How to rent entire vacation homes in Switzerland

“A historic house in Ticino for two weeks this October.”

Autumn is truly stunning in Ticino, but that’s not the point. Instead, this is an example of a query for the Swiss holiday home provider e-domizil.

Switzerland's largest holiday apartment platform lists some 13’000 properties, many of which are located in Ticino. The rental accommodations are as diverse as their locations, from entire residences to condos and small apartments.

A Heidi chalet in the Swiss Alps? A modern mansion with an infinity pool? A penthouse apartment with sunset views?

👉 Do I have your attention now?

Sure, Switzerland is the birthplace of luxury hospitality. There are more five-star hotels per capita than in most other places.

But Switzerland also has lots of private apartments and homes for rent. These may be located in unique settings that are privy to locals. Think authentic neighborhoods, lakeside towns, or alpine meadows.

For some, the privacy of a vacation home comes with more control over hygiene matters. After all, there is no need to share the breakfast buffet with a group of strangers when you have your own fridge.

Families and groups of friends appreciate the extra space of an entire home. And they like to cook, do laundry, or use amenities such as BBQ pits or SUP boards.

Trend monitors and search volume at e-domizil confirm that vacation homes are a legitimate alternative to hotels. Read on to find out all about vacation home rentals in Switzerland.

What types of vacation homes are available at e-domizil?

Among the thousands of vacation properties in Switzerland, you can generally find the following types of dwellings:

Entire vacation homes, such as single-family homes or chalets
Apartments in residential areas
Apartments within vacation resorts

Finding the right vacation home could be daunting, given all those options. That’s where the clever filters come into play, such as “Internet” (for free WiFi) or “Pool” (as in swimming pool!)

Another approach is to be inspired by the curated collections of available homes. These handpicked properties provide a roof over your head and a unique experience that can’t be had anywhere else.

For instance, those wishing to spend time on a Swiss farm will find an entire portfolio dedicated to agricultural tourism. Some of these properties have the added benefit of a wine tasting or a farm-fresh breakfast. The proximity to farm animals and playgrounds makes farm stays ideal for the entire family.

Design and architecture aficionados will also find their match, too. The choices are plenty, from cozy chalets to historic boutique homes and lofty city apartments.

What's the cost of a furnished vacation home in Switzerland?

Generally, vacation apartments and entire homes are cheaper than hotels. This is especially true if you are flexible regarding travel dates.

During peak season, a given home in a popular destination may cost upward of 2000 francs per week. The same place can be held at a 50 percent discount during the off-season.

The Swiss tend to plan ahead. Immediately after a stay, they will re-book the same place for the following year. This is typical for ski vacations: once someone has found an apartment that ticks all the boxes, they will also secure it for the same period the following year.

For the most availabilities and best prices, it helps to broaden your travel window by up to three days. You’d be surprised at all the additional homes that pop up when you’re showing some flexibility.

What are some insider tips for renting a vacation home in Switzerland?

We have asked the experts at e-domizil for some insider tips on renting a vacation home in Switzerland. Here are their valuable inputs:

Since each home is unique, always read the detailed description and look at the photographs. It will give you a clue about what accessories and amenities are included in the inventory: bedding, kitchen utensils, etc.
Study the floor plan of a home to gain a better understanding of its size and room layout. Floor plans for most properties are an added benefit at e-domizil that many guests appreciate.
Longer-term stays of at least one week are more cost-effective. The reason is that cleaning fees are flat regardless of the length of stay.
If you don’t know where to go, simply pick up the phone or send an email to the e-domizil customer service. They will happily send you a few proposals - no strings attached.
Try to arrive at your vacation home by public transportation.

Some unique vacation homes in Switzerland for rent

While looking through the listings, we have bookmarked several unique vacation homes. Have a look at what we’ve found:

⛰️ Rent an alpine hut in Switzerland

When you see these off-the-beaten-path properties, you will understand why it is worth paying money in exchange for less cell phone reception: Alpine huts in Switzerland.

🪟 Vacation homes in the Bernese Alps

Towns like Beatenberg or Interlaken are ideal gateways to the Bernese Alps. Depending on your appetite, you could check yourself into a fancy design apartment in Interlaken or a historic barn high above Lake Thun.

🌊 Vacation Homes in Central Switzerland

Lake Lucerne is a destination in its own right. Located in the heart of Switzerland, it allows for scenic boat cruises, days spent sunbathing at the lido, or sunsets to write home about.

This charming chalet houses up to 12 people. Since it is located along the Luzern - Interlaken Express train line, leisure options are plenty: hikes, museum visits…

This home with lake access guarantees nautical vibes. Step onto the balcony for sweeping lake views, unfold your beach towel on the private beach, or take the property’s own boat for a spin.

🎿 Vacation Homes in Engadine and Grisons

Those who have followed us for a while know we have a heart for the Engadine. During any season, this valley with its lakes and mountains inspires us to hike, ski, and indulge in delicious Grisons food.

We often wonder whether we could someday own a house here - until we see the price tags for real estate. It is good to know that e-domizil lists more than one apartment or chalet for rent. Two noteworthy properties are this newly remodeled top-floor apartment and this new vacation home with access to cross-country skiing.

🌴 Vacation Homes in Ticino Switzerland

And finally, Ticino was the most popular region for Swiss vacation homes in 2021. In particular, vacationers checked themselves into some beautiful properties in the Ascona-Locarno region, such as the Maggia Valley.

Let us spill the beans on a typical Ticino house for rent. Located in the town of Rosso in the Onsernone Valley, Casa Döbeli has history written all over it. Once a center for the community, this house is now part of Ferien im Baudenkmal, a foundation that restores and protects historic buildings.

As a modern contrast, you could stay in a flat with lake views at Lake Lugano. The former smuggler hotspot of Gandria offers lots of exciting things to do, from a smuggler museum to boat rides and a lakeside hiking path.