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” is just a short train ride away. It sits at 3,454 meters above sea level. The train journey alone is an unforgettable experience.
The village has over 300 km of hiking trails nearby. That’s why it attracts walkers and nature lovers of all ages.
3. Wengen, Sunny Terrace Village Above 72 Waterfalls
Wengen is a car-free village perched on a sunny terrace above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is only reachable by train. That alone makes it feel wonderfully remote.
The valley below has 72 waterfalls. Staubbachfall, one of the tallest in Switzerland, drops 297 meters. It is a jaw-dropping sight.
Wengen has fewer crowds than nearby Grindelwald. Choose Wengen if you want a quieter, more peaceful stay with the same stunning views.
4. Murren, James Bond’s Alpine Backdrop at 1,650 Meters
Murren is another car-free gem in the Bernese Oberland. It sits at 1,650 meters above sea level. Getting here requires a cable car or train, and that is part of the adventure.
The Schilthorn above Murren was the filming location for the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The revolving restaurant at the top is still there. It offers a 360-degree view of the Alps.
Murren has a population of only about 400 people. It is one of the smallest and most peaceful mountain villages in Switzerland.
5. Saas-Fee, Pearl of the Alps Ringed by Thirteen 4,000-Meter Peaks
Saas-Fee is surrounded by 13 peaks over 4,000 meters. It is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Alps.” The glaciers here are some of the most accessible in Switzerland.
The town is car-free and has a lovely pedestrian village center. Electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages move people around. It feels like stepping back in time.
Saas-Fee has a year-round glacier ski area at 3,600 meters. That’s why it draws visitors in both summer and winter without missing a beat.
6. Davos, Europe’s Highest City with 700 km of Hiking Trails
Davos is the highest city in the Alps at 1,560 meters above sea level. It is known globally for the World Economic Forum held there each year. But beyond that, it is a wonderful mountain destination.
Lake Davos is a stunning centerpiece of the town. In summer, you can swim, sail, and cycle along its shores. In winter, it becomes one of the largest natural ice rinks in Europe.
Davos has over 700 km of marked hiking trails in the surrounding region. It is a true four-season destination with something for everyone.
7. Pontresina, Quiet Engadine Base with a Retreating Glacier at Its Edge
Pontresina sits in the Upper Engadine valley near the famous St. Moritz. It is quieter and more affordable than its glamorous neighbor. Many visitors say it feels more authentically Swiss.
The Morteratsch Glacier nearby is one of the most visited glaciers in Switzerland. A short walk from the train station takes you to its base. Scientists have measured it retreating significantly in recent decades.
Pontresina is a certified “Slow Travel” destination. That means the local community is committed to sustainable, relaxed tourism, a great fit for travelers who want to unwind.
8. Andermatt, Alpine Crossroads Where Four Mountain Passes Meet
Andermatt sits at the crossroads of the Swiss Alps. Four major Alpine passes meet here. It has been a strategic mountain hub for centuries.
The town was once a quiet base for the Swiss military. It has since transformed into a top ski and golf destination. A major resort development has brought new hotels, restaurants, and shops to the village.
Andermatt’s ski area connects to Sedrun and Disentis, covering 180 km of pistes. Do not make the mistake of skipping Andermatt on your first Switzerland trip.
9. Arosa, Switzerland’s Sunniest Resort Town with a Bear Sanctuary
Arosa is one of the sunniest resort towns in Switzerland. It sits in a sheltered valley at 1,800 meters. The town gets around 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.
The Arosa Lenzerheide ski area connects two resorts and offers 225 km of slopes. A gondola links the two areas together. It is one of the largest ski regions in eastern Switzerland.
Arosa is also famous for its bear sanctuary. The Arosa Bear Sanctuary is home to rescued bears living in natural enclosures, a wonderful family-friendly attraction in any season.
10. Verbier, Crown Jewel of the 4 Valleys with 412 km of Runs
Verbier is one of Switzerland’s most exciting ski resorts. It sits at 1,500 meters and is part of the massive 4 Valleys ski area. That network covers 412 km of marked runs.
The town has a lively village atmosphere with great restaurants and shops. In summer, it hosts international music festivals and cycling events. The famous Verbier Festival brings world-class classical musicians every July.
Verbier connects to Mont Fort at 3,330 meters, offering panoramic views of 20 peaks over 4,000 meters. That’s why this town earns its reputation as one of the crown jewels of the Swiss Alps.
11. Lauterbrunnen, Waterfall Valley Where 72 Falls Carve the Cliffs
Lauterbrunnen sits inside a dramatic U-shaped valley carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Steep cliffs tower more than 600 meters on either side. It feels like walking into a painting.
The valley is home to 72 waterfalls. Staubbachfall, one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls, drops nearly 300 meters right at the edge of the village. Trummelbach Falls, hidden inside the mountain, carries meltwater from the Jungfrau glaciers.
Lauterbrunnen is also one of the few places in the Alps where traditional alpine farming is still actively practiced. You will hear cowbells in the meadows, and that sound never gets old.
12. Engelberg, Mountain of Angels with a 900-Year-Old Cheese Dairy
Engelberg means “Mountain of Angels” in German. It sits in the heart of Central Switzerland at the foot of Mount Titlis. Titlis reaches 3,238 meters and is one of the most visited peaks in the country.
The town is built around a Benedictine monastery that is over 900 years old. It is the village’s most iconic landmark. The monastery still has a working cheese dairy you can visit today.
Engelberg has over 200 km of signposted hiking trails. The Four Lakes Hike is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic walks in all of Switzerland, and it is suitable for most visitors.
13. Champery, Bell Foundry Village Inside Europe’s Largest Ski Area
Champery sits at 1,050 meters at the foot of the dramatic Dents-du-Midi peaks. It is one of Switzerland’s oldest tourist destinations. The first hotel opened here back in 1857.
The village has preserved its charm beautifully. Traditional chalets line the main street with hand-carved balconies and steeply pitched roofs. One of Switzerland’s last remaining working bell foundries is located right here in the village.
Champery is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, which covers 650 km of pistes across 12 villages in Switzerland and France. That’s why skiers keep coming back year after year; it is one of the largest ski areas in the world.
14. Flims, Turquoise Lake Town Above Switzerland’s Grand Canyon
Flims is tucked into the canton of Graubünden in southeast Switzerland. It sits above the famous Rhine Gorge, also called the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” The gorge stretches 13 km and is one of Switzerland’s most remarkable natural wonders.
Lake Cauma near the village is a vivid turquoise color. On a sunny day, it looks almost unreal. It is a popular swimming and picnic spot in summer and a peaceful walk in any season.
Flims is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. Together with Laax and Falera, it forms one of the most popular winter sports areas in eastern Switzerland with over 220 km of slopes.
15. Leukerbad, Alpine Spa Town with 2,000 Years of Hot Springs History
Leukerbad is the largest thermal spa town in the Swiss Alps. It sits at 1,411 meters above sea level in the Valais canton. People have been soaking in its natural hot springs for over 2,000 years.
The main Leukerbad Therme complex has 10 pools at different temperatures. The outdoor pools let you float in warm water while gazing at snow-covered peaks all around you. Even writer Mark Twain once climbed the famous Gemmi Pass trail above the village.
Leukerbad also has over 200 km of hiking trails and the longest via ferrata route in Switzerland. Choose Leukerbad if you want a mountain town that is equally perfect for deep relaxation and outdoor adventure.