These Fairy Tale Towns Look Straight Out of a Storybook — With Alpine Chalets, Cobblestone Streets, and Towering Peaks

Interlaken, Stein am Rhein, and Zermatt are just a few of the most beautiful fairy tale towns in Switzerland. You’ll find cobblestone streets framed by half-timbered houses in Stein am Rhein, as well as snow-covered peaks that seem plucked from a storybook in Zermatt. 

Switzerland offers a magical blend of architecture and stunning nature that belongs in a Disney movie. Should you stroll along Interlaken’s serene lakes or explore Zermatt’s winter wonderland beneath the towering Matterhorn? Deciding where to go first isn’t easy, with so many fascinating places to visit.

We’ve curated this list of 12 must-visit Swiss towns based on their storybook charm, stunning scenery, and historic appeal. We’ve gathered destinations with alpine magic using expert recommendations and traveler reviews. Whether you’re dreaming of snowy mountains or charming villages, these towns will inspire your next Swiss adventure.

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If you could teleport to one Swiss fairy tale town, where would you be living your best storybook life?

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Interlaken

Interlaken is a beautiful traditional Swiss resort town in Central Switzerland’s mountainous Bernese Oberland region. It sits on a picturesque valley between the dazzling Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, making it a big hit with outdoorsy travelers.

Besides the breathtaking natural scenery, Interlaken’s vibrant architecture helps make it one of the best storybook towns in Switzerland.

You’ll likely spend most of your time wandering the colorful streets. Keep your eyes peeled for the Reformed Castle Church, the Old Town, and the Yash Chopra Statue.

There is also much to do in Interlaken if you love adrenaline-pumping activities. For example, you could admire the spectacular scenery on a paragliding tour. Alternatively, you could race along Lake Brienz on a jetboat. 

Travel Tips

• Explore the Old Town: Take some time to wander through Interlaken’s Old Town, where you can find shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
• Visit St. Beatus Caves: Explore the nearby St. Beatus Caves above Lake Thun.

Read also: Christmas Markets in Switzerland

Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein in northeastern Switzerland is one of the country’s most beautiful small towns. Its well-preserved medieval town center and awe-inspiring natural beauty are straight out of your favorite storybook. You’ll quickly fall in love with the town’s vibrant half-timbered houses, medieval castle, and waterfront monastery. 

While simply walking around Stein am Rhein is a joy, there are many things you need to see. For example, the early 13th-century Hohenklingen Castle offers incredible views of the town and Lake Constance and provides insight into Stein am Rhein’s medieval history.

Meanwhile, St. George’s Abbey is one of Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval monastery complexes. You can explore the old living quarters and lush gardens on a tour.

Travel Tips

• Try Swiss Cuisine: Look for traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue or rösti.
• Have Dinner in a Castle: Walk through the forest for half an hour to Burg Hohenklingen, a castle with a highly rated restaurant and gorgeous views. 

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Montreux

Montreux, on Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland’s most popular towns. It’s been a famous tourist destination since the 19th century due to its impressive natural scenery, famous visitors, and mild climate. However, Montreux’s magical Old Town makes it one of Switzerland’s top storybook towns.

The Old Town of Montreux sits on a hillside approximately 15 minutes from Lake Geneva’s shoreline. It offers stunning views of the lake, forests, and mountains surrounding the town. Aside from the views, it is home to winding cobblestone streets lined with vibrant architecture, quaint cafes, and traditional houses. 

Once you’ve got lost in the Old Town, take on the Chauderon Gorge hike and visit the nearby 11th-century Chillon Castle.  

Travel Tips

• Visit the Queen Studio Experience: This museum celebrates the legendary band Queen with memorabilia and insights into their recording process.
• Take the Cogwheel Train to Rochers-de-Naye: The ride offers beautiful scenery, and once you are at the top, you can explore hiking trails or visit the Alpine garden filled with local flora.

