Swiss jewel: These are Switzerland’s most beautiful old towns

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Many people know the small town of Aargau in Reuss primarily as the backdrop for the annual Christchindli market, which attracts tens of thousands of spectators each Christmas. But Bremgarten is also worth a visit outside the Christmas season.

A particularly beautiful walk begins at the bottom of Reuss, where you can admire the old facades of the city on the opposite side of the river. An old wooden bridge crosses Reuss, then you take a steep bend through beautiful shops and cafes to reach the old town centre.

The old Spittelturm climb, offered as part of city tours, is also worth seeing. If you are traveling by rubber boat in the summer, you can enjoy swimming in Reuss after completing your trip.

The largest preserved old town center of the canton of Thurgau attracts visitors not only with its wonderful location on the banks of the Rhine River. Diessenhofen received the city charter in 1178. The narrow streets and tall old town houses with half-timbered facades typical of the area are reminiscent of medieval times when Kyburgers traded here in the “Diessinhovin” and minted coins. The wooden bridge spanning the Rhine River to the German town of Gailingen was recently restored.

The jewel in Toggenburg was recognized by the Council of Europe in 1975 for “exemplary local care”. The Lichtensteigers know how beautiful this place is and how worth preserving their old city. All the most important buildings in the historical center of the city are equipped with information boards, and the streets of the old city are equipped with historical inscription boards. The Lichtensteiger city map also describes two city tours passing through the most beautiful facades and the oldest corners.

Beautifully situated on a hill, it’s rare to find yourself alone in the old town of Gruyères (or Gruyères). At the foot of the former Counts of Gruyères’ castle, which can be visited today, lies the medieval-looking neighborhood. On the left and right of Marktgasse, the only street of the old city, are the facades of houses dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries. If you arrive early in the morning or late in the evening, you may be lucky and have the market street to yourself. By noon at the latest, the charming little town fills up; thanks to the famous double cream meringues served over the counter in all the cafes here.

From Locarno the road winds towards the green Centovalli. Here, in the heart of Ticino’s wild west, lies the old town of Intragna, whose narrow stone streets are among the most beautiful in the whole country. During the Middle Ages the bishops of Como made themselves comfortable in the region. Today, the old stone houses are inhabited by a few locals as well as many German-speaking Swiss people who cannot resist the magic of the place and regularly return to their holiday homes.

Saint-Ursanne spreads over a forested valley and fascinates with its medieval centre. Located on the banks of the Doubs, amidst lush nature, the medieval town hides many treasures. Highlights of the old town include the 14th-century townhouses, the magnificent cloister of the former collegiate church, the view of the towering Hermitage, the three city gates and the beautiful bridges over the Doubs. The public herb garden in front of the city wall is particularly beautiful.

The village “Willenshôwo” was first mentioned in 1101. Since then, this charming little town in Lucerne’s hinterland has historically been pretty unlucky. The city was destroyed a total of four times by fires or vengeful lords, such as by Duke Leopold III in 1386. Today the late medieval old town is peaceful. The main street, with a tower at the beginning and end, is particularly beautiful. The street is so wide that it looks more like a square and invites you to linger. Three heptagonal fountains splash water there, and the famous hard Willisauer-Ringli is sold in adjacent cafes and pastry shops. One more reason to visit the city.

Source : Blick