Overview
Switzerland epitomises alpine perfection with its snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, world-class skiing and hiking, charming villages, and legendary efficiency. From gourmet chocolate and cheese, to medieval old towns and cutting-edge museums, this small, land-locked nation delivers outsized experiences.
Whether you're ascending to Jungfraujoch on Europe's highest railway, cruising Lake Geneva's sapphire waters, exploring cosmopolitan Zurich, or hiking through wildflower meadows with the Matterhorn as backdrop, Switzerland offers breathtaking beauty at every turn; though at premium prices that match the premium quality.
Getting There
By Air
Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) airports are Switzerland's main international gateways. Basel EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) serves three countries (Switzerland, France, and Germany).
Visa Requirements
Schengen visa rules apply. EU/EEA citizens need no visa. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Check requirements for your nationality.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
Switzerland shines year-round. Summer offers perfect hiking weather, winter brings world-class skiing, while spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and stunning landscapes at lower prices.
- Spring (April-June): Wildflowers, melting snow, pleasant hiking, and fewer tourists.
- Summer (July-August): Prime hiking season, all mountain lifts operating, with the chance for some lake swimming.
- Autumn (September-October): Golden foliage, grape harvest, and comfortable temperatures.
- Winter (December-March): Ski season, Christmas markets, surrounded by snow-covered alpine magic.
Top Attractions
Lakes & Scenic Routes
- Bernina Express through Alpine passes.
- Glacier Express panoramic train journey.
- Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) with Montreux and Lausanne.
- Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus.
Major Cities
- Basel's art museums and Rhine riverside.
- Bern's medieval UNESCO Old Town.
- Geneva's Jet d'Eau and international organisations.
- Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse shopping and Old Town.
Mountain Excursions
- Aletsch Glacier, largest in the Alps.
- Gornergrat railway for Matterhorn views.
- Mount Titlis rotating cable car and glacier.
- Schilthorn revolving restaurant (James Bond location).
Swiss Alps
- Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls.
- Interlaken adventure sports hub.
- Jungfraujoch 'Top of Europe' railway journey.
- Matterhorn and Zermatt car-free resort.
Traditional Switzerland
- Appenzell's folklore and painted houses.
- Gruyères medieval castle and cheese dairies.
- Lugano's Mediterranean climate and Italian flavour.
- St. Moritz glamorous ski resort.
Swiss Cuisine
Swiss cuisine reflects its multicultural regions, emphasising quality dairy products and hearty mountain fare. Must-try dishes include:
- Älplermagronen: Alpine macaroni with cheese, potatoes, and onions.
- Fondue: Melted cheese with bread cubes; a quintessential Swiss experience.
- Meringues with Double Cream: Gruyère region specialty.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped over potatoes and pickles.
- Rösti: Crispy shredded potato pancake.
- Swiss Cheese: Gruyère, Emmental, Appenzeller varieties.
- Swiss Chocolate: Cailler (Nestlé), Läderach, Lindt & Sprüngli, premium artisan chocolatiers.
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Zurich-style veal in cream sauce.
Getting Around Switzerland
Switzerland offers an extensive, efficient, and reliable public transportation system that makes travelling around the country easy and enjoyable.
- Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats; and free museum entry.
- Trains: SBB operates one of the world's most punctual networks. The backbone of Swiss travel, trains connect cities, towns, and even remote mountain areas with scenic routes and panorama windows.
- Buses: Bright yellow PostBus services connect smaller towns and remote regions that trains may not reach.
- Boats: Lake steamers on Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, and other lakes.
- Cable Cars & Funiculars: Essential for mountain access; often discounted with travel passes.
- Rental Cars: Useful for flexibility but expensive and unnecessary given public transport.
- City Transport: Efficient trams, buses in all cities; tourist card often included with hotel stays.
- Bicycles: Cycling routes throughout; bike rental at many train stations.
Practical Tips
- Be punctual—Swiss trains run exactly on time.
- Buy Swiss Travel Pass before arrival for best value.
- Four language regions: German (central/north), French (west), Italian (south), Romansh (south-east).
- Greet in appropriate language: "Grüezi" (German), "Bonjour" (French), "Buongiorno" (Italian).
- Many mountain areas close in 'shoulder seasons' (May, November).
- Quiet hours and Sunday rules strictly observed.
- Recycling is mandatory and taken seriously.
- Reserve restaurants and popular mountain hotels well in advance in peak season.
- Swiss don't use Euro, despite being surrounded by European Union countries.
- Switzerland is expensive; budget accordingly (especially dining and accommodation).
- Tap water is pristine and free; use fountains everywhere.
- Tipping not expected (service included) but rounding up is appreciated.
Regional Travel Guides
Switzerland travel guides written by people in the know - a community of Swiss expats, locals and regular visitors to Switzerland.
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