Scott Cai
Scott Cai
【New Sancai Compilation First Edition】Switzerland is a country with stunning scenery and epic natural beauty. From snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes to flower-filled meadows and fairytale castles, there's plenty to explore. Switzerland also boasts cultural diversity and influence as it is surrounded by four other countries. Here are a few fairy tale Swiss towns to share with you.
△ Grindelwald: Grindelwald is one of the larger resort towns in the Jungfrau region, but it still retains the charm and appeal of a small town. It’s a beautiful town, but it’s remote – and that’s certainly part of its magical charm. This vibrant countryside combines a fairy tale look with a cosmopolitan feel. As one of Switzerland's most popular year-round resorts, it's truly a great base for walks: in summer you can explore lush green valleys, alpine cows and colorful flowers; in winter, amid the snow-capped mountain landscapes , there are plenty of winter activities and impressive ski slopes to explore.
△Andermatt: Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is a rustic traditional ski village with a true alpine lifestyle. It's a great place for outdoor sports, especially in the winter, from hiking and cross-country skiing to snowshoeing and ice skating. Andermatt attracts skiers seeking the freshest, fluffiest powder. Because of its high altitude, there are many good cross-country ski resorts, but it is not suitable for beginner skiers. As well as sports, there are plenty of classic Swiss restaurants to enjoy, including an impressive number of hotpot options.
△ Bern: Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is the political center of the country. But as Europe's smallest capital, I love that it still retains its quaint charm and fairytale feel. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has beautiful historical features and medieval appearance. Bern also has a rich cultural scene, with a variety of festivals, museums, galleries and theatres. During the warmer months, many tourists and locals go swimming in the River Aare. The river's water comes from the nearby Alps, so I can assure you it's very clean and an attractive bright blue color.
△ Spiez: Spiez is located on the shores of the pristine Lake Thun and is located in a beautiful bay. It is a lakeside resort. Dominated by its medieval towers and its Romanesque church, Spiez offers a magical setting and a perfect European getaway. When I first visited, I was completely blown away by the beauty of this Swiss town – I couldn’t believe how quiet it was and it really felt like I’d stumbled upon a hidden gem. The mild climate here in Spiez makes it the perfect base for water adventures and mountain adventures. The town is surrounded by hillside vineyards and mountain peaks, offering stunning natural beauty. There's also an impressive gastronomy, including delicious food and the opportunity to taste local wines.
△ Lauterbrunnen (Lauterbrunnen): Located between towering rock walls and peaks, Lauterbrunnen is a typical Swiss countryside. "Lauterbrunnen" translates to "many fountains", which alludes to the 72 stunning waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. As you can imagine, there are a lot of amazing hikes and trails here. The countryside is made up of many traditional-style chalet buildings, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and colorful alpine meadows, making it a nature lover's paradise. Lauterbrunnen is about an hour's drive from Bern, the capital of Switzerland. In addition, mountain railways provide easy access to the Mürren-Schilthorn and Wengen-Kleine ski areas.
△ Gimmelwald: Gimmelwald is a small mountain village in a remote area, often mistaken for the more famous "Grindelwald". In fact, Gimmelwald is a little-known gem in the Swiss Alps, an off-the-beaten-path fairy-tale town perched on a clifftop with unparalleled views of towering peaks, beautiful valleys and mountains. A rural village with no easy access, Gimmelwald is far removed from the wealth and glamor of some of Switzerland's famous resorts. It feels a bit like being stuck in the past, with its quiet charm and quaint architecture. I think that’s part of its appeal!
△ Zermatt: Zermatt is a famous town in Switzerland. The iconic Matterhorn towers over this fairy-tale resort. The resort is famous for its skiing and is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe. You can ski in Zermatt all year round. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, this town has a wonderful cosmopolitan flair and alpine cuisine.
△Montreux: Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, Montreux is the epitome of tranquility and natural beauty. This is a very beautiful town, often called the "Swiss Riviera", about an hour's drive from Geneva Airport. Montreux is home to stunning historic architecture and a variety of cultural attractions and events, including the annual Montreux Jazz Festival. Additionally, there are activities year-round, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and biking in the summer. Lake Geneva and the Lavaux vineyards make for a perfect scenic route. It's no wonder that many famous artists, writers and travelers frequent this charming lakeside town.
△ Grimentz: Grimentz is a charming alpine countryside with a rich cultural heritage. Strolling through this traditional village will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Rustic century-old buildings lined with colorful flowers give Grimentz a fairytale appeal. There are also a variety of activities here, from skiing and tobogganing in the winter to hiking, via ferrata and more in the summer. As a winter ski resort in the Valais Alps, Grimentz is famous for its extensive cross-country skiing and freestyle skiing.
△ Gruyères: Gruyères is a medieval town in Switzerland characterized by charming cobbled streets and picturesque architecture. All of this is surrounded by rolling hills and rolling countryside that makes this countryside feel like it doesn’t even exist! Gruyères is famous for its cheese and chocolate production and is home to chocolate and cheese factories, as well as several museums. Travelers can visit the medieval Gruyères Castle and explore various collections from the medieval period.
△ Gstaad: Gstaad is located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. It has beautiful scenery and is a traditional fairy tale village with charming wooden buildings. It is known as the most beautiful village in the world. One of the unique mountain resorts. The town is home to an unparalleled selection of designer boutiques, as well as a range of art galleries and museums. The town also offers an impressive array of outdoor sports, including skiing, mountain biking and hiking. Additionally, there are many spas and hotels for those looking for a more relaxing getaway.
△ Stein am Rhein: Stein is a small but lively town located at the confluence of the Rhine River and Lake Constance in northern Switzerland. The charming old town has well-preserved medieval buildings and cobbled alleys. Historic buildings with beautifully painted facades give this town a fairy-tale status. You can stroll along the cozy waterfront, past picturesque houses, while enjoying stunning views across the lake. It feels like this is a hidden gem, like it was taken out of a Swiss storybook. The town is small and suitable for a day trip.
(Author: Jessie Moore)
(Compiled by: Bai Ding)
(Editor: Jiang Qiming)
(Source of the article: First published by Xinsancai)
