This Here Town is Little Switzerland, NC
Are you looking for the best things to do in Little Switzerland, NC? Read on for a quick synopsis of Little Switzerland, North Carolina’s history, restaurants, and the best things to do in Little Switzerland.
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The Switzerland Cafe is a must-visit in Little Switzerland, NC.
A Switzerland-inspired town in North Carolina? That’s exactly right, y’all.
Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll find a charming, tiny Switzerland-inspired town aptly named, well, Little Switzerland. Though it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it mountain village, Little Switzerland is well worth spending a day (or two!). We actually just spent two and a half days revisiting Little Switzerland for our wedding anniversary, and it was such a fun and relaxing experience.
Little Switzerland, North Carolina, perches on a scenic vista, and the mountainous surroundings are absolutely breathtaking. The community is largely seasonal, and many businesses will temporarily close during the winter months.
So, what’s the population of Little Switzerland, NC? The most commonly reported figure on the internet is 111, but the Little Switzerland post office boasts a sign declaring 46 residents. (Who knows how often that sign is updated, however.)
The dramatic landscape surrounding Little Switzerland is a huge part of its appeal.
The History:
Did you know that a “little Switzerland” or a “Schweiz” is a 19th-century term used to describe a dramatic landscape of wooded hills that might appeal to tourists? Because the term was a bit vague, it later became used in travel writing to imply a landscape had appealing features that would remind visitors of Switzerland, which is, frankly, what I assumed it meant in the first place. Anyhow, there’s a whole Wikipedia page devoted to the phrase little Switzerland and the places it’s described around the world.
This Little Switzerland, however, was named by Judge Heriot Clarkson of Charlotte, who established a resort community near the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1910. Sometimes called the “jewel of the Parkway” because of its picturesque views, the Blue Ridge Parkway did not actually approach the resort until the 1960s, and the Switzerland Land Company filed a suit against its construction shortly thereafter.
Prior to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland was rather hard to reach. The Switzerland Land Company convinced “the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railroad to locate a station approximately 4 miles from the community, then proceeding to construct a toll road known as the Etchoe (pronounced Et-chō) Pass Road.” Guests would then hire hacks to transport them to the resort.
Today, the access to the Switzerland Inn is one of only two commercial access roads on the parkway. For a more detailed look at the history of Little Switzerland, its previously strained relationship with the National Park Service, and some of the influential individuals behind its growth, check out this article from Appalachian History.
I highly recommend staying in the A-frame cabins at the Switzerland Inn.
The Vibe:
Little Switzerland is kind of a choose-your-own-adventure spot. This little town is sweet and cozy, rustic and elegant, and relaxing and adventurous, depending on how you choose to spend your time. You can easily relax by a fire and watch the fog roll in over a craft cocktail, or alternatively, you can zip along the Diamondback Trail on a motorcycle or hike to an epic waterfall. While Little Switzerland warmly welcomes tourists, it has managed to escape the “touristy” element of say, Gatlinburg.
The Charm:
Little Switzerland is a tiny town with big charm. Quaint European-inspired architectural details and design elements pair with rustic Appalachian town staples like BBQ, cider, and apple orchards, making it sort of the best of all worlds. And, of course, the dramatic mountain backdrop makes Little Switzerland an easy place to love.
The Orchard at Altapass offers incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland, North Carolina
The firepit at the Switzerland Inn comes with panoramic views.
Enjoy a glass of wine in front of a fire with sweeping mountain views at the Switzerland Inn.
There is no more luxurious spot to watch the world go by than in a rocking chair by the outdoor firepit at the Switzerland Inn. The charming gas-fed flames rise from boulders and rocks, but it’s the dazzling views behind them that will make you want to kick back and relax. Watch the sun chase clouds over the mountains or the fog roll in across the valley; each day offers a different but equally stunning view.
