Switzerland – Travel Guide
Switzerland, a mesmerizing blend of majestic mountains and serene lakes, beckons with its timeless charm. Explore Zurich’s historic landmarks and modern delights along the Limmat River. Journey through the Swiss Alps on scenic train rides, marveling at breathtaking vistas. Discover picturesque towns like Lucerne and Interlaken, nestled amid stunning landscapes. Indulge in Swiss delights like chocolate and cheese while soaking in the tranquility. With its natural beauty and cultural allure, Switzerland offers an unforgettable escape into pure enchantment.
All about Switzerland
Switzerland FAQ
What is Switzerland known for?
Switzerland has a lot to be proud of. The country boasts some of the world`s most famous inventions – they created Velcro, cellophane, the Swiss Army Knife, absinthe, the potato peeler, Helvetica font, LSD, muesli, edible chocolate gold, and milk chocolate to name a few. Switzerland is also famous for it`s beautiful nature and landscape, watchmaking, chocolate, cheese, banks, lakes, and more.
One of the best things about Switzerland is all the beautiful nature. Many tourists flock to Switzerland each year just to enjoy the Alps. It`s hard to miss them as they make up about 65% of Switzerland. They are one of the world`s most beautiful mountain ranges.
Watches – The watchmaking industry in this country produces watches that are not only technologically advanced but aesthetically appealing as well. Some of the more recognized brands from Switzerland include Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer and Rado.
Almost everyone loves Swiss chocolate and cheese, it`s delicious and two of the most obvious products when you think of Switzerland. They offer so many different varieties of each. If you love chocolate and cheese, you`re in luck here!
From a business point of view, Switzerland has a great reputation for its banks. It`s not uncommon for foreign individuals to put a lot of their money into Swiss banks simply because the economy is so stable and Switzerland is considered to be one of the world`s best countries to do your banking with. They are also popular for their neutrality. If you have ever hear the phrase, `I`m Switzerland` when getting into a debate, it`s because of Switzerland`s reputation for their no-interference policy. Basically they commonly take neutral stance when other countries have issues with one another.
Switzerland also has become known for is their trains, they have several of them that allow tourists and locals alike to easily get from one destination to another. The country makes traveling by train seamless and quick, but even better, is the incredible scenery you see when traveling by this means of transportation.
Another famous attribute in Switzerland is the amazing lakes. There are so many different lakes from large to small and they are all absolutely striking with the mountains scattered behind them as a backdrop. Just the scenery in general, no matter where you travel in this country is incredible.
This brings us to the small towns and villages tucked away in all corners of Switzerland. Traditional Swiss Houses, beautiful wooden chalets with pointy tops and flowers in their windowsills are scattered all throughout the winding side streets and back roads. And they look just like you see them in the pictures.
What are the best places to visit in Switzerland?
Switzerland just may be the most beautiful country in Europe. There`s something about the way the jagged mountains glistens making a picture-perfect backdrop almost everywhere you go. The natural scenery is incredible and the efficient transportation makes it so easy to get around discovering it all. Every town and city in Switzerland offers it`s own unique character.
Central Switzerland is jammed packed with history and culture and the pristine landscapes, gleaming lakes and towering mountaintops are just begging to be explore. This is where you`ll find Central Lucerne, a town straight out of a fairy tale with a magical ambiance that radiates through this town. Brunnen, also located in central Switzerland, is a popular vacation resort situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne boasting breathtaking views. This is an ideal starting point for excursions in the central region of Switzerland. Also worth mentioning in this area of the country is the dramatically positioned Burgenstock, considered to be the most luxurious resort town of the region, along with Vitznau and Weggis.
The Lake Geneva Region is situated in the Southwest corner of Switzerland encompassing the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais. Formed by the Rhone, Lac Leman is the largest lake in central Europe. It consists of the Grand Lac to the east and the Petit Lac to the west and covers 225 sq miles; more than half belongs to Switzerland, the rest to France. Here you will discover the beautiful towns of Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, and Vevey.
