How to Avoid the Busiest Places in Switzerland (2025)

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Saint-Ursanne, the “Pearl of the Jura” — Saint-Ursanne

Let’s not kid ourselves: when it comes to the busiest places in Switzerland, everyone’s talking about the same handful of spots. Ask any local or scroll through travel forums, and you’ll see the same names pop up every time.

Jungfrau region? Packed. Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen - those villages are magnets for summer crowds. Iseltwald at Lake Brienz? Busy courtesy of Netflix. Zermatt? You’ll find more tourists than marmots. Lucerne? Gorgeous, but don’t expect to have the Chapel Bridge or Schwanenplatz to yourself in July.

These are some of Switzerland’s headline acts during peak season. And trust me, everyone wants a front-row seat.

Despite the hype, Switzerland isn’t drowning in overtourism. The problem are mostly a handful of spots and certain times when things get tight. Think of it as a few “bottlenecks” instead of a countrywide problem.

To avoid the busiest places in Switzerland, simlpy step outside those pressure points and you’ll find plenty of space to breathe. In this post, I’ll show you the villages, hikes, and lakes where you can actually hear the cowbells, not just the chatter. You’ll get your views - and keep your sanity.

Why Consider Alternatives in the First Place?

Famous sites like Jungfraujoch and Oeschinensee are popular for a reason, but the reality in peak season is long queues, congested cable cars, and shoulder-to-shoulder viewpoints. Choosing alternatives doesn’t mean compromising. In fact, many of Switzerland’s lesser-known regions offer more space, lower costs, and just as much scenic impact.

Switzerland is starting to face an overtourism problem in summer. A few places soak up most of the international attention, while equally impressive spots nearby remain underexplored.

This creates bottlenecks in places like Zermatt or the Lauterbrunnen Valley. And it leaves a lot of authentic mountain villages and trails wide open for those who are willing to look just slightly beyond the mainstream. That’s why I wrote this post with insider tipps on beating the crowds.

Already explored most of the lesser-known places in Switzerland? Good for you. But if you’re craving mountain air, empty trails, and lakes you don’t have to share, keep reading. The list below is all about summer escapes that give you room to move.

Alternative Mountain Destinations in Switzerland

Aletsch Arena (Valais)

This UNESCO-listed Aletsch Arena offers expansive views of the Aletsch Glacier with far fewer people than the Jungfrau region. Ride up to Moosfluh or Bettmerhorn and enjoy panoramic trails, all without the packed cogwheel train.

The car-free villages of Riederalp and Bettmeralp are relaxed and family-friendly. Aletsch is a solid alternative to Jungfraujoch for glacier views and big alpine scenery.

Saas-Fee (Valais)

Often called the quieter cousin of Zermatt, Saas-Fee offers high alpine peaks, glacier access, and charming village life - without the same tour bus volume. It’s a car-free village, surrounded by 13 peaks above 4000m.

Unlike Zermatt, you’re not competing with thousands of others for the same view. Walks to the Glacier Trail or Hohsaas area give you those massive mountain perspectives with fewer elbows at the viewpoint. The least crowded places Switzerland summer offers often include Saas-Fee due to its tucked-away valley and quieter rhythm.

Engadin Valley (Graubünden)

Fewer crowds and a wide variety of trails around lakes and peaks. Try Piz Nair or Muottas Muragl for stunning views without the squeeze. Some Upper Engadin villages like Sils, Silvaplana, and Pontresina, are ideal for long stays.

They have great infrastructure, excellent hiking access, and a calmer pace than the famous spots in Central Switzerland. The high valley location also keeps the air dry and cool, even in peak summer heat.

Appenzell Region (Eastern Switzerland)

While Seealpsee and Ebenalp have gained too much visibility in recent years, many Appenzell hikes remain low-key. Look for trails near Hoher Kasten, Kronberg, or the routes that connect across to the Rhine Valley. The charm here is in the mix: rolling green hills, limestone cliffs, and cheese-making traditions.

Hike in the morning, have Rösti with a view, and return on a postbus - all without the feeling of being caught in a crowd. These are hidden gem hikes Swiss Alps locals still keep to themselves.

Least Crowded Lakes in Switzerland

Lago di Saoseo (Graubünden)

For a tranquil experience, consider visiting Lago di Saoseo, a hidden gem nestled in the Val da Camp in the Poschiavo region of Graubünden. Known for its striking blue waters and serene alpine surroundings, Lago di Saoseo remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

Access to the lake is primarily on foot, which naturally limits the number of visitors and enhances its peaceful ambiance. This makes it an excellent alternative for those seeking to avoid the busiest places in Switzerland during the summer of 2025.

Gelmersee (Bernese Oberland)

While it’s gained some recognition for the steep Gelmerbahn funicular, Gelmersee still sees fewer people than Oeschinensee. Go early or book the first cable car slot for a quieter experience. The loop around the reservoir is rugged but scenic, and it feels much more remote than its location suggests. A very realistic Oeschinensee alternative in summer 2025.

