12 Nearest Cities to the Swiss Alps to Start Your Adventure
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One of the first steps in planning our trip to the Swiss Alps is choosing the perfect city to start our journey or use as a home base. That’s where the cities closest to the Alps come in. The right choice can make all the difference, so I focus on a few key things: how close it is to the places I want to explore, how easy it is to get around, and what unique experiences the city itself has to offer.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 12 cities in Switzerland (and Italy) that check all the boxes. The list starts with the most central locations and moves outward.
1. Interlaken
Interlaken is the closest town to the Jungfrau Region, one of the top destinations in the Swiss Alps. From here, the best attractions are just a few minutes to an hour away by train, cable car, or a combination of both. That means less time spent on transportation and more time exploring.
Interlaken is surrounded in every direction by incredible sights—no matter where you go, there’s something to experience. Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm, and Lauterbrunnen (often called “Heaven on Earth”) are just the beginning. You could spend a week here and still not see everything or try all the outdoor adventures available.
If you’re looking for the perfect home base for a Swiss Alps trip, Interlaken is my top recommendation, especially if it’s your first time and you want to make the most of it!
2. Thun
Thun may be a small town, but the mix of its charming streets, the Swiss Alps, and the turquoise lake creates a picture-perfect scene you won’t forget. That famous church overlooking the town, with snowcapped mountains in the background—the one you’ve probably seen on Pinterest and other social media—is right here in Thun.
You’re incredibly close to the Swiss Alps when you’re in Thun—just a short train or boat ride away. That’s why it’s known as the Gateway to the Bernese Alps. In fact, this is where many of the best experiences in the Bernese Oberland begin. Whether it’s a peaceful boat ride with stunning views, a hike up a mountain that casts a perfect triangle-shaped shadow over the lake, or exploring alpine villages, iconic bridges featured in Korean dramas, and fairytale-like castles with water towers, there’s no shortage of things to do.
From Thun, you can also take a day trip to Interlaken and visit the Jungfrau Region, just as you would if you were staying in Interlaken itself.
3. Lucerne
Lucerne is hands down the most beautiful town near the Swiss Alps. Its historic center, with medieval landmarks, colorful murals, and flower-adorned houses, feels like something out of a dream. The stunning views of the Alps only add to its charm, making it my idea of a perfect city.
One of the things I love most about Lucerne is its lake. It gives visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Alps without having to travel far. If you try the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus, you’ll get a little bit of everything— a scenic boat ride, a train journey, a ride on the world’s steepest funicular, breathtaking mountain views, encounters with alpine wildlife, thrilling adventures, and an epic cable car ride—all in one trip.
That’s why I think Lucerne is the best choice for a short visit to the Swiss Alps, like a weekend getaway. And if you want to explore further, getting to Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region is easy. With just a two-hour train ride, even more unforgettable alpine experiences await!
4. Brig
South of the Jungfrau Region, you’ll find the Rhone Valley, a breathtaking area along the route of the famous Glacier Express train. One of its key stops is Brig, a town that’s not only close to the Swiss Alps but also offers quick and easy access to top destinations like Zermatt, Andermatt, Kandersteg (and Oeschinensee), Lake Thun, and the Jungfrau Region. With just one train ride, you can reach some of the best spots in the Alps.
Brig’s location makes it a great base for a 4 to 7-day trip through the Swiss Alps. But there’s more to it than just convenience—it’s also surrounded by hidden gems. From here, you can visit the thermal springs of Leukerbad, the tail of the Aletsch Glacier in Bettmeralp, and the Rhône Glacier in Obergoms.
If you’re driving, Brig is the starting point of the Simplon Pass, one of Switzerland’s most scenic routes. This pass leads to the Swiss-Italian border, making Brig an ideal place to stay if you’re planning to explore Northern Italy as well.
5. Sion
If you’re planning to explore the Canton of Valais, the best city to base yourself in is Sion, the capital of the canton.To me, it’s also the most romantic of all the places on this list—and for good reason.
Right in the heart of Sion, two hills are crowned with castles, both open for visitors. Walking through them, you can’t help but feel like a knight, a wanderer, or the hero of your own story. Picture yourself standing atop one of these castles, surrounded by mountain views, with the other castle in sight—it’s a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Since Sion sits in the Rhone Valley, it can be a great alternative to Brig for exploring nearby attractions. The city’s location also makes it easy to reach some of the best spots in the region, including Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, Leukerbad, and other ski resort towns in the Swiss Alps. Plus, with connections to major Swiss cities like Geneva and Montreux, getting here is easy.
6. Montreux
If you’re exploring the western part of the Swiss Alps (and Switzerland), Montreux is a great place to base yourself. Its location is hard to beat—it sits at the foothills of the Swiss Alps while also resting on the shores of Lake Geneva.
From Montreux, you can easily head up to Rochers de Naye for a mountain adventure with just a single train or funicular ride. Or, if you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, you can hop on a scenic ferry right from the city’s docks and cruise across Lake Geneva. Whether you’re up in the mountains or out on the water, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of both the Swiss and French Alps.
What makes Montreux even more special is its mix of experiences. In some ways, it’s like the counterpart of Thun. Just like in Thun, you can visit a lakeside castle with a stunning Alpine backdrop—Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks. Montreux also offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyard, a must-visit for wine lovers and anyone looking for a romantic sightseeing experience.