Northern Switzerland is a region that stretches along the Rhine River and mainly consists of the greater Zurich Area and the great Basel area. If culture and history are your interest, this is a fabulous region for you. You`ll want to be sure to explore the hippest destination, Zurich that is regularly recognized as one of the world`s most livable cities. Also located in this region is the medieval city of Basel the ancient town of St. Gallen, and the well-preserved town of Schaffhausen.
The Bernese Oberland Region is an admired and beautiful region south of the Swiss capital of Bern. This Swiss winter wonderland is also a summer playground. In a small area, you`ll find a very diversified landscape where the beautiful towns of Interlaken , Grindelwald, and Wengen are located.
With its natural beauty and diverse landscape, the Valais, located in a remote corner of southern Switzerland, is a land of contrasts. Here, you`ll find beautiful glaciers in the valley along the Rhone, majestic four-thousand-meter-high peaks in the mountains, sprawling vineyards, and unspoiled side valleys. Both Zermatt, and Saas Fee are located in this region of the country.
The alpine canton of Graubundun is the largest and most easterly canton of Switzerland offering a lot of excitement for every taste. High mountain peaks, remote valleys, small mountain villages – this region is full of adventures and excitement. Chur, the capital of Graubunden, is the gateway to the alpine and loaded with history. Davos and St. Moritz are two other towns you won`t want to miss while visiting this part of the country.
The canton of Valais is the southernmost canton in Switzerland, bordering Italy. It is Italian-speaking (the only canton with Italian as the sole official language!) with a Mediterranean vibe. This region offers palm trees, beautiful beaches and blue waters. Similar to Italy, You`ll also find charming alleyways, piazzas, churches and a mixture of city and country with something for everyone!
The Swiss Mittelland or the Swiss Plateau is one of the three major landscapes in Switzerland alongside the Jura Mountains and the Swiss Alps. At the heart of this central region lies Bern, the laid-back city that few realize is Switzerland`s capital. You`ll find this entire region offers beautiful countryside with charming villages and plenty of history and cultural attractions to be explored.
How many days should I spend in Switzerland?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Switzerland?
By Car: Public transport in Switzerland is fantastic, but a car has its advantages: You can save time reaching smaller villages and experience the thrill of winding up and down an Alpine pass, stopping for photos or picnics whenever you like. Switzerland`s roads are generally excellent and marked by clear. Drivers are well trained. You may only need a rubber bone when driving sharply curving, narrow, steep mountain roads, with impatient locals at your rear; or in cities, where trams and bicycles seem to whoosh into streets out of nowhere. One more note of caution: You`ll never want to drive into the mountains if there`s any chance of snow unless you have proper winter tires or chains. In some areas, chains are required, which will be indicated by a blue road sign with a picture of a tire in chains; the same sign with a red slash tells you when you exit that zone. Attempting to drive down an icy mountain with summer tires can be incredibly dangerous (and you may not be covered by insurance).
Most North American rental agencies have offices in the major communities of Switzerland. You`ll save a fair amount of money if you make these arrangements before departing for Europe. You`ll also save a lot of money if you can drive a stick shift rather than an automatic. To rent a car in Switzerland, you generally must be at least 20 years old; if you are not yet 25 years old, plan to pay a higher rate. Your North American driver`s license is all that is needed, but you’ll need an international driver`s license if you drive into neighboring countries. Those are fairly inexpensive and can be obtained at your AAA office before departing.
For more information, check out Driving in Switzerland.
By Train: Train travel is by far the best way to travel in Switzerland; it’s economical and popular with both locals and tourists. The stations are clean and equipped with a variety of services, while the trains themselves are punctual, equally clean and comfortable. Although smoking is allowed in many public places in Switzerland, the trains are smoke-free.
