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Plan Your Personal Itinerary →Best Photo Spots in Switzerland for Incredible Views
Explore the best photo spots in Switzerland, from scenic lakes and mountain peaks to charming villages, with tips to capture stunning travel photographs.
Kajal Bharti
Travel Researcher with 3+ Years of Experience in Destination Research and Travel Planning.
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Switzerland doesn’t need much help looking good. Turquoise lakes, wooden bridges, snowy peaks and tiny villages sit just a short train ride apart, and almost every corner feels made for a camera. But with so many options, it’s hard to know where to point your lens first, when to go, and where the light will actually behave on the day.
This guide covers fifteen places, travel tips and lens advice, so you can find the best photo spot in Switzerland for your style, season and schedule, whether phone or camera.
When to Visit Switzerland for the Best Photo Shoot
Switzerland looks good all year, but the light, colours and crowds change a lot. Picking the right season decides what your photos will look like.
Season | Months | What You’ll Get | Best For |
Spring | March to May | Melting snow, blooming valleys, waterfalls at full power. Some high lifts are still shut. | Waterfalls, flower meadows |
Summer | June to August | Green hills, open trails, long golden evenings. Busiest and most expensive time. | Alpine lakes, hiking shots |
Autumn | September to November | Golden larches, red vineyards, clear crisp air, fewer people. | Vineyards, forests, mountain views |
Winter | December to February | Snowy peaks, frosted villages, cosy chalet lights. Days are short. | Villages, snow scenes, blue hour |
Truly, if I had to pick one window, it would be mid-September to mid-October. The crowds thin out, the light turns soft, and the colours are unreal. Whenever you go, plan around sunrise and sunset, because that’s when you’ll find the best photo spot in Switzerland looking its most magical.
How to Reach Switzerland
Getting to Switzerland is easy, with great flight, train and road links across Europe. Here is how most travelers arrive, depending on where they start.
Means of Transport | Main Gateways | Good to Know |
Flight | Zurich, Geneva, Basel | Zurich and Geneva have the most international routes. Both airports have trains running straight into the city. |
Train | Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Lugano | Direct trains from Paris, Milan, Munich and Vienna. Comfortable and scenic from the start. |
Car | Border crossings with Germany, France, Italy, Austria | You need a motorway vignette sticker. Mountain roads can close in winter. |
Bus | Zurich, Geneva, Lugano | Budget friendly long-distance buses from major European cities. Slower, but cheap. |
For most people, flying into Zurich or Geneva and then switching to trains is the smoothest plan. You’ll be in front of the best photo spot in Switzerland within a few hours of landing, camera still in hand.
Planning your Swiss getaway? Compare flights, book hotels near Interlaken, Lucerne or Zermatt, and reserve train tickets in one place on Trip.com. Lock in your stay early and spend more time chasing golden hour.
Quick Comparison Table: 15 Best Photo Spots in Switzerland for Capturing Breathtaking Views
Photo Spot | Best For | Best Time to Visit | Photography Highlights |
Iseltwald | Lakeside village shots | Early morning, May to September | Seeburg manor on the water, turquoise lake |
Blausee | Calm forest reflections | Late spring to autumn | Crystal clear blue water, sunken logs |
Harder Kulm | Two-lake panoramas | Sunset, May to October | Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Jungfrau |
Muottas Muragl | Engadin valley views | Golden hour, summer and autumn | Lakes, Bernina range, glowing sunsets |
Oeschinensee | Alpine lake landscapes | July to October | Deep blue water, steep cliffs |
Bachalpsee | Mirror reflections | Sunrise, July to September | Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn in the water |
Chapel Bridge | City and architecture | Blue hour, all year | Wooden bridge, painted panels, Reuss river |
Rhine Falls | Waterfall photography | Spring to summer | Powerful water, mist, boat views |
Riffelsee Lake | Matterhorn reflection | Early morning, June to October | Mirror image of the Matterhorn |
Grindelwald First | Mountain adventure shots | Sunrise, June to October | Cliff Walk, Eiger, Bernese Alps |
Lauterbrunnen Valley | Valley and waterfalls | Spring and summer | 72 waterfalls, cliffs, green meadows |
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces | Vineyards and lake views | Autumn, late afternoon | Golden terraces, Lake Geneva, Alps |
Aescher Cliff Restaurant | Dramatic cliffside shots | Early morning, May to October | Guesthouse in rock wall, Alpstein peaks |
Wengen | Village and sunset views | Sunset, summer and winter | Wooden chalets, Jungfrau massif |
Morcote | Lakeside sunsets | Sunset, April to October | Pastel houses, palms, Lake Lugano |
Discover 15 Best Photo Spots in Switzerland for Stunning Travel Pictures
Best photography locations in Switzerland range from glassy alpine lakes to old wooden bridges. Here are fifteen worth carrying your camera to, across the country.
