Switzerland enchants visitors with its stunning Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, and charming medieval towns. From world-class skiing to scenic train journeys and gourmet chocolate, this mountainous nation offers unparalleled natural beauty and Swiss precision in hospitality.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Riffelsee Lake, Zermatt
Perfect mirror reflection of the Matterhorn in this high-altitude lake at 2,757m accessible from Rotenboden station. The quintessential Swiss photograph.
Best time: Sunrise
Bachalpsee Lake, Grindelwald
Easy 45-minute hike from Grindelwald First gondola reaches this lake reflecting the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn peaks surrounded by wildflowers in July-August.
Best time: Sunrise
Lauterbrunnen Valley from Wengen
Classic U-shaped glacial valley with 72 waterfalls and traditional chalets viewed from the car-free village of Wengen. Tolkien's inspiration for Rivendell.
Best time: Morning
Landwasser Viaduct, Graubünden
UNESCO World Heritage six-arch railway viaduct curving into a tunnel. The Bernina Express or Albula line trains create the perfect composed shot from the hillside viewpoint.
Best time: Afternoon
Chapel Bridge at Blue Hour, Lucerne
Europe's oldest wooden covered bridge with Water Tower illuminated against the deep blue sky reflected in the Reuss River. The quintessential Lucerne shot.
Best time: Blue hour
Iseltwald Pier, Lake Brienz
Wooden pier extending into the impossibly turquoise Lake Brienz with forested mountains behind. Famous after Netflix but still exceptionally photogenic.
Best time: Sunset
Furka Pass Switchbacks
Spectacular serpentine mountain road with dramatic shadows in late afternoon light. Featured in James Bond Goldfinger. Roadside pullouts for photography.
Best time: Late afternoon
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Switzerland's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Riffelsee/Matterhorn reflection at Zermatt, Bachalpsee at Grindelwald First, Lauterbrunnen Valley from Wengen
Sunset photography
Iseltwald Pier on Lake Brienz, Bürgenstock above Lake Lucerne, Pont de la Machine in Geneva
Architecture photography
Bern Old Town arcades, Zurich Grossmünster, St. Gallen Library ceiling, Chillon Castle from lakeside
Street photography
Zurich Niederdorf alleyways, Geneva's Vieille Ville, Lucerne Chapel Bridge flower boxes
Nature photography
Aletsch Glacier viewpoints, Lago di Saoseo turquoise lake, Engadin Valley autumn larches
Night photography
Zurich Prime Tower from Hardbrücke, Geneva Jet d'Eau with city lights, Bern Federal Palace illuminated
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- 6:00 AM summer / 7:45 AM winter (varies by mountain location)
- Midday
- Best for indoor architecture and museums when natural light through windows is optimal
- Sunset
- 8:45 PM summer / 5:15 PM winter. Alps glow pink (alpenglow) 15 minutes after sunset.
- Blue Hour
- 30-45 minutes after sunset for city reflections and bridge illumination
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
A circular polarizer filter dramatically improves Swiss lake photography — cuts surface reflections to reveal the turquoise depths
Mountain photography requires arriving before 9AM in summer — afternoon thunderclouds typically build by noon
Switzerland charges most drone photography — register with FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation) and observe the strict national park no-fly zones
Many iconic spots like Riffelsee have moved to ticket or timed entry — research current access requirements before planning dawn shoots