{"id":17129,"date":"2023-03-05T14:00:12","date_gmt":"2023-03-05T19:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?p=17129"},"modified":"2024-07-02T11:00:02","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T15:00:02","slug":"most-beautiful-swiss-mountain-villages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/switzerland\/most-beautiful-swiss-mountain-villages\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Perfectly Picturesque Swiss Mountain Villages to Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you close your eyes and imagine the Swiss Alps, chances are high that you’ll conjure up images of snowcapped peaks towering over sweeping valleys carpeted in emeraldine hues of grass and clover. You might even picture a few chalet-style homes, crowned with wooden roofs that are steep enough to keep snow from collecting on the darkest winter days. Maybe your mind\u2019s eye will show you a small herd of cows, each with a heavy bronze bell around her neck, or a cuddly Saint Bernard sitting mellowly on a rocky butte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As clich\u00e9 as all of this may sound, the Swiss Alps are really as enchanting as Hollywood likes to portray, with beautiful old architecture, humbling resplendent mountain peaks, and\u2014you guessed it\u2014plenty of cows (in fact, the tradition of high-altitude grazing is responsible for some of Switzerland\u2019s finest cheeses).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still not convinced? Take a look at these 10 beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps and see for yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeautiful Swiss Mountain Villages to Visit This Year\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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  1. Visperterminen<\/a>
  2. Grimentz<\/a>
  3. Andermatt<\/a>
  4. M\u00fcrren<\/a>
  5. Gimmelwald<\/a>
  6. Weggis<\/a>
  7. Sils<\/a>
  8. Muggio<\/a>
  9. Kandersteg<\/a>
  10. Lauterbrunnen<\/a><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n

    Visperterminen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Visperterminen
    Visperterminen is not only a picturesque Swiss mountain village itself, it’s also home to the highest vineyards in Europe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The gateway to the Visper Valley, this village offers beautiful views of the Bernese Alps and the Valais, as well as easy access to some of the region’s finest mountain resorts. Many people come to the region to learn how to ski and snowboard, or to brave the 7-kilometer-long sledding slope that runs from Giw to Visperterminen. Oenophiles won’t want to miss the chance to visit the local vineyard, which also happens to be the highest in Europe, with its clay-and-sand terroir that\u2019s ideal for growing Savagnin blanc varietals used to make the village\u2019s own Heida Visperterminen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grimentz<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Grimentz
    Nestled in the Val d’Anniviers, Grimentz is a hidden alpine gem that enchants visitors with its authentic Swiss charm and majestic mountain views.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    With its cobblestone-lined alleys and wood-framed houses adorned with colorful boxes of vermillion-hued geraniums, Grimentz very much fits the image of a picture-perfect Swiss village. In the heart of the town sits the 16th<\/sup>-century Burgher House, where you can try a special glacier white wine aged in larch-wood barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Andermatt<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"pretty
    Whether one is seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills or simply a peaceful escape, Andermatt’s breathtaking beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Situated in the Ursern Valley, the village of Andermatt is a well-known base for skiing the nearby slopes of Gemsstock. Other popular snow-season activities include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, while the summer months are ideal for long hikes up to alpine passes. If you visit between June and October, make sure to stop by the nearby Sasso San Gottardo, a cave fortress turned museum next to the Gotthard Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    M\u00fcrren<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"M\u00fcrren
    A Swiss fairytale come to life: M\u00fcrren’s picturesque charm is unparalleled, with its traditional wooden houses and snow-capped peaks creating a breathtaking backdrop. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, this enchanting village is a testament to the beauty of nature and the enduring allure of Swiss culture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Situated below Schilthorn in the Bernese Highlands, this small, car-free village is a great place to get away from city life\u2014no matter the season. Like elsewhere in the Swiss Alps, snow sports are wildly popular in the winter, while summer brings with it lots of opportunities for long hikes. Feeling particularly adventurous? You can brave a via ferrata (somewhat akin to a hybrid between rock climbing and hiking) route to Gimmelwald, about a mile and a half away. Note that cars aren’t allowed in M\u00fcrren, and the only way to get to the village (besides your own two feet) is to take a cable car to Lauterbrunnen-M\u00fcrren and then hop aboard a narrow-gauge mountain railway train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gimmelwald<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Picturesque
    Gimmelwald is a charming alpine village that offers a glimpse into a simpler, more peaceful way of life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Next to M\u00fcrren, Gimmelwald is another car-free beauty and the gateway to the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, a UNESCO-protected area. This adorable village not only offers gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, but also lovely little homes, guesthouses, and mountain restaurants, all with quintessential alpine architecture. Want to bring something home? You can stop by the Honesty Shop at Hotel Pension Gimmelwald, where all goods are sold on the honor system, with no cashiers in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Weggis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Weggis
    Weggis with its tree-lined streets and picturesque waterfront are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway, while the surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Sometimes referred to as the Riviera of Switzerland, this small resort village on the banks of Lake Lucerne is an excellent place to go if you want to experience a taste of the alps but don’t have time to make the journey up to high mountain passes. Weggis is around a half-hour drive or a 45-minute boat ride from Lucerne, and is just a short cable car ride away from the Rigi massif. The hiking here is fantastic, with options for all levels, including the Path of Mark Twain, a 6.7-mile hike that the American author himself braved while spending time in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sils<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Sils
    With its rich cultural heritage, world-class skiing, and unparalleled tranquility, Sils is a true Swiss treasure that is not to be missed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Overlooking Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana, Sils has long been a popular place of repose. This high-altitude community is a gorgeous place for strolling and relaxing\u2014in fact, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche found the village enchanting enough that he opted to spend many summers here. Nietzsche likely played a significant role in popularizing the town, referring to it as \u201cthe charming village on earth.\u201d His former summer residence is now a museum and hotel and is one of many cultural attractions, along with the Sils Museum, which has an exceptional collection of works by Swiss painter Andrea Robbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Muggio<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Muggio
    The Muggio Valley, with its quaint stone houses and narrow streets transport visitors back in time, while its lush green landscapes and idyllic streams offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Part of the Breggia municipality in the canton of Ticino, this gorgeous village offers a perfect mix of exquisite mountain scenery and pretty architecture. It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re interested in living history; the Ethnographic Museum of the Muggio Valley has done a stellar job of preserving much of the region’s cultural heritage, including an old water mill, a historic dairy cooler built of stone, a chestnut storehouse, and nearly a dozen churches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kandersteg<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Kandersteg
    With its idyllic setting, outdoor dining in Kandersteg is an experience like no other, where stunning mountain vistas and fresh alpine air come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. At the same time, the village’s vast network of hiking trails, from gentle paths to challenging peaks, provide ample opportunities for the adventurous Winetraveler.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you’ve come to Switzerland to hike, consider making Kandersteg your base. This municipality in the Bernese Oberland is the starting point for some of the best routes in the region, many of which pass through high-mountain passes with panoramic views. It\u2019s also worth taking a gondola ride up to the ridiculously gorgeous Lake Oeschinen, part of the larger Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lauterbrunnen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Lauterbrunnen
    Lush green valleys, other-worldly cascading waterfalls and towering peaks, Lauterbrunnen offers an epic setting for hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding, among other thrilling activities. <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Waterfalls take center stage in this valley village, the name of which translates to “many fountains.” There are 72 waterfalls in the area, the best-known of which, Staubach Falls, is visible right from town. While Lauterbrunnen is gorgeous year-round, it’s worth visiting in the summer, as this is the only time of year when you can visit the nearby Tr\u00fcmmelbach Falls, the largest subterranean waterfall in all of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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