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10 Hidden Gems in Switzerland for a Crowd-Free Holiday
Switzerland’s landscapes and cozy towns are no secret — but beyond the famous peaks of Zermatt and the bustling streets of Lucerne lies a quieter, equally magical side of the country. Whether you’re seeking tranquil hikes, hidden lakes, or unspoilt alpine culture, these 10 crowd-free destinations will let you experience your very own slice of “true” Switzerland.
Note the Regions are marked in parenthesis, e.g. (Graubünden) to help you when planning your trip. Although Switzerland is a relatively small country and it’s tempting to race from one side to another, we recommend you choose a few “must-see” places or experiences and plan the rest of your itinerary around them.
Peaceful and pure: Val Mustair panorama photo courtesy of swissactivities.com
1. Val Müstair (Graubünden)
Why visit:
“Serene” almost feels like an understatement in describing this remote alpine valley near the Italian border. Val Müstair (in German – The Valley of the Monastery) or La Val Monastero (in Italian) boasts untouched nature, UNESCO heritage sites, and rich Romansh culture.
Follow Charlemagne’s trail littered with frescos, manuscripts, paintings and loads of gilded nicknacks around the monastery that was founded in c. 775 AD. It holds the most complete cycle of frescoes and the convent is one of the most coherently preserved architectural works from the Carolignian era and High Middle Ages.
Once outside in nature, the valley’s perfect for any mix of activities – trail running, hiking, biking, winter sports or simply relaxing in silence.
How to get there:
Take a train to Zernez, then a PostBus over the Ofen Pass to the village of Müstair.
Insider tips:
Isenfluh cable car photo courtesy of I Like Switzerland.com
2. Lauterbrunnen’s Quiet Cousin: Isenfluh (BerneR Oberland)
Why visit:
Perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Isenfluh offers jaw-dropping views without the tourist crowds. It’s ideal for peaceful alpine hikes.
How to get there:
From Lauterbrunnen, take a 15-minute bus ride up a steep mountain road to Isenfluh.
Insider tip:
Take the nostalgic cable car up to Sulwald — a great starting point for panoramic walks with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Read more here and here.
Soglio village photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons | Michael Kuhn
3. Soglio (Graubünden)
Why visit:
Dubbed “the gateway to paradise” by artist Giovanni Segantini, Soglio is a tiny, timeless village set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bregaglia Valley. In 2015, it was crowned “The Most Beautiful Village in Switzerland” which is almost enough to book your trip pronto to go and see it for yourself!
How to get there:
Travel via train to St. Moritz or Thusis, then a PostBus to Promontogno and on to Soglio.
Insider tip:
Enjoy a slow lunch at Hotel Palazzo Salis, with its stunning rose garden and old-world charm. Click here and here for inspiration.
Photo courtesy of blausee.ch
4. Blausee (Berner Oberland)
Why visit:
This crystal-clear mountain lake, surrounded by pine forests, is a dreamy escape that feels worlds away from the popular Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
How to get there:
Train to Frutigen, then a short bus ride or taxi to Blausee Nature Park.
Insider tip:
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays to have the turquoise waters nearly to yourself. Read more here.
Look out point on the Jura Crest Trail photo courtesy of myswitzerland.com.
5. Jura Crest Trail (Jura Mountains)
Why visit:
For sweeping views of the Alps, Germany’s Black Forest and France’s Vosges from afar, the Jura Crest Trail offers gentle ridge walks that link Zurich to Geneva. This 16 stage trail offers fewer hikers and a wilder feel than the central Alps.
How to get there:
The entire trail stretches over 16 days, but you can access your desired sections via train to towns like Balsthal, Weissenstein, or Vallorbe.
Insider tip:
Stay overnight at one of the remote Jura mountain inns (“Berghäuser”) for stargazing and total silence. Or pair this with stops at Le Chaud-du-Fonds & Le Locle, the watchmaking villages or a stay at Hotel Palafitte on Lake Neuchâtel.
Photo courtesy of Jura & Trois Lacs Drei Seen Land
6. Creux du Van (Neuchâtel Jura)
Why visit:
A natural rock amphitheater nicknamed Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon,” Creux du Van stuns with dramatic cliffs and wildlife sightings — ibex included.
How to get there:
Train to Noiraigue, then hike (2.5–3 hours) up to the viewpoint. Alternatively, drive to nearby Soliat and walk 15 minutes.
Insider tip:
Visit at sunrise for magical light and a chance to see wild animals before the occasional daytime crowd arrives.
Aeral photo of Lago di Saoseo located along the Swiss / Italian border courtesy of Graubuenden Ferien.
7. Lago di Saoseo (Valposchiavo)
Why visit:
One of the most photogenic alpine lakes, Lago di Saoseo is known for its mirror-like reflections and vibrant blue tones — yet it’s rarely crowded.
How to get there:
Train to Poschiavo, then a bus to Sfazu. From there, hike (approx. 1.5 hours) or take the seasonal shuttle to the Rifugio Saoseo.
Insider tip:
Combine it with an overnight at the mountain hut for golden hour photography with no one else around.
Vrin village photo courtesy of 52bestebauten.
8. Vrin (Lukmanier Region, Graubünden)
Why visit:
A remote village blending traditional architecture with modern eco-design, Vrin is a dream for architecture buffs and solitude seekers.
How to get there:
Train to Ilanz, then a PostBus to Vrin (around 45 minutes).
Insider tips:
- Check out the works of local architect Gion A. Caminada — his sustainable wood buildings are scattered through the village.
- Book a tour (available in English, German, Italian, and Romansh) to learn about the architectural identity of Vrin over the ages.
- Or use it as a base for your hiking trip.
Peak Walk by Tissot courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.
9. Les Diablerets Glacier Hike (Vaud Alps)
Why visit:
Les Diablerets is often overshadowed by Verbier or Zermatt, but offers fantastic glacier access, wildflower meadows, and a relaxed vibe.
How to get there:
Train to Aigle, then a mountain train and bus to Les Diablerets.
Insider tip:
Take the Glacier 3000 cable car for views of Mont Blanc and enjoy the easy Glacier Walk — rarely crowded on weekdays.
Chalet Cuckoo in Zinal, Val d’Anniviers, Valais. Photo courtesy of Expedia.
10. Zinal (Val d’Anniviers, Valais)
Why visit:
Nestled at the end of a hidden valley, Zinal is a skiing and hiking paradise with traditional chalets and access to some of the best alpine routes — minus the mass tourism.
How to get there:
Train to Sierre, then PostBus to Zinal (via Vissoie).
Insider tip:
The hike from Zinal to Grimentz via the Corne de Sorebois is spectacular and less traveled than most Swiss alpine routes. Or take advantage of the winter season and find your own alpine heaven away from the crowds.
Final Thoughts
These hidden gems offer the same breathtaking beauty as Switzerland’s more famous spots, without the hectic hustle. For a break from the crowds, these stops make a great addition to any itinerary.
Whether you’re exploring ancient villages or tranquil alpine lakes, these destinations promise a deeper, more personal connection to the Swiss landscape. Happy travels — and don’t forget your hiking boots!
Village of Soglio in the Spring season – photo courtesy of ferienimbaudenkmal.ch.
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