Switzerland needs no introduction. Its postcard-perfect towns and jaw-dropping alpine landscapes have been adored for decades—and rightly so. But anyone who has strolled across Chapel Bridge at noon in July or tried to take a picture of the Eiger without accidental photobombers knows that the country’s most iconic places… are hardly secrets anymore.

At Chantal & Max, we spend our days (and many weekends!) scouting Switzerland’s hidden corners—the untouched valleys, the family-run alpine farms, the villages where time slows down and authenticity reigns. So, instead of telling you to skip the classics, we want to show you where to find the Switzerland that locals cherish most.

Below are our favorite insider alternatives—less crowds, more soul, and just as spectacular (if not more).

1. Don’t Just Visit Lucerne—Explore the Wider Central Switzerland Region

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There’s no denying it: Lucerne is beautiful. Its medieval bridges, lakeside promenade, and views of Mount Pilatus make it almost impossibly charming. But here’s a secret:

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The true magic of Central Switzerland begins once you leave the city limits.

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Just beyond Lucerne, you’ll discover:

• Remote alpine valleys where traditional mountain life still thrives

• Fjord-shaped lakes, perfect for a private boat ride through dramatic scenery

• Off-roading tracks that zig-zag into untouched alpine pastures

• Authentic mountain farms where you can spend a day in the boots of a Swiss farmer—feeding goats, making cheese, and living the slow mountain rhythm

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This is the Central Switzerland we adore—the one that feels raw, intimate, and wonderfully uncommercial.

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2. Swap Interlaken for the Gstaad Region

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Interlaken is undeniably well-located, with spectacular views over the Jungfrau. It even holds a soft spot in our hearts (Chantal’s parents were married there!). But today, its huge popularity means it’s often crowded, commercial, and far from the peaceful alpine escape many travellers imagine.

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So what’s the insider alternative? The Gstaad region.

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Yes, Gstaad has a glamorous reputation — but look closer and you’ll discover something beautifully authentic:

• A traditional chalet village framed by meadows and rolling hills

• Heidi-worthy scenery, with cows, mountain huts, and postcard landscapes

• A community where local traditions still shape everyday life

• A place where you might see a Rolls-Royce patiently following a tractor — because here, the tractor always has priority

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And here’s what many travellers don’t realise: The Gstaad region makes a fantastic base for day trips, just like Interlaken.

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From your chalet door, you can easily reach:

• The vineyards and lakeside charm of Lake Geneva

• The panoramic peaks and thrilling suspension bridge of Glacier 3000

• The serene, castle-dotted shores of Lake Thun

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So you get all the strategic advantages of Interlaken — but with far fewer crowds and a much more authentic alpine atmosphere. Learn more about why we love this idyllic region here.

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3. Trade the Valley of Grindelwald for the Untouched Val d’Anniviers

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Grindelwald is iconic—there’s no question. But it’s also one of Switzerland’s most searched, most photographed, and most crowded valleys.

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If your heart is set on dramatic peaks but your mind longs for tranquility, let us whisper one word: Val d’Anniviers.

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This little-known gem in Valais is Switzerland at its purest:

• Home to Grimentz, officially recognized as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful villages

• Surrounded by mighty 4,000-meter peaks

• Filled with down-to-earth locals and a warm village culture

• A playground for hiking, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking, via ferrata, and more—without the queues, tour buses or selfie sticks

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It’s wild, real, and breathtaking—exactly the kind of place we love to reveal to our travellers.

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4. Didn’t Get Seats on the Glacier Express? No Stress—Try the GoldenPass Line

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The Glacier Express is world famous—and with that fame comes high demand. If you can’t find seats, or simply don’t have the time for an 8-hour journey, don’t worry.

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Because there’s a stunning alternative hiding in plain sight: The GoldenPass Line.

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This panoramic route from Lake Geneva to Interlaken is shorter, but no less enchanting. Picture:

• Sparkling vineyards near Montreux

• Rolling hills dotted with chalet hamlets

• Dense forests and deep valleys

• And that quintessential Swiss blend of lakes and mountains

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For atmosphere, scenery, and old-world charm, it’s one of the country’s greatest train journeys—just without the logistical stress.

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5. Don’t Miss Bern — The One Incredible City Most Travellers Overlook

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It always surprises us: Switzerland’s capital is one of the country’s most beautiful and historic cities… yet most international visitors skip it entirely. And that’s a real shame, because Bern is an absolute gem.

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Built on a peninsula wrapped by the turquoise Aare River, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with arcaded streets, medieval fountains, sandstone buildings, and a relaxed, creative energy that feels worlds away from the busier tourist hubs.

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Here’s what makes Bern so special:

• A postcard-perfect Old Town that feels like stepping back in time

• A vibrant riverside culture, where locals swim, float, and picnic along the Aare

• Boutique cafés, artisan shops and independent ateliers tucked under the iconic arcades

• Panoramic views from the Rose Garden, especially magical at sunset

• A slower, more authentic rhythm — this is the Switzerland where people actually live, not just visit

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It’s a city that’s cultural without being overwhelming, historic without being touristy, and lively without ever feeling crowded.

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Traveling Switzerland the Authentic Way

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At Chantal & Max Switzerland Travel Design, we specialise in creating tailor-made trips that steer you away from the crowds and into the heart of our country’s most authentic regions.

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We don’t do cookie-cutter itineraries.

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We don’t do mass tourism.

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Instead, we focus on:

• Family-owned hotels and boutique chalets

• Exclusive experiences with local artisans, mountain guides and producers

• Meaningful connections to Swiss culture, landscapes and traditions

• Hidden corners that even many Swiss don’t know about

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If you’re dreaming of discovering Switzerland beyond the obvious, we’d love to craft your journey. Contact us to start planning your authentic Swiss adventure!

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A bientôt,

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Chantal & Max

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