Staying in an apartment in Switzerland is often the best way to feel the country rather than just see it. Your own balcony over a lake, breakfast with a mountain view, dinner in a cosy kitchen – this is the kind of “lived-in” atmosphere even great hotels often can’t match.
In this guide we’ll walk through the most atmospheric areas in Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Montreux, Zermatt, Interlaken and Lugano, explain what types of apartments to look for and what prices to expect in 2025. We’ll also share tips on booking via Accommodation in Switzerland and keeping transport, connectivity and insurance under control.
Key takeaways
- The best cities for atmospheric apartments are Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, Montreux, Lugano, Zermatt and Interlaken.
- Old towns and lakefront promenades give the most “postcard” feel – look near Zurich Old Town, Geneva Old Town, Lucerne Old Town and Lavaux Vineyards.
- Typical nightly rates for atmospheric apartments are around 200-300 $; alpine and top lakefront locations often run 300-450 $+ per night.
- For romance, choose chalets around Zermatt, St. Moritz and the Jungfrau region; for families, go for lakefront apartments with 2-3 bedrooms.
- Book well in advance for winter and July–August – the most atmospheric places sell out months ahead.
- Combining apartments with Switzerland’s excellent rail network is often more convenient than renting a car.
- eSIM and travel insurance via eSIM for Switzerland and Insurance for Switzerland keep you online and protected with minimal hassle.
What makes an apartment “atmospheric” in Switzerland
Everyone has their own definition, but in Switzerland people usually look for:
- Lake views – for example over Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva, Lake Lugano or Lake Zurich.
- Proximity to historic centres – within walking distance of Zurich Old Town, Geneva Old Town, Lucerne Old Town, Bern Old Town.
- Alpine scenery – views of peaks and meadows around Zermatt, St. Moritz or the Interlaken region with access to Jungfraujoch and Harder Kulm.
- Character features: wooden beams, a fireplace, big windows, a balcony with flowers – but with a modern kitchen and bathroom.
Best cities and areas for atmospheric apartments
Zurich: old town charm and lake views
In Zurich, the most atmospheric apartments tend to be:
- Around Zurich Old Town, near Grossmünster Church and Fraumünster Church – narrow lanes, historic houses and plenty of cafés.
- On Lindenhof Hill – with rooftop views over the old town.
- Along Lake Zurich – modern apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and easy access to lake promenades.
It’s a great base if you want both atmosphere and easy train connections across the country.
Best options:
Lucerne: the classic Swiss postcard
Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most scenic cities. Look for:
- Apartments in and around Lucerne Old Town, close to Kapellbrücke and the Lion Monument.
- Lakefront flats with views of Lake Lucerne and mountain Pilatus.
Staying 2-3 nights here works perfectly as a base for exploring central Switzerland.
Best options:
Geneva and Montreux: life on Lake Geneva
For a combination of city life, lake and vineyards, check:
- Apartments in Geneva near Geneva Old Town, the Jet d'Eau fountain and English Garden & Flower Clock.
- Places along the Montreux lakefront with views over Lake Geneva.
- Apartments in the Lavaux Vineyards area between Montreux and Lausanne – ideal if you love walks among vineyards.
You’ll also be close to Chillon Castle and the famous Statue de Freddie Mercury.
Best options in Geneva:
- Residence Inn by Marriott (also on Trip.com)
- Adina Apartment Hotel (also on Trip.com)
- Base Geneva (also on Trip.com)
Best options in Montreux:
Interlaken and the Jungfrau region
Interlaken is the classic base for alpine adventures. Atmospheric options include:
- Apartments around Hohematte Park with mountain views straight from your window.
- Homes in nearby villages with easy access to Jungfraujoch and Lake Bachalp.
This region is extremely popular in both winter and summer – early booking is essential.
Best options:
Zermatt: chalets with Matterhorn views
Zermatt almost defines the idea of a Swiss mountain village. Look for:
- Traditional chalets on the slopes with direct views of the Matterhorn.
- Apartments within reach of Lake Riffel and Forest Fun Park Zermatt.
Prices are among the highest in the country, but the scenery and atmosphere are unforgettable.
Best options:
- La Perle Apartments (also on Trip.com)
- Vrony Apartments by Hotel Walliserhof
- Firefly Luxury Suites (also on Trip.com)
Lugano and Ticino: Italian flair, Swiss order
In Italian-speaking Ticino you get a different colour palette and lifestyle. In Lugano:
- Search near Lake Lugano and Parco Ciani for lakefront apartments.
- Consider the old town area Lugano Old Town or the village of Gandria for extra charm.
This region is ideal if you want Alps plus palms, pasta and waterfront strolls.
