5 Most Picturesque Places in Switzerland for Couples

With just one look at the rolling slopes and mountain lakes of Switzerland you can see right away that it is a majestic gorgeous place. Traveling around the country opened my eyes to some of the most picturesque places in Switzerland for couples to explore and wander through together.

The land is full of snow-capped peaks that touch the sky high above lovely chalets draped in colorful flowers. And then there are all of the adorable cows grazing lazily across lush emerald green valleys down below. Switzerland overflows with natural splendor and wonder no matter the season. What I’ve found is regardless if you visit in winter or summer, many of Switzerland’s Alpine towns are so quaint and heavenly that they don’t seem real at times.

There’s something so enchanting about the way these small snug towns blend adventure and romance. From the numerous thrilling hiking trails to sleepy slow mornings in mountain inns, the Alps offer the perfect balance of rugged allure and idyllic elegance waiting for you to discover.

I recently explored Switzerland with my husband and we couldn’t stop marveling at how these picturesque places in Switzerland seemed designed just for romantics like ourselves. We loved our time there and were very reluctant to leave the sightly mountains and valleys behind by the end of our trip. Each town and chalet we visited had its own special qualities and they gave us so many memories we’re still reminiscing about today!

In this guide I’ll take you through five of the most photogenic Alpine towns, each brimming with romantic appeal, memorable activities, and stunning backdrops for memories the two of you will treasure forever. Let’s dive into the picture-perfect vision of Switzerland’s alpine towns.

Grindelwald

If I had to choose one location that is quintessential Switzerland, Grindelwald would win hands down. Grindelwald’s nickname is the “Crown Jewel of the Jungfrau Region” and it’s already back on my list of places to return to ASAP. 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.

Grindelwald is a wonderful stop for traveling couples because it blends adventure and romance together effortlessly. You can spend the day hiking trails with astonishing vistas or relaxing in a spa overlooking the mountains. As if it can’t get any better, you can end your day in a quaint little cafe sipping Swiss hot chocolate together while gazing up at the beauty all around you.

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 a trek across it grants you a panoramic overlook that is both death defying and awe-inspiring.
• 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 of the hotels in Grindelwald offer luxurious spas that you will love so much you’ll never want to leave. If you can, try to find the outdoor hot tubs or heated pools overlooking the Alps like Hotel Spinne or the Bergwelt Grindelwald Alpine Design Resort. A soothing massage is exactly what you’ll appreciate after a day of outdoor adventuring.
  

Gimmelwald

Gimmelwald is a small car-free village perched up high on the edge of the Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Alps and I adore it. Known for being so isolated from the world with a superb backdrop of Alp surrounding it on all sides, Gimmelwald was initially made famous by Rick Steves. A day in this village grants you a tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of larger touristy spots. Gimmelwald’s preserved rural character makes it a one of a kind destination where couples can enjoy the simplicity of alpine life with striking scenery every direction they turn.

Gimmelwald has such a slow pace and peaceful setting. It’s such a picturesque place and a good spot to add to your itinerary if you are looking to disconnect and spend uninterrupted time together as a couple. With no cars and limited distractions, it’s an excellent 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 was so pleasant. Standing at the cliff’s edge and gazing at towering nearby mountain peaks that were even higher than we were was an unforgettable bonding moment for my husband and myself.

Top Highlights and Activities

• Schilthorn Excursion: Take the cable car from Gimmelwald to the Schilthorn summit for unbeatable panoramic view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
• Trümmelbach Falls: A short ride from the ground below Gimmelwald will get you to Trümmelbach Falls. It is a series of ten glacial waterfalls hidden within a mountain and a sensory experience that feels like stepping into nature’s raw power. As a bonus, it is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  

Lauterbrunnen 

Lauterbrunnen is another village nestled in a valley, but it is below Gimmelwald. Surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most scenic and popular destinations. It is known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls” and the peaceful village serves as the 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 fictional 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.

Lauterbrunnen is perfect for couples because it offers so much for you to do and appreciate together. The dramatic waterfalls, lush scenery, and tranquil atmosphere make it so romantic.

Top Highlights and Activities

• Trümmelbach Falls: This series of ten glacial waterfalls hidden inside a mountain is a must for your bucket list. 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 new and adventurous. It’s exhilarating and you can enjoy the beauty of Lauterbrunnen from above at the same time.
  

Zermatt

Zermatt is another 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 impeccable mountain scenery, upscale accommodations, and countless outdoor activities, Zermatt offers couples a perfect mix of adventure and luxury.

Zermatt is an ideal Swiss village for couples who enjoy combining active exploration and indulgence. There is plenty of impressive scenery to enjoy from the comfort of high-end hotels. Don’t forget the amenities and exclusive spas! Plus there are exclusive experiences in the region like glacier excursions and alpine trains all working together to make Zermatt one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland.

Top Highlights and Activities

• Gornergrat Railway: This cogwheel train takes you up to 3,089 meters promises rare 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 yet another luxurious Alpine town nestled in the Bernese Oberland. It is known for its world-class high-end accommodations, designer boutiques, and sweeping natural landscapes.

Gstaad strikes a harmonious 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 sights of 24 different peaks over 4,000 meters high. 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 for some pampering. Gstaad Palace is 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 are an experience that feels like a dream come true. So if you’re looking for a winter wonderland or vibrant green summer adventure, these picturesque places in Switzerland for couples offer something for every pair. The only thing left to decide is which of these idyllic places will the two of you visit first?