Holiday destinations: Villages

The commune of Bex stretches from the Rhône to the glacier, passing by the Mines de Sel and imposing mountains such as the Miroir d'Argentine and the Grand Muveran.

Rougemont is best known for its castle and its traditional farmhouses. The small village lies at the eastern end of the Pays-d’Enhaut and follows the course of the River Saane.

Saas-Almagell is the “Mountain Village Pearl”. Up high where the air is clear, it offers cosy hospitality and breathtaking mountain scenery. A holiday here will get you away from the hustle and bustle but you won’t be bored for a second.

The lively town of Schwyz, capital of the canton with the same name, is home to the Forum of Swiss History and important founding documents of the Swiss Confederation. Schwyz and the area surrounding it, is famous for its cherry blossom and numerous cherry specialities. And Schwyz is also where the famous Swiss army penknives come from.

The Valais holiday resort of Zinal is situated at an altitude of 1670 m at the end of the Val d'Anniviers (Eifischtal) where it becomes the Zinal Valley. It nestles amidst this majestic mountain landscape crowned by the 4000-metre-peaks of the Weisshorn,Bishorn, Zinalrothorn, Obergabelhorn, Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.

Lying at the lowest point in Switzerland, just 197 metres above sea level, and perched between the shores of Lake Maggiore and the steep mountains behind, Brissago is a small town on the Italian frontier. The lowest and oldest part of the village is clustered around the beautiful Renaissance church of St. Peter and Paul, surrounded by centuries-old cypresses.

Appenzell is synonymous with the most beautiful Swiss traditions, such as yodelling, cheese, seasonal cattle processions and traditional dances. Marvel at magnificently decorated houses and living craftsmanship. Conquer the Alpstein massif, with the Säntis, Lake Seealpsee and the Berggasthaus Äscher mountain inn.

Evolène is the fourth largest commune, in area, in Switzerland. Its territory offers an extensive choice of activities for everyone.

Champex-Lac is idyllically located on the lake of the same name in the Lower Valais. The charming mountain village at 1,470 metres above sea level inspires with peace and nature, hiking routes to the Mont Blanc massif and the botanical alpine garden. Perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities in the mountains.

An ideal mix of bathing culture and mountain scenery – this is Leukerbad. At the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps, you can enjoy fresh air, impressive views and a wide range of sporting facilities. Revitalise yourself in the mineral-rich thermal water after a day spent out in nature.

In Nyon, stroll through the charming old town and the park with the Roman columns, admire the castle and enjoy Lake Geneva. Nyon offers a lot of culture and history – to be experienced at the festivals and in the museums. All around, you can enjoy the vineyards of La Côte.

Stans is the capital of the canton of Nidwalden and lies at the foot of the Stanserhorn. The expansive main square in the centre of town is truly magnificent – and one of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland.

Flims has everything you could possibly need for a perfect mountain holiday: a varied landscape for hiking and biking and one of the best winter sports areas in all of Switzerland. In addition, there are natural wonders such as the Rhine Gorge, the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, Lake Cauma and Lake Cresta.

Lauterbrunnen has pretty much everything that makes Switzerland special, all in one place. Marvel at natural spectacles against an alpine backdrop. Stroll through picture-postcard villages. Take Switzerland’s most beautiful hiking and winter sports areas by storm. And experience the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch from up close.

Einsiedeln is located on a plateau near Lake Sihl. Discover the pilgrimage site with the baroque monastery complex and visit the Chapel of Mercy of the Black Madonna. Einsiedeln is ideal for outdoor activities and excursions to Lake Lucerne or Lake Zurich.

The vital Upper Engadine’s main city is not only a political center but also the cradle of Engadine’s way of life. Samedan is important thanks to its location in the heart of the Upper Engadine: the village is the turning point and pivot of the Rhaetian Railway and the home of the small international airport.

The village of Soazza in the canton of Graubünden is situated on a sloped terrace amid steep, densely forested, craggy mountain slopes in the Italian-speaking Valle Mesolcina, a north-south oriented valley between Bellinzona and the San Bernardino Pass.

The town of Yverdon-les-Bains nestling between the Jura, the hills of the Broye and Lake Neuenburg is the most important spa resort in western Switzerland. In summer the town and the area surrounding it are a water sports and natural paradise.

The arrival alone is spectacular – a cable-car takes you high over the rocks to Gimmelwald (1400 m).

In the heart of the Swiss Jura, surrounded by abundant greenery, Vallorbe nestles along the banks of the River Orbe. Near the cliffs of the Mont d'Or and Dent de Vaulion mountains, and only a short 20 minutes from Yverdon-les-Bains, the small town invites you to discover the rich cultural heritage and the spectacular nature.

Vercorin's position on a plateau high above Sierre in the Rhone valley reminds you of an eagle's eyrie. This holiday resort in the Valais, between the conservation area of the Vallon de Réchy and the entrance to the Val d'Anniviers, is famous for its climate, so mild that you can even see cherry trees in bloom.

Stein am Rhein is a place to marvel at and pause for a moment: Discover the charming old town with its colourful old timber-framed houses or Hohenklingen Castle. Enjoy your time in this picturesque town on a stroll along the Rhine promenade or treat yourself to a boat trip to the Rhine Falls.

Meiringen-Hasliberg combines nature, action and Swiss tradition. Discover wild gorges, experience spectacular hikes and family fun in the ski area. In the middle of the Bernese Alps you will find excursion destinations such as the Reichenbach Falls or the Aare Gorge.

Ringgenberg-Goldswil (located near Interlaken) offers vacation visitors a special attraction overlooking Lake Brienz - a lovely lido, the "Burg-seeli". It enjoys a sheltered setting with pleasantly warm water tem-perature, and is popular among swimmers and sunbathers from early summer.

One of the most beautiful views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains awaits you on the Bürgenstock. See it from the spectacular cliff path or from the Hammetschwand lift. The journey is also thrilling: travel from Lucerne by catamaran and cable car.

A car-free mountain village featuring wooden chalets and plenty of sun: this is Wengen, at the foot of the Jungfrau. It serves as the ideal starting point for your excursions to Grindelwald, the Kleine Scheidegg and the Jungfraujoch. The view of the Bernese Alps and Lauterbrunnen is sure to inspire you.

Small and secluded, Osignano impresses visitors with its well-preserved rural architecture. The village at the foot of Monte Tamaro features pretty stone buildings embedded in a lush green landscape.

Beautiful lakeside promenades, unspoilt typical Ticino villages, chestnut groves, camellias and magnolias: the Riviera del Gambarogno – on the south-eastern shore of Lake Locarno - embodies everything one expects of the Ticino.

Welcome to the mountain herb village of Albinen, which offers 300 days of sunshine and fantastic views over the Rhône Valley. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park and the thermal baths in nearby Leukerbad promise the ultimate in relaxation. Experience the Gemmi or Torrent mountains – or take a trip to the Matterhorn.

Even small towns have a lot to offer. The historical town of Klingnau is home to many a fine wine grown in the vineyards on the far side of the old town, while its reservoir and nature reserve attract guests from around the world every year.

Nestled in the valley between the Glarus Alps, the village of Ennenda offers a host of contrasts. On the one hand, it is characterised by its factory buildings and workers’ houses, and on the other hand, by stately villas and a monumental community centre that can be found here.

Habkern, a small, pretty mountain village, is situated seven kilometers from the international resort town of Interlaken. A stress-free sojourn in a traditional atmosphere and in the midst of a breath-taking natural world is guaranteed here.