Most Instagrammable Places in Switzerland
Some places photograph beautifully with zero effort. These two Swiss spots are the kind where everyone stops, lifts their phone, and stays longer than planned.
Iseltwald
Iseltwald is a tiny lakeside village on Lake Brienz, famous for its little castle-like Seeburg manor sitting on a pier. Turquoise water and mountains behind make every frame feel effortless.
Location: Lake Brienz, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Bus from Interlaken (about 25 minutes) or a short drive. Parking is available near the village.
Photography Tips: Go early for still water and fewer people. A polarising filter makes the turquoise pop.
Blausee
Blausee is a small forest lake near Kandersteg whose water looks unreal blue, clear enough to see sunken tree trunks below. Surrounded by quiet spruce trees, it feels very calm.
Location: Near Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Short bus ride or drive from Kandersteg. A small entry fee applies.
Photography Tips: Visit on a windless morning for clean reflections. Use a polariser to cut glare on the surface.
Switzerland Scenic Viewpoints for Photography
Sometimes the best frame needs a little height. These two viewpoints reward you with wide Alpine panoramas after a short train or funicular ride up.
Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm sits above Interlaken, giving a classic view of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Jungfrau peaks. The Two Lakes Bridge platform is where everyone wants their own photo.
Location: Above Interlaken, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Funicular from Interlaken, about 10 minutes. Runs from spring to late autumn.
Photography Tips: Aim for sunset and arrive early to grab a spot on the platform. Bring a wide lens.
Muottas Muragl
Muottas Muragl is a mountain terrace above Pontresina in Engadin. From there you look over the Samedan valley, glittering lakes and the Bernina range, lovely when the light turns golden.
Location: Upper Engadin, near Pontresina and Samedan
Accessibility: Funicular from Punt Muragl station, around 12 minutes.
Photography Tips: Stay for sunset and carry a tripod. The lakes catch the last light beautifully.
Best Places for Landscape Photography in Switzerland
Landscape photographers come to Switzerland for water, rock and sky in perfect balance. These lakes reward patience, when you wait for the wind to drop.
Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is one of the most picturesque lakes in Switzerland, with deep blue water framed by steep cliffs above Kandersteg. A short hike gives you all the best photo angles.
Location: Above Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Gondola from Kandersteg, then an easy 20 minute walk to the lake.
Photography Tips: Walk around the shore for different reflections. Shoot early in the morning, and use a polariser.
Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee is a small alpine lake above Grindelwald, known for mirror reflections of the Schreckhorn and Wetterhorn. It is a fairly easy walk from First and very calm at sunrise.
Location: Above Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Gondola to First, then a walk of about 50 to 60 minutes.
Photography Tips: Be there at dawn when the wind is low. A tripod helps with sharp reflections.
Famous Switzerland Locations for Travel Photography
Some Swiss landmarks are famous for good reason. These two are easy to reach, easy to shoot, and still manage to feel special every time.
Chapel Bridge
Chapel Bridge in Lucerne is a covered wooden footbridge from the 1300s, with painted panels under its roof. Swans, flowers and the Reuss River make it a perfect postcard scene.
Location: Lucerne city centre
Accessibility: Five-minute walk from Lucerne railway station. Free to visit, open all day.
Photography Tips: Come at blue hour when the bridge is lit. Shoot from the riverside or nearby Seebrucke.
Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is Europe’s largest plain waterfall, thundering over rocks with a huge cloud of mist. Shoot from the platforms or hop on a boat for close views.
Location: Neuhausen am Rheinfall, near Schaffhausen
Accessibility: Train to Neuhausen Rheinfall station, then a 10-minute walk. About 50 minutes from Zurich.
