5 Most Picturesque Places in Switzerland for Couples

It’s not hard to take one look at the rolling slopes and mountains lakes of Switzerland to quickly realize that it’s a majestic gorgeous place. Traveling around the country helped me find some of the most picturesque places in Switzerland for couples to explore.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks that touch the sky, lovely chalets draped in colorful flowers, and the adorable cows grazing throughout lush emerald green valleys, the country has so much beauty and wonder to offer. Whether you visit in winter or summer, many of Switzerland’s Alpine towns are so breathtaking that they don’t seem real at times.

There’s something magical about the way these towns blend adventure and romance. Whether it’s the thrill of hiking trails with breathtaking views, savoring quiet mornings in cozy mountain inns, or spending a day roaming mountain villages, the Alps offer the perfect balance of rugged beauty and serene intimacy.

I recently explored Switzerland with my husband, and we couldn’t stop marveling at how these picturesque places in Switzerland seemed designed for couples. We loved our time here and were quite reluctant to leave the beautiful landscape behind by the end of our trip. Each town we visited had its own unique charm and unforgettable moments—many of which we’re still reminiscing about!

In this guide, I’ll take you through five of the most photogenic Alpine towns, each brimming with romantic charm, unique activities, and stunning backdrops for memories you’ll treasure forever. Let’s dive into this picture-perfect land that is Switzerland’s Alpine towns.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald, often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the Jungfrau Region,” is quintessential Switzerland. Nestled in the Bernese Alps, this picturesque village is surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, and cozy chalets that make it a dream destination for couples.

Why It’s Perfect for Couples Grindelwald blends adventure and romance effortlessly. You can hike trails with breathtaking vistas, relax in a spa overlooking the mountains, and end your day in a charming café, sipping Swiss hot chocolate while soaking in the beauty of one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland for couples.

Grindelwald Switzerland and Hotel Spinne

Top Highlights

The First Cliff Walk: For an exhilarating experience, head to the First Cliff Walk. This suspension bridge clings to the mountain’s edge and offers panoramic views that are both thrilling and awe-inspiring.
Sunset at Bachalpsee: A short hike from the First Mountain gondola station takes you to Bachalpsee, an alpine lake that perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks.
Spas with a View: Many Grindelwald hotels offer luxurious spas that you will love, but if you can, try to find the outdoor hot tubs or heated pools overlooking the Alps like this Hotel Spinne or the Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort. After a day of adventure, soaking in warm water while gazing at the peaks is perfection.

Gimmelwald

Gimmelwald is a small, car-free village perched up high on the edge of the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Alps. Known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views and made famous initially by Rick Steves, this village offers a tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle of larger tourist spots. Its preserved, rural character makes it a unique destination where couples can enjoy the simplicity of Alpine life with breathtaking scenery all around.

Why It’s Perfect for Couples Gimmelwald’s slow pace and peaceful setting make it one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland for couples looking to disconnect and spend uninterrupted time together. With no cars and limited distractions, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Alps.

You can either take a short cable car ride up to the top or you can take a 90 minute hike up the steep mountain…we chose to take the steep hike up to Gimmelwald and while it was a workout it was absolutely worth it! The Lauterbrunnen Valley has numerous waterfalls and we were able to walk past a few along the way.

I never realized how much I was missing the peace of taking a break away from the noise and busyness of cars until we started up the path to Gimmelwald. Surrounded by nothing but serene nature and quiet farmland, standing at the cliff’s edge and gazing at towering mountain peaks even higher than we were—it was an unforgettable bonding moment for my husband and me

The snowy Schilthorn mountain summit
station in Switzerland near Gimmelwald — Schilthorn Summit

Top Highlights and Activities

Schilthorn Excursion: Take the cable car from Gimmelwald to the Schilthorn summit for unbeatable panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Trümmelbach Falls: A short trip from Gimmelwald, Trümmelbach Falls is a series of ten glacial waterfalls hidden within a mountain—a sensory experience that feels like stepping into nature’s raw power. It’s also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, is one of Switzerland’s most scenic destinations. Known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” this peaceful village serves as a gateway to some of the Alps’ most iconic experiences.

I’m a HUGE huge Lord of the Rings fan and as it would turn out, J.R.R Tolkien himself visited the valley way back in 1911, 26 years before The Hobbit was published. One look at the incredible valley and you can easily see how it inspired some of the major destinations like Rivendell in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I dearly love the books and it meant a lot to see real-life beauty in his world come to life in front of me.

Why It’s Perfect for Couples The dramatic waterfalls, lush scenery, and tranquil atmosphere make Lauterbrunnen one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland for couples seeking a romantic escape.

Trümmelbachfall waterfall near Lauterbrunnen Switzerland — Trümmelbachfall

Top Highlights and Activities

Trümmelbach Falls: This series of ten glacial waterfalls hidden inside a mountain is a must-see. I mentioned this in the earlier section on Gimmelwald but if you only have time to visit Lauterbrunnen, you can easily still make it to these waterfalls.
Paragliding Over the Valley: Tandem flights are available for any brave couples looking to try something adventurous. It’s exhilarating and you can enjoy the beauty of Lauterbrunnen from above at the same time.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free Alpine town located in the Pennine Alps at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. It’s located in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland. With its stunning mountain scenery, upscale accommodations, and countless outdoor activities, Zermatt offers couples a perfect mix of adventure and luxury.

Why It’s Perfect for Couples Zermatt is ideal for couples who enjoy combining active exploration and indulgence. There are plenty of breathtaking views, high-end hotels, amenities, and exclusive spas. Plus, there’s unique experiences like glacier excursions to make Zermatt one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland.

Looking for more mountain views?

Learn about 9 breathtaking mountain views you can’t miss!

Gornergrat Train ride Swizterland with Snowy Mountain Alps in the background — Gornergrat train ride

Top Highlights and Activities

Gornergrat Railway: This cogwheel train takes you up to 3,089 meters, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. Book your tickets here.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Reach the highest cable car station in Europe and explore the Glacier Palace with its intricate ice sculptures. You also get 360° views of Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Zermatt has ski slopes for all experience levels.

Gstaad

Gstaad is another luxurious Alpine town nestled in the Bernese Oberland, known for its world-class high-end accommodations, designer boutiques, and stunning natural landscapes.

Why It’s Perfect for Couples Gstaad strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and outdoor adventure, making it one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland for couples who enjoy both luxury and nature.

Top Highlights and Activities

Glacier 3000: Take a cable car ride to enjoy incredible views of 24 peaks over 4,000 meters. Click here for more information about activities and their ski area
Gstaad Palace Spa: For a luxurious experience, visit the spa at the iconic Gstaad Palace, one of Switzerland’s most exclusive 5-star hotels and spas. The Alpina Gstaad is another incredible option.
Gstaad Mountain Rides: Another fantastic place for skiing!

Your Picture-Perfect Escape Awaits

The Swiss Alps are more than just a destination—they’re an experience that feels like a dream come true. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland or vibrant green summer adventure, these picturesque places in Switzerland for couples offer something for every pair. So, which of these stunning places will the two of you visit first?