Michaël Perrot
From James Bond to Star Wars, Switzerland is a prime location for world cinema
The diversity of Swiss landscapes and cities offers limitless possibilities for film settings. Whether you're developing a romantic comedy, an action film, or a science-fiction movie, you will always find a real backdrop in Switzerland that adds value to your project.
Around 5,000 films have been shot in Switzerland! [1]
Regardless of the motivation for filming in Switzerland, we take pride in seeing our country represented, even for a brief scene or a simple establishing shot. We also exist in the successes of the global box office. As such, we have compiled a repertoire of famous films shot in Switzerland.
Repertoire of Swiss Locations in Famous Films
1.Goldfinger directed by Guy Hamilton (1964)
- Andermatt, located in the canton of Uri, served as the backdrop for the encounter between James Bond and Tilly Masterson.
- The Rhône Glacier, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, was the setting for one of the memorable scenes where James Bond drives his Aston Martin.
- In Stans, it is precisely at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., on Pilatusstrasse, that the exteriors of Auric Enterprises can be seen.
- The Simplon Tunnel, in the Lepontine Alps, appears in the film during scenes where Bond drives along alpine roads and also during another encounter with Tilly Masterson.
- Realp, still in the canton of Uri, is depicted as an alpine road near Geneva.
- The Hotel Belvédère, located on the Furka Pass road at the Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps, is another place where James Bond is seen driving his Aston Martin.
- The Berghotel Galenstock on Furkastrasse in Realp also provides a setting for a driving scene of Bond in Switzerland.
2. On Her Majestys Secret Service directed by Peter Hunt (1969)
- The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria, at the summit of the mountain by the same name in the canton of Bern, is one of the iconic locations from the film. Nearby, you'll also find the Piz Gloria cable car station.
- Grindelwald, a charming village in the canton of Bern, hosts several scenes, including those shot at the Hotel Oberland and the ice rink for skating sequences and the Christmas festival.
- Interlaken, a town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is also prominently featured in the film, along with the Jura Mountains in the Swiss Alps, Winteregg, and St. Moritz, the latter located in the canton of Graubünden.
- The Heiliggeistkirche church in Bern showcases its clock tower from solicitor Gumbold's office.
- The Jungfrau Hotel in Lauterbrunnen serves as the setting for the scene where James Bond escapes from a phone booth.
- Aerial shots of the Schilthorn, Mönch, and Titlis mountains contribute to the breathtaking visuals of the Swiss Alps.
- The Lauterbrunnen train station, the Schilthornbahn cable car line, the Schweizerhof Hotel (especially room 411 for a balcony scene), and the Schilthorn peak all contribute to the Swiss ambiance of the film.
- Thun and Heiligenschwendi, two localities in the canton of Bern, were used for various scenes, including when SPECTRE agents approach a barn.
3. GoldenEye directed by Martin Campbell (1995)
- The opening scene, featuring an impressive bungee jump, was filmed at the Verzasca Dam located in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. This location is used to depict the Arkangel Chemical Weapons Facility site in Russia in the film.
- Continuing in this opening sequence, another spectacular moment is when James Bond jumps on a motorcycle.
4. Opening Scene (They Spy Who Loved Me) directed by Lewis Gilbert (1977)
- The opening sequence, which treats us to a thrilling ski chase, was filmed in St. Moritz, in the canton of Graubünden, a renowned destination for its ski resorts and luxurious alpine setting.
- Furthermore, the skiing sequence continues within the same canton of Graubünden, although the impressive mountain jump was not filmed in this region.
5. A View To A Kill directed by John Glen (1985)
- The film's opening sequence transports us to the heart of the Swiss Alps, specifically on the Vedretta di Scerscen Inferiore glacier.
6. Star Wars - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith directed by George Lucas (2005)
- At the conclusion of the film, we see Bail Organa taking the young Princess Leia to Alderaan, described as a serene world. While the city depicted on screen is primarily the result of special effects, the mountainous environment forming the backdrop is indeed real. The majestic mountains that dominate the landscape are those of Grindelwald, located in the Bernese Oberland region.
7. Murder on the Orient Express by Kenneth Branagh (2017)
- The true star of the film is none other than the steam locomotive 241-A-65, a legend originating from Switzerland. To meet the demands of the shooting, this mechanical marvel was brought back into operation, and it was on the Sursee-Triengen line that the locomotive regained its splendor, traversing the picturesque Surental valley in the Lucerne region.
- The film showcases beautiful panoramas of Sursee, in the canton of Lucerne, captured from the moving train. These authentic and iconic Swiss landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for the train's mysterious journey.
- The Sursee-Triengen-Bahn line is also highlighted, specifically the site located at Bahnhofstrasse 9, in Triengen.
- Moreover, the film takes us to Kandersteg, in the canton of Bern, for other important sequences.
