Switzerland’s landscapes look almost too perfect to be real. With its alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and tidy villages, this small country manages to pack a lot of beauty into a compact space. Whether you’re taking it in from a mountain summit or the window of a slow-moving train, the views here rarely disappoint.
Here is a list of 16 breathtaking views you’ll want to remember in Switzerland.
Matterhorn from Zermatt
This iconic peak rises like a pyramid above the ski town of Zermatt, and it looks good from nearly every angle. On clear days, it reflects cleanly off nearby Riffelsee Lake, creating postcard-worthy symmetry. Early morning light gives it a soft pink hue, while sunset casts long shadows across the valley.
It’s dramatic, yes—but also strangely peaceful.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Tall cliffs, thin waterfalls, and quiet green meadows make Lauterbrunnen feel like a storybook village. Staubbach Falls drops nearly 1,000 feet from a cliff right next to town, giving the valley a surreal feel. It’s the kind of place where even a walk to the bakery turns into a scenic stroll.
The contrast between vertical rock and soft pasture is especially striking.
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Lake Geneva from Montreux
Montreux hugs the shoreline of Lake Geneva, with views that stretch across the water toward the French Alps. On calm days, the lake mirrors the sky so clearly that it almost doubles the scenery. Palm trees along the promenade give the area a Mediterranean feel, despite the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
It’s a strange, lovely blend of climates.
Jungfraujoch Observation Deck
Dubbed the ‘Top of Europe,’ this high-altitude station offers views of glaciers, peaks, and sky that seem to go on forever. The air is thinner up here, and the silence is noticeable. From the viewing platform, you can spot the Aletsch Glacier snaking through the mountains like a frozen river.
Even during summer, snow crunches underfoot.
Oeschinen Lake
Oeschinen Lake is a high-altitude lake near Kandersteg that’s known for its deep blue color and mountain-ringed setting. It’s reachable by gondola and a short hike, though the cliffs make it feel far more remote. On sunny days, the surface reflects the rocky peaks like glass.
In winter, the lake freezes over and turns into a natural ice rink.
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Harder Kulm Panorama
Just above Interlaken, Harder Kulm is an easy viewpoint to reach—thanks to a quick funicular ride—and offers sweeping views of both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The platform juts out over the valley, giving you a floating sensation. With the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the distance, it’s a tidy visual summary of what makes this region special.
Sunsets up here are worth the ride.
Glacier Express Window Seat
This slow-moving train runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, and it’s famous for a reason. Wide windows make sure you don’t miss a single waterfall, viaduct, or mountain pass. It’s less about getting somewhere and more about soaking in the scenery along the way.
Even the train snacks come with a view.
Lake Lucerne from Bürgenstock
The Bürgenstock resort sits high above Lake Lucerne, offering a view that looks like a painted backdrop. The water curves gently through the mountains, and boats leave soft trails behind them. On cloudy days, mist clings to the surface like steam.
It’s an ideal spot for those who like their views with a side of spa luxury.
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Schilthorn Summit
You don’t have to be a skier to reach the top of Schilthorn—just hop on the rotating cable car. At the summit, 360-degree views include Mont Blanc in France and Germany’s Black Forest on a clear day. It’s famously known from a James Bond film, but even if you skip the movie reference, the real drama is all around you.
Don’t forget a jacket—it’s often chilly up top.
Aletsch Glacier Viewpoint
This glacier is the longest in the Alps, stretching over 14 miles, and it looks like a frozen highway carving through the mountains. The viewpoint at Moosfluh or Eggishorn gives you a wide-angle look at its scale and texture.
You can trace the glacier’s bends with your eyes and still not reach the end. It’s both beautiful and humbling.
Lake Brienz from Giessbach Falls
This waterfall tumbles down multiple tiers before reaching Lake Brienz, and the viewpoint lets you take in both at once. The turquoise lake feels almost tropical from above, especially in contrast with the thick forests and cliffs behind it.
A historic hotel nearby offers lunch with front-row seats. It’s a lesser-known spot but deserves more attention.
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Creux du Van
Sometimes called the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon,’ this natural amphitheater in western Switzerland has vertical cliffs that drop over 500 feet. From the rim, you can see rolling hills, deep forests, and the curve of the rock walls below. The area’s also known for wild ibex that casually climb the ledges like it’s no big deal.
It’s raw and rugged—but still very Swiss.
Lake Thun from Oberhofen Castle
This lakeside castle sits right on the water, with the Alps rising in the background like a painted curtain. The mix of medieval architecture, clear water, and snowy peaks is almost too photogenic. A small pier stretches into the lake, offering clean sightlines in every direction.
It’s the kind of view you imagine in fairy tales—but it’s real.
Säntis Peak
Säntis is one of the highest mountains in the Appenzell region, and its summit offers views across six different countries on a clear day. The cable car makes it easy to reach, even in winter. From the top, the jagged ridges and deep valleys spread out like crumpled paper.
It’s not as famous as some other peaks, but every bit as impressive.
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Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
These UNESCO-protected slopes stretch along Lake Geneva, with rows of vineyards that look like green steps carved into the hillsides. The views are layered: vines in the foreground, the lake in the middle, and the peaks in the distance.
Walking trails wind through the terraces, and many end with a glass of local wine. It’s scenic and social at the same time.
Bernese Alps from Bachalpsee
This alpine lake near Grindelwald sits at over 7,300 feet, and when the wind is calm, it perfectly mirrors the snowy peaks across the valley. The trail to get here isn’t difficult, but the payoff feels big.
Reflection photos here barely need editing. On quiet mornings, the only sound is the crunch of gravel under your boots.
Where Stillness Meets Scale
Switzerland’s beauty lies in its balance—raw peaks paired with tidy towns, quiet lakes mirrored by massive skies. It’s not just about chasing views; it’s about how those views make you feel. Calm. Awed. Sometimes both at once.
Each viewpoint is more than a photo—it’s a pause in the noise, a reset you didn’t know you needed.
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