Switzerland, with its stunning landscapes and picturesque towns, has been the perfect backdrop for many iconic films. Filmmakers have long been captivated by the country's beauty. Here are the top 10 movies shot in Switzerland, showcasing the diverse locations and cinematic appeal of this beautiful country.
1.Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
2005 (Grindelwald, Switzerland)
The breathtaking scenery of Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland's Jungfrau region provided the otherworldly backdrop for the final installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The dramatic landscapes were used to create the planet Alderaan (Princess Leia’s home planet), capturing the essence of the fictional galaxy with Switzerland's natural beauty.
Although the scenes filmed in Grindelwald may not have been prominently featured, its breathtaking mountain scenery and charming village architecture significantly enhanced the overall look of Alderaan. Star Wars fans can visit Grindelwald both to admire its beauty and to relive this movie scene.
2. James Bond: Goldfinger
1964 (Swiss Alps, Furka Pass)
The iconic James Bond film "Goldfinger" features thrilling scenes shot in the Swiss Alps. In this particular scene, Bond, played by Sean Connery, chases Goldfinger in his Aston Martin across the Furka Pass, near Bern city. The dramatic mountain landscapes and winding roads provide the perfect setting for Bond's high-speed chases and daring escapades, cementing Switzerland's place in cinematic history.
Today, Bond fans visit the now-abandoned Hotel Belvédère on the pass to recreate this thrilling drive. While Goldfinger is the most famous, other Bond films like Goldeneye, The Spy Who Loved Me, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service also feature scenes shot in Switzerland.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
2011 (Zurich, Switzerland)
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011) features several scenes filmed in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Highlighting Zurich’s banking reputation, Lisbeth Salander conducts multi-million dollar transactions in the city. She also stays at the luxurious Dolder Grand Hotel, a five-star establishment on Adlisberg Hill, underscoring her character's wealth. Additional scenes were shot at Zurich Airport, Switzerland's largest international airport, and Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the country's largest railway station.
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
2013 (Geneva, Switzerland)
Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" features a memorable scene shot in Geneva, highlighting the city's association with international banking. The luxurious and sophisticated setting of a Swiss bank in Geneva plays a crucial role in the film's depiction of the high-stakes world of finance and corruption.
While the bankers converse, Leonardo DiCaprio sits with the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Jet d'Eau behind him.
5. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1971 (Toblerone Chocolate Factory in Bern, Switzerland)
The classic family film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" includes scenes shot at the famous Toblerone Chocolate Factory in Bern. This whimsical and fantastical setting adds a touch of Swiss charm to the beloved story, making it even more enchanting for audiences.
Fun fact: The distinct pyramidal shape of the Toblerone bar inspired the name for the Toblerone line, a series of World War II-era anti-tank emplacements commonly found in Switzerland's border regions.
6. Iron Man 3
2013 (Federal Palace of Bern, Switzerland)
Iron Man 3 begins on New Year's Eve 1999 in a hotel in Bern, Switzerland, where Tony Stark stands up to Aldrich Killian. Tony is seen partying with various people, including Ho Yinsen, who will later become his cave companion in Afghanistan during the events of Iron Man.
The key location shown at the beginning of the scene is the Federal Palace in Bern with its impressive architecture.
7. Chaplin
1992 (Vevey, Switzerland)
During the McCarthy era, Charlie Chaplin was forced to leave the United States and relocated to Vevey, Switzerland. His biopic, "Chaplin," starring Robert Downey Jr., was filmed in this picturesque location, where Charlie Chaplin spent his later years. The picturesque town on the shores of Lake Geneva beautifully captures the essence of Chaplin's life in Switzerland, adding authenticity and charm to the movie.
You can explore Chaplin's World in Vevey to learn about Charlie Chaplin's life and his cinematic contributions. It is the only museum dedicated to both the man and his family, as well as his extensive body of work. You can take a tour here, which lasts over 2.5 hours and is designed for visitors of all ages, offering an emotional journey that ranges from laughter to tears.
8. Young Sherlock Holmes
1985 (Vevey, Switzerland)
In the end credits of "Young Sherlock Holmes," a scenic sleigh ride across Lake Sils in Upper Engadine is featured. The action tracks a horse-drawn sleigh traveling to an undisclosed location. In the final shot, the audience discovers the surprising identity of the passenger, a pivotal character in the Sherlock Holmes universe.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
2011 (Triengen, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland)
Detective Sherlock Holmes is pursuing the notorious criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty, who has been orchestrating a series of seemingly random crimes across Europe. In a tense and dramatic escape sequence, filmed in excruciating slow motion through Bourne Woods, they leap onto a train that travels through the snowy landscapes of Triengen, Switzerland.
In addition, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ended Sherlock Holmes' story by having him and Moriarty plunge over Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. Ironically, the scene was not filmed in Switzerland.
9. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
1994 (Swiss Alps)
Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel takes full advantage of the dramatic Swiss Alps. The towering mountains and remote landscapes perfectly capture the eerie and desolate atmosphere that is central to the story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation.
10. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
2019 (Soglio, Switzerland)
This poignant film, set during World War II, includes scenes shot in the charming village of Soglio. The picturesque landscapes and quaint architecture of Soglio provide a stark contrast to the film's serious subject matter, highlighting the beauty and resilience of Switzerland during difficult times.
From epic sci-fi adventures to historical dramas, Switzerland's diverse and stunning locations have played a vital role in some of the most memorable films in cinematic history. When you visit Switzerland, you can relive these iconic moments and explore the breathtaking settings that have captivated audiences worldwide.
For those looking to explore these incredible film locations, AlpExcursion offers personalized tours and comfortable transfers , ensuring you experience the magic of Switzerland just like the stars of these famous movies.