Switzerland is one of those countries that is so jaw-dropping it almost doesn’t look real. Between the snow-covered Alps, turquoise lakes, tiny mountain villages, and beautiful historic cities, nearly every part of the country feels crafted to perfection. This country simply belongs in movies. Unsurprisingly, filmmakers have been taking advantage of Switzerland’s scenery for decades. The country has been the backdrop for romance, adventure, and espionage. These movies were filmed in Switzerland and show off some of the most beautiful places in the country.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
James Bond movies have sent 007 all over the world, but On Her Majesty’s Secret Service features some of the franchise’s most spectacular scenery. The majority of the movie was filmed around the Swiss Alps, particularly near Mürren and the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant on the Schilthorn. The mountain scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Filmmakers took advantage of the snowy peaks, adding several action-heavy ski sequences shot in Schilthorn and Wengen. Grindelwald and Bern also make appearances in the movie. The combination of danger, isolation, and breathtaking scenery makes Switzerland an important part of the adventure. The spectacular views are one of the most memorable parts of the movie.
The Eiger Sanction (1975)
Clint Eastwood was the main character in The Eiger Sanction, an action film that makes great use of Switzerland’s mountains. The movie was primarily filmed around the Eiger, a famous peak in the Swiss Alps. The production actually filmed climbing sequences on the Eiger itself, giving the scenes a sense of danger that feels very real. The real-life setting captures the risk involved with climbing the enormous Alps in a way that a studio set could never recreate. The mountain is an essential part of the story, and the climbers look so small compared to the massive landscape. If you want plenty of Swiss mountain scenery, this is the go-to choice.
North Face (2008)
This is based on the true story of climbers trying to reach the top of north face of the Eiger in 1936. It naturally casts the Swiss Alps as a main character. The movie shows both the beauty and risk associated with climbing one of Europe’s most famous mountains. Audiences are met with gorgeous snowy peaks, alpine villages, and enormous rock faces. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to see Switzerland’s wild side.
Youth (2015)
Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth is a quiet, beautiful drama featuring Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel. Most of the movie takes place at a luxurious hotel in the Swiss Alps, with the historic Waldhaus Flims acting as one of its primary filming locations. It was also shot in Davos and Kandersteg. Characters are surrounded by green meadows, mountains, and peaceful countryside. The scenery creates an almost dreamy atmosphere that doesn’t even feel real. It shows off a calmer side of Switzerland instead of focusing on adventure.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Although most of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo takes place in Sweden, David Fincher’s hit film also features scenes filmed in Switzerland. Areas of Zurich like the Dolder Grand Hotel and Zurich Airport make appearances, giving viewers a look at the polished and stately side of the country. This is a very different Switzerland from the snowy mountain wilderness featured in other films. Instead, the movie shows off the country’s modern architecture and sophisticated urban side.
Clouds of Sils Maria (2014)
This movie might show the natural beauty of Switzerland better than any other. Starring Juliette Binoche and Kristen Stewart, the movie was filmed around the Engadin Valley and the village of Sils Maria in eastern Switzerland. The movie features scene after scene of mountains, alpine lakes, winding roads, and green valleys. The landscape is a major part of the story in this one.
Goldfinger (1964)
Another classic James Bond movie, Goldfinger has a beautiful drive through Switzerland. Bond zips along mountain roads through the Swiss Alps, with scenes filmed around the Furka Pass. The winding road, surrounded by massive mountains and deep valleys, is distinctly Swiss. This scene became truly iconic.