Hidden Gems in Switzerland – Most Underrated Places to Visit
Do you want to explore some hidden gems in Switzerland? Explore places that are not well-known?
Switzerland has some unbelievable places that are off the beaten path, and almost unheard of. These incredible treasures have just as much stunning beauty – think extreme alpine peaks, and enchanted lakeside trails… you name it! So why not get out of your comfort zone and discover new hidden gems in this magnificent country? It’s time to plan an unforgettable journey through the lesser-known parts of Switzerland – let’s go explore together!
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started with your trips, venture further than Lucerne, Geneva Zermatt, and Interlaken to check out lesser-known spots. These underrated locales offer stunning scenes that will make your heart sing – so don’t miss this chance to uncover unforgettable surprises in Switzerland.
Looking for a unique Swiss adventure that isn’t overrun with tourists? I’ve got you covered! Check out these 10 amazing, off-the-beaten-path locations. From scenic lakes and snow-capped peaks to adorable villages tucked away in valleys – get ready to explore some of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets!
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Lago di Saoseo in Graubünden
If you want a beach-side getaway with mountain panorama views, then look no further than Lago di Saoseo in Graubünden! It’s the little Swiss lake that packs an almighty punch – don’t believe us? Just wait until you witness it for yourself and your jaw will drop right into its crystal-clear water. This picturesque slice of heaven is undoubtedly one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets – so make sure to put this on the top spot in your bucket list today!
One of the best kept secrets in Europe – a stunningly unique lake surrounded by lush larches, majestic mountains, and complete tranquility! It’s definitely worth putting in the extra effort to get there. You won’t regret taking some time out of your day for a visit; you’ll be rewarded with one of THE prettiest views around!
Click here for my detailed post on visiting Lake Saoseo.
- Click here to find your accommodation in Valposchiavo. I recommend staying in Poschiavo and then visiting Lago Saoseo.
Sigriswil in Bernese Oberland
Interlaken may have a well-earned reputation as one of Switzerland’s top tourist destinations, but Sigriswil – a small village near Interlaken – is the hidden gem that you can bet no one else has discovered! It’s like your own private paradise in this gorgeous corner of the world. So pack up, and come explore its beauty before anyone else catches wind – we promise it won’t be secret for long!
Check out one of nature’s most awe-inspiring landscapes – featuring mountains, lakeside villages, and of course – their lovely Sigriswil suspension bridge. For all adventurous travelers who would love nothing more than to get up close with Mother Nature; this is where memories are made!
The bridge over the Gummi Gorge is more than 340 meters long and connects the villages of Aeschlen and Sigriswil. This is perfect for those who would like to hike from Oberhofen to Sigriswil.
The only downside: To pass the bridge, you have to pay around 8€ (some discounts are available with a Thun or Interlaken Guest Card). Good news: This ticket is also valid for the next hidden gem that I fell in love with, Grabenmühle.
Grabenmühle: While I am still unsure how to classify this place, I know that hardly anyone knows about it. Not even locals. It is a beautiful place that sends you back in time (where you can also prospect for gold), and the pretty flower pots and the view of stunning Niesen Mountain make this one of my favorite underrated places in Switzerland.
- If you want to stay in this beautiful area (highly recommended), check out hotel rates for Sigriswil.
Flims in Graubünden
Another hidden gem in Switzerland (and Graubünden) is Flims, home to several beautiful tourist attractions – including two lakes and a gorge.
You can get to Flims as a day trip from Zurich or stay there for a day or longer. While doing an easy downhill hike, you will stumble upon Lake Cauma first, and later you have a great view of the Rhine Gorge from the viewing platform II Spir Conn. Near the end of your hike, you will pass another beautiful mountain lake, Lake Cresta.
Bring your blanket and some snacks because you have plenty of options for where to rest along the way.
How can it be that this gorgeous place is still a hidden gem and mostly only visited by Swiss? I don’t know.
Here is a detailed post about hiking and seeing these three places.
- You have a couple of hotels in Flims. Click here to find your accommodation in Flims.
- If you want to stay in Zurich, check out my accommodation guide for Zurich.
Gelmersee in Bernese Oberland
Okay, the area around Interlaken is anything but a well-kept secret, but though this artificial lake is not a real gem, it somehow still is.
BUT, being politically incorrect, “Asians don’t hike.” Whether you have Chinese, Indian, or Arabic tourists standing in line for the funicular that brings them to the lake, Asian visitors hardly hike. My Asian genes made me hesitant to hike for the longest time, too.
But once you get in the hiking mood and pass the visitors at the funicular station, you have the lake almost all to yourself.