Unless you have extremely unusual circumstances that require private vehicles, get on the train and experience life as the locals do. You`ll be exposed to spectacular scenery and a way of life for most Europeans. Two of the world`s most scenic train routes are the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, which cross through the rugged mountain landscapes, offering up a vision of Switzerland that just can`t be found elsewhere. This is where you might want to splurge and buy seats in the observation cars for unobstructed view of the Alps.
First-class cars are slightly more spacious and provide a better view on the upper level, but second-class tickets will save you quite a bit of money. If you’re traveling with family, children under 16 travel for free in the company of an adult, but be sure to purchase the family tickets.
The best investment any independent traveler to Switzerland can make is the Swiss Pass. In addition to train travel all over the country, this valuable pass includes intercity bus routes, ferry boats on many lakes, tour boats on many rivers and admission to multiple museums around the country. Discounts are offered on select cog railways and funiculars, as well as some special events and festivals.
What is the currency of Switzerland?
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF or SFr. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in euros so that visitors may compare prices. Euros are accepted in many places, but you will most likely receive francs in return. US dollars are not accepted.
Do people speak English in Switzerland?
Switzerland is the world’s only country where there are four national languages. These include French, Rumantsch, German and Italian. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-German guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Switzerland has much to offer visitors any time of year and all season present some great benefits. Summer boasts Switzerland`s nicest weather, yet it`s also when the country is packed with tourists.
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Anytime is a good time to visit, and the best time really depends on your plans and whether you`re looking for a city or mountain break. You will be able to discover different parts of Switzerland, no matter which part of the year you travel in.
The weather in Switzerland is full of regional microclimates. Weather in the sub-Jura valleys is the coldest in Switzerland, while the southernmost canton of Ticino offers warm, Mediterranean-like weather. Generally speaking, the country`s climate is typical of central Europe or the northern United States, but without the extremes of hot and cold. Summer typically offers ample sun, though rain is just as common. Switzerland`s springtime and autumn weather is usually agreeable but can get slightly chilly. Here is an overview of Switzerland in all four seasons that will help you decide what`s the best time of year for you to visit.
November – March (Winter)
This season is somewhat contradictory. It`s both the high season and the low season. Many resorts close around this time, but the ski slopes will be wide open with a number of tourists. Especially around Christmas, a lot of tourists head to Switzerland to experience the snowcapped mountains, and the wonderful skiing, as well as the Christmas markets. Prices are relatively cheap in the winter months, except for the slopes, which is where most of the crowds will be.
The winter offers ideal weather for winter sports with temperatures hovering around 41 – 50° F. If you`re visiting at this time of year, head to the Valais Region, which is stunning during the winter. Zermatt or Saas-Fee offers beautiful skiing and snowboarding. This is a great time to take a trip on the Gornergrat Railway, or the Klein Matternhorn Cable Car, to discover the most stunning views.
Switzerland is also quite beautiful at Christmas time when traditional Christmas markets are open in the larger cities.
Events and Festivals
– Zibelemärit, Bern (November)
– Christmas Festivities, nationwide (December)
– L`Escalad, Geneva (December)
April – May (spring)
The springtime is a beautiful time to visit Switzerland for a number of reasons. The snowfall has started to melt making it at bearable levels but allowing you to still see Switzerland for the winter wonderland that it is. Additionally, the crowds from the ski slopes have thinned out, and the summer crowds have not yet started coming so most accommodation and travel tickets are cheaper. The weather in Switzerland might be slightly chilly this time of year, but with cheaper rates, beautiful wildflowers blooming across the valleys, fewer tourist, and stunning views, visitors really enjoy this time of year.
The weather offers average temperatures from 60 -74° F. Some highlights when visiting the area during these months are hiking, scenic train rides, the Lakes (especially Lake Lugano, on the Italian-Swiss border), and some of the Festivals, such as the Artisti di strada in Ascona.