Photography Tips: Try a slow shutter with an ND filter for silky water. Keep a lens cloth handy for spray.
Switzerland Mountain Photography Locations
Mountains are the reason most people come here. These two spots put you close to glaciers, jagged peaks and light that keeps changing every minute.
Riffelsee Lake
Riffelsee, above Zermatt, is the small mountain lake where the Matterhorn appears upside down in the water on calm mornings. It is easily one of Switzerland’s most photographed mountain views.
Location: Near Rotenboden, above Zermatt
Accessibility: Gornergrat railway to Rotenboden station, then a 5 to 10-minute walk.
Photography Tips: Take the first train for still water. Pack warm layers and a wide lens.
Grindelwald First
Grindelwald First is a mountain station with a cliff walk, a panoramic trail and sharp views of the Eiger and Bernese Alps. It feels adventurous but is easy to reach.
Location: Above Grindelwald, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Gondola from Grindelwald village, around 25 minutes.
Photography Tips: Do the Cliff Walk early to avoid queues. A telephoto lens picks out Eiger details.
Switzerland Photography Locations with Panoramic Views
For wide, open scenes, you want valleys, vineyards and cliff-edge terraces. These three places give you sweeping panoramas that fill the frame in one glance.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Lauterbrunnen is a deep U-shaped valley with 72 waterfalls dropping off sheer cliffs. Staubbach Falls and the green meadows below make it feel like a scene from a fantasy film.
Location: Bernese Oberland, south of Interlaken
Accessibility: Direct train from Interlaken Ost, about 20 minutes.
Photography Tips: Use a wide lens and shoot at golden hour. Walk to the meadows for foreground interest.
Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
Lavaux’s vineyard terraces climb steeply above Lake Geneva, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In autumn the rows turn gold and red, and the lake and Alps glow softly behind them.
Location: Between Lausanne and Montreux, canton Vaud
Accessibility: Train to Cully, Lutry or Rivaz, then walk the vineyard trails.
Photography Tips: Visit in autumn, late afternoon. A telephoto lens stacks the terraces nicely.
Aescher Cliff Restaurant
Aescher Cliff Restaurant is a rustic guesthouse tucked right against a rock wall in Appenzell, with Alpstein peaks beyond. Its dramatic setting went viral online and drew photographers from everywhere.
Location: Ebenalp, Appenzell Alps
Accessibility: Cable car from Wasserauen to Ebenalp, then a downhill walk of about 20 minutes. Wear proper shoes.
Photography Tips: Arrive early before the crowds. Be patient for a clean shot without people.
Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Switzerland
Golden hour makes everything look better, and Switzerland does it brilliantly. These two places shine when the sun rises or sets over water and mountains.
Wengen
Wengen is one of the most scenic villages in the Swiss Alps, a car-free balcony village above Lauterbrunnen. Wooden chalets, the Jungfrau massif and warm evening light make it unforgettable.
Location: Above Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernese Oberland
Accessibility: Cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen, about 15 minutes. The village itself is car-free.
Photography Tips: Shoot sunset from the village edge. Use the chalets as a foreground.
Morcote
Morcote is a pastel lakeside village on Lake Lugano in Ticino, with arcaded houses, palms and a church above the water. Sunset here feels a lot more Mediterranean than Swiss.
Location: Southern Ticino, Lake Lugano
Accessibility: Bus or boat from Lugano, around 30 minutes.
Photography Tips: Catch sunset from the lakeside promenade. Climb the steps to the church for a higher angle.
From glassy lakes to cliffside terraces, these best photo spots in Switzerland offer something for every camera and every season. Pick a few, pack light, and chase the golden hour.
Ready to plan your trip? Book guided tours, scenic train rides and cable car tickets for these spots on GetYourGuide and make the most of every golden hour.
How to Travel Around Switzerland to Capture Best Photo
Trains, boats and cable cars are half the fun here. The right transport helps you reach each place in good light, before the crowds do.
