15 most instagrammable places in Switzerland and popular photo spots
- Maciek
- Nov 14, 2021
- 10 min read
Updated: May 16
Switzerland is not the first thought when it comes to a bucket list. But think about it for a while: the Swiss are among the happiest nations. Also, this is one of the cleanest and eco-friendly countries. Small, exceptionally well organised, and located in the centre of Europe. With the most breathtaking views that you can access in minutes. Here is a of photography spots that are making me excited. And I am sure those places will also make you smile. Plus, the photos from here look fantastic! Truly instagrammable!
Believe me, if it is not on your list, you must be doing something wrong. But if you are planning your travel now, here are some ideas and hints from an insider. Just don't forget your camera and phone for this trip!
So below you have my 15 favourite spots for photos and Instagram. The order is more or less random!
The most photogenic spots for Instagram in Switzerland:
I have selected these spots based on their popularity on Instagram and among travel bloggers. Places from this list are easily accessible by public transportation or by car. Also, I have visited them multiple times and know them well.
Yes, someone might say it is nothing new. And I will agree with that. For new experiences and views, I constantly go to new places in Switzerland and take more and more challenging hikes. But if you have just a few days of your precious holidays, this list of 15 photo spots is nearly impossible to complete. Simply - more than enough!
Also, if you are still planning your trip, check when is the best time to visit Switzerland.
And for hotels and accommodation (with the best views), check the post Hotels with the best views in Switzerland.
1. Luzern Old Town and Kapellbrücke Instagram spot
First things first - be here either in summer, when the bridge is decorated with flowers and be here in the morning. This beautiful bridge with an old tower in the middle looks the best when hit by the sun before noon. If you have no luck with the weather, you can try taking some night shots.
Also, do not miss a walk on the medieval walls and promenade. There is a second wooden bridge, not far from the main one, not so impressive, but the walk along the river is charming.
Pro tip: Opt for a wide-angle lens when positioned in the center of the bridge, right before its curve. The side facing away from the lake is ideal for portrait photography during late afternoons in the golden hour.
2. Brienzer Rothorn ridge photography location - Bernese Oberland
This is one of the most famous ridge walks in the world. And while the first part is relatively easy, the middle part requires some basic climbing skills and a very good head for heights. No matter what, you do not need to go there because the best spots for your Instagram are in the vicinity of the Brienzer Rothorn Hotel. Just follow the trails to one of two viewpoints ( the Schongütsch / Das Kreuz is on the west - map and the Brienzer Rothorn - map).
You can access this location from Sörenberg via a quick cable car (very convenient if you are staying in Lucerne), from Brienz by taking a steam train (a 1-hour journey, quite noisy), or from Turren (the cable car station in Lungern). The final option requires a lengthy hike but offers more expansive and adventurous views!
And be aware that the Brienzer Grat linking the Harder Kulm with Brienzer Rothorn is an ultra-difficult and challenging walk.
3. Grindelwald First - photography location
This is the place to go when you are visiting Grindelwald - the most popular resort in the Bernese Oberland. First is the upper cable car station and a hotel with a restaurant. Here, photo spots are available literally once you leave the cable car. The cherry on top is the Instagram photo spot at the end of the Cliff Walk. Very instagrammable place!
This location works best in late June afternoons when the sun hits the north wall of the Eiger. Just don't miss the last ride down! And a hint - there is a hotel there - Berggasthaus First!
A short and easy walk can take you from here to the second photo spot: Bachalpsee - a lovely mountain lake with one of the best reflections in Switzerland. Check my free guide linked below, and plan your day here - you will not regret it. I don't know how many times I've been here... but I know that I will come again this and next summer ;-)
Pro tip: Hike up to from the lake to the Faulhorn to get a 360-degree panorama!
Get a free eBook about photographing in Grindelwald First and Bachalpsee.
4. Seealpsee and Aescher - two best Instagram spots in Appenzell
Seealpsee Lake is located in the Alpstein area in Appenzell Innerrhoden, the western part of Switzerland. To reach this small, pristine lake, you need to sweat a little bit. But believe me, it is worth every calorie you burn. Even though walks in the Alpstein region are somewhat hard due to steep slopes and unstable ground, but here you will be walking on a concrete road unless you decide to visit Aescher Cliff Restaurant. Then I recommend taking a gondola up from Wasserauen (next to a train station) and walking down to the lake and back. The walk can be done in 3-4h (link to the hiking path). To walk a circular route, you need an entire day.