The hike isn’t easy, but it’s doable, and having such a stunning place for your own is worth the effort. For more info, check out my detailed post on Gelmersee.
Want to see more places to visit in Interlaken? Here are my favorite Interlaken activities.
Susten Pass in Bernese Oberland / Uri
If you are road tripping Switzerland, you will most likely pass some mountain passes. If not, you should check your itinerary and add a few mountain passes to your list.
While it can be busier in the summer months (it is only open for a few months in summer), it is still a unique experience. Try to enjoy a break around sunset at Steinsee (a little artificial lake at Susten Pass). It is an incredible place to watch the sun go down.
Aarau in Aargau
Since I don’t live in Switzerland, I hadn’t heard of it much – and probably you haven’t heard of it either.
The town has some imposing buildings with beautifully painted eaves (Dachhimmel). Aarau is undoubtedly not a place where you have to fight your way through tourist crowds. The town itself is small, but the buildings are perfect for architecture and art lovers. After strolling the old town, head to Alpenzeiger for a nice view.
The area is also home to some lovely castles, like Lenzburg and Wildegg Castle.
- I stayed at an Airbnb (which was only okay), so here are the hotels and the rates for your stay in Aarau.
Solothurn in Solothurn
A beautiful town located on a beautiful river – Solothurn provides just that.
Stroll the car-free old town and admire buildings like the St. Urs Cathedral, and count the churches, water fountains, and towers (okay, spoiler alert: there are eleven of each).
On a warm day, the best way to top it off is to get a drink (or ice cream, I suggest ice cream) and have it at the Aare River.
- Are you planning to stay overnight in Solothurn? Then check out rates for accommodation in Solothurn.
READ MORE: Things to know before visiting Switzerland for the first time.
Weggis in Lucerne
Tourists love Lucerne and, yes, it is pretty. But did you know that the best place to swim in Lake Lucerne is in Weggis, at the shores of Rigi Mountain and Lake Lucerne which makes it a great day trip from Lucerne?
But for the ultimate hidden experience, pass the lido and keep walking towards the end of Hertensteinstrasse, and you will find a perfect spot to relax and swim. There are even toilets, and benches and if the water level is high, it is very easy to get into the water :).
In all the years I have been there, it was never crowded or busy. Not even in the summer months.
No entry fees, no tourists, just some locals, and a great place to chill while looking at the Alps. Is there a better place to relax in Lucerne than here?
- Weggis is known for some of the very luxurious places to stay – click here to find out more about hotels in Weggis.
- If you want to stay near Lucerne, you can check out my accommodation guide for Lucerne (hotel tips for all budgets).
Appenzell in Appenzell Innerrhoden
If you plan to visit the world-famous mountain guest house, the Aescher, you should make sure to add this small town center to your itinerary, too – Appenzell. While it may have gotten busier recently, it is still not overrun with tourists.
The German-speaking town of Appenzell is an excellent base from which to hop on a train and get to Wasserauen Station, where the hike to the Aescher starts. Make sure to plan in an hour or two to stroll the streets, marvel at the colorful buildings, and have a drink or two before you start your hike.
- Appenzell has some cute hotels – check out rates for hotels in Appenzell here.
Sassal Masone in Graubünden
This! This place is probably the most underrated place in all of Switzerland.
To enjoy the view, you could get here by train (one of the most scenic train rides around, just saying), get out at the highest regular train station, and then do an easy one-hour hike. It is so secret that it hasn’t even been posted about that much on Instagram. So, how much more of a hidden gem could it be?
- Read a detailed post on travel tips for Valposchiavo
READ MORE: How to spend seven days in Switzerland
Places not on the List
Some places haven’t made it on my list – of course, I don’t claim to have seen all of Switzerland (yet) – but some just weren’t unique or impressive enough.
Creux de Van hasn’t made it onto my list. While it is true that the place isn’t overrun, I openly admit that I wasn’t too impressed. Sure, if that place had been in my hometown Bremen, I would have been blown away! But for Switzerland, my standard is high. Please don’t ask me why, but I still wanted to mention it here as I read several times that it is an absolutely perfect Swiss hidden gem.
I also did not add places like Stein am Rhein (even though it is the most beautiful town in Switzerland) just because I don’t think it is a real hidden gem – it seemed it is not as famous as it deserves, but it still is known amongst Switzerland visitors. And neither is Blausee or Oeschinensee a hidden gem because they are nowadays well-known outside of Switzerland.
I hope this post has inspired you to visit less famous and lesser-known – but no less stunning – places in Switzerland.
Btw: As you might know, I am totally in love with the Bernese Oberland region – so here are my favorite day trips from Interlaken.