Best options:
Main types of atmospheric apartments
Typical options across Switzerland:
- Historic old-town flats
High ceilings, creaky floors, vintage furniture – and a location steps from cafés and churches. - Mountain chalets and chalet apartments
Wooden interiors, fireplaces, ski-room, often a terrace with mountain views – perfect for winter and early spring. - Lakefront apartments with balconies
Modern buildings, lots of glass and minimalistic interiors; the main feature is the view. - Design city lofts
Especially in Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Basel – concrete and glass, open-plan layout, stylish decor. - Family apartments with 2-3 bedrooms
Kitchen, washing machine, several bedrooms and sometimes a small garden – very practical with kids.
Prices for atmospheric apartments (updated: December 2025)
Short-term rental market data shows average daily rates (ADR) in Switzerland roughly in the 180-250 $ range in 2024, with peaks during ski season and summer. Popular alpine and lake regions (Swiss Alps, Lake Thun, Lake Geneva) frequently post 250-330 $ average rates at weekends.
Long-term rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a Swiss city centre sits roughly between 960-2 300 $ per month, which partly explains why short-term atmospheric places are priced higher per night.
Realistic ranges for 2025:
- Budget but atmospheric (smaller size, simpler decor, not prime location): 140-200 $ per night.
- Comfortable, well-located apartments (old town or lake view): 200-300 $ per night – the most typical range for couples and families.
- Chalets and premium apartments in Zermatt, St. Moritz, Jungfrau region and other top alpine areas: 300-470 $+ per night; standout properties easily reach 580 $+ in high season.
- Travel insurance for a 7-day trip – basic “leisure” policies from around 6.9-12.5 $ per person, extended coverage and sports options from 35-45 $+.
For current deals and last-minute offers, check Accommodation in Switzerland via Trip.com and Booking.com.
Booking tips: how to choose the right place
- Prioritise location over size
A compact studio on a lakefront promenade can deliver more atmosphere than a large flat in a residential block. - Study the view carefully
Phrases like “lake view”, “mountain view”, “old town view” matter a lot – balcony and window photos are key for judging atmosphere. - Check balcony, terrace and outdoor space
Morning coffee or evening wine with a view of the Alps or a lake can easily become the highlight of your trip. - Look at access and parking
If you are driving, verify whether parking is private, shared or street-based – and whether it is included in the price. If you rely on trains, check walking distance to stations and bus stops. - Read house rules
Quiet hours, pets, smoking, maximum occupancy – in Switzerland these rules are taken seriously. - Watch out for minimum stays and cleaning fees
Many alpine and lakefront properties require 3-7 night stays and charge a separate final cleaning fee. Always compare total trip cost, not just price per night.
Practical extras: transport, connectivity and insurance
- Getting around
Trains and panoramic routes (including Bernina Express and parts of the Grand Train Tour) make it easy to combine several regions in one trip. Use Transport in Switzerland and Omio to check routes and fares. - Mobile data
An eSIM bought via eSIM for Switzerland lets you go online straight after landing – useful for check-in instructions, maps and chatting with your host, without worrying about roaming limits. - Insurance
With mountains, skiing, hiking and high healthcare costs, travel insurance is a must. Use Insurance for Switzerland and EKTA to pick a policy that covers sports and cancellation if needed. - Tourist taxes
Most Swiss destinations charge a small per-night tourist tax, often including a guest card with free public transport or discounts on attractions. Amounts vary by resort and season.
FAQ: apartments in Switzerland
How far in advance should I book?
For peak winter, Christmas/New Year and July–August in hotspots like Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lucerne and the Jungfrau region, aim for 3-6 months ahead. Shoulder seasons in cities are more flexible.
Are apartments cheaper than hotels in Switzerland?
Per night, apartments can be similar or slightly cheaper than mid-range hotels, but they usually offer more space and a kitchen. For families or groups, they almost always work out more economical overall.
Where should I stay for a quiet, peaceful escape?
Look for chalets and small apartment houses in villages around Interlaken, Zermatt, St. Moritz or in less famous lake and vineyard areas such as Lavaux rather than right in busy resort centres.
Is Switzerland safe for apartment stays?
Yes. Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe. As usual, choose well-reviewed listings, communicate through official platforms and respect house rules.
What about parking at apartments?
In city centres, parking is limited and often charged separately. Many alpine chalets include a dedicated space or garage. Always check whether parking is included and if reservation is needed.
Can I stay in one base and explore by train?
Absolutely. Many travellers choose one or two bases – for example Lucerne plus Interlaken or Zurich plus Montreux – and use trains and boats for day trips. The network is frequent, punctual and scenic.
Summary
Atmospheric apartments in Switzerland turn a beautiful trip into a truly memorable one. Pick an old-town flat, a lakeside balcony or a wooden chalet with mountain views, plan your transport and connectivity in advance and add solid insurance on top – and Switzerland will feel less like a postcard and more like a temporary home.
