The Alps are the oldest mountain range in Europe, and they stretch across eight different countries. The scenery is stunning with snow-capped mountains, lakes, valleys, and forests. It’s hard to choose just one of these Alps villages as the most beautiful – but we’ve picked thirteen that you should put on your bucket list!
Most Beautiful Alps Villages
There are many beautiful mountain villages in the Alps, but these ones stand out as some of the best. These charming villages have a rich history and culture that you won’t want to miss!
In our list, we haven’t included popular places such as Alpbach in Austria, Chamonix in France (where the Winter Olympics were held in 1924) or Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. That’s because these beautiful towns aren’t classified as villages.
1.Lauterbrunnen
The first alpine village to make the list is Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland. It’s a great place for hikers and nature lovers, as it has some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see.
This scenic valley includes seventy two different waterfalls that are best viewed from above or below. There are hiking trails leading both up and down. The best way to explore this village is by foot or bike, as the cobble stones can be challenging for some people.
2.Saalbach
The next alpine village is Saalbach in Austria. Part of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area, it has lots of holiday homes and hotels for visitors to choose from, as well as a large spa centre that has many different treatments.
There’s a charming Fairytale Forest, as well as the largest high rope park in Europe. Spread over 8 kilometers, it has 30 rope slides and 200 different stations.
Don’t miss the Golden Gate suspension bridge, which is 200 meters long and has panoramic views over the mountains.
3.Fusine in Valromana
Situated in the Italian Alps, Fusine in Valromana has lots of mountain trails and places to relax. This little village is known for its upper and lower lakes. The Laghi di Fusine are nestled within a 45 hectare natural park.
There are many natural springs in this part of Northern Italy, which come from the water that filters through the surrounding mountains and which flow into the lakes.
4.Oberstdorf
The next alpine village is Oberstdorf in Germany. You can take a gondola up to the summit of Fellhorn, where you can see all the way across Germany.
The village is surrounded by high mountains, including a huge glacier and plenty of trails for hiking or skiing. You can also visit a museum about alpine culture.
5.Ramsau am Dachstein
Another beautiful alpine village in Germany is Ramsau am Dachstein, which was once a center for alpine farmers.
The village is covered in meadows and forests, with trails around the area. You can see the Dachstein mountain range from here.
This is definitely one of the best places to visit if you love hiking or skiing. If you’re looking for a romantic spot to take your loved one, it doesn’t get much better than the horse-drawn sleigh rides you can take here.
6.Davos
The village of Davos is in Switzerland, and it’s one of the most luxurious ski resorts in Europe. This place has everything from skiing to spas to museums.
It’s a good base for exploring the surrounding area. You’ll be able to see gorgeous alpine flowers everywhere! The best time for visiting this area would be in the spring when everything is blooming.
7.Courchevel 1850
Another luxurious alpine village is Courchevel 1850 in France. The most upmarket of the Courchevel villages, 1850 is also at the highest altitude.
There are lots of luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and boutiques, as well as world class skiing in the 3 Valleys. Stay at Hotel La Sivoliere for a truly relaxing experience.
As well as skiing, you can take a flight from the Altiport of Courchevel, the highest piste in Europe, over Mont Blanc. This mountain is the highest peak in Europe.
8.Zermatt
The next village on our list, Zermatt, also borders Switzerland and Italy. You can drive up to this alpine resort on a road that’s over ten miles long. However, once you’re there, this upscale ski resort is car free.
It takes about an hour to reach the top of the mountain from here. There are plenty of hiking trails where you can see some amazing scenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, during the warmer months you can zip-line from one side of the valley to another at Forest Fun Park Zermatt. You can also ski from Switzerland to Italy in Zermatt.
One unique thing about this alpine village is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Don’t miss the world’s highest glacier palace, which boasts a walk-through glacier crevasse and an ice slide.
9.Saas-Fee
Another beautiful alpine village in Switzerland is Saas-Fee. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Alps, this Swiss ski resort has a car free center and traditional wooden houses.
Nestled between the Allalinhorn and Dom glaciers, it’s situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters. In Summer, there are plenty of hiking trails you can take to see some stunning views.
10.Mürren
Located at an elevation of 1,630 meters, this small village in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland has become famous for its spectacular views and ski slopes during winter months. The Piz Gloria revolving restaurant at the Schilthorn features in the 1969 James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. You can visit the interactive exhibition, Bond World 007 inside.
The village of Mürren is car-free, but can be accessed via cable car and train.
11.St Anton am Arlberg
The next bucket list destination is St Anton am Arlberg in Austria. This alpine village is a popular resort for skiing and snowboarding.
In fact, it’s known as the birthplace of Alpine skiing. There are plenty of ski-lifts so you can get your skis on in no time!
The scenery here is stunning, with mountains, lakes and forests all around – it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria when there’s snow on the ground.
12.Megève
The international jetset love the French Alps settlement of Megève. This historic village is surrounded by mountains.
Megève has an abundance of outdoor activities all year round, from hot air ballooning to paragliding and mountain bike rides. Fish on Lake Javen, try your hand at canyoning or play golf at the Mont d’Arbois.
13.Andermatt
The final village on our list is Andermatt, which is a popular Swiss ski resort. You can see the mountains all around you from up here! This area has plenty of hiking trails so if you’re feeling adventurous you’ll have no shortage of options.
In Conclusion: Best Alps Villages
The Alps are a wonderful destination for nature-lovers, foodies and adventurers alike. With the 13 most beautiful villages in the Alps, you’ll never be short of something to experience or explore.
From summertime cycling tours to winter skiing holidays, there is always an activity on offer! So if you’re looking for your next adventure getaway then look no further than these stunning Alpine destinations.
We can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures here at home once you’ve returned from these picturesque villages.
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