Are you planning on visiting Switzerland soon? To get you started, here are some films, novels, series and movies set in the the Helvetic nation that feature its history, atmosphere and natural beauty at the center of their stories. This small European country with four official languages surprises and enchants with its Swiss Riviera, Alpine scenery, and iconic peaks. From the Lauterbrunnen valley to the big cities of Geneva, Lausanne or Zurich, and from the Bernese oberland to Montreux’s Chillon Castle, these works weave tales that will inspire your trip to Switzerland.
Enjoy!
The Last Wild Alps: Switzerland’s Hidden Paradise
Experience Switzerland’s breathtaking Vanino through this inspiring documentary! Witness a vibrant tapestry of rare butterflies fluttering through stunning mountain landscapes, alongside majestic Alpine Ibex in their natural habitat. This film captures the dedicated efforts to preserve Vanino’s exceptional biodiversity, revealing a powerful story of harmony between nature and people in this exhilarating Swiss haven. Prepare to be moved!
Heidi — the iconic Swiss summer movie
The 2015 film follows an orphaned girl living with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. She forms a deep bond with the mountains and her goatherd friend Peter. Sent to Frankfurt as a companion to a wheelchair-bound girl, she longs for her Alpine home. Starring Anuk Steffen and Bruno Ganz, this adaptation became Switzerland’s most successful film export. It captures the nation’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural values with authenticity. The film is iconic for portraying Switzerland’s beloved heroine and celebrating Alpine life, freedom, and friendship.
Last Problem by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
In this short story, Sherlock Holmes meets his most formidable adversary: Professor Moriarty. Their confrontation leads them to the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland, where a final duel is fought between the two brilliant minds. A classic tale that doubles as Switzerland travel inspiration for mystery lovers.
99.9 Ways to Travel Switzerland Like a Local
This unique guide reveals the secrets of the real Switzerland, beyond the tourist clichés. The author shares practical advice and local experiences to help you explore the country like a local: from hidden cafés to little-known hiking trails to family culinary traditions.
Hiking Itinerary among Swiss Vineyards and Mountains by Ellen Wallace
A unique guide that combines hiking and wine discovery throughout Switzerland. Ellen Wallace offers 50 carefully selected walks, from alpine vineyards to lakeside wineries. Each hike ends with a visit to a boutique winery, providing an immersive experience in the world of Swiss wine. For outdoorsy readers, it’s rich in Switzerland travel inspiration.
Hotel Waldhaus by Klara Blum
In a Swiss hotel lost in the mountains, guests with different fates cross paths amid intrigue and revelations. This novel invites us into the plush atmosphere of grand Alpine hotels such as Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz or the Victoria-Jungfrau in Interlaken.
Coming Out Swiss: In Search of Heidi, Chocolate, and My Other Life by Anne Herrmann
In this autobiographical account, Anne Herrmann, born in New York to Swiss parents, explores her Swiss identity with humour and depth. She dissects Swiss clichés (chocolate, Heidi, secret banks) while offering a universal reflection on cultural belonging and the search for identity.
Top places for James Bond filming locations in Switzerland – Goldfinger & On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
In Goldfinger (1964), Switzerland is presented through its spectacular Alpine roads, notably the Furka Pass at 2429 metres. The iconic chase between James Bond in his Aston Martin DB5 and Tilly Masterson winds between Gletsch and Andermatt, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. The film also features a petrol station in Andermatt and the Pilatus factories in Stans. These scenes, alongside the Pilatus factories and Alpine villages, are visual gold for Switzerland travel inspiration seekers.
Sils Maria
In Sils Maria, in the Swiss Alps, actress Maria Enders (Juliette Binoche) agrees to star in a revival of the play that made her famous twenty years earlier. This time she plays the role of the mature woman facing her own ageing in this Franco-Swiss drama by Olivier Assayas.
North Face
This breathtaking mountaineering film tells the story of a dramatic attempt by two Bavarian soldiers in 1936 to climb the Eiger, one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountains.
What is the most beautiful place for travel inspiration in Switzerland?
In this series of programmes, we travel along the shores of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes to learn about their history, their traditions and the people who bring them to life. Between unspoilt nature and inspiring encounters, discover a unique heritage on the water.
The Mystery of Room 622 by Joël Dicker
A Geneva hotel, an unsolved murder, and a writer caught in the middle – this novel is set in the heart of Swiss luxury. Dicker’s narrative is moody and elegant, full of intrigue and ideal for fans of literary Switzerland travel inspiration.
Outside by PBS
What happens when a team of enthusiasts sets up their cameras in the heart of the Swiss Alps? Jeff Aiello and his Emmy-winning team take us on two extraordinary journeys through Switzerland.
In the first season, the green valleys and snow-capped peaks reveal a little-known side of the country: Swiss cuisine, people and gastronomy. The winding roads lead the team to authentic encounters in villages untouched by time. Season 4 takes us to Basel, a cultural jewel on the banks of the Rhine. Between exquisite architecture and world-class museums, the city reveals its treasures through the sensitive lens of these exceptional filmmakers. The series offers breathtaking Switzerland travel inspiration through immersive storytelling and scenic beauty.
Astrid by Peter Stamm
In this novel by one of the most translated contemporary Swiss authors, we follow the story of Thomas and Astrid, who return from their holiday in Spain with their two children. Astrid, tired, goes to bed early. But Thomas leaves the house without a word and heads for the mountains.
Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary
Dreaming of a Swiss adventure? This YouTube video, perfect for blog inspiration, outlines a 6-day road trip through Switzerland’s most breathtaking spots! Join Zach and Ena from World Wild Hearts as they guide you through Lucerne’s charm, the thrilling Stoos Ridge hike, Interlaken’s beauty, the stunning Jungfrau region (Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald), and the serene Oeschinen Lake. Get ready to plan your own unforgettable Swiss journey!
