Looking to discover Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine villages? This winter, make the most of the frosty season by escaping to a snow-coated picture-perfect Swiss village. Picture yourself tasty comforting Swiss delicacies, browsing local crafts stores, and taking on exciting winter activities from skiing to snowshoeing. No need to hear more? Then, take a look at our list of the 5 most stunning Alpine villages for a memorable winter holiday. Pack your warming winter layers and set off to the heart of the Swiss Alpine wonderland.
1. Andermatt: The Heart of Alpine Switzerland
Located in a valley where eight mountain passes converge, it’s no wonder Andermatt is considered the heart of Alpine Switzerland. This traditional rustic village has retained its authenticity and is ideal for experiencing the Swiss Alpine culture. Take on winter activities, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing during the day, and spend your evenings tucking into Swiss delicacies at traditional eateries. Andermatt is also a stopping point of the world-famous Glacier Express. Board the train for a panoramic excursion through the heart of the Swiss Alpine wonderland.
2. Gimmelwald: The lesser-known gem of the Alps
Not to be confused with the widely popular Grindelwald village, Gimmewald is a charming, slow-paced village well-worth discovering. This beautiful village lies deep in the Lauterbrunnen Valley and can only be reached by either hiking through the valley or taking the cable car. The village is car-free and will delight you with its quiet charm. Picture colourful houses amongst Alpine meadows, surrounded by stunning mountain views. Spend your days there exploring Alpine hiking paths, or simply strolling through the timber houses and quaint local shops. You will feel as if you’ve gone back to a simpler time!
3. Wengen: The quintessential getaway to the Alps
You will find this beautiful village lying at the foothills of the imposing Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau mountains. Go for the stunning natural beauty of the village and stay for the unique Alpine adventures this destination has to offer. In the spring, spend your time there going on scenic hikes, exploring flowery meadows, and unwinding in the outdoor pool nestled in the valley. In the winter, the village is a popular destination for ski racing, and other adventure sports including snowshoeing, tobogganing and sledging.
4. Mürren: The Alps’ Scenic Balcony
You may recognize Mürren as the location of the world-famous revolving restaurant that features in the James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Apart from being the getaway to Schilthorn, the spectacular summit of the Bernese Alps, Mürren is a delightfully traditional Alpine village. From beautiful mountain views to flower-filled meadows, Mürren boasts unbeatable natural beauty. The village is perched on the edge of an 800m-high cliff, making it ideal from a secluded retreat. Spend your days hiking across the mountains or skiing in one of the area’s many ski resorts. As for the evenings, you can stroll through the village’s serene car-free streets tasting local delicacies and breathing in the fresh Alpine air.
5. Zermatt: The Icon of the Alps
Of course, no list of Switzerland’s top Alpine villages would be complete without the iconic Zermatt. Lying at the foot of the world-famous “Toblerone” mountain, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s famous ski resorts. This fairytale-like resort is the perfect all-year-round ski destination. Known as “the home of winter”, the Zermatt area encompasses 54 mountain railways and lifts and 360km of pistes. Apart from being an unbeatable ski destination, Zermatt is also idyllic for a cosy getaway, thanks to its picturesque Alpine beauty.
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