Here in Switzerland, we can hardly go 5 paces without seeing something beautiful. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to its historic villages and bustling cities, Switzerland has a diverse range of landscapes and vistas that make it a photographer’s paradise. In this post, we’ll share our picks for the top 10 photography locations in Switzerland that will inspire you to get out and shoot this beautiful country.
#1: Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free village located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most iconic mountain in Switzerland. The village and its surroundings are great for landscape and wildlife photography. The Matterhorn is particularly striking during sunset and sunrise. And if you want to spend more time shooting and less time finding, we even offer a photography weekend in Zermatt where you’ll practice your photography and build your portfolio under the guidance of a pro.
#2: Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a picturesque village nestled in the Bernese Alps. The village offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. With its mountain railways, cable cars, and hiking trails, Grindelwald is another iconic Swiss location for wildlife and landscape photography.
#3: Lauterbrunnen
This alpine valley is home to 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls. Lauterbrunnen is an ideal location for landscape photography year-round, but especially during the spring when the valley is filled with wildflowers.
#4: Grimentz and the Moiry Dam
Grimentz is a traditional Swiss village located in the Val d’Anniviers, possibly the most beautiful in Valais. The village is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and is particularly known for its beautiful wooden chalets. The nearby Moiry Dam offers a visually impressive juxtaposition between the power of human ingenuity (with the dam over the bright turquoise lake) and the power of nature (with the impressive alps and surrounding glaciers). It’s less touristy than Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen, and every bit as worth a visit. We love this hidden gem so much we also offer a photography weekend in Grimentz & the Moiry Dam.
#5: Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Europe and is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages. The views of the lake from the Montreux side are particularly stunning; plan a trip to the Château Chillon for amazing landscape shots. The other end of the lake is worth a visit too. Maybe we are biased because it is so close to our Geneva studio, but the iconic Jet d’Eau is a photographer’s dream, offering an interesting focal point for landscape, street, and even night photography.
#6: Lucerne
Lucerne is a historic town located on the shores of its eponymous lake. It is home to two popular photography spots: the Chapel Bridge–the oldest covered bridge in Europe, dating back to the 14th century–and the Lion Monument, which honors the members of the Swiss Guard who died during the French Revolution. The old town’s narrow streets and medieval architecture also make it a great location for street photography. Nearby Mt. Pilatus is also worth a visit for macro photographers; it has a large diversity of wild alpine orchids, all of which are protected and many of which are at risk due to the effects of climate change.
#7: Lavaux
Lavaux is a stunning wine region located on the shores of Lake Geneva. The terraced vineyards, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The best time to visit is during autumn, when the leaves on the grapevines turn brilliant shades of orange and red. Join us for a photography day trip to Lavaux to capture the best of this beautiful location.
#8: Appenzell
Appenzell is a historic town in eastern Switzerland known for its traditional architecture and colorful buildings nestled in the context of stunning alpine landscapes. Appenzell is an ideal location not only for landscape photography but also street photography, particularly during the town’s annual folk festival. It’s also home to the Äscher restaurant, a highly Instagrammable cliffside shack that’s worth the hike to photograph.
#9: Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps and is located in the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grab the cable car up to the top for incredible panoramic views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. The Aletsch Glacier is an ideal location for landscape photography, particularly during the winter when it is covered in snow and ice.
#10: Basel
Located in northern Switzerland, Basel is a vibrant city full of narrow streets and charming squares that offer lots of opportunities for street photography. It is also worth a visit for architecture photography, with interesting constructions ranging from the 12th century Basel Minster or 13th century Spalentor all the way to modern buildings like the Vitra campus, Messe Basel, and Novartis campus. If you happen to visit Basel during February or March, don’t miss the Fasnacht festival, one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in Switzerland, and an unbeatable opportunity for street photography.
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So that’s our list! Did we miss any of your favorite photography destinations in Switzerland? Let us know in the comments. And by the way, if you want to make sure you have the skills to capture these places as beautifully as they deserve, take one of our photography classes before you go. 🙂 We’ve got classes for beginners and more advanced photographers, as well as specific classes in useful specialties like architecture photography, street photography, drone photography, and more. See you soon. 🙂