Read more: Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Gruyères

As far as storybook towns in Switzerland go, they don’t get better than Gruyères, a breathtaking medieval town in the Fribourg canton. This remarkable town is best known for producing cheese of the same name. However, it should be better recognized for its mindblowing scenery and fascinating architecture. 

You’ll discover epic mountain viewpoints, lush meadows, and postcard-perfect medieval architecture at every turn. The town’s main highlight is the 13th-century Château de Gruyères. This mesmerizing hilltop fortress features beautiful gardens, grand dining rooms, luxurious bedrooms, and walls and towers from a storybook.

Meanwhile, Château St-Germain, another medieval castle in Gruyères, houses the HR Giger Museum, which contains artwork and sculptures from the Alien movies.

Travel Tips

• Arrive Early for Parking: Parking fills up quickly, and arriving before 10:30 AM will give you the best chance to park close to the village.

Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe

Spiez

Spiez is one of the most naturally beautiful towns in Switzerland. This picturesque town is located alongside the iconic Lake Thun and offers magnificent views, expansive hiking trails, and sparkling emerald waters. Furthermore, the town is home to many exciting attractions, such as Schloss Spiez.

Schloss Spiez is a gorgeous lakeside medieval castle with a tall stone tower, vibrant gardens, and an ornate interior. When you’re not admiring the castle’s beauty or taking in the impressive views, explore the on-site museum and its medieval exhibits. 

You should also visit Schlosskirche Spiez, a historic lakeside Romanesque church. First referenced in 726 A.D., the church offers beautiful lake views and a fascinating insight into Spiez’s religious history.

Travel Tips

• Enjoy a Boat Cruise on Lake Thun: Cruises often include stops at nearby towns.
• Visit the Niesen Mountain: Don’t miss the chance to visit Niesen Mountain, known as the “Swiss Pyramid.”

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Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Switzerland. Located in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, this world-famous mountain resort is renowned for skiing, hiking, and climbing. However, we love it most for its vibrant town center and mindblowing scenery. 

Zermatt’s snowy mountains, including the pointed Matterhorn peak, sparkling lakes, and warm, bright lights, create a magical scene. The town wouldn’t look out of place in the Frozen movies. While most people who visit Zermatt do so to ski and hike, there is much to see in the town.

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The main street, Bahnhofstrasse, has boutique shops, restaurants, and a lively après-ski scene. You can also learn about Zermatt’s development at the Matterhorn Museum.

Travel Tips

• Use the Free E-Bus: If you have a ticket or pass for cable cars or trains in Zermatt, you can take an electric bus service to get around town for free. 
• Visit the Glacier Paradise: Make sure to take a trip to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe.

Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List

Sion

If you’ve always dreamt about visiting storybook-style castles in Switzerland, look no further than Sion, a picturesque town in the canton of Valais. This charming town is best known for its two hilltop fortifications: the 13th-century Tourbillon Castle and Valère Castle. Both castles offer impressive landscape and town views while transporting you into your favorite fairy tale.

Tourbillon Castle is mostly in ruins now, but it’s still well worth visiting. On the other hand, Valère Castle stands proudly intact above Sion. It features the historic Basilica of Valère and the Valais History Museum, which houses exhibits that span 50,000 years of history. Keep an eye out for Middle Ages weaponry, the Treasure Room, and the steles of the Petit-Chasseur.

Travel Tips

• Visit the Valais Nature Museum: Explore the Valais Nature Museum to discover local flora and fauna. 

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Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen is a beautiful Swiss town on the Rhine River. It’s best known for Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, its medieval Old Town, and its spectacular hilltop fortress.

Start your Schaffhausen adventure at Rhine Falls. This magnificent waterfall is 492 feet (150 meters) wide and 75.5 feet (23 meters) high. You can get close to the waterfall on a boat tour with Rhyfall Mändli. 

Afterward, explore the Munot Fortress. This circular fortress has dominated the town for over 400 years. It offers excellent views of the Old Town and is surrounded by lush vineyards. The nearby 14th-century Church of St. Johann is also well worth visiting if you love architecture.