Lake Gelmersee Turquoise Water — Gelmersee in the Bernese Oberland

Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana (Engadin)

Part of the broader Engadin lake district, these lakes are ringed by trails and easily accessible by public transport. Walking from Sils to Maloja is a top option. Also, you could try your luck at paddleboarding or even wind-surfing on Lake Silvaplana.

These Engadine mountain lakes are not void of tourists, but they’re far from the crowd levels of Lake Blausee or Oeschinensee. These lakes are ideal if you love crisp mountain air and even crisper alpine water...

Windsurfing Class on Lake Silvaplana - Silvaplana Windsurfcenter — Windsurfing on Lake Silvaplana

Quiet Villages Near Interlaken to Use as Base

Instead of staying in Interlaken itself, which is heavily trafficked in July and August, choose nearby spots with fewer buses and more charm. These quiet villages near Interlaken offer better access to nature and a more local experience. You’ll still be connected by train or bus but can return each evening to peace and quiet.

Beatenberg: Perched high above Lake Thun, Beatenberg offers panoramic views and a peaceful setting away from the tour bus circuit. It’s well connected from Interlaken by public bus and makes a great base for slow travel. I recommend Hotel Gloria, a boutique hotel run by a lovely local couple, with bird-eye views of the lake and Jungfrau, delicious dishes, and genuine hospitality.
Isenfluh: Small, peaceful, and perched above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Great views, a slower pace, and quick access to hikes.
Wilderswil: Has a train station and easier access to the mountains, but feels more residential. Works well if you're using the Berner Oberland Pass.
Saxeten: A bit further out, with just one small inn and trailheads leading straight into the hills. If you want to go off-grid but stay within reach, this is a good bet.

Bonus: Hiking Without Crowds in the Swiss Alps

Not all hikes are created equal, especially in summer. The most promoted trails get busy, but there are hundreds of alternatives that offer solitude and views without the waiting. Look for routes that don’t rely on a single cable car access point. Hike into a place rather than taking the shortest route. Use paper maps or lesser-known trail apps to break free from the crowd flow.

Hidden gem hikes Swiss Alps:

Bettmerhorn to Märjelensee (Aletsch): Glacier views, few crowds. Rewarding without being overly technical.
Alp Flix (Graubünden): Wildflower meadows and alpine wetlands. The loop trail here is rarely busy and exceptionally scenic in July.
Wergenstein into Parc Ela: Great for wildlife spotting and remote ridge walks. One of the most overlooked national park areas in Switzerland.

Also worth considering are ridge trails in Toggenburg, back routes to Schynige Platte, or hikes around the Diemtigtal Nature Park. These spots are well-signed, stunning, and almost always under the radar for international tourists.

Skip the Usual and Build Your Own Bucket List

I’ll be honest: I used to think you had to see every famous Swiss sight to have a “real” trip. But after years of living here and exploring every corner, I’ve learned the real magic is often in the places you don’t see on postcards.

If you’re tired of crowds, rigid schedules, and feeling like you’re just collecting photos for someone else’s checklist, it’s time to build your own Swiss bucket list.

These quieter alternatives give you space to breathe, time to actually enjoy the view, and a shot at connecting with what makes the Alps special. For me, that’s a mountain hut where lunch doesn’t break the bank, a forest trail where the only soundtrack is cowbells, or a lakeshore without a single tour bus in sight.

Curious about city life too? I’ve got a list of the 10 Swiss cities to visit in your lifetime.

Where to Go From Here

Each of the core tactics we just covered is explained further in the following guides:

FAQ About Busiest Places in Switzerland

Can I reach lesser-known places in Switzerland with public transport?

Absolutely, you can reach lesser-known places in Switzerland with public transport. Switzerland boasts one of the world’s densest and most reliable public transport networks, with trains, buses, boats, funiculars, and cable cars connecting even remote mountain valleys and charming villages.

In fact, some of the country’s most picturesque and peaceful spots are only accessible by public transport, like the car-free villages of Zermatt, Wengen, and Mürren, or scenic destinations such as Alp Grüm and Quinten.

To plan your journey, the SBB mobile app is your best friend. It provides real-time timetables, platform changes, and even crowd predictions, so you can map out connections to off-the-beaten-path destinations with confidence. Many hidden gems require a short hike or a walk from the final bus stop or cable car station-think of this as a bonus, since it naturally filters out the crowds and rewards you with solitude and pristine nature.

For example, the tiny village of Quinten by Lake Walensee can be reached by boat or on foot, offering a tranquil lakeside experience away from the tourist bustle.

More information on MySwitzerland.com

Are there good accommodations in these quieter regions?

Many of these areas have a mix of guesthouses, small hotels, and holiday apartments. Booking earlier is advised, especially for Saas-Fee, Engadin, or Bettmeralp, which are popular with Swiss families. You’ll often find better value and more charm compared to high-traffic resorts.

Are these spots suitable for families or first-time visitors?

Yes. Places like Aletsch Arena or Appenzell are especially family-friendly, with manageable trails, picnic areas, and facilities. They offer an excellent first experience of the Swiss Alps, without the hustle of big tourist hubs.

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How to Avoid the Busiest Places in Switzerland (2025)

Why Consider Alternatives in the First Place?