25 Most Charming Alpine Towns You’ve Probably Never Seen

Posted by , Updated on March 22, 2024

You are certainly missing out if you’re not taking the opportunity to explore some of the loveliest alpine towns across the globe! These delightful and picturesque locations provide some of the finest, most unforgettable retreats to escape the usual grind of life and unwind amidst stunning natural landscapes. That said, due to their minuscule size, you might not be familiar with them. No cause for concern; we’re about to rectify that with this curated list. From the captivating valleys in the Rocky Mountains to the snowy summits of the Swiss Alps, here are the 25 most delightful alpine towns you’ve probably never visited!

25

Aspen, United States

Aspen, United StatesSource: wikipedia, Image: aspensnowmass via Flickr

Nestled into the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a picturesque mountain village with numerous spas, restaurants, and hotels that offer something for the whole family.

24

Arties, Spain

Arties, SpainSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

One of Spain’s sleepy mountain villages in the Valle de Aran region, Arties is known for its narrow cobblestoned streets, lush meadows, and snow capped peaks.

23

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken, SwitzerlandSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

The main transport gateway to the mountains of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken has been a popular tourist destination for over 200 years.

22

Leavenworth, United States

Leavenworth, United StatesSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Found in the state of Washington, Leavenworth is a mountain town modeled according to a Bavarian village!

21

Notre Dame de Bellecombe, France

Notre Dame de Bellecombe, FranceSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

From the local wine festival to the incredible alpine views, this quant little French village offers something for everyone.

20

Reine, Norway

Reine, NorwaySource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Although technically more of a fishing village than an alpine town, a combination of the water and mountains have caused Reine to be voted as Norway’s most beautiful village more than once.

19

Bled, Slovenia

Bled, SloveniaSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Nestled into the Julian Alps, this fairy tale mountain village is famous for its amazing natural beauty and pristine lake.

18

Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany

Garmisch Partenkirchen, GermanySource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

A mountain resort town located in Bavaria, it lies close to Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.

17

San Martino di Castrozza, Italy

San Martino di Castrozza, ItalySource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

A convenient rest stop for travelers crossing the Alps, these days tourists come here to ski, hike, and enjoy the local cuisine.

16

Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Crans-Montana, SwitzerlandSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

A combination of the towns of Crans and Montana, you need to take the funicular to get here. The views of the surrounding mountains are definitely worth it though.

15

Telluride, United States

Telluride, United StatesSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

A former mining town, Telluride is now known as an all-season resort with numerous adventure activities year round. Some notable events like the Telluride Film Festival take place here as well.

14

Ifrane, Morocco

Ifrane, MoroccoSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

You might be surprised to find this small European style mountain town high in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It has even come to be known as “Little Switzerland”.

13

Le Chinaillon, France

Le Chinaillon, FranceSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Located near Mont Blanc, Le Chinaillon is beautiful in winter but in summer it’s incredible as well with green meadows filled with wild flowers everywhere you look.

12

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go, JapanSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

This unique town of thatched roof homes at the base of Mount Hakusan is a great place to enjoy solitude and fresh mountain air.

11

St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz, SwitzerlandSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Possibly the most well known resort town in the world, St. Moritz is a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous. It’s also the highest village in Switzerland with a rail connection.

10

Torla, Spain

Torla, SpainSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

A combination of glacial valleys, lush forests, and incredible waterfalls come together with winding narrow streets and stone houses to create some very memorable mountain charm.

9

Whistler, Canada

Whistler, CanadaSource: wikipedia, Image: jonwick via Flickr

Known for its shops, pubs, and restaurants, Whistler hosted several 2010 Winter Olympics events.

8

Canazei, Italy

Canazei, ItalySource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Situated in the shadow of the snowy Dolomites in northern Italy, Canazei is a resort town that offers outdoorsy things to do year round.

7

Vail, United States

Vail, United StatesSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

At the base of one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Vail is well known among the winter sports crowd.

6

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, AustriaSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Possibly Austria’s most well known mountain village, Hallstatt provides some of the best alpine lakeside views in the world.

5

Grindelwald, Switzerland

Grindelwald, SwitzerlandSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Waterfalls, ski slopes, and glacial lakes have all brought more and more people to this alpine town in recent years.

4

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, New ZealandSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

One of the most popular resort towns in the world, Queenstown is known as a launching point for all sorts of adventures into the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

3

Ouray, United States

Ouray, United StatesSource: wikipedia, Image: flamouroux via Flickir

Sometimes called the “Switzerland of America”, this small town in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is known for its Victorian style architecture.

2

Davos, Switzerland

Davos, SwitzerlandSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Host of the World Economic Forum, Davos is a quaint little town that also boasts Switzerland’s largest ski resort.

1

Chamonix, France

Chamonix, FranceSource: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

Found at the base of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, there is no shortage of incredible views to be found here.