Pro tip: the view from Berggasthaus Schäfler is even better, but it is also a longer and harder hike.
5. Vineyards in Rivaz - Terrasses de Lavaux
Vineyards near Rivaz and St. Saphorin are the most photogenic place in Vaud, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. This area looks spectacular the entire year and is easy to reach by car. The two small towns are charming and alpine peaks, and Lac Leman in the background make the scene genuinely unique.
September is the best moment to come here: grape trees are still green, and there are vine festivals all around!
Pro tip: A delightful spot to enjoy local wine while taking in the views of the vineyards and the lake is "Domaine Bovy Petite Terrasse" (link to Google Map). Remember my words when you savour your glass of Dézaley there.
6. Lavertezzo - photo spot in Ticino
Let's take some photos of the southern part of Switzerland. Ticino is the area to go. And if we are talking about Instagram, we have to check one of the best spots there - Lavartezzo. This small village with a tall church tower is located above a gorge with crazy rock formations. It is easy to take a good photo here with leading lines and the church as the main subject. Also, check the waterfall next to the big road bridge.
This Instagram spot is ideal in late summer and on cloudy days, particularly after rain, when the rocks display more vibrant colours and textures (though they become very slippery at this time). Photography-wise, this is the first place that comes to my mind when it rains in Ticino!
Check also: The best 9 panoramic hikes in Switzerland
Check also: What to do on a bad-weather day in Switzerland
7. Harder Kulm - Interlaken, Bernese Oberland
Interlaken is maybe not the prettiest town in Switzerland, but it is for sure one of the resorts that are very convenient to reach. It is somehow a gateway to the high Alps, and its vicinity to numerous attractions gave it popularity. Speaking of which, the Harder Kulm, just above Interlaken, is the place to visit. An excellent Instagram spot (the best Instagram spot in Interlaken for sure) for sunset, a fondue pot or a glass of Aperol Spritz.
A funicular operates till late evening so that you can enjoy the view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau even with the Milky Way above them.
Pro tip: A telephoto lens + tripod + sunset are your best choices for photography here.
Explore all the spots around Interlaken (Wengen and Lauterbrunnen are included)
8. Wengen - the fairy tale Instagram spot in Bernese Oberland
Since we are around Interlaken, it is hard to miss the valley of Lauterbrunnen and the town of Wengen above it. In terms of spectacular views, Wengen sets the bar extremely high (even for Switzerland): waterfalls, a deep valley, meadows full of flowers, cows and wooden houses. This is the place you were dreaming of. And if it comes to photography and Instagram spots, the best ones are in the lower part of the town. The most instagrammable place in Wengen is near the cogwheel rails by the meadow (look for Stadelmatta on a map). And if you want to go higher - think about the Jungfraujoch.
And if you want to stay in Wengen, I recommend Wengener Hof. There are multiple other options, but this one has a very nice view!
Pro tip: The ideal time for taking photos is late morning and early afternoon, as this is when the deep valley receives sunlight. The golden hour can be challenging due to the presence of dark shadows and bright, white mountains, requiring significant adjustments in Lightroom or stitching HDRs. Conversely, I enjoy visiting Wengen when the weather is unpredictable, as the clouds and fog are spectacular. For detailed forecasts, check Meteoblue!
Pro tip: I have two favourite locations: the first one is just below the train station in Wengen, from the railway (map), the second is above the town (map).
If you're seeking additional locations like these, refer to the map featuring over 500 spots throughout Switzerland.
9. Monte Bre, Lugano - Ticino
I can not imagine a better place for a cup of morning cappuccino than the Monte Bre. With a beautiful view of Lugano, warm, southern weather and a good café, this is a place to start your day. You can reach it by car (though if you are not accustomed to driving narrow, steep roads, don't do that), by a bus and short walk from Bre or by a funicular from Lugano.
