Majestic snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes and valleys dotted with picturesque chalet towns: Switzerland is one of Europe’s most beautiful countries, for sure, but if only it weren’t exorbitantly expensive…
Between the $87 rate for a simple, round-trip cable car ride in Grindelwald and a whopping average daily cost of $295 for tourists visiting Interlaken, it’s not a destination you’d go on a moderate, much less a strict budget, anyway.
Lucky for us, budget-conscious travelers in this crazy economy, there are at least 4 equally beautiful Switzerland alternatives in Europe (or its immediate vicinity) that offer similar experiences—and that won’t break the bank:
Georgia
Over in the far east of Europe, where it in fact meets Western Asia, Georgia is a lesser-known country that’s been gaining traction lately as a digital nomad haven.
Tbilisi’s popularity as a workcation hub aside, Georgia has some of the most fascinating natural scenery anywhere across the pond, particularly to its north, where the Caucasus Mountains lie.
If we must add, the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, a highland territory where ancient churches rest atop jagged peaks, and remote villages sit at the bottom of deep valleys, is the perfect Switzerland dupe for those on a budget.
There is a reason why nomads are flocking here, after all, but first, how does it compare to Europe’s most famous Alps?
In Mtskheta, the regional capital, you’ll find an intact ancient city dating back at least 4,000 years, housing historic Orthodox churches.
Meanwhile, Stepantsminda is a mountain village distinguished by its iconic Gergeti Trinity Church, nestled on a mountain, and offering views of a mahoosive Mount Kazbegi.
Finally, don’t miss out on Ananuri, a lakeside fortress built in the medieval era, and something straight out of a fairytale scene.
On average, a three-course meal in a mid-range Georgian restaurant can cost as little as $14, and as for accommodation, luxury mountain lodges can be found for as little as $79 in Stepantsminda.
Bavaria, Germany
The most famous section of the Alps is between Austria and Switzerland, but little do most tourists know Germany’s southern Bavaria region also lays claim to a few of the most impressive peaks.
This includes Zugspitze, the highest mountain in the country, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, and the hill-traversed Berchtesgaden, a national park popular for its hiking trails and Königssee Lake, one of Germany’s top spring and summer destinations.
The Bavarian Alps are also home to the Romantic Road, a 257-mile drive passing through quaint towns with half-timbered houses, mountain-backed valleys, and beautiful forests.
The road culminates in Füssen, a charming alpine town distinguished by its colorful buildings, and most importantly, Neuschwanstein, a real-life Disney castle, conical towers and all, perched on a hilltop.
If exploring this part of Bavaria, don’t miss out on Bad Tölz, a historic spa town on the banks of an idyllic Isar River, that flows into the Alps.
Bad Tölz is also significantly more affordable than any resort in Switzerland: a single-night stay at the 3-star Posthotel Koberbräu will run you up an acceptable $106.
Breakfast included, right in the center of town, and a great base for exploring the Bavarian nature.
Slovenia
Cutting through the heart of the small Central European nation, the Julian Alps are Slovenia’s national pride—up there with Melania Trump, maybe.
They are known for their jagged peaks, towering over verdant valleys and meandering streams, much like Switzerland, and even if you’ve only vaguely heard about Slovenia before, we’re sure you’re familiar with this sight:
This is Bled, the most iconic destination in Slovenia, at the heart of its alpine hinterland, and a scenic lake featuring a church-dominated islet, a mountaintop castle, and a sleepy resort town that lines its eastern shore.
Other attractions in the Slovenian Alps include Lake Bohinj, even more offbeat than Bled, offering kayaking and other water-based activities, Triglav, a national park named after the country’s tallest peak, and the Soča, a valley famous for its emerald river.
Visiting Bled, for instance, you should expect to spend $53 on meals per day, while a one-night stay at the Nature Hotel Lukanc will set you back by $75.
Transylvanian Alps, Romania
You might know Romania for its Count Dracula associations, or if you’re a Wednesday enthusiast, as a filming location for the hit Netflix show.
Something you might not be aware is that the country’s mountainous hinterland, known as Transylvania, is Switzerland’s spiritual sister.
The Făgăraş mountains are some of the most spectacular in the continent, and they boast a number of natural wonders:
Think Moldoveanu, the highest peak in Romania, the Transfăgărășan, a highway zig-zagging down the side of a hill, flanked by imposing peaks, and the glacial Bâlea Lake, accessible with a cable car year-round.
Alpine nature aside, no trip to Transylvania is complete without a stopover in Brașov, a timeless medieval town at the foot of Postăravu Massif:
Other than its picture-perfect Old Town, with cobbled streets and café terraces, it is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe:
The average price of a restaurant meal is $11.42, according to Numbeo, and if you feel like pampering yourself a little, seeing how cheap Romania is, a 4-star Casa Cranta, a storied guesthouse in the middle of the Old Town, costs $79 to book per night.
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sharifullah Jamal
Tuesday 22nd of April 2025
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