Nature in Switzerland — Deaf Digital Nomad

exploring Instagrammable spots in the swiss nature

Immersing in the nature world of Switzerland

Switzerland is a dream destination for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking unforgettable landscapes. In this blog, you’ll discover the most Instagrammable spots in Switzerland, from iconic viewpoints to hidden gems tucked away in the heart of Swiss nature. Beyond the well-known highlights, Switzerland is full of secret places, untouched alpine valleys, turquoise lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views.

Since traveling across the entire country can be time-consuming and expensive, I recommend choosing one region and fully immersing yourself in its unique landscapes and experiences. Switzerland’s main nature regions include the breathtaking Berner Oberland, the alpine beauty of Valais (Wallis), the wild scenery of Graubünden, the picturesque mountains of Central Switzerland (Zentralschweiz), and the charming rolling hills of Appenzell (coming soon). Each region offers its own distinct character, making it easy to plan an unforgettable and visually stunning journey through Switzerland.

Many of these lesser-known locations are carefully curated in my exclusive travel guide, available in the shop, designed to help you explore the hidden parts of Switzerland . Let’s dive into the must-see nature spots in Switzerland you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.

Berner Oberland - Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Kandersteg

The Bernese Highlands (Berner Oberland) are one of the most breathtaking regions in Switzerland, offering a perfect mix of alpine lakes, dramatic mountain scenery, panoramic viewpoints, scenic train rides, and adrenaline-filled activities. It’s a dream destination for travelers who love nature, photography, and outdoor adventures. There are three main valleys you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Bernese Highlands.

You’ve probably heard of the most famous one already: Lauterbrunnen Valley. Known for its iconic waterfalls and traditional Swiss chalets, Lauterbrunnen feels like a real-life fairytale. Here, you can experience the impressive Staubbach Falls, enjoy scenic train rides up to Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and taste authentic Swiss cuisine in cozy mountain restaurants. A true highlight in this valley is the Trümmelbach Falls, a spectacular canyon with powerful waterfalls hidden inside the mountain — a must-see if you’re passing through.

Next is Grindelwald, a lively yet peaceful alpine town surrounded by towering peaks. This valley is especially popular with adventure lovers, offering activities such as mountain biking, summer tobogganing, paragliding, and ziplining on the First Flyer at Grindelwald First. Despite its popularity, Grindelwald still feels immersed in nature and is perfect for those who want both excitement and scenic beauty.

If you’re traveling between the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys, don’t miss a visit to the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch. Sitting at over 3,400 meters above sea level, this world-famous attraction features an ice palace, panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, and a fun snow park. Jungfraujoch gained international fame through the 007 - James Bond movie, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance, as they often sell out.

A lesser-known but equally stunning area lies west of Lauterbrunnen Valley. This region is home to two beautiful alpine lakes: Oeschinensee, known for its turquoise waters and mountain backdrop, and Blausee, a small crystal-clear lake surrounded by forest. Nearby in Frutigen, you can also visit a unique museum that explains trout farming and Swiss caviar production, adding a cultural touch to your nature-focused trip.

The Bernese Highlands are incredibly diverse, with so much to see and do. I recommend spending at least four days in the region, or a full week if you prefer a slower pace. This allows time for day trips to charming towns like Thun and Interlaken, making your stay even more memorable.

Wallis - Aletscharena, Zermatt, Sion, Andermatt

The canton of Valais (Wallis) in southern Switzerland is one of the best destinations to visit, especially during the winter season. Compared to the Bernese Highlands, Valais stretches over 200 kilometers, making it one of the largest and most diverse regions in the country. Thanks to its unique east–west orientation, Valais enjoys more sunshine than many other parts of Switzerland. For the best sunrises and sunsets, I recommend staying on the northern side of the valley, where the sunlight lasts the longest.

