The Alps are the highest and largest mountain range in Europe, and stretch across eight countries, including Italy, France and Switzerland. Due the high peaks of mountains such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, The Alps have a unique climate and picturesque beauty that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. A must-visit region for an unforgettable experience, here are some of the most beautiful towns in The Alps.
Interlaken | Switzerland
Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. Its location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, gives the town its name. The town became a popular destination for artists during the 19th century, and is captured in the landscape works of Franz Niklaus König and other Swiss artists. Nowadays, Interlaken is frequently visited by backpackers and travelers who can all enjoy the many outdoor pursuits the town has to offer, such as skydiving and paragliding. The town also boasts a number of historical Victorian hotels, such as the Hotel Royal St. George, which was once a monastery, and Hotel Victoria-Jungfrau, which are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance.Lucerne | Switzerland
Situated in central Switzerland with an urban vibe, Lucerne is largely German-speaking and is located on the shore of Lake Lucerne. The town has breath-taking views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi, so it is no surprise that Lucerne has been a popular tourist destination for years. The city straddles the river Reuss, and therefore boasts a number of historical and modern bridges. One such landmark bridge is the Chapel Bridge, which was first built in the 14th century from wood, and is said to be one of the oldest covered bridges in Europe. For art lovers, the bridge is internally decorated with 17th century paintings that depict events from the city’s history. 
Lucerne is also home to the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Museum of Art Lucerne as well as The Culture and Convention Centre, so there’s something for any culture vulture. The streets also play host to a number of arts and music festivals annually.
Montreux | Switzerland
With spectacular vistas of Lake Geneva, and famed for its jazz festival, the town of Montreux is steeped in musical history. The town hosts a number of other music festivals, such as its September music festival, which was founded in 1946, and has occurred every year since its inception. It was the birthplace of Queen Frontman Freddie Mercury, and there is a statue of him in the town, as well as one of female vocalist Shania Twain. Montreaux is also where Deep Purple recorded their famous album Machine Head, featuring the track Smoke on the Water. It is said that this track details the burning down of the Montreux casino by a Frank Zappa fan. The town also has several literary connections. It was the birth place of Zelda Fitzgerald, the famed wife of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, and it was also mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s classic, A Farewell to Arms. During the Victorian era, several grand boutique hotels were built, attracting numerous visitors who admired the town’s amazing beauty. The town has a number of national heritage sites and cultural institutions, such as the Swiss National Audiovisual Museum, the Crêtes Castle, the Hôtel Montreux Palace, and the Villa Karma.Zermatt | Switzerland
For those who love the great outdoors, the town of Zermatt lies at the southern end of the Matter Valley and at base of the highest peak in Switzerland, the Matterhorn. It is a famed mountaineering and ski resort. It was Edward Whymper who brought the town to international attention when he conquered the Matterhorn in the mid nineteenth century. The town’s name is derived from the surrounding meadows, with the name translating to English as “at the meadow”. The town provides incomparable views of The Alps, with mountains completely surrounding Zermatt and the river Matter Vispa trickling through this small yet charming town. Zermatt is home to the Matterhorn Museum, which recalls the history and events the mountain has seen. Other items of cultural significance include the petroglyphs and prehistoric grinding stone at Hubelwäng. There are a number of cable cars and chair lifts in the town for skiers, and for those who have a head for heights, the Gornergratbahn runs to the summit of the Gornergrat, making it the highest open-air railway in Europe. Almost all the cars in the town are electric, making Zermatt very eco-friendly.Aosta | Italy
Northwest of Turin is the Italian town of Aosta, situated near the Italian entrance of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, and in the Aosta Valley. The town naturally has roman roots, and was once of ancient military importance due to its location. Evidence of the town’s conflicted history is still visible in the walls of Augusta Prætoria Salassorum, which are preserved in almost perfect condition. There are towers dotted along these walls in good condition which also hold historical importance. A Roman theatre, an arch dedicated to Augustus, and an ancient Roman cathedral further reveal the town’s unique culture and development. This a must-visit town for any history buff. Cortina d’Ampezzo | Italy
Located on the Boite river in the heart of the souther alps is the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Travelers come from all corners of the earth for this town’s ski amenities, boutique accommodation, and spectacular scenery. As a result, the town has played host to the Winter Olympics in 1956, as well as a number of other winter sport events. During the 19th century, Cortina d’Ampezzo was a craft centre, and produced many handmade wood, glass, and copper items, which led to a growth in tourism to the area. Important cultural institutions include the town’s Modern Art Museum, the Palaeontology Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum. A famous historical landmark in the town is its basilica, which was constructed from 1769 until 1775. Its location has also provided the perfect backdrop for a number of films, such as The Pink Panther in 1963 and For Your Eyes Only in 1981. Cortina d’Ampezzo also has a thriving music scene, with the annual Dino Ciani Festival and Academy attracting international music lovers.St. Moritz | Switzerland
Found in the Engadine valley in Switzerland, St. Moritz is another notable sporting town with unbeatable views of Europe’s majestic mountain range. The town is named after St. Maurice, an early Christian saint from Egypt who is said to have been martyred in the town. The Winter Olympics were held twice in St. Moritz; first in 1928 and again in 1948. It has since held many more sporting events, such as sailing and windsurfing events. The town also boasts one of the world’s rare and oldest natural bob runs, which spans 1,722 metres, and is made from just snow and water. St. Mortitz is regarded as one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, and has attracted jetsetters worldwide. In fact, St. Moritz is the location of the first tourist office in Switzerland, established in the 19th century. The town was the first in Switzerland to have electricity, and also hosted the first golf tournament.The town’s amazing beauty has often been featured in films, such as the opening scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much. Chambéry | France
Located in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France, Chambéry was awarded Alpine Town of the Year in 2006. It is positioned in the valley between the Bauges and the Chartreuse Mountains on the Leysse River. It is also a major railway centre, connecting France and Italy. In ancient times, the town’s name changed many times, but its current name is said to derive from the Gaulois term camboritos which means a ford situated in a curve. The city is the capital of the Savoy region, and reveals the region’s history. The Château de Chambéry is evidence of this rich past, displaying the first counts of Savoy settling here in 1285. Over the years it has expanded, and today it is public administration center for the region. It is open to the public for tours and for concerts. Other important landmarks in the city include the striking Fontaine des Éléphants, which was built in 1838 to honour Benoît de Boigne’s achievements while in India. The four life sized elephants converge at the base of a column in the shape of the Savoyan cross, and is topped by a statue of de Boigne. A beautiful town, Chambéry is a memorable place to visit for an Alpine experience.
Bressanone | Italy
Bressanone, or Brixen, is the third-largest city and the oldest town in the region of South Tyrol in Italy. Located north of Bolzano, the town was first mentioned in a document in 901, and has a wealth of historical and cultural sites. An example of this is the 10th century cathedral, which is decorated with Medieval and Renaissance frescoes. The cathedral was subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style. Rodeneck Castle is also located nearby, which also boasts a number of exquisite frescoes. The town is considered an artistic hub of this Italian valley. Bressanone is situated at the confluence of the Eisack and Rienz rivers, and is home to a major skiing resort known as The Plose. There is also a Pharmacy Museum in the town, which has been run by the Peer family since 1787. With its gorgeous Christmas markets, orchards, and vineyards, there is a lot to love about this Alpine town.
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