8. The Wolf of Wall Street by Martin Scorsese (2013)
- A scene takes place in Geneva. Leonardo DiCaprio, portraying Jordan Belfort, appears in this Geneva scene. The scene depicts a view from a meeting room located within a bank, situated in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland.
9. Youth by Paolo Sorrentino (2015)
In "Youth," directed by Paolo Sorrentino in 2015, several scenes were filmed in Switzerland, mainly in the canton of Graubünden.
- Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel appear in scenes set in Davos, located in the canton of Graubünden.
- The Berghotel Schatzalp in Davos, in the same canton, is also a filming location for the movie.
- The spa of the Park Hotel Waldhaus in Flims, also in the canton of Graubünden, serves as the backdrop for certain sequences.
- A train station scene is shot in Wiesen, also located in the canton of Graubünden.
10. Contagion by Steven Soderbergh (2011)
In the movie "Contagion," directed by Steven Soderbergh in 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) is prominently featured due to the film's theme revolving around a global pandemic.
- Marion Cotillard appears in scenes filmed at the WHO. While Kate Winslet portrays a WHO doctor, several scenes associated with the organization were directly filmed in Geneva.
- A shot establishing Geneva was taken at Chemin de la Grande-Vigne, 1294 Genthod, in Switzerland. This scene notably shows a train from the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways).
- Other sequences were filmed in Geneva, located in the canton of Geneva.
11. Anges et Démons by Ron Howard (2009)
In "Angels & Demons," the sequel to the film "The Da Vinci Code" directed by Ron Howard in 2009, certain scenes take place at CERN.
- Tom Hanks, the lead actor, along with other actors from the film, filmed sequences at CERN in Geneva, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
12. Syriana by Stephen Gagna (2006)
In "Syriana," directed by Stephen Gaghan in 2006, several scenes were filmed in Geneva.
- One of the sequences takes place at Parc des Bastions, located in Geneva.
- In the film, the character Matt Damon portrays, Bryan Woodman, is shown visiting the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva.
13. Millenium, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by David Fincher (2011)
For his adaptation of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," David Fincher chose several iconic locations in Switzerland for filming.
- A part of the film highlights the north face of the Eiger in Grindelwald.
- A tense exchange from the script takes place within the prestigious setting of the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich. Beyond the hotel, the city of Zurich, in winter, is also featured. Sequences were filmed at the airport, in the city center, and specifically at the Dolder Grand Hotel.
14. Point Break by Ericson Core (2015)
In the remake of "Point Break," directed by Ericson Core in 2015, significant sequences were filmed in Switzerland.
- One of the most intense action scenes in the film takes place in the Churfirsten, located in the canton of St. Gallen. This sequence, notable for its danger, features five stunt performers in wingsuits. They navigate through steep alpine passes at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The specific location for this wingsuit sequence is Walenstadt in the canton of St. Gallen.
15. Bourne Identity by Doug Liman (2002)
In "The Bourne Identity," the film that introduced Jason Bourne, several scenes take place in Switzerland.
- Matt Damon, portraying Jason Bourne, is shown in Zurich where he infiltrates a bank. Although the character accesses a vault at the fictional Gemeinschaft Bank, panoramic shots in the film indeed showcase the city of Zurich.
16. Phantom Thread by Paul Thomas Anderson (2017)
The film "Phantom Thread," which received six Oscar nominations, used Swiss settings for some of its sequences.
- Part of the film was shot at the Grandhotel Giessbach, located on the shores of Lake Brienz.
- Furthermore, the exterior of the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes in Kleine Scheidegg, in the canton of Bern, was also used as a filming location.
17. Iron Man 3 by Shane Black (2013) (2002)
In "Iron Man 3," although Switzerland is depicted only briefly, it holds a significant place in the narrative.
- The film references a pivotal moment that took place in Switzerland, with Tony Stark's line: "It all started in Bern, Switzerland." This recollected moment occurs in a scene within the first few minutes of the film, showing the Federal Palace, which is the seat of the Swiss government.
18. Nighttrain by Bille August (2013)
The film "Night Train to Lisbon," based on the best-selling novel by Swiss author Pascal Mercier, was directed by Bille August.
In the feature film, Jeremy Irons plays the role of a Latin teacher who, leaving his hometown of Bern, embarks on a journey to Lisbon in search of new perspectives. Regarding filming locations, a portion of the film was shot in Bern.
In the feature film, Jeremy Irons plays the role of a Latin teacher who, leaving his hometown of Bern, embarks on a journey to Lisbon in search of new perspectives. Regarding filming locations, a portion of the film was shot in Bern.
19. Chaplin by Richard Attenborough (1992)
The film "Chaplin," directed by Richard Attenborough, focuses on the life of cinema icon Charlie Chaplin.
- A sequence in the film takes place at Chaplin's estate located in Vevey. These scenes were indeed filmed in Vevey, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
20. Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan (2023)
The film "Oppenheimer," directed by Christopher Nolan in 2023, has incorporated several iconic locations in Switzerland into its shots.