One of the highlights of Valais is the Aletsch Arena, which includes the car-free villages of Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. This area offers everything you need for a perfect alpine getaway. The world-famous Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps, provides breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. A must-visit viewpoint is Bettmerhorn, where you’ll find a restaurant with incredible views over the glacier and peaks—an absolute highlight when visiting Valais in winter. While Valais is especially magical in winter, it’s just as stunning in summer. The region offers alpine lakes, scenic hiking trails, a via ferrata climbing route, and even a rope park. With so many outdoor activities available, boredom is simply not an option.

If you recognize the iconic triangle shape of Toblerone chocolate, you’ve already seen Valais’ most famous mountain: the Matterhorn. Located in Zermatt, a car-free mountain village surrounded by dramatic peaks, this destination is one of the most Instagrammable places in Switzerland. Visit in winter for a festive, Christmas-like atmosphere and a true snow wonderland, or come in summer to hike the famous Five Lakes Trail, where you’ll capture stunning reflections of the Matterhorn. That said, Zermatt is known for its high prices and long travel times. Expect higher costs for accommodation and dining—restaurants often charge 40–50 CHF per person for a standard meal and drink (alcohol not included). Planning ahead is key if you want to enjoy this iconic destination without surprises.

Further down the valley, you’ll find charming cities like Sion and Brig, where you can explore historic buildings, castles, and enjoy beautiful sunsets from hilltop viewpoints overlooking the towns. While there’s less to do compared to the mountain resorts, these cities are perfect for budget travelers. Staying here allows you to save on accommodation and take day trips to various highlights across Valais.

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Switzerland starts in Valais: the Glacier Express, one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. This panoramic train journey connects Valais with Graubünden, passing through stunning alpine landscapes and the Andermatt region, a picturesque village worth stopping at. The journey takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on your route. I highly recommend booking in advance, and if you want uninterrupted panoramic views through the large windows, consider a first-class seat. It’s expensive—but truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Graubünden - Lenzerheide, Laax, St. Moritz, Davos

Graubünden is Switzerland’s largest canton and is located in the southeastern part of the country. Known for its vast alpine landscapes, remote valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Most travelers arrive in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, which serves as the gateway to Graubünden’s many stunning valleys. Two of the most popular nature destinations in Graubünden are Lenzerheide and Laax—both offering unforgettable experiences in summer and winter.

Lenzerheide is an ideal destination for active travelers and families. In summer, you’ll find tobogganing tracks, themed hiking trails like the Globi-Weg (a child-friendly trail inspired by the famous Swiss comic character Globi), and countless scenic walking paths. For adventure seekers, Lenzerheide is one of the best places in Switzerland for downhill mountain biking, with world-class bike parks and trails. In winter, the region transforms into a skiing and snowshoeing paradise, offering slopes for all skill levels and making it perfect for family holidays.

In the Laax–Flims–Falera area, you’ll discover some of the most Instagrammable nature spots in Switzerland. The highlight here is Caumasee, a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by forest that looks almost unreal, especially in summer. The region also offers beautiful hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and dramatic rock formations like the Ruinaulta (Swiss Grand Canyon). In winter, Laax becomes one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland, especially popular with snowboarders thanks to its large snow parks and modern infrastructure.

St. Moritz is famous for luxury, glamour, and alpine elegance. Located in the Engadin Valley, this resort town is famous for its frozen lake, upscale hotels, and world-class events. In winter, St. Moritz offers excellent skiing, cross-country trails, and winter hiking, while in summer it’s surrounded by beautiful lakes like Lake St. Moritz and Lake Silvaplana, perfect for hiking, biking, and even windsurfing. Davos, on the other hand, is known for its wide alpine valleys, fresh mountain air, and outdoor sports culture. It’s one of the highest towns in Europe and a fantastic destination for hiking, skiing, and wellness travel. In winter, Davos offers ski areas, while in summer you’ll find long panoramic hiking trails, mountain lakes, and cable cars leading to spectacular viewpoints.