Are you looking for someplace to stay in Little Switzerland? We just stayed at the Switzerland Inn for our third anniversary, and it was a delight. Our private, cozy A-frame cabin was nestled among the trees, which was much more the mountain vacation we wanted than a luxurious room that shared walls with neighbors. Book your reservations for the Chalet Restaurant in advance (especially on weekends), and pack a bathing suit for the hot tub.
We also were able to bring our pup, which was much appreciated.
I will fight you over the last bite of apple pie from the Orchard at Altapass.
Eat some pie and pick some apples at the Orchard at Altapass.
A historic hillside apple orchard with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Sign me up, and order me a piece of that apple pie.
Located less than 15 minutes from Little Switzerland, the Orchard at Altapass is a slice of Appalachian history. The Holston Land Company began planting trees along either side of the Clinchfield Railroad in the 1920s, and the apple orchard hit its heyday by the 1930s. However, the orchard eventually fell into a state of disrepair, and in 1995 Kit Carson-Trubey purchased the land and turned it into the labor of love it is today.
Peruse the informative exhibits, order lunch at the Apple Core Grill, play some checkers on the beautiful deck, go for a hike through the orchard, take a “Heyride,” or settle in for some free live music - there’s plenty to do at this lovely spot in addition to picking fresh, delicious apples.
The Orchard at Altapass is also dog-friendly!
The grounds are absolutely beautiful at Linville Falls Winery.
Pop a bottle at Linville Falls Winery.
Y’all know I love some North Carolina wine, and it would be a shame not to make the 25-minute drive to Linville Falls Winery. This gorgeous little winery is also home to a Christmas tree farm and bright red barn, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark Channel movie (but with more wine). Enjoy a glass from the stone patio, in front of the pond, or from the top of the hill: there’s no bad seat at Linville Falls Winery.
Be sure to check the Linville Falls Winery event calendar while planning your trip! The winery currently hosts such fun events as “Learn to Make Ravioli” classes, an annual grape stomp, yoga, and a Harvest Hoedown.
It’s hard to beat a misty morning on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Little Switzerland.
Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway.
While I usually cringe when someone lists “drive around” as a top activity for visitors, the Blue Ridge Parkway is nothing short of magical. Expect panoramic views from overlooks, romantic tunnels, and gorgeous scenery at every turn. Put on a good playlist, roll the windows down, and stash a camera in the back seat because you’ll want to take your time and enjoy every moment.
Depending on which direction you’re coming from, you should stop at the English Farmstead Cheese farm store on your way into town. Their cheese is, hands down, best enjoyed in an impromptu picnic at an overlook, and the store is mere minutes from Linville Caverns and the Blue Ridge Parkway!
The Linville Caverns are North Carolina’s only show caverns.
Visit Linville Caverns.
Explore the rich natural landscape around Little Switzerland by making the 30-minute drive to Linville Caverns - it’s worth it. Linville Caverns’ tours are both informative and concise, so you can experience the caves, pick up some knowledge, and not spend the entire day underground. They also leave every 10 minutes, so there’s likely to be a tour that will work into your schedule.
Linville Caverns were discovered in the early 1800s by Henry E. Colton during a fishing expedition, and he described his findings as “wondrous splendors of the hidden world.” Today, Linville Caverns is privately owned and North Carolina’s only show cavern. Tours have been offered since the 1930s, custom-created lighting and walkways make this a safe adventure activity for visitors of all ages.
The smoked chicken tacos are delicious at the Switzerland Cafe in Little Switzerland, NC.
Get some BBQ (and more pie) at the Switzerland Cafe.
Don’t let the size of the town fool you: the Little Switzerland Cafe is home to one of the largest smokehouses in the state, which earned them a place on the North Carolina Barbeque Trail. The smoked chicken tacos are amazing, the smoked trout BLT is very tasty, and the barbeque pork is also delicious. Your biggest challenge will be not only saving room for dessert but choosing which dessert to order. We opted for the blueberry pie, and it was the stuff dreams are made of.
