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Switzerland is a dream come true for photographers, offering landscapes that seem straight out of a fairytale. From alpine valleys and lakes to historic cities with medieval charm, the country is filled with Instagram-worthy spots waiting to be captured. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, Switzerland’s natural beauty, fascinating cultural landmarks, and endless scenic viewpoints are a visual feast. Every corner of this picturesque destination offers unique frames that celebrate nature’s elegance and human craftsmanship. Here are Switzerland's top ten must-capture locations to make your trip an unforgettable, photograph-filled adventure.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a sight straight out of a fairytale. Nestled in the Bernese Alps, this valley is renowned for its cliffs, picturesque alpine meadows, and, most famously, its 72 waterfalls cascading down rocky mountainsides. Staubbach Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, is gorgeous. Here, lush greenery and air provide the perfect contrast against snow-capped peaks, creating a frame that captures the essence of Switzerland’s untouched beauty.
Zurich blends old and new, with medieval architecture standing side-by-side with modern buildings and cityscapes. The old town, or Altstadt, with its cobbled streets and ancient buildings, offers historical charm with every step. For photographers, the Limmat River’s reflections of city lights at night are unmissable, and iconic landmarks like the Grossmünster Church add a timeless appeal to every frame. For a more contemporary take, the trendy Zurich-West district offers a mix of urban art and modern designs, making it ideal for street photography.
Surrounded by mountains, Lake Lucerne is often considered one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. This beautiful lake reflects the colours of the sky and changes with the shifting sunlight throughout the day, offering fresh perspectives and photographic opportunities each hour. A classic boat ride on Lake Lucerne provides an ideal vantage point to capture the full range of scenic beauty with the Swiss Alps towering majestically in the background.
The Grand Tour of Switzerland offers a visual feast that takes you through the country’s diverse landscapes, from lakes to snow-dusted peaks and charming Swiss villages. The route covers 1,600 kilometres and passes many of Switzerland’s iconic sights, including mirror-like lakes, forests, and majestic glaciers. You’ll find charming places like Gruyères, known for its medieval architecture, and Andermatt, with its classic alpine village charm. This tour is a dream for travel photographers, with every bend in the road revealing a new, awe-inspiring landscape.
If you’re looking for a panoramic view, Harder Kulm offers an incredible perspective over Interlaken and its two surrounding lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant, perched at the top, is a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with sweeping views of the Bernese Oberland. The platform here gives photographers an elevated vantage point of the entire region, capturing the Alps in their full grandeur with Interlaken nestled peacefully below.
Engelberg is a small mountain town that feels worlds away from bustling city life. Engelberg is an ideal spot for nature photographers, surrounded by towering peaks and lush alpine meadows. The hiking trails here offer beautiful viewpoints and lead to tranquil lakes and cosy alpine huts that look beautifully framed against snow-capped mountains. Engelberg's sense of calm and raw natural beauty makes it an inspiring place to capture on camera.
The Bern Clock Tower, or Zytglogge, is a striking landmark in the heart of Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. This historical clock tower dates back to the 13th century and is a beloved symbol of Bern’s medieval charm. The Zytglogge offers a sense of stepping back in time with its intricate astronomical clock and medieval architecture. Capturing the tower during the clock’s hourly show, when it animates with a display of medieval figures, adds an extra element of magic to your photos.
No trip to Switzerland is complete without a visit to the Matterhorn. The iconic, pyramid-shaped peak is one of the most photographed mountains in the world, and for good reason. You can take in the mountain from Zermatt, where the clear air and high altitude provide stunning views that make every shot unforgettable. The mountain glows with a golden hue at sunrise and sunset, perfect for creating dramatic, high-contrast photos. For a closer experience, try the Gornergrat Railway, which takes you to panoramic viewpoints that reveal the mountain's grandeur.
Located near Gstaad, Glacier 3000 is a unique alpine experience, offering year-round snowy landscapes. The highlight here is the “Peak Walk by Tissot,” the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks, offering views of iconic mountains like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. In winter, Glacier 3000 transforms into a wonderland, perfect for capturing winter sports and landscapes blanketed in snow. The glacier’s rugged beauty and crystal-clear blue skies provide photographers with a truly unique and otherworldly landscape to capture.
The Titlis Rotair is the world’s first rotating cable car, providing a 360-degree view of the snow-capped Alps. The constantly shifting views create a dynamic photography experience as you ascend to the top. You’ll find sweeping views of snow-dusted mountains, glaciers, and serene valleys at the peak. From the suspension bridge, you can capture the vastness of the landscape, adding depth and scale to your shots. The experience of gliding over pristine snow with panoramic alpine views is both thrilling and visually captivating
