Hidden Gems in Switzerland: Authentic and Underrated Destinations
- Stefan
- Feb 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 21
Switzerland is on many people’s bucket lists. Most visitors head straight for the Matterhorn, Interlaken Lucerne, or the Bernese Oberland, and for good reason. But once you’ve ticked off the classics, there’s a whole other side of the country waiting to be explored. The best part? You won’t be elbowing your way through the crowds.
After years of living here, I’ve found that the real magic happens in the places most travelers never make it to. These are the hidden gems in Switzerland: Villages, valleys, hikes, and foodie experiences that feel authentic and a little secret. Here are some of my favorites.
Hidden Gems Switzerland at a Glance
Hidden Gem | Region | How to Get There | Best Season | Difficulty | Overnight Option |
Val Cama | Ticino | 2 hrs from Bellinzona, car + 1–1.5 hr hike | Summer–Autumn | Moderate hike | Camping only |
Greina Plateau | Ticino/Graubünden | 2.5 hrs from Disentis or Olivone + demanding hike | June–September | Challenging | SAC huts (CHF 30–50) |
Val Fex | Engadine (Graubünden) | 10 mins from Sils, walk or horse-drawn carriage | Year-round | Easy | Hotels in Sils |
Rüeggisberg | Bern | 30 mins from Bern, car/bus | Year-round | Easy walks | Guesthouses |
Val Müstair | Graubünden | 2 hrs from St. Moritz, bus connections | Summer–Autumn | Moderate | Local inns |
Tschiertschen | Graubünden | 15 mins from Chur by car/bus | Year-round | Easy–moderate hikes | Hotels/guesthouses |
Switzerland’s Hidden Natural Wonders
Val Cama – Hidden Gem in Ticino, Switzerland
Closest city: Bellinzona, Ticino (Val Cama is in Graubünden)
South of the Alps lies Val Cama, one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets. Since 2007, this nature reserve has been left completely untouched and will stay that way until at least 2057. Walking here feels like stepping into another time. No noise, no infrastructure, just pure nature. If you’re after peace and solitude, this is the spot. Pack your own food and water, because you won’t find facilities here.
Greina Plateau – The Untouched Alpine Wilderness
Closest cities: Disentis (Graubünden) and Olivone (Ticino)
The Greina Plateau is a high-altitude valley straddling Ticino and Graubünden. It’s wild, beautiful, and remote, with sweeping meadows, rugged peaks, and trails that make you feel like you’ve discovered Switzerland before the guidebooks did. Come in summer when the snow has melted and the alpine flowers are in bloom.
Val Fex - Another untouched valley
Closest city: St. Moritz, Canton Graubünden
Just a short ride from St. Moritz, Val Fex is one of the most beautiful and protected valleys in Switzerland. I visited here recently, and it’s a place where time feels like it has stood still. Cars are not allowed, and the local community has an agreement with the Swiss government that no ski lifts or large-scale tourist infrastructure will ever be built. Instead, visitors arrive on foot, by bike, or on the traditional horse-drawn omnibus that takes you deep into the valley.
Villages and Regions With Authentic Charm
Rüeggisberg – A Hidden Gem in the Bernese Highlands
Closest city: Bern, Canton Bern
Rüeggisberg sits on the sunny slopes of the Längenberg, surrounded by farmland and traditional Bernese houses. Life moves slowly here, and that’s exactly the appeal. If you want to swap tourist hubs for quiet walks and a glimpse of real rural Switzerland, this little village is worth the detour.
Val Müstair – A Secluded Alpine Paradise
Closest town: St. Moritz, Canton Graubünden
Tucked into Switzerland’s far east, Val Müstair is stunning both naturally and culturally. The highlight is the UNESCO-listed Benedictine Convent of St. John with frescoes dating back more than a thousand years. Combine it with hikes through the valley and you’ll see why this region feels so special.
Tschiertschen – A Hidden Village in Graubünden
Closest city: Chur, Canton Graubünden
A short drive from Chur, Tschiertschen looks like it’s been frozen in time. Wooden chalets, cobbled streets, and sweeping views give it the feel of an alpine postcard. Unlike big resorts, it stays calm all year. In winter there’s a small ski area, and in summer the hiking trails open up into pure mountain bliss. I’ve stayed here on weekends and barely seen another tourist.
Scenic Hikes Away From the Masses
Fricktaler Höhenweg – Switzerland’s Hidden Hiking Trail
Closest city: Rheinfelden, Canton Aargau
The Fricktaler Höhenweg in the Mittelland region doesn’t have the altitude of the Alps, but it’s a gem for hikers who want something quieter. Rolling hills, forests, and village views make it a beautiful, easygoing trail. You’ll get big views without big crowds.
Gelmerbahn – A Thrilling Ride to a Hidden Paradise
Closest city: Meiringen, Canton Bern
One of my favorite quirky Swiss experiences is the Gelmerbahn. This funicular is one of the steepest in Europe, and it carries you up to Gelmersee, a turquoise reservoir ringed by mountain trails. The ride itself is worth it, but the scenery at the top will make you stay longer than planned.
Authentic Swiss Culinary Experiences
L’Etivaz – A Cheese Lover’s Dream
Closest city: Château-d’Oex, Canton Vaud
In the Vaud Alps, cheesemakers in L’Etivaz still use open fires to produce their famous AOP cheese. The smoky flavor is unlike anything you’ll find in a supermarket. If you can visit in summer, you might catch the process in action. The cellars are open to visitors, and tastings are a must.
Maison Cailler – The Ultimate Swiss Chocolate Experience
Closest city: Bulle, Canton Fribourg
In Broc, Maison Cailler tells the story of Swiss chocolate in a way that’s both fun and delicious. The tour ends with generous tastings, and kids love it just as much as adults. It’s a classic, but somehow still feels underrated compared to other attractions. There are also some other great chocolate factories in Switzerland I recommend.
Unique Swiss Attractions Few Tourists Know About
Ballenberg – A Living Museum of Swiss Traditions
Closest city: Interlaken, Canton Bern
Ballenberg is an open-air museum that brings Switzerland’s rural past to life. More than 100 historic houses from all over the country have been rebuilt here, complete with craftsmen at work and local food to try. It’s a great way to see how diverse Swiss culture is.
St. Leonard Underground Lake – Switzerland’s Hidden Natural Wonder
Closest city: Sion, Canton Valais
Between Sion and Sierre lies Europe’s largest underground lake, the St. Leonard Underground Lake. A guided boat trip across its clear waters is calming and a little surreal. Above ground, traffic and vineyards hum with activity, but down below it feels like another world.
Final Thoughts: Discover the Real Switzerland
Switzerland’s big names are famous for a reason, but it’s in the hidden corners that you really connect with the country. Whether it’s hiking across the Greina Plateau, tasting smoky L’Etivaz cheese straight from the source, or exploring a quiet village like Tschiertschen, these are the experiences that stick with you.
So, next time you plan a trip to Switzerland, add some of these hidden gems to your itinerary. You won’t regret it! If you're in the Zurich area, check out our 30+ recommended day trips.
FAQ: Hidden Gems Switzerland
Are hidden gems in Switzerland accessible by public transport? Some yes (Val Fex, Tschiertschen), others like Val Cama and Greina are easier by car. Always check bus timetables.
What’s the best time to visit? Summer is best for remote hiking, autumn for colors, winter for quiet alpine villages.
Do I need special gear? Val Fex: sturdy shoes. Greina Plateau: hiking boots, layers, poles recommended.
Are these places crowded? Rarely. In Val Cama I hiked for hours without seeing anyone. Greina attracts hikers, but still feels remote.
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