It is a huge task to select the most picturesque villages in a country like Switzerland, where beautiful sites abound just about everywhere. But the famous Michelin travel guide has had a go.
Michelin, also known for its tyres and its restaurant ranking system, got together with The Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland association to compile a list of 56 communities that are definitely worth visiting.
The guide highlights particularly remarkable lakeside, wine-growing, and mountain communities, and features excursion ideas such as cycling tours in the Vaud Pre-Alps, cruises on Lake Biel/Bienne, as well as recommendations for around 50 Michelin Guide restaurants near the listed location.
Here are some that stand out, with others – no less remarkable – listed below.
Gruyère (Fribourg)
Perhaps best known as the place where its namesake cheese is produced with the milk from the cows grazing on nearby pastures, Gruyère is also a medieval village perched on a hill, with cobblestone streets and a castle at the top.
And yes, you can buy the cheese, along with other local products – both of the food and arts and crafts variety – in local shops.
Bergün, Graubünden
The main landmark of this village in the Engadin valley is in the 17th-century baroque dome dominating the community’s main square.
In winter, the area’s main (but not the only) attraction is the famous toboggan run that descends 400 metres from Preda to Bergün.
An Old building in Bergün. Image by Luca from Pixabay
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Urnäsch, Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Nestled between the hills and green pastures of the Appenzell hinterland, Urnäsch is one of the most authentic villages in Eastern Switzerland, according to the association.
It has managed to preserve its rural and cultural identity intact.
You can admire this village in this video.
Saillon, Valais
The origin of this hilltop village dates back to antiquity.
The castle of the Bishop of Sion was once located here, and from the 12th century onwards, the town came under the rule of Savoy.
All this history can be glimpsed on a walk through the quaint village.
Morcote, Ticino
The narrow cobblestone streets, the lakeside promenade, and the climb to the Santa Maria church on a hill contribute to the charm of this village, located on the shores of Lake Lugano,
Lakeside village of Morcote. Image by Myri Roet from Pixabay
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And here are all the ‘most beautiful villages in Switzerland… according to Michelin.
Albinen (Valais)
Arlesheim (Basel-Country)
Bönigen (Bern)
Büren an der Aare (Bern)
Erlach (Bern)
Ernen (Valais)
Gersau (Schwyz)
Grüningen (Zurich)
Hospental (Uri)
Lichtensteig (St. Gallen)
Luthern (Lucerne)
Niedergesteln (Valais)
Simplon Dorf (Valais)
Splügen (Graubünden)
Trogen (Appenzell-Ausserrhoden)
Urnäsch (Appenzell-Ausserrhoden)
Ascona (Ticino)
Bosco Gurin (Ticino)
Giornico (Ticino)
Morcote (Ticino)
Muggio (Ticino)
Poschiavo (Graubünden)
Soglio (Graubünden
Avenches (Vaud)
Bursins (Vaud)
Champéry (Valais)
Dardagny (Geneva)
Evolène (Valais)
Grandson (Vaig)
Grandvillard (Fribourg)
Grimentz (Valais)
Gruyères (Fribourg)
Le Landeron (Neuchâtel)
La Neuveville (Bern)
Moudon (Vaud)
Romainmôtier (Vaud)
Rossinière (Vaud)
Rougemont (Valais)
Saillon (Valais)
Saint-Saphorin (Vaud)
Saint-Ursanne (Jura)
Valangin (Neuchâtel)
Yvorne (Vaud)
Bergün (Graubünden)
Breil/Brigels (Graubünden)
Madulain (Graubünden)
Sedrun (Graubünden)
Tschlin (Graubünden)
