Explore the enchanting fairytale towns of Switzerland with their cobbled streets, alpine houses and incredible views. From Zermatt to St. Moritz, discover the best fairy tale towns that Switzerland has to offer and find out what makes them

Switzerland has many historic cities, cute villages and of course a good dose of nature to offer. It doesn’t really matter whether you travel to the north or south of Switzerland, you will find cities that are worth visiting everywhere.

Curious about the most beautiful Fairytale Towns in Switzerland for a city trip? Feel free to read on and discover the nicest places and cities in Switzerland.

Exploring the Enchanting 14 Most Beautiful Fairytale Towns of Switzerland

1. Fairytale Towns in Switzerland – Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, but that’s certainly not the only reason why you should go to Bern. It is a beautiful historic city where there is a lot to see and do. In the historic center you can stroll for hours through streets dripping with medieval romance. And from the old bridges you have a beautiful view over the city. There is a relaxed atmosphere and many cultural activities are organized.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

Be sure to stop by the medieval astronomical clock Zytglogge and visit the Historical Museum. Also take a walk along the river Aare which runs through the center and visit the Käfigturm, the Einsteinhaus and the cathedral. You’ll want to stay in Bern a little longer than planned anyway!

2. Zurich

Bern may be the capital of Switzerland, but Zurich is the economic heart of Switzerland. Between the historic buildings you will therefore find many headquarters of large companies. Zurich is a wealthy city and is consistently in the list of most liveable cities in the world. The quality of life is very high and you will notice this immediately.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

In Zurich you will find many attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Stroll along Paradeplatz, visit the Kunsthaus, Uhrenmuseum and Toy Museum, stop by St. Peter’s Church and Fraumünster Church and enjoy the view from Uetliberg.

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3. Geneva

Geneva is a city that has a lot to offer visitors. The old town is a labyrinth of centuries-old streets and lively squares where you can wander among medieval buildings with beautiful facades. Geneva is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations and you can admire the imposing cathedral, stroll along the Promenade du Lac and admire the Jet d’Eau.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

Nature lovers are also in their element here. The beautiful Lake Geneva lends itself perfectly to boat trips and walks and the city is also in the shadow of Mont Blanc. You won’t get bored in Geneva any time soon!

4. Basel

Basel is located on the Rhine at the point where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. Basel may not always look picturesque, but the old town along the Rhine is certainly not inferior to, say, Zurich or Bern.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

When in Basel, be sure to visit the Mittlere Brücke, the Basel Town Hall and the Cathedral. Spalentor and the botanical gardens of the University of Basel are also recommended. In addition, you will also find a lot of nice museums such as the World Toy Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Music Museum.

5. Lausanne

The picturesque city of Lausanne lies on the shores of Lake Geneva and is the unofficial capital of the Swiss Riviera. It hosts a lot of boat trips and other fun activities on the water. You will also spot several vineyards and cheese farms in the area.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

The city itself also has a lot to offer. You can stroll through the beautiful streets, eat something tasty or visit the Olympic Museum, the beautiful Museum of Fine Arts or the Musée de l’Élysée. In the latter museum you can admire a fine collection of photographs taken by Charlie Chaplin. The twelfth-century cathedral is also worth a visit.

6. Lucerne

Since the 19th century this city has attracted many tourists. With its historic center, picturesque squares, colorful houses and wooden bridges, it knows how to transform visitors every time. Lucerne is also known as the ‘tourist gateway to Switzerland’. There is therefore plenty to do and see in the town. Take a walk across the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden footbridge in Europe or admire one of the most moving sights, the Lion Monument. A huge sculpture of a dying lion, carved into a rock face above a small pond in the east of the city.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

But Lake Lucerne, also known as the Four Forest Cities, is also truly a sight to behold. It gives a beautiful picture, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. You can compare it more or less to the fjord landscape of Norway.