Travel Tips

• Visit the All Saints Monastery: Explore the All Saints Monastery (Kloster Allerheiligen) for its beautiful architecture and several museums, including art and natural history exhibits.
• Check Out Fronwagplatz: It’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee or snack in the town’s main square.

Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling

Vevey

Vevey’s scenic location alongside Lake Geneva makes it one of Switzerland’s most inviting towns. Here, travelers can enjoy a laid-back vacation packed with outstanding lake and mountain views and traditional Swiss architecture. 

The Old City of Vevey has many historical monuments and museums, including the Vevey History Museum. Visit Chaplin’s World if you’re a fan of the iconic English comic actor Charlie Chaplin.

Chaplin’s former home is filled with memorabilia and interactive displays. If you’d prefer to explore the more natural side of Vevey, take a paddle steamer boat tour on Lake Geneva.

Travel Tips

• Explore the Chemin Fleuri: Take a leisurely walk along the Chemin Fleuri, a beautiful flower-lined path along the lakeshore.
• Visit the Alimentarium: Check out the Alimentarium, a unique food museum dedicated to the history and culture of food.

Read also: Romantic European Destinations

Thun

Thun is one of the most underrated towns in Switzerland. Despite offering visitors magnificent scenery, a magical 12th-century castle, and a beautiful medieval Old Town, travelers often overlook Thun in favor of Interlaken. Situated alongside Lake Thun and on the Aar River, you’ll regret not visiting. 

The most popular attraction in Thun is Thun Castle. Standing above the Old Town since the 1100s, this turreted masterpiece is loved by anyone who loves fairy tales. We’re surprised a Disney Princess doesn’t live in the tower. 

The castle also offers incredible town, mountain, and lake views. In the Old Town, visit Obere Hauptgasse. This notable street features traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. It’s also near Kunstmuseum Thun, where there are many art exhibitions.

Travel Tips

• Check Out Local Markets: If you’re in Thun on a Wednesday or Saturday, visit the local market in Bälliz where you can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and local delicacies.

Read also: Hidden Gems in Europe

Saint Moritz

In Engadin Valley, Saint Moritz is one of Switzerland’s most luxurious towns. It’s also one of Europe’s most popular skiing resorts, and the town has hosted the Winter Olympics. Unsurprisingly, Saint Moritz is home to many skiing slopes, but it’s also known for its bobsled runs and ice rink. However, the town’s breathtaking natural scenery and charming architecture are responsible for the town making this list.

You’ll discover magnificent snow-capped mountains, traditional alpine architecture, and vibrant forests at every turn. Overlooking Saint Moritz, the Corviglia ski area is perfect for beginners and families with children. Meanwhile, Piz Nair offers sensational mountain views every outdoor enthusiast dreams of.

Travel Tips

• Visit the Segantini Museum: The museum is dedicated to the works of the painter Giovanni Segantini.

Read also: European Cities With Stunning Architecture

Rapperswil-Jona

Rapperswil-Jona is one of Switzerland’s top towns for travelers seeking a quieter, more laid-back escape. Located at the upper end of Lake Zurich, this picture-perfect town offers travelers relaxed lakeside walks, scenic boat trips, and quaint streets lined with medieval architecture. 

One of the most entertaining ways to explore Rapperswil-Jona and Lake Zurich is by pedal boat. You can rent a pedal boat from Hensa. You’ll be treated to exceptional views of the town and the lake.

When you return to town, make sure you visit Schloss Rapperswil. This early 13th-century castle offers excellent town views and inspires visitors with its historic towers and exquisite appearance.

Other popular attractions in Rapperswil-Jona include Kapuzinerkloster Rapperswil and Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona.

Travel Tips

• Join the FoodTrail Experience: This fun activity allows you to explore the town while tasting local delicacies at various stops.

Read also: Weekend Getaways in Europe

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