Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland

Capital City

With a population of 29,955, Yverdon-les-Bains is no quaint Swiss idyll. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's rocky history with its thermal spa facilities. While there's a thriving academic scene thanks to the nearby university, the weather is far from ideal, with over 118 days of rain or snow per year. And with a foreign national population of 34.2%, newcomers should brace for cultural adjustments. Overall, Yverdon-les-Bains is best suited for those who prize access to nature and don't mind navigating an occasionally frustrating local government.