7. Thun

The historic town of Thun conquers everyone’s heart! From afar you can admire the prominent medieval castle that towers above the city. The town is located on the shores of a Swiss lake, Lake Thuner, and is really worth a visit.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

Besides the historical sights and the imposing castle, you can enjoy a great view over the lake with the impressive Bernese Alps in the background. Thun has the charm of the French Riviera, the castles of the Loire and the elegance of Paris.

8. Lugano

Lush mountains, lakes, beautiful sunsets and panoramic views: that’s Lugano, a romantic city in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. This is a true paradise for romantic souls, who want to enjoy the beauty of Switzerland, with an Italian touch.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

How about candlelit dinners, moonlight boat trips or visits to romantic villages? Get to know this amazing city at its best and rent a vacation home in Switzerland, Lugano. Romance guaranteed!

9. Montreux

The elegant city of Montreux looks like it’s straight out of a painting. This authentic piece of paradise on Lake Geneva, has attracted many artists, writers and travelers including famous figures such as Charlie Chaplin. The city radiates beauty, tranquility, inspiration and romance!

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

French-speaking Montreux offers an impressive panorama of snow-capped Alpine peaks. It is one of the most beautiful resorts in the area, also known as the Swiss Riviera. Stroll with your loved one through the old town, climb the hilltops and enjoy each other and the magic of this beautiful place. The city is also known for its annual jazz festival, its beautiful waterfront promenade and its handsome Belle-Epoque buildings.

10. Morcote

Morcote is a beautiful village at the very southernmost tip of Switzerland on the Italian border. In 2016 it was voted the most beautiful village in Switzerland and you will immediately see why. Morcote is located on Lake Lugano and looks very different from other medieval villages and towns.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

In Morcote there is a medieval climate, the people also speak Italian and the buildings have a more southern look. Be sure to visit the medieval church in the city center, but apart from that, enjoy the beautiful buildings and the unbeatable view of the lake.

11. Neuchâtel

Nestled against the foothills of the Jura Mountains, Neuchâtel sits on the shores of the lake of the same name. This cozy city carries with it a long history and has also emerged as a cultural center of Switzerland. You’ll find plenty of galleries, museums and historic buildings, but despite that wealth of history, it’s also a lively place, courtesy of its student population.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

In Neuchâtel, be sure to go to the top of the Prison Tower, the oldest building in the city, to enjoy the view. You should also not miss the Ethnographic Museum, the Collegiate Church and, of course, Neuchâtel Castle, which gave its name to the city.

12. Sankt Gallen

Located in the bustling center of eastern Switzerland, Sankt Gallen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This elegant city with a long history is a year-round cultural attraction. The city has a beautiful and medieval center with many picturesque half-timbered houses.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

The city is also known for its textile industry. Embroidery, cotton and linen were the main products made and traded by the guilds between 1350 and 1900. During your visit to this city you should also visit the baroque cathedral and the Stiftsbibliothek, the pearl of the city. Furthermore, you can also visit the numerous fascinating museums.

13. Grindelwald

Grindelwald is one of the most picturesque villages in the Swiss Jungfrau region. Rolling green meadows full of cows, surrounded by an impressive mountain scenery.

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

A visit to the viewpoint Grindelwald First is a must, the panoramic view there is spectacular! You can get here with a ride on the gondola elevator, but it is also great to hike to Grindelwald First. Moreover, it is home to numerous special attractions. And not just the typical hikes, think adrenaline rides with delightful names like Mountainkart, Trottibike and First Glider.

14. St. Moritz

Fairytale Towns in Switzerland

The extravagant Alpine metropolis of St. Moritz is one of the world’s best-known vacation resorts. St. Moritz, also known as the “Festival Hall of the Alps,” not only offers ski slopes and luxury hotels, but also has some a medicinal springs, turquoise mountain lakes and luxurious spas on offer. But in addition to luxury and jets, you can also admire some sights such as the Leaning Tower, the 16th century St. Maurice Church and the Segantini Museum.