switzerland explored
We lay out our favorite elopement spaces and places in Switzerland. Explore with us our beautiful country as we navigate through eleven regions and what makes each especially unique.
Where do you see yourself saying yes to your favorite person?
We thought we would show you our favorite places and spaces in Switzerland. Organized in two articles, you can read about eleven regions and what makes each one special. Our country hosts some of the most serene getaways, blissful outlooks, and plentiful terrains of untouched nature. Without further ado, please do enjoy the view and let our curated list inspire you.
APPENZELL
For those adventurers, hiking enthusiasts, and raw nature lovers.
Dramatic and unpredictable is what summarizes this corner of Switzerland the best. Here you will find steep vertical cliffs paired with serene mountain lakes and deep forests. Overall the Appenzell area is not your go-to spot if you are looking for the luxurious getaway. On the contrary, as one of the most authentic regions, you will find wooden cabins surrounded by pastures with grazing cows or goats. This is your place if you love the genuine things in life— cosy cottages, local cuisine, and untouched landscapes right at your doorstep.
BERNESE HIGHLANDS (BERNER OBERLAND)
For those who love plenty of options without (literally) having to go the extra mile.
This region is one of the most famous, popular, and beloved areas in our country. The Bernese Highlands host the Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, seventy-two thundering waterfalls, and the lovely area of Interlaken that is couched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. All of the beautiful places just mentioned are easily accessed by public transport and require no massive hikes. This also means more people, and predominantly more tourists. But no worries, we know a couple of private spots to enjoy breathtaking views and deep blue waters away from the crowds.
GLARUS AND ST. GALLEN
For those lake chasers who like to enjoy nature while staying close to the city.
Located close to the city of Zurich, these two regions are home to some of the most popular and favorite hiking trails among the Swiss. Both display panoramic views with a multitude of mountain lakes that unexpectedly show up along your path. What we love about Glarus and St. Gallen, is their proximity to Zurich’s international airport. In just over an hour you can travel from urban city life to the heights of the great alpine Rhine valley.
CANTON OF GRISONS (GRAUBÜNDEN)
For those looking for untouched territories and wild terrains.
Home to the eastern Alps, this region is truly a spot where time stands still. With large valleys with little to no people present and a series of immense mountain lakes, Graubünden is the kind of place you want to explore slowly. We recommend this area if you seek the depth of nature, which also means more travel time depending on where exactly you want to go. Not only do we like this area for elopements or great photo shoots, it is also one of our favorite place to visit after your elopement to soothe the soul and linger in the moment.
LUCERNE
For those who like to enjoy the central, the comfortable, and the beautiful.
Just let these photos sink in for a second. Can you see yourself being surrounded by impressive panoramas? This probably summarizes what Lucerne feels like to us. A lovely mid-size old town by a lake amidst snowcapped mountains. Lucerne the city. Lucerne the lake. Lucerne the mountains. If you can’t have it all you can certainly have those three factors there. With a variety of cosy modern hotels, deep green woods, and amazing views this region lacks little to nothing. However, be ready to beat the unpredictable fog that likes to sway through the mountains from time to time. But when you do, we promise, the view will be rewarding.
NEUCHATEL
For those who seek what is fairly unknown and enjoy being surrounded by mountains.
This region could well be called the Swiss Grand Canyon with its endless pastures of green, beautiful patches of forests, and an unexpected lovely town nested by the Neuchatel lake. During summer as well as winter, the surrounding mountains are go-to places for panoramic hikes or fondue trips to the local métairies when everything is covered white. Apart from numerous nature excursions you would have to go see the old town of Neuchatel built between hills and waters with the Alps showing off their splendor in the background.
TICINO
For those who love a mediterranean flair while still staying in Switzerland.
You could easily mistake Ticino with Italy, because it is the most southern place in our country with a combination of deep blue lakes, mountain ranges, and palm trees (yes, you read that right). This canton is as versatile as it can get with entire villages made of little stone houses, painting a mosaic with their unique colored facades. Because of its geographical location, the people of Ticino enjoy warm mediterranean breezes early in Spring until late Fall. The shores of Lago Maggiore or Lago di Lugano come very close to giving you just the holiday feeling you need.
URI
For those barren landscapes lovers, strong wind withstanders, and winding roads seekers.
As we will call it, Uri is the luxurious mountain pass explorer. Did you ever think mountain passes could be sexy? Well here they can. This region has plenty of winding roads that just have the most romantic touch to them. The endless amount of bursting waterfalls and small rivers, cute chapels, or glacier lakes make this area especially unique. Uri is a wonderful location for photoshoots with enormous valleys as your background. Also, for those seeking a more luxurious feel, there is a famous 5 star hotel that is sweetly nested in the valley.
VAUD AND SURROUNDINGS
For those wanting a little bit of an escape, while remaining just within civilization
The French speaking flirt. Lake Leman at your feet and endless vineyards behind you. On top of the mountains your views will reach as far as France. Vaud is unique in that it will for sure give you a Riviera feel with wine-tasting opportunities just as there are hiking paths around the Lake. As the smaller brother of grand Geneva city, Vaud has plenty of small towns with cobbled streets that allow for romantic day or night walks.
WALLIS
For those lovers of wild and raw nature, but don’t need the challenge of getting there by foot.
No worries, this area is also for those of you who want to find those secret spots and really don’t mind that sweaty hike. Wallis truly is a tamed rebel nature-wise. Amazing forests of larches cover long mountain ranges and valleys with small lakes in between. This area truly is golden during Fall, which is why we recommend October as the perfect season to witness full valleys turn into gold. Also, a nice fun-fact to Wallis is the opportunity to visit Zermatt and witness the Toblerone mountain in person, see photo above.
ZURICH AND SURROUNDINGS
For those who prefer to keep it urban.
Yes, Zurich may not be the largest European city, but it is as modern cosmopolitan as it can get. It is a charming old town with cobbled streets mixed with innovative and creative spots that make this city especially attractive to young people flooding it from across the continent. Oh, and no worries, by choosing this location you would not even have to miss out on those nature benefits. Zurich is surrounded by waters— the serene Zurich Lake that floods into the city, into the Limmat river. As nice as the idyllic streets are in winter, this city definitely booms during summer with cozy nooks you can enjoy your evening whine or cocktail.
