Thanks to my experience creating tailor-made itineraries for clients from all over the world (yes, a little self-praise never hurts ), I can predict with almost 100% accuracy which cities they will want to visit on their travels: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, and Zermatt. Maybe Bern, Stein am Rhein, or Geneva – if they have spare time. I don’t blame them, either. This is where Switzerland’s main sights and “must-see” places are concentrated. What’s more, they are easily accessible because they are located at important transport hubs. But… that’s precisely why they are overcrowded during the season. And yet there are towns that have what I value most about Switzerland, that genuine Swiss atmosphere: peace and quiet, a lake or river, pastel-colored houses, restaurants without a reservation system, and yet even here there are views that look like something out of a postcard. So if you’re tempted to discover “the real Switzerland,” here are my 10 favorite Swiss cities that (so far!) aren’t in every tourist brochure — but definitely should be.
Fribourg (FR)
Fribourg is located less than 35 kilometers southwest of Bern. In this historic town, you will find almost two kilometers of city walls with six towers, five gates, and the only preserved bastion, which you can walk through during your visit. What’s more, it’s free. I also recommend climbing the tower of St. Nicholas Cathedral to enjoy magnificent views of the city and its surroundings.
Chur (GR)
Chur is the capital of Switzerland’s largest canton, Graubünden. It is situated at an altitude of 593 m above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Alps, like the walls of a Roman amphitheatre. Chur is known to many tourists traveling to Switzerland mainly as the starting point for one of the most scenic train rides in the world – the Bernina Express – and as a transfer station for the Glacier Express, the “slowest express train in the world.” But it’s definitely worth making a longer stop here, because Chur has a lot to offer its visitors. You can take a guided tour of the city, play urban mini golf, or stay in a former prison.
Solothurn (SO)
Solothurn is known as “the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland,” which is certainly helped by the fact that Solothurn was the seat of French ambassadors to Switzerland for over 250 years. However, its history dates back to the Roman Empire. On Marktplatz square, you will find the Zytglogge, the oldest building in the city. The lower part dates back to the 12th century, and the astronomical clock (still mechanically operated) was added in 1545. The magnificent Baroque Church of St. Urs dominates Hauptgasse street, and its dome is a landmark of the city.
Vevey (VD)
Vevey is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is sometimes referred to as the “pearl of the Swiss Riviera.” Although the more famous Montreux may overshadow it, this beautiful town is worth a visit. The flower-lined promenade around the lake will take you to the town’s highlight – a giant fork stuck into the lake. No wonder – this is where the food giant Nestlé is based, and right opposite you will see the Alimentaria building – the world’s first food museum. And a short distance away is a statue of Charlie Chaplin, who spent 25 years in the nearby village of Corsier-sur-Vevey.
Bellinzona (TI)
This city is the capital of the canton of Ticino (which few people know), and even in Roman times, Bellinzona was a fortress with a strategic location controlling the Alpine passes. Today, thanks to its three medieval castles, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Murten (FR)
Murten is located about thirty kilometers west of Bern and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Switzerland. Although officially located in the canton of Fribourg, German is spoken here, and culturally, the town is closer to Bern. Murten lies on the shores of Lake Murten, which is considered the warmest in Switzerland. Canals connect it to Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel. Numerous historical monuments have been preserved here, including a castle, fortifications, and typical arcades, which can also be found in Bern.
Neuchâtel (NE)
Neuchâtel is a city west of Bern on the shores of the lake of the same name. It boasts not only a thousand-year history and Louis XVI-style architecture, but also beautiful monuments from the Belle Époque period. Its charm is enhanced by the fact that many of these magnificent buildings are constructed from local yellow sandstone, which gives Neuchâtel a distinctive character that sets it apart from other Swiss cities, such as Bern, mentioned above, for example. Among the city’s biggest attractions are undoubtedly its location on the shores of the lake, with views of the Alps, and its landmarks – the Collégiale church and the castle perched on a hill above the lake.
Nyon (VD)
This town of 19,000 inhabitants on the shores of Lake Geneva is only 15 minutes by train from Geneva. If you approach Nyon by boat on Lake Geneva, you cannot miss the bright white towers of the local castle, which rise from the center of the town on top of a hill. Nyon is home to the Musée Romain – Roman Museum, which commemorates Nyon’s Roman roots, when it was called Colonia Iulia Equestris.
Thun (BE)
Thun is known as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Thun is spread out on both banks of the Aare River, which flows out of Lake Thun and continues on toward Bern. Several bridges span the Aare, but two are probably the best known. The covered wooden bridges, Obere Schleusenbrücke and Untere Schleusenbrücke, are covered with pink and purple flowers in summer. The fairytale castle above the town offers a magnificent view of the town, Lake Thun, and the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Zug (ZG)
The city of Zug is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Zug in central Switzerland, 23 kilometers south of Zurich as the crow flies. I think that very little is known about this town, which lies in the shadow of the much more famous nearby city of Lucerne. Zug has something for everyone. For lovers of history, good food, nature, and hiking, as well as those who want to relax. Just sit down on a bench on the lake promenade and do nothing at all. Just watch the hustle and bustle around you and the beautiful mountains in the background. You can also relax on board one of the excursion boats that depart from the local harbor during the season and take you on a pleasant cruise across the lake.
Whether you are planning a day trip or want to get to know Switzerland in a different way than the classic guidebooks, these cities offer exactly what tourist centers lack—peace, authenticity, and local atmosphere. Do you know of any other Swiss cities that are beautiful but (as yet) little known? Write it in the comments – I’ll be happy to add it to the list!
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