Dimitri BurkhardHow would you like to see my secret stash of hidden Switzerland travel gems I usually only share with friends?
Well, consider yourself very lucky! I'm going to pull back the curtain and share some off-the-beaten-path locations. Many Swiss locals don’t even know about these.
For introverts, there comes a point when crowded cable car queues and loud crowds become too much to handle. This is when we put on our earphones and venture to quiet places for recharging.
Fortunately, plenty of lesser-known places in Switzerland offer a retreat. Some of them are power spots with special vibes to recharge. Others are travel gems hidden in plain sight. From picturesque mountain lakes to energizing waterfalls, I’ll let you in on some hidden Switzerland travel gems for introverts.
These hidden Switzerland travel gems for introverts are away from crowded tourist spots:
Etang de la Gruère Nature Preserve in the Jura
Nestled deep in the Jura mountains, you'll find a lovely little lake surrounded by marshy moorland. Finding the largely untouched Etang de la Gruère Lake is like stumbling upon a hidden gem in the middle of Europe.
There's abundant wildlife in the fauna and flora of this nature preserve. And birdwatchers will love the diverse bird population, including Common Teal and Great Crested Grebe. Take a relaxed 45-minute stroll around the lake, soaking in its stunning views. If you're up for a deeper dive into the nature reserve, they offer guided tours, too!
Getting to Etang de la Gruère is easy: hop on the train from Glovelier to Saignelégier, then transfer to bus 32.
Sigriswi and Grabenmühle in the Bernese Alps
Sigriswil in the Interlaken area is another underrated Swiss destination. It's near popular hotspots but offers more peace and quiet. It's a perfect setting for introverts who seek some hours away from the hustle and bustle.
The views over Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps are stunning from the sunny plateau where this town is located. I recommend walking to the suspension bridge for the ultimate views and an adrenaline kick.
But apart from striking vistas, another highlight of Sigriswil is Grabenmühle. This 300-year-old water mill is a hidden gem many locals don’t know about. An artifact from centuries past, the mill was a crucial infrastructure for the local farmers to grind their grains.
The mill has been preserved to the present day, providing insight into the history of Swiss agriculture. Pick up some locally produced flour as a souvenir while learning about milling. To get there, take a bus or drive to Sigriswil and walk a few minutes to the mill.
St. Beatus Caves in the Bernese Alps
The St. Beatus Caves are a rare gem located on the northern shores of Lake Thun, a stone's throw from Interlaken. These caverns offer an intriguing blend of natural wonders and mythical allure. Don’t visit these caves if you have claustrophobia, though.
Only a portion of the caves are accessible to visitors. The main chamber is replete with captivating stalactites and stalagmites, as well as underground streams and cascading waterfalls.
And then, there’s the legendary tale of St. Beatus. In 100 AD, the devout monk claimed victory over the dragon that once resided within these caves. Your visit to the dragon’s lair is an immersive experience because the dragon might still linger around...
Lake Gelmersee in the Bernese Alps
Sadly, some once-serene places have been overrun by tourists as of late. But fortunately, there are still some hidden gems, even in a small country like Switzerland.
Lake Gelmersee in the Bernese Alps is a place that few people know about. This hydroelectric dam, or water reservoir, is reachable on the Grimselbahn, Europe’s steepest open-air funicular. You have undoubtedly seen this funicular on social media and thought, "Add this to my bucket list!”
We recommend the two-hour circular hike around the lake that starts at the Gelmerbahn summit station. Appreciate the clear turquoise water of this mountain lake and soak in the stunning scenery of the Grimsel Region. You will even pass a waterfall and a protected nature preserve.
Susten Pass in Central Switzerland
Not exactly a hidden place per se, the Susten Pass should still be on this line-up of Switzerland travel gems. That’s because it’s one of the most spectacular mountain passes you can easily negotiate.
The Susten Pass connects the town of Innertkirchen in the canton of Bern and the village of Wassen in the canton of Uri. One of the highlights is the 500-meter Susten Bridge, a feat of engineering in its own right.
We recommend spending some time at the summit. Walk for ten minutes, and you will find yourself amid rugged and untouched natural beauty. As a hidden gem, Susten Pass offers visitors the chance to explore nature in its purest form.