Means of Transport | Best For | Good to Know |
Trains | Getting between cities and big regions | Punctual and scenic. The Swiss Travel Pass covers most routes and many lifts. |
Scenic Trains | Window shots on the go | Glacier Express and Bernina Express have panoramic windows. Seat reservation needed. |
Cable Cars and Funiculars | Viewpoints and mountain lakes | Check first and last departure times, and weather closures. |
Boats | Lake villages and calm water views | Run on Lake Lucerne, Thun, Brienz, Lugano and more. Lovely at golden hour. |
Rental Car | Remote spots and flexible timing | Great for sunrise starts. Parking can be tricky in car-free villages. |
Postbus | Small villages and mountain passes | Reaches places trains don’t. Handy for Iseltwald and Blausee. |
Combine a Swiss Travel Pass with the odd bus or boat and you can reach almost anywhere without stress. Plan your timings carefully and you’ll land at each best photo spot in Switzerland just when the light is right.
Best Camera Lenses for Photographing Switzerland
Swiss scenery asks for different lenses, from tight valleys to far-off peaks. Packing the right glass means you won’t miss a shot when the light shifts.
Lens Type | Best For | Where It Works Well |
Wide-angle (16-35mm) | Big valleys, lakes, waterfalls, village scenes | Lauterbrunnen Valley, Oeschinensee, Harder Kulm |
Standard zoom (24-70mm) | All-round travel shots, from streets to viewpoints | Iseltwald, Wengen, Morcote, Chapel Bridge |
Telephoto (70-200mm) | Distant peaks, vineyard terraces, close details | Lavaux, Grindelwald First, Riffelsee |
Prime (35mm or 50mm) | Low light, blue hour, sharp portraits | Lucerne at dusk, village evenings |
If you can only carry two lenses, go for a wide-angle and a 70-200mm. Together they cover almost everything, from sweeping valleys to the tip of the Matterhorn. Add a polarising filter for lakes and an ND filter for waterfalls like Rhine Falls, and you’re set for the best photo spot in Switzerland, whichever one you pick.
Tips to Keep in Mind While Capturing Photos in Switzerland
Before you finalise your Switzerland sightseeing itinerary, keep a few practical photography habits in mind. They save time, battery and a lot of missed shots.
Check the weather and webcams the night before, and again in the morning.
Start early. Sunrise light is soft and the crowds haven’t arrived.
Carry a polarising filter for lakes and a tripod for reflections.
Pack warm layers and spare batteries. Cold drains them fast.
Bring a wide lens for valleys and a telephoto for peaks and details.
Check the first and last lift times so you aren’t stuck up the mountain.
Respect farmland, private property and marked trails. Don’t fly drones where they’re banned.
Leave a little buffer time. Weather changes fast, and clouds can clear suddenly.
Whether you’re after lakes, villages or giant peaks, a bit of planning goes a long way. Use this list to pick your favourites, and you’ll bring home the best photo spots in Switzerland in your own style.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland rewards anyone who shows up early, stays late and keeps an eye on the sky. Whether you’re after mirror lakes, village sunsets or mountain panoramas, there’s a frame waiting for you out there. Pick your best photo spot in Switzerland, pack the right lens, and head out. The memories will be good, and the pictures will be even better.
Want More Travel Ideas Like This?
Planning Switzerland is just the start. EraEase is packed with easy, practical travel guides, destination tips and itinerary ideas to help you plan smarter. Head over to eraease.com and find your next favourite trip idea.
FAQ’s
What is the best time to visit Switzerland for photography?
Mid-September to mid-October is hard to beat. You get soft light, golden autumn colours and fewer crowds. Summer is great for alpine lakes, and winter is perfect for snowy villages.
Which is the best photo spot in Switzerland for first-time visitors?
Lauterbrunnen Valley is a great pick. It’s easy to reach by train, packed with waterfalls, and gives you plenty of frames in one place.
Do I need a Swiss Travel Pass for photo spots?
Not always, but it helps a lot. It covers most trains, boats and buses, and gives discounts on many cable cars and funicular.
Which lens should I carry in Switzerland?
A wide-angle lens is a must for valleys and lakes. If you can carry a second one, make it a 70-200mm for peaks and vineyard details.
Can I click good photos with just a phone?
Absolutely. Spots like Chapel Bridge, Iseltwald and Wengen look fantastic on a phone. Go early, keep your lens clean, and shoot during golden hour.
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