Views - you will not regret it. Also, it is a splendid spot for a romantic sunset!
Pro tip: There’s a bus and a funicular that operate from Lugano. You can also drive up, but be aware—the road is very narrow, and you must yield to the bus!
10. Rigi Kulm - Luzern
The Mount Rigi was the most instagrammable mountain in Switzerland, even before Instagram or before the internet and photography. In fact, this is the place where mountain tourism started. In the Victorian epoch, Luzern and the Rigi were the places to go for the wealthy and royal. William Turner was so fascinated by the shape of this mountain that he spent days painting it from various angles (though legend says that he never climbed it). And yet - there it is.
Take a train and ride up to the top. This is where I usually take friends who visit me for a weekend in Switzerland - not challenging, easy, comfortable and with good views.
Best photography spots are around the antenna and on a walk down to the Rigi Staffelhöhe.
Pro tip: The simplest way to reach this destination is by taking a cogwheel train. The first option departs from Arth-Goldau, which offers a very convenient connection from Zurich HB. The second train connection is from Vitznau, which is more scenic and ideal for those staying in Lucerne (with a ferry connection across the lake). The cable car between Weggis and Rigi Kaltbad is the quickest option, and I would recommend it if you are travelling by car.
11. Oeschinensee, Kandersteg - Bernese Oberland
This unique lake has an oval shape on each side is surrounded by extremely steep slopes. There is even a vertical wall in its northern part. The next thing that will strike you is the colour of the lake - beautiful, light turquoise. While the southern part is for families and holidaymakers, you can take some good shots there if you are early. But the best views are reserved only for those who take the hiking trail higher above.
Pro tip: It's quite crowded here on weekends, so consider planning your trip for a weekday.
12. Saas Fee and Marmots - Valais
Marmots, even if they look fluffy and sweet, avoid humans. Once they spot you - puff - they are gone. But not in Saas-Fee. Here are two colonies that are tourist-friendly, and if you are patient enough, you might even feed them and pet them. Just bring some carrots (you can buy them in local groceries or in a restaurant next to the spot).
First, visit the tourist information centre to find out if the marmots are not in hibernation and to learn their exact location this year.
13. Morteratsch Glacier - the best Instagram spot in Graubünden
There are many more glaciers in Switzerland, but this one has the most picturesque surroundings. It is also easy to reach - a 30-minute walk from the car park or the train station. To get the best photos of it you can hike above glacier valley or stop by on viewpoint on your way to the Bernina Pass. The Morteratsch Glacier looks the best during late summer and autumn.
Next to this location, you can find a romantic hotel with a splendid restaurant - Hotel Morteratsch!
Pro tip: Mornings are better for photos here; the one above was taken in the afternoon.
14. Riffelhaus 1853, Zermatt - Valais
If it comes to luxury travel, spa and jacuzzi, there are three places you want to be in Switzerland: Villa Honegg, Riffelalp Resort and Riffelhaus 1853. But the only last one is high enough and has the best view of the Matterhorn (compared to the Riffelberg).
Tip: In the summer, Black-noose sheep are frequently found near the hotel — visit this website to find them (GPS-sheep-tracking).
15. Gornergratt and Matterhorn, Zermat - Valais
The Matterhorn is on every postcard advertising Switzerland, and honestly, this mountain is beautiful. The best places to admire it are along the railways to the Gronergrat and the ridge itself. If you are fit and have proper shoes, you can take a walk from the 3100 Kulm Hotel to the Hohtälli (Hohtälligrat walk) to have even better views. The hotel itself is also a good place to stop by - good food, splendid breakfast and 360 views of the highest alpine peaks.
Looking for more about photo locations around Zermatt? Check this blog post for more inspiration: photography locations around Zermatt and the Matterhorn. And don't miss the reflection in Riffelsee!
And if you want to save time on planning and get exact GPS spots plus guidance, we have an ultra-precise guidebook for you:
Check our photography & Instagram guides and maps of Switzerland
Planning your travel to Switzerland? Check our guides to get the most of it. While every blog and guidebook focuses on what to see, we are describing how and when to take photos of the best attractions. Precisely: with GPS coordinates, the time of the year and hour to be there.
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