Switzerland might not be the biggest country in the world, nor the most dynamic or multicultural one compared to other places I’ve lived, like China — but there’s something truly special about it. What makes Switzerland so unique is its incredible natural beauty.
It’s a small country, yet it holds some of the most amazing nature I’ve ever seen. Living here has completely changed my relationship with nature. Before moving to Switzerland, I was never the type of person who enjoyed hiking or spending too much time in the mountains, but now, I’m always looking forward to it.
This country taught me how powerful and healing being surrounded by nature can be. In this post, I want to share with you some of the most beautiful places I’ve fallen in love with in Switzerland, that made me appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
- Lauterbrunnen – The Fairytale Valley
It might sound a bit cliché, but Lauterbrunnen is truly the most magical village I’ve ever seen — not only in Switzerland but maybe in the entire world.
The first time I arrived there, I honestly felt like I had just walked into a postcard come to life. This tiny village sits in a deep valley surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls — exactly how you would imagine the perfect Swiss landscape.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Lauterbrunnen in both fall time and summer, and while the multi-colored autumn landscapes are stunning, there’s something truly special about coming here in the warmer months. Getting there is also an experience itself. The best way to travel is by train, which only adds to the charm of this place.
⸻
- Gimmelwald – My Secret Paradise
If I had to choose just one place in Switzerland that stole my heart the most, it would be Gimmelwald.
This tiny village is hidden high up in the mountains, only accessible by cable car. It’s one of those places where time seems to have completely stopped — no luxury hotels, no fancy restaurants — just wooden houses, endless mountains, and pure silence.
Every time I come here, I stay at the Mountain Hostel, one of my absolute favorite accommodations in the world. Waking up in the morning with the view of the mountains right outside the window is something that will forever stay in my heart.
Gimmelwald is one of those places that reminds you how beautiful life can be in its simplicity — where all you need is fresh air, nature, and good company.
⸻
- Zermatt – The Iconic Alpine Escape
Zermatt is one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland, mostly because of the Matterhorn — that iconic triangular mountain that we all know from the Toblerone chocolate.
Even though I’ve been to Zermatt multiple times, I’ve actually never managed to see the Matterhorn clearly because every time I visited, the weather was cloudy or foggy. The only time I caught a glimpse of it was for a few brief minutes before it disappeared again behind the clouds.
But somehow, I love Zermatt even without seeing its most famous mountain. The town itself is so peaceful, with no cars allowed, small wooden chalets, and cozy cafes. The best way to enjoy Zermatt is simply to slow down — go to a beautiful spa, drink hot chocolate, and take in the fresh mountain air.
⸻
- Seealpsee & Aescher – A Hidden Gem in Appenzell
One of the very first places I visited in Switzerland was Seealpsee, and from that moment, I completely fell in love with this country.
Seealpsee is a small lake hidden deep in the mountains of the Appenzell region, and the only way to reach it is by hiking for about an hour through forests and meadows. The moment you see the lake for the first time, with its crystal-clear water reflecting the mountains around it, it feels like you’ve just discovered a secret paradise.
Not far from Seealpsee, there’s another iconic place that I absolutely love: the Aescher Gasthaus, a small restaurant built into the side of a cliff. The hike to reach it is not the easiest, but the view from up there is absolutely worth every step.
⸻
What Switzerland Taught Me About Nature
Before moving to Switzerland, I honestly never thought I would enjoy hiking or spending so much time in nature. But living here opened my eyes to a completely new way of traveling, one where the most beautiful experiences often come from the simplest things.
Switzerland taught me how powerful it can be to just disconnect from everything and immerse yourself in nature. Being surrounded by such beauty helps you find a certain kind of peace that’s hard to describe.
⸻