- Kloster Einsiedeln in Einsiedeln was used for an exterior shot solely as an establishing shot.
- The Grossmünster in Zurich was also captured for an exterior establishing shot.
- Finally, the exterior of the University of Zurich was also filmed for the feature film.
21. Three Colours: Red by Krzysztof Kieslowski (1994)
The film "Three Colors: Red" by Krzysztof Kieślowski, the final installment of his trilogy, features several sequences shot at specific locations in Switzerland.
- Rue des Sources in Geneva was the filming location for Valentine and Auguste's apartments, as well as the exterior setting of Café Joseph.
- Chemin Byron in Cologny was used to film an uphill road.
- Other scenes were shot in Veyrier and Carouge, both located in the canton of Geneva.
- Place des Casemates in Geneva was the filming location for the scene where Valentine drives at night and the large Valentine billboard is seen.
- The interior of the Lausanne Opera, located at Avenue du Théâtre 12 in Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud, was used to film the fashion show sequence.
- Promenade du Pin in Geneva was chosen for the scene where Valentine takes a walk with the dog in the park.
- The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, located at Rue Schaub 17 in Geneva, is where the dog enters the church.
- Chemin Fillion 6 in Carouge was the filming location for the retired judge Joseph Kern's house.
- Finally, the Grand Théâtre de Genève, located at Boulevard du Théâtre 11 in Geneva, served as the exterior setting for the fashion show.
22. Snowden by Oliver Stone (2016)
In "Snowden," directed by Oliver Stone, certain scenes were filmed in Switzerland.
- Geneva was used for exterior shots.
23. Mr Wolff (The Accountant) by Gavin O'Connor (2016)
- Zurich was used solely for establishing shots.
24. The Golden Compass by Chris Weitz (2007)
For "The Golden Compass," directed by Chris Weitz, scenes were filmed in Switzerland.
- Grindelwald, located in the canton of Bern, was used for action sequences.
25. The Man Who Knew Too Much by Alfred Hitchcock (1934)
- St. Moritz, located in the canton of Graubünden, was chosen for the film's opening scenes.
26. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Philip Kaufman (1988)
In "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," directed by Philip Kaufman:
- Geneva was used as a filming location for certain scenes in the film.
27. Rollerball by Norman Jewison (1975)
- The Palais des Nations in Geneva was used as a setting for the "world library with Computer Zero" in the film.
28. Condorman by Charles Jarrott (1981)
- The film incorporated scenes filmed in Zermatt, located in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.
29. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows by Guy Ritchie (2011)
- Scenes of the film set in a train were filmed in Triengen, in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland.
30. The Informant! by Steven Soderbergh (2009)
- The film includes scenes filmed in Zurich.
31. Frankenstein by Kenneth Branagh (1994)
- Parts of the film were filmed in the Swiss Alps.
32. Army of Thieves by Matthias Schweighöfer (2021)
- St. Moritz, Switzerland, served as the location for the third vault and the casino.
33. The Night Manager, the TV series (AMC) by David Farr (2016)
- Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt, Valais Canton, Switzerland: Used as Meisters Hotel, Zermatt.
- Grand Hotel Schönegg - 35 Riedweg, Zermatt, Valais Canton, Switzerland: Location of the first meeting between Angela Burr and Jonathan Pine.
- Matterhorn, Valais Canton, Switzerland: Snow-covered mountains.
34. Band of Brothers, the TV series (HBO) (2001)
- Giessbach Hotel, Brienz, Bern Canton, Switzerland
- Swiss Air Force Base - 3800 Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland
- Grimsel Pass, Switzerland
35. Crash Landing on You, the Korean series (NETFLIX) (2019)
- Sigriswil Panorama Bridge (Berne)
- Kleine Scheidegg (Berne)
- Iseltwald, Lake Brienz, Switzerland. Scene: In episode 3, Ri Jeong-hyeok poignantly reminisces about his time playing the piano in solitude on this wooden “stage” built on the picturesque Lake Brienz.
- Grandhotel Giessbach, Brienz (Berne)
- Schweizer Heimatwerk, Zürich
- Jungfraujoch
- Münsterbrücke, Zürich
- Lindenhof, Zurich
- Lungern (Obwald)
Switzerland is a beautiful country, but its cultural diversity and complex administrative structure, with its four official languages and levels of federal, cantonal, and communal government, can make it challenging for a foreign production company.
At Theus Productions, we specialize in facilitating film shoots in Switzerland. We handle all the necessary permits, organize location scouting, casting, and the recruitment of local teams that match the ambition of your project. Furthermore, we take care of all logistical aspects, from accommodation to transportation and catering. With us, Switzerland has never been more accessible.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your project further.
At Theus Productions, we specialize in facilitating film shoots in Switzerland. We handle all the necessary permits, organize location scouting, casting, and the recruitment of local teams that match the ambition of your project. Furthermore, we take care of all logistical aspects, from accommodation to transportation and catering. With us, Switzerland has never been more accessible.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your project further.
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