7. Bern
You won’t immediately see the Swiss Alps from Bern, Switzerland’s capital, unless you head to viewpoints like Gurten, the city’s small mountain. But that doesn’t mean it should be left off the list of cities near the Alps.
In fact, Bern is one of the five largest cities in Switzerland closest to the Alps, and you can reach them in less than an hour. With just one train ride, you’ll find yourself in the Bernese Oberland (Thun) or the Jungfrau Region (Interlaken).
What makes Bern worth visiting—or even staying in—is the city itself. To me, it’s the most beautiful in Switzerland when it comes to architecture and cultural experiences. The arcaded streets will have you snapping photos at every turn. For an even better view, climb Bern Minster (Bern Cathedral), where you’ll get a breathtaking sight of the city’s tiled rooftops, giving it an almost time-travel feel. Bern is also home to some incredible museums, offering a deeper look into Switzerland’s rich history and culture.
8. Zurich
Like Bern, Zurich doesn’t offer clear views of the Swiss Alps, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list for one key reason—it’s the main gateway to the Alps. It’s no surprise that Zurich is a major starting point for many travelers. No other city in Switzerland has as many transport connections to Alpine destinations or as many tourism services that make exploring the region so easy.
From Zurich, you’ll find plenty of day trip options to the Swiss Alps, with travel times ranging from one to a few hours. But Zurich isn’t just a transit hub—it’s a destination in itself. The city offers a lot to experience, from the Swiss National Museum and the scenic shores of Lake Zurich to its vibrant nightlife, exciting festivals, and even great shopping.
While it’s worth exploring, if you only have a week in Switzerland, you might not want to spend too much time here.
9. Basel
Basel is the northernmost Swiss city, and you won’t see the Swiss Alps from here unless you have a powerful zoom lens. Still, it’s one of the closest cities to the Alps, just a little over an hour from destinations like Thun or Lucerne. Like Zurich, Basel is a great starting point for a day trip to the Alps because of its convenience and location.
That said, I see Basel more as a departure point after exploring the Swiss Alps. Its location at the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Germany makes it a perfect gateway to the rest of Europe. From here, you have plenty of options for your next stop—Colmar and Strasbourg in France or the Black Forest in Germany, where new experiences are everywhere.
If you do visit Basel, there are some places you won’t want to miss, and I can assure you they’re beautiful. From unique engineering artworks to modern architecture and cultural treasures, they’re all nice to see.
10. Geneva
Geneva is one of the largest cities in Switzerland and the farthest from the country’s center, sitting right on the French border and almost completely surrounded by French territory. Even so, it’s a good starting point for exploring the Swiss Alps, thanks to Switzerland’s excellent rail system.
From Geneva, you can take direct trains to Montreux and other towns and cities in the western Rhône Valley, all the way to Brig. It’s also possible to do a day trip to Zermatt or even visit parts of the French Alps, like Annecy and Chamonix, though these trips require a lot of travel time.
Some say Geneva is boring, but I don’t see it that way. The city has a unique atmosphere because of its many international organizations. Museums and attractions connected to places like CERN, the Red Cross, and the United Nations make Geneva an interesting place to visit.
11. Milan
You don’t have to start your adventure in the Swiss Alps from a Swiss city. If you’re in Northern Italy, especially Milan, you can take a train to Lugano, which is technically part of the Swiss Alps.
If you’re driving in the summer, you can even take a day trip to Zermatt, though it’ll take about 3 to 3.5 hours each way. Leaving Milan at 6 am would get you to Zermatt by 10 am, giving you 6 to 10 hours to explore before heading back by 6 or 8 pm while there’s still daylight.
That said, if you’re visiting Milan, the Swiss Alps should just be a side trip. There’s plenty to see in the city itself—Milan Cathedral for architecture, Castello Sforzesco for history, and Teatro Alla Scala for music and theater. You can also find works by Leonardo da Vinci, like The Last Supper at Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, along with many more in the city’s museums and exhibits.
12. Bergamo
North of Milan, there’s another beautiful city worth exploring along with the Swiss Alps—Bergamo. Like Milan, it offers easy access to Lugano and Zermatt by car, but if you’re relying on public transportation, the trip may not be as convenient.
Compared to Milan, Bergamo is a quieter destination in northern Italy. It’s smaller but feels more authentic, with well-preserved landmarks untouched by war. Unlike many European cities, Bergamo was spared from bombings during the world wars, and its Venetian Wall, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains in its original form rather than a reconstruction.
The city is also home to breathtaking churches, both inside and out, with intricate details that leave a lasting impression. For a great view of the skyline, you can climb the civic tower, where spires and towers shape the landscape. Even more fascinating, its museums, set within medieval fortifications, hold unique discoveries waiting to be explored.
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Switzerland Itineraries (Ready for You)
Explore Switzerland by visiting cities near the Swiss Alps and nearby attractions. For a detailed plan, check out WanderInEurope’s 14-day Switzerland itinerary. If you have less time, you can follow our 6-day travel plan for a week-long trip or our 4-day itinerary focused on Bernese Oberland.
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