Switzerland Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems Beyond Zurich and Lucerne
- cmgoosmann
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Here’s how to combine some of Switzerland’s most beloved cities with lesser-known gems that make your journey truly unforgettable.
Image credit: @maisonlorho @etivaz
When most travellers think of Switzerland, iconic spots like the Matterhorn, Interlaken, or the glamour of St. Moritz come to mind. But Switzerland's true magic often lies beyond the guidebooks — in alpine villages with no crowds, serene lakes untouched by mass tourism, and places where local culture, slow living, and breathtaking nature coexist beautifully.
Here’s how to combine some of Switzerland’s most beloved cities — Zurich and Lucerne — with lesser-known gems that make your journey truly unforgettable.
🌆 Start in Zurich: More Than a Financial Hub
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, but don’t let its polished exterior fool you — it’s full of hidden corners, creative energy, and lakeside serenity.
Don’t miss:
Strolling through the cobbled streets of Niederdorf, Zurich’s Old Town, full of quirky boutiques and local wine bars.
Swimming in Lake Zurich or relaxing at a historic “Badi” (lakeside swimming spot) — very local, very Swiss.
Visiting the Kreis 5 district — a once-industrial area now buzzing with galleries, artisan cafés, and open-air design markets.
After a couple of nights soaking in Zurich’s urban charm, it’s time to go deeper.
🌲 Off the Map: The Emmental Region
Just an hour from Bern or Lucerne, the Emmental region is a pastoral paradise, best known for its cheese but offering much more.
Why visit:
Rolling green hills, timber-framed farmhouses, and a way of life rooted in Swiss traditions.
Hike or e-bike through countryside trails, meet local cheesemakers, or even stay on a working farm.
Very few tourists — just open skies, cowbells, and an unfiltered Swiss experience.
🛶 Lucerne: Where Tradition Meets Nature
Lucerne is more compact and romantic than Zurich, with a medieval old town, lakeside promenades, and access to mountains like Mount Pilatus and Rigi.
Local tip:
Instead of just taking the boat tour, hop off at less-visited lakeside towns like Weggis or Vitznau for authentic village charm and fewer tourists.
🧀 Etivaz: The Cheese Village That Time Forgot
Heading west into the Vaud Alps, near Gstaad, the tiny village of L’Etivaz is a treasure for culinary travellers.
Why it’s worth the visit:
Home to L’Etivaz AOP cheese, made only in summer in wooden chalets over open fires.
Unspoiled scenery, rustic trails, and deep-rooted alpine traditions.
A real taste of heritage and Swiss craftsmanship.
🏔️ Next Stop: Andermatt – Alpine Calm With Luxury Understated
Nestled in the Ursern Valley, Andermatt is a reimagined alpine village that combines authentic Swiss mountain life with refined, low-impact luxury.
Why go:
Surrounded by hiking trails, glaciers, and some of the cleanest air you’ll breathe.
Home to The Chedi Andermatt, a stunning eco-conscious luxury hotel that blends Eastern and Alpine aesthetics.
Ideal for slow travellers, cyclists, hikers — and anyone craving peace without isolation.
🏘️ Vrin (Canton Graubünden): Alpine Architecture & Regenerative Living
Vrin is a small village with big ideas — known for its pioneering sustainable development and beautifully preserved alpine architecture.
Why it's worth the journey:
The local community has worked with renowned architects to ensure all new buildings reflect traditional methods and materials.
Surrounded by vast alpine pastures and hiking trails.
Great example of a living, breathing mountain community adapting to modern needs without losing its soul.
🏞️ Simplon Dorf: On the Edge of the Alps
As you move toward southern Switzerland, Simplon Dorf in Valais offers a peaceful contrast to popular mountain resorts.
Why go:
A picturesque stone village with rich Napoleonic history on the historic Simplon Pass.
Ideal for scenic hikes, mountain silence, and quiet reflection.
Far from the crowds, yet rich in character.
🏞️ Lauterbrunnen’s Quiet Neighbor: Isenfluh
While Lauterbrunnen draws crowds with its iconic waterfalls, the nearby hamlet of Isenfluh remains wonderfully peaceful.
Why go:
Access to serene alpine hikes like the Sulwald trail.
A charming mini-cable car to Sulwald village with panoramic views.
Just minutes from the main valley, but off the radar.
🪵 Jura Mountains: Switzerland’s Underrated Northwest
Tucked away in the country’s northwestern edge, the Jura Mountains offer a different kind of alpine beauty — quieter, wilder, and deeply tied to tradition.
Highlights:
Hike the majestic Creux du Van, Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon.”
Explore the watchmaking towns of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds (UNESCO-listed).
Taste local cheeses and absinthe in mountain dairies.
🧚♂️ Soglio: The Gateway to Paradise
In the Bregaglia Valley, near the Italian border, sits Soglio, a stone village with dreamy views and timeless character.
Why it’s magical:
Stone-paved alleyways, gardens, and churches — untouched for centuries.
Surrounded by the dramatic Sciora mountains.
A peaceful haven for nature lovers and artists alike.
🌲 Val Bavona (Ticino): Switzerland’s Wildest Valley
In southern Ticino, the car-free Val Bavona valley is a time capsule of raw, wild beauty.
What makes it special:
Ancient stone villages like Sonlerto and Foroglio.
Thunderous waterfalls and near-pristine trails.
No electricity, no distractions — just nature in its purest form.
🎒 Travel Thoughtfully
At the heart of these off-the-beaten-path destinations is a deeper kind of travel — one that favors immersion over ticking boxes, and quality over quantity. These are places where sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s a way of life.
Whether you're soaking in the quiet luxury of Andermatt, hiking the remote trails of Val Bavona, or enjoying cheese and conversation in Emmental, these hidden corners of Switzerland invite you to slow down, listen, and connect — with nature, culture, and yourself.
Looking to travel this way?
Our tailor-made itineraries are crafted with intention — combining the well-loved highlights with the quiet places that stay with you long after the trip ends. Get in touch to start planning a journey that’s truly your own.
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