Are you traveling with a pup? The Little Switzerland Cafe offers a dog-friendly patio.
Drop in the local shops in Little Switzerland.
Support local shops.
Little Switzerland is a seasonal community, so it’s important to support local businesses and makers during your stay. Plan to pick up a souvenir from your trip or start your Christmas shopping a little early!
You’ll find everything from high-end hiking gear to original art to handmade jellies and jams at the stores at the Switzerland Inn and along the main drag at Little Switzerland. My husband surprised me with an adorable necklace, and I snagged the perfect piece of framed original art for our guest room.
The Diamondback Trail is very popular among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Ride the Diamondback Trail.
Described as one of WNC’s last great mountain roadways, the Diamondback Trail or 226A is a motorcyclist’s dream. The 38-mile diamond-shaped route twists, turns, and snakes its way through some of WNC’s most gorgeous scenery.
Book a massage at the Switzerland Inn Spa.
Listen, I’m no stranger to massages, and the couples’ massage we got at the Switzerland Inn Spa was truly amazing. The spa is small and concise, but we really appreciated the massage therapists’ attention to detail and expertise. My masseuse worked hot stones into mine, and her partner worked hot bamboo into my husband’s treatment. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day on the trails.
Little Switzerland Books and Beans is a fun spot with a lot of character.
Lose yourself in a good book at Little Switzerland Books and Beans.
I’m a sucker for a cool used book store, and you never know what you’ll find at Little Switzerland Books and Beans. Beautiful old and new books line the shelves of the various rooms at this sprawling shop, which also features unique gifts and a coffee bar.
Crabtree Falls offers stunning views of a massive waterfall.
Go hiking.
There is amazing hiking mere minutes from Little Switzerland. The Crabtree Falls is a moderate 2.6-mile jaunt with a show-stopping waterfall, and it’s only 10 minutes from most lodging in Little Switzerland. Please plan to wear shoes with traction as the stairs on this hike can be slippery, and we saw two people eat in due to hiking in… Crocs.
Deerlick Gap Overlook is another approachable nearby hike, and Toms Creek Falls Trail is a pleasant walk with a lovely waterfall. If you’re up for a drive, Linville Falls and the hiking in the Linville Gorge area is amazing.
Finally, if you’re interested in doing some more serious hiking during your stay, I always recommend using the AllTrails app. It will allow you to filter by length, difficulty, location, and views. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for rocky or steep terrain and to protect against poison ivy and ticks.
The Campgrounds at the Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery is an awesome hidden gem.
Sip some cider at the Campgrounds at Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery.
Tucked up a long drive off the beaten path lies the Campgrounds at the Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery, which is an awesome hidden gem. Inside a refurbished shipping container on a beautiful homestead farm, you’ll find tasty small-batch cider, beer, and fruit wine. My favorite was the orange cider.
Let kids try gem mining at the Emerald Village.
Home to 12 real mines, Emerald Village offers gem, mining, and historical attractions less than 10 minutes from Little Switzerland. The historic setting makes this gem-mining experience more fun than most, and kids will love the experience. Emerald Village also offers a limited number of black light tours, so check their calendar as you plan your trip.
English Farmstead Cheese is a 6th generation farm within 30 minutes of Little Switzerland.
Grab some locally-made cheese for the road.
You can never have too much cheese, especially when that cheese is locally made by a small, 6th generation farm. English Farmstead Cheese is a short trek from Little Switzerland, and their adorable farm store has everything you need for a gourmet charcuterie board on the go. Pick up some of their aged cheese or cheese spreads with a perfectly-portioned container of pickles, some dried salami, and your choice of bagel chips or gourmet crackers. They even sell handcrafted cheese knives and boards on-site!
Note: The English Farmstead Cheese Store is currently open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Have you been to Little Switzerland? Where are your favorite places to stay, dine, and explore? Leave ‘em in the comments below!
