Little-known European town dubbed 'world's most beautiful' with crystal-clear waters

Daily Mirror

06-05-2025

Ed Chapman, a leading travel YouTuber, was obsessed with one particular Swiss lakeside paradise years before he finally got to visit - and he says it's just like a "posh Benidorm"
A YouTube star who dreamed of visiting one of the most beautiful places in the world was stunned when he showed up.
Before becoming a top travel YouTuber, Ed Chapman had an obsession with one particular place. After years of dreaming about it, Ed has now achieved his goal of visiting the idyllic lakeside haven of Brunnen. But terrible weather put something of a damper on his dream.
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Perched on the edge of Lake Lucerne in the heart of Switzerland, Brunnen has earned the title of "the most beautiful town in the world" from several visitors. Ed had always wanted to gaze into the lake's clear turquoise waters, but there was a little problem.
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Upon arrival, the usually charming town was hidden under less-than-ideal weather conditions, with relentless rain somewhat spoiling the view. But Ed didn't let this dampen his spirits, donning a raincoat and pressing on.
"I just hope the sun comes out, because then it will prove my point about how beautiful this place is and perhaps my dream of coming here might be realised," he said.
The enchanting spot has lured notable figures such as Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill, who spent his honeymoon beside Lake Lucerne, as well as famed painter JMW Turner, who captured the majestic mountains in several watercolours.
Even with the weather not on his side, Ed stayed hopeful, remarking: "Maybe it's the most beautiful place in the world ... we haven't exactly had the sun yet, but I think tomorrow we might."
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On the last day of his trip, Ed's patience was rewarded with a break in the weather. As the sun emerged, he exclaimed: "It's a new dawn it's a new day... we've got the sun!
"We haven't quite got a clear view yet across the water. It's still a little bit cloudy but at least the sun's out hopefully it'll continue to clear up as the morning goes on.
"We've got a few more hours here before we have to check out but I'm getting optimistic that we might get some you know some some clear skies."
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Despite the lingering clouds, Ed was captivated by the stunning mountain scenery and the lake's vibrant turquoise waters. "That is incredibly turquoise," he marvelled.
"It's crazy how clear the waters are. I just love a mountain, I love a lake." He noted the snow-dusted mountain peaks, remarking: "It doesn't get much better than that."
Ed even suggested the location could be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
His holiday concluded with a contented moment on his hotel balcony, drink in hand: "This is what it's all about," he laughed. "Sat on a balcony having a citrus drink looking at the view. It's like a posh Benidorm."