If you're looking for alpine adventure, fresh mountain air and peaceful train journeys through breathtaking scenery, Switzerland ticks all the boxes. Alongside its spectacular landscapes and scenic rail travel, it's synonymous with world-class craftsmanship, grand hotels with sweeping staircases and glittering chandeliers, as well as some of the finest chocolate in the world.
People may head to Switzerland for its fairytale hotels and landscapes, but what draws tourists back to Switzerland time and time again is its peaceful energy, with hotels and resorts that blend into the landscape for an immersive experience in nature.
But all this comes with a hefty price tag as one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, if not the world. And it's not always practical to hop on a flight for a hike in the Alps.
But, what if we told you that you can head to a rural corner of Wales, which offers the same alpine feel and epic mountain trails, with a storybook village to rival the prettiest Swiss villages.
Eryri National Park stretches across 823 square miles of rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls and ancient woodland steeped in folklore, with a landscape dotted with medieval castles to explore.
Known as the gateway to Eryri, Betws-y-Coed lies within the heart of the National Park. Much like Switzerland’s Interlaken, it's surrounded by mountains and ancient woodland, from the lush Gwydir Forest to dramatic Swallow Falls.
Visitors can hike through fragrant pine forests to discover Llyn Elsi, a peaceful lake framed by Eryri's hills, or explore the area further via its vintage-style railway line; the Conwy Valley Line looks like something out of a postcard.
If you're planning a weekend break that offers both thrills and tranquillity, consider this pretty Welsh town as an alternative to a Swiss adventure.
Why Betws-y-Coed?
While Eryri's peaks may not rival the Alps, it's easy to see why the village of Betws-y-Coed is likened to a quaint Swiss mountain town.
A blend of stone cottages and Victorian architecture, with independent cafés serving freshly baked pastries and florist shopfronts overflowing with seasonal blooms, Betws-y-Coed has the storybook charm of a Swiss mountain village.
The village feels all the more cosy thanks to its setting among dramatic mountain scenery. It's easy to imagine whiling away the afternoon with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, rosy-cheeked and windswept after conquering Eryri's peaks.
Betws-y-Coed is the starting point for some of the area's most challenging and impressive hiking trails, weaving through the village and the ancient Gwydir Forest before revealing panoramic views that wouldn't look out of place in the Alps, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.
It's also a stop along the Conwy Valley Line, situated roughly at its halfway point between deep valleys and dense forest. Take a ride out to the countryside, peering out of the window to emulate the peaceful and scenic rail travel that Switzerland is so famous for.
What to do in Betws-y-Coed
There's plenty to discover in this not-so-sleepy Welsh village. Not only a base for hikers, but it also offers a bustling high street, independent cafes and traditional country pubs. Here are just some of the things you can get up to in Betws-y-Coed.
Explore the town's history
As well as offering a storybook setting, Betws-y-Coed is steeped in history, with origins dating back to the 6th century, when it began as a Christian settlement in the woodland that would later become St Michael’s Church.
The name of the town means 'prayerhouse-in-the-woods' as a nod to its history, and visitors can still visit the 14th-century St. Michael’s Church, just a short drive away from the town centre.
The Victorian era was also significant for the village, defining its architecture to this day with elegant stone villas acting as guesthouses, original features like tall chimneys and bay windows still intact. To learn more about the history of the village and its famous railway links, head to the Conwy Valley Railway Museum.
Shop for local crafts
Betws-y-Coed's next chapter brought a creative spirit to the village, with the arrival of roads and railways bringing artists and writers to the area, enchanted by its beautiful landscapes. The village became a popular holiday spot, bringing in an influx of new creativity from the cities.
Today, the village still has a strong connection to the arts, with independent galleries showcasing work inspired by the destination and traditional Welsh craft shops and studios. Head to the Alison Bradley Gallery to discover the landscape artist's distinctive paintings, inspired by rural Wales.
Refuel in pretty pubs and cosy tearooms
Nothing is hurried here; it's the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon grazing, nursing a warm cup of hot chocolate or sinking a few pints leisurely in a traditional pub.
Ty Hyll (or, affectionately, The Ugly House) is located just outside the village and a favourite with tourists thanks to its picturesque rural setting; the tearoom, housed in a 15th-century stone cottage covered in greenery, looks straight out of Hansel and Gretel. Tuck into their famous 'secret recipe' scones, Welsh cakes and Bara Brith, washed down with loose-leaf tea.
Y Stablau is a walk-in pub popular with hikers, with local ales and a lively setting on Betws-y-Coed's main street. Head to Ty Gwyn Hotel if you're looking for a historic pub. This 16th-century coaching inn overlooks the River Conwy and boasts an elegant pub menu showcasing Wales' best produce.
Where to stay
The Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel is an impressive Victorian mansion hotel, perched on the banks of the River Conwy surrounded by woodland for an unbeatable setting. Despite its tranquil surroundings, it's just a five- to ten-minute walk to the centre of the village.
Most hotels look onto Betws-y-Coed's busy main road, making Craig-y-Dderwen one of the most peaceful places to stay in the area, with most of the rooms looking out across the flowing river. There's also an on-site restaurant and a snug bar with a log fire for when the chillier weather sets in.