Events and Festivals
– Primavera Concertistica, Locarno (April)
– Sechseläuten (Six O’Clock Chimes), Zurich (April)
– Corpus Christi. Solemn processions in the Roman Catholic regions and towns of Switzerland (May)
– Fête de Lausanne, Lausanne (June)
June – August (summer)
July through August are ideal to visit in terms of weather. The summer months is also peak tourist season and prices are at their highest, travelers should book accommodations well in advance as accommodations fill up quick this time of year. Visitors flock to Switzerland because the weather is perfect and warm, with wildflowers growing all across the valley. The snow thaws during this season, even in the higher passes, so you will be able to hike a larger area of trails.
Average temperatures this time of year are typically in the low 80s° F. Some highlights in the summer months are the beautiful and expansive hiking trails and outdoor adventures such as biking and paragliding. The summer also offers a variety of festivals.
Events and Festivals
– Montreux International Jazz Festival, Montreux (July)
– Sechseläuten (Six O’Clock Chimes), Zurich (April)
– Züri Fäscht, Zurich (July)
– Fêtes de Genève, Geneva (August)
– Lucerne Festival, Lucerne (August)
– Zurich Street Parade (August)
September – October (autumn)
September and October make one of the most beautiful times to visit with the weather being fairly warm, but mildly chilly, and vibrant fall colors taking over the slopes (typically start to change color the end of September). For visitors preferring to explore the alpine nation with less shoulder-rubbing, these months are ideal, since it`s less crowded, yet weather remains agreeable.
Temperatures are starting to dip in September and October averaging around 57 – 75° F. Snow will start to fall in the mountains and days will get shorter. Some highlights in the autumn are hiking (although some trails may get snow covered) and you`ll find the best wine, as this is when the grape harvests happen. The higher passes and pass roads will start to close in October. This is a beautiful time to visit Interlaken, where you can see the stunning Jungfrau. This is a popular time to visit Lake Brienz and Lake Thun for paragliding, or even swimming.
Events and Festivals
– Autumn Festival (October)
– Aelplerchilbi, Kerns and other villages of the Unterwalden Canton (September/October)
Tipping in Switzerland
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Switzerland
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Swiss Franc (CHF)?
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, written CHF. Switzerland does not have the Euro! You will need to use the Swiss Franc while in Switzerland as a vast majority of stores, restaurants and other businesses in Switzerland do not accept any other currency than the Franc.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
There is no obligation to tip anybody in restaurants, cafes, and bars. A service charge is typically added into your bill at restaurants in Switzerland. If this is the case, you do not need to leave an additional tip. Waiters in Switzerland are paid a decent salary and do not depend on tips for their livelihood. If you are exceptionally happy with your service, you can round the bill to the nearest franc. If the service is lousy, don`t leave a tip at all. Eating out in Switzerland can prove to be expensive when compared with surrounding countries; therefore, this ought to be taken into consideration when thinking about tipping etiquette in Switzerland.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Switzerland is usually expected. You should give around 1-2 CHF for each bag that the bellman carries. If you take a hotel shuttle, you should give the driver a small tip, about 1 CHF. Also, you should tip the maid around 1 CHF a day and if it is a resort hotel, you may want to leave a little more.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is unusual and never expected in Switzerland. However, if the taxi driver was particularly helpful tipping etiquette dictates that you should round up or add 5% to the nearest franc and let the taxi driver keep the change.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is not expected in Switzerland as most tours include a service charge. However, if you had an exceptional experience and felt you wanted to express your appreciation to your tour guide, you can tip him or her around 10 – 15% of the cost of the tour. If you don`t want to tip them that much, then tip them between 1 – 5 CHF. Again, it is not expected, but always much appreciated when you do.
Final Thoughts
Remember it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the US, waiters, tour guides, hotel staff, etc. are paid a decent wage, and tipping is not the standard practice.
Top cities in Switzerland
Lucerne
More cities in Switzerland
A – Z
What to expect while traveling
