The magic of beautiful places
Bird's eye view of Diessenhofen
Intro
Discover hidden gems? Visit 80 selected villages that represent the cultural and architectural diversity of our country and are included in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS). These exceptional villages can be found in all cantons and parts of the country and offer wonderful excursion destinations.
Our Selection: 15 hand-picked spots
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Auvernier
Auvernier, the site of one of the most significant prehistoric finds in Switzerland, is a traditional winemaking village on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel.
Bauen
This small fishing and farming village is located in the Uri basin, right on the banks of Lake Lucerne. The village, which lies at the foot of an impressive mountain backdrop, is the smallest municipality in the canton of Uri.
Learn moreBirsfelden
A one-of-a-kind structure in Switzerland, Birsfelden hydroelectric power station sits proudly over the Rhine. The elegant machine hall is fully glazed along its length, enabling one to "glimpse the landscape through the building". Both the quotation and the engineering masterpiece stem from the celebrated Swiss architect Hans Hofmann.
A filigree hydroelectric plant - BirsfeldenDiessenhofen
The small medieval town of Diessenhofen lies in Thurgau right on the Rhine, which forms the border with Germany here. From the opposite riverbank, the town has a striking silhouette, with its high church tower and Unterhof Castle.
Diessenhofen, TGEglisau
The country town of Eglisau lies nestled between a vineyard slope and the Rhine. The former castle district on the other side of the river affords glorious views of the old town.
Eglisau, ZHErnen
The idyllic mountain village of Ernen lies on the left side of the valley of Goms, above Fiesch. The village is part of Binntal Nature Park and is also well-known as a musical village, acting as the venue for an annual musical festival with international artists.
Learn moreKehrsiten
The hamlet of Kehrsiten lies directly by Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Bürgenstock. Once a farming community and with a magnificent stock of fruit trees, Kehrsiten is now a popular day-trip destination and stopping point on the journey up the Bürgenstock.
A "chapel hamlet" between lake and mountain - KehrsitenLessoc
The village of Lessoc in the Alpine foothills is located on the right bank of the Saane river in the Gruyère region. This small village is nestled in the well-maintained agricultural land of the Intyamon Valley, at the foot of the peak of Les Millets.
Learn moreMeride
Meride is located at the foot of Monte San Giorgio, which is particularly famous for its fossil finds. The village, which follows a winding path along the main street, lies amidst a landscape defined by viticulture.
Meride, TIRomainmôtier
Romainmôtier is a charming village in a secluded location on the Nozon river and is home to what is probably the oldest monastery in Switzerland. It can be found between two forested hills and gently nestled into the surroundings.
Romainmôtier, VDSaint-Ursanne
Saint-Ursanne spreads out in a forested valley and fascinates visitors with its medieval centre. The town is located on the River Doubs and can be reached via a charming bridge.
Saint-Ursanne, JUSent
The picturesque Lower Engadin village of Sent enjoys a sunny location with wonderful views high above the valley floor, amid broad expanses of agricultural land and forest. The village currently has about 900 inhabitants and is a Rhaeto-Romanic stronghold.
Learn moreSoazza
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.
Learn moreTaveyanne
The picturesque hamlet of Taveyanne lies in the Vaud Alps above Gryon at the heart of a nature reserve. It comprises around 30 shingle-roofed Alpine huts on the open pastureland and which are now used as second homes.
An off-grid hamlet - TaveyanneWerdenberg
Werdenberg is the oldest timber-frame settlement in Switzerland and is best known for its castle of the same name, which sits majestically on the hill above the town. The small Lake Werdenberg lends further charm to the place.
Werdenberg, SGISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.
The villages along the Grand Tour of Switzerland
Show all The villages along the Grand Tour of SwitzerlandOrder information material
The travel guide with 30 fascinating places
The mini travel guide "30 fascinating places" presents 30 places with unusual stories, thoughtful architecture and soothing spaces. The travel guide is available in German and French.
