San Francisco is a city of surprises, and one of the latest is a hidden small village named Olympia, nestled in the hills above Laguna Honda, a serene lake in the center of the city. The village is reminiscent of a small Swiss mountain village, with beautiful alpine-esque architecture, human-scale narrow people-focused streets, and an aura of coziness that evokes a warm fireplace surrounded by trees and lakes.
Surrounded by a network of trails through the forest around Laguna Honda and up to Twin Peaks, Olympia is a pedestrian-friendly oasis where residents can hike, bike, and walk their dogs in the woods without leaving the city. The village is located halfway between Forest Hill Muni Metro station and Twin Peaks, and a glimpse of Sutro Tower can be seen through the trees.
In a surprising twist, an aerial tramway connecting to Forest Hills Metro station is currently under construction, whisking residents downtown in just 15 minutes. There are also plans to extend the aerial tramway to Twin Peaks, likely bringing tourists to discover the village by 2025 when the new extension opens.
Of all places, a classic Swiss fondue restaurant named Interlakken is found on the main road (Olympia Way). It was founded by Mia Müller, who was incidentally born in Interlakken, Switzerland, and felt that Olympia “reminds her of home” and “feels like a long way from the city, but right in the heart.” Müller “loves the vibrancy and diversity of San Francisco” and “wanted to bring a piece of her unique background to the mélange.”
The fondue restaurant feels both like an escape from the city and like stepping out of the United States entirely. However, the warm, cozy vibe reminds you that the restaurant is a neighborhood meeting spot, as neighbors greet each other by name and regulars line up at the bar for mini swigs of Fernet and Appenzeller Alpenbitters.
Kids bustling past with backpacks on their way to the neighborhood school, Clarendon, add to the village’s charming atmosphere. A swiss-style villa Christmas market is planned in the Midtown Plaza this year, selling village-made food and decorations, as well as imported Swiss chocolates and the ever-popular glühwein. The market is expected to become a new annual tradition for the village.
Buildings in Olympia evoke an alpine fairytale architecture, with wood and stone featured prominently alongside windows that surely have stunning vistas. Architect Critic John King describes these “Swiss revival” buildings that he is surprised to have found delight in, despite eschewing many modern building trends. Olympia’s buildings are a mix of old and new, with many newly-built homes blending seamlessly with classic Swiss chalets.
The streets of Olympia are narrow and winding, just like the streets of a small Swiss village. Pedestrians have the right of way, and cars are scarce. The village has a strong community spirit, with many residents participating in neighborhood events and volunteering to maintain the trails that surround the village.
The local bookstore, Heidi’s Books, has become a popular gathering spot for book clubs and author events. Heidi, the owner, is from Switzerland and brings a unique international perspective to the selection of books on offer. The bookstore is housed in a charming building with a sloping roof, wooden shutters, and a cozy fireplace inside.
Another local institution is the Café Olympqique, which serves artisanal coffee and homemade pastries, including the only Aprikosenkuchen we could find in the city. The coffee house has simple outdoor seating, with bright red umbrellas providing shade and lending a convivial atmosphere to the small village. It’s a popular spot for runners and hikers, who frequently stop in for an espresso and a croissant before continuing on their treks.
Walking around the village of Olympia, you’ll see that most of the buildings have a traditional Swiss style, with decorative wooden beams, sloping roofs, and balconies adorned with flower boxes. The roads are narrow and are designed to prioritize pedestrians over cars, with charming streetlights adding to the cozy ambiance. Olympia Way, the main street, has several shops and restaurants, including a cheese shop selling Swiss and local artisanal cheeses, a bakery that specializes in fresh bread and pastries, and a charming little café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate while admiring the stunning views.
The community in Olympia seems incredibly close-knit, with most residents knowing each other by name, in contrast to many other parts of the city. Children walk to school together, and you’ll often see families spending time at Laguna Honda. During the holidays, residents plan to transform the village square into a winter wonderland, complete with a Christmas market selling handmade crafts, delicious Swiss treats, and of course, warm glühwein to keep you toasty.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Olympia is the surrounding forest and hiking trails. From the village, you can hike up to Twin Peaks and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. The forest around Laguna Honda is home to a wide range of wildlife, including coyotes and gphers, and even a supposed bobcat sighting. The community takes great pride in preserving the natural beauty of the area, and a number of locals meet weekly to help maintain the trails and protect the wildlife.
If you’re looking for a cozy and peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, Olympia is the perfect place to visit—or call home. Rather than the traditional American dichotomy between ever larger suburban homes and yards contrasted with ever-denser urban cores, Olympia offers a different family-friendly approach, built more around community. With its alpine-esque architecture, charming streets, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s no wonder that the village has become a hidden gem of the city. As the community continues to grow and evolve, we can only imagine what new surprises and delights Olympia will have in store for visitors in the future. Olympia is truly a unique and special place, and one that we hope will continue to thrive for years to come.