Sassal Mason Refuge in Grisons
The Sassal Mason refuge in Graubünden is among the underrated places in Switzerland. It is unique because the mountain peak, 2355 meters above the sea, is fairly easily reachable for average hikers.
Starting at the train station at Ospizio Bernina, the round-trip hike to the peak takes approximately two hours. At the top, sweeping views of the Palü Glacier, the Palü Lake, and the Val Poschiavo will reward you.
The settlement at the top features round stone cottages resembling igloos. Used back in the day to store goods, these peculiar dwellings are unlike anything you’ve seen. At least by now, you will appreciate why this particular spot is on our list of hidden Switzerland travel gems.
Val Frisal in Grisons
There is a serene hidden valley above the charming town of Brigels. But the views do not come for free. You have to “earn” them by hiking to an elevation of 1900 meters above the sea.
Perched among tall mountains is Val Frisal, a pristine and untouched valley. It’s adorned with a lush wetlands floor and meandering creeks, complete with a glacier mound. Along the hiking path, pay attention to Switzerland's highest primeval forest, Scatlè, where majestic spruce trees stand sentinel.
Lago di Saoseo in Val Poschiavo
Looking for a peaceful and secluded alpine lake to explore? Add Lago di Saoseo to your list. Nestled in the Val di Campo valley, this hidden gem is a moderate 2.5-hour hike from Poschiavo. The views of the surrounding mountains and forests are well worth the effort.
The lake's unique color and stunning backdrop of larches and mountains make it an essential stop along your itinerary. Take a hike, dip in the lake, or relax in this tranquil spot surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
Lavizzara Waterfall in the Maggia Valley
I have debated whether to spill the beans on this secret waterfall… It’s a serene place that only locals in Ticino know about.
Located at the far end of the Maggia Valley, the falls are about an hour’s drive from Locarno. One of the best ways to enjoy the falls is by reserving a table at Grotto Pozzasc, a local eatery. You can marvel at this hidden cascading waterfall's emerald pool from its heavy stone tables. And if you don’t mind cold water, be ready to jump in!
The grotto is built against a large rock - a timeless place to visit. The menu features typical Ticino foods, such as cold meat and cheese platters - or polenta. The typical corn dish with gorgonzola cheese is best when prepared over an open fire.
Château de Tourbillon and Château de Valère in Sion
As Switzerland's most frequently visited historical sight, the renowned Château Chillon in Montreux is at the center of attention. There is a duo of lesser-known castles not far from there: Château de Tourbillon and Château de Valère.
These towering fortresses stand atop opposing hills, providing a view of the town that served as the capital of Valais. When you explore the 13th-century Château de Tourbillon, appreciate that it once served as the residence for the Bishop of Sion. It was destroyed by a fire in the following century, only to be rebuilt in the 15th century.
Villars-sur-Ollon in the Rhône Valley
Villars sur Ollon is a sun-kissed village located high above the Rhône Valley. We consider it a hidden gem because of the outdoor activities, fresh mountain air, peaceful atmosphere, and gorgeous vistas. But don’t be surprised to find yourself among the rich and famous who have claimed those charming chalets long ago.
You will see stunning peaks on clear days, including the Dents-du-Midi and the famous Mont Blanc. That’s just one of the exclusive benefits of being in the center of the Vaud Alps.
Bachtelspalt Rock Formation near Zurich
Bachtelspalt is a natural rock formation located in the canton of Zurich. It is a hidden gem that not even many locals know about. This natural rock formation sits below the Bachtel summit along the hiking path. An easy way to reach this natural rock formation it is by doing the 15-kilometer roundtrip hike from Gibswil.
This natural wonder holds great importance as it is believed to be an ancient "rift valley" formed millions of years ago. The Bachtelspalt is a fascinating geological feature and a testament to the Earth's ever-changing landscape.
Call it a power spot or a natural spectacle: the Bachtelspalt is a narrow passage between two rock faces. As you approach from below, you will pass between ever more narrow Nagelfluh stone walls. At the culmination, you will barely be able to squeeze through!
Bachtelspalt is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who want to escape the crowds and experience a hidden gem near Zurich.
Samuel Miller
Lisa Rowlands
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