SWITZERLAND
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a landlocked marvel renowned for its breathtaking Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming cities.
Region: West-Central Europe
Capital: Bern
Official Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Level of Travel Safety: Switzerland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
Why Visit Switzerland?
Alpine Majesty: Jungfrau, Matterhorn, and pristine lakes like Lucerne and Geneva.
Efficiency Meets Beauty: Flawless trains, clean cities, and breathtaking infrastructure.
Multicultural Flair: Blend of German, French, and Italian influences in food, language, and architecture.
Outdoor Paradise: Skiing (Zermatt, St. Moritz), hiking (Grindelwald), and paragliding (Interlaken).
Chocolate & Cheese: Home to Lindt, Toblerone, and fondue in cozy mountain chalets.
Timeless Villages: Postcard-perfect towns like Zermatt, Appenzell, and Gruyères.
Essential Trip Information
Visa and Entry Requirements
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU.
Check visa requirements based on nationality via the Swiss Federal Office for Migration or your local consulate.
Passports must be valid for three months beyond your stay and issued within the last ten years. Six months of validity is recommended.
Immigration may request proof of onward travel (return ticket) and sufficient funds.
Currency
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Banknotes: CHF 10–CHF 1,000 (CHF 200/1,000 rarely used). Coins: 5c–CHF 5.
Best Ways to Handle Currency
Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount for immediate needs; avoid airport rates. Travel cards (Revolut, Wise) offer competitive rates.
During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (UBS, Credit Suisse). Opt to be charged in CHF. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted, but carry CHF 50–100 cash for rural areas.
What to Avoid: Exchange offices in tourist areas with poor rates.
Language
Official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Learn basics: Grüezi (Hello in German), Merci (Thank you in French), Grazie (Thank you in Italian).
Safety and Security
Extremely safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Zurich HB, Geneva train stations).
Emergency number: 112 (or 117 for police).
Health
No special vaccinations required.
EU citizens: Bring EHIC card; others need travel insurance.
Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are well-stocked. Tap water is safe (often alpine-fresh!).
Transportation
Trains: Best way to travel—efficient, scenic (Swiss Travel Pass saves money).
Cities: Trams/buses (Zurich, Geneva) are punctual; walkable centers.
Driving: Expensive (tolls, parking) but ideal for remote valleys.
Boats: Scenic lake ferries (e.g., Lake Geneva, Lucerne).
Price Level
Switzerland is one of Europe’s most expensive countries, but quality justifies costs.
Accommodation
Budget: Hostels ($40–$80/night)
Mid-range: 3-star hotels ($140–$250/night)
Luxury: 4-5 star hotels ($340+/night)
Food
Bakeries: $7–$11 for sandwiches
Café meals: $17–$28 (daily specials)
Restaurant dinners: $34–$68/person
Coffee: $4.50–$7 (espresso at the bar)
Drinks
Beer: $7–$10 (bars), $2–$4.50 (supermarkets)
Wine: $9–$23/glass
Cocktails: $17–$28
Transportation
Trains: $23–$110 (advance bookings save money)
City transit: $3–$6/ride
Gasoline: ~$1.90–$2.30/liter
Money-Saving Tips
Travel with a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited transit.
Picnic with groceries (Migros, Coop supermarkets).
Visit free attractions (hiking trails, lakefronts).
Explore Switzerland
Smart Travel
Key Advantages:
- Lowest Prices
- Fewer Crowds
- Authentic Local Vibe
- Winter Sports (excluding peak)
- Cozy Atmosphere
Main Drawbacks:
- Cold Temperatures (often below freezing, 32ºF/0ºC)
- Shorter Days
- Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
- Some closures
Key Regions:
- Lucerne: Charming city with lake and mountain views; fewer tourists.
- Bern: Capital city, historic old town; quieter exploration.
- Zurich: Major city with museums and cultural sites; more relaxed pace.
- Geneva: International hub, lakeside beauty; pleasant for city breaks.
Key Advantages:
- Ideal Weather (mild, averaging 50-68ºF/10-20ºC)
- Manageable Crowds
- Reasonable Prices
- Festivals & Events
- Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)
Main Drawbacks:
- Spring Mud Season (higher altitudes)
- Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
- Some mountain transport may not operate fully until late spring
Key Regions:
- Ticino: Mediterranean climate, Italian influence; vibrant in spring and autumn.
- Lake Geneva Region (Montreux, Lausanne): Vineyards and lakeside towns; beautiful mild weather.
- Appenzell: Rolling hills, traditional charm; perfect for hiking in good weather.
- Valais (lower altitudes): Wine region with stunning autumn foliage.
- Mid-Summer (June – August)
- Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
- Peak Ski Season (February – March)
Planning Your Trip
Local Customs And Etiquette
Greetings: A handshake is standard; cheek kisses (three in French-speaking regions) among friends.
Punctuality: Trains/buses run on time—arrive early!
Dining: Dinner starts around 6:30–7:30 PM. Bread is eaten with cheese/fondue, not butter.
Tipping: Service is included, but rounding up (5–10%) is polite.
Quiet Hours: Noise (e.g., laundry) is frowned upon after 10 PM.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation
Hostels: $63–$125+ (Dorm beds can start lower, private rooms higher)
Hotels (Mid-range): $188–$375+
Luxury: $500+ (with some high-end suites reaching $100,000+ per night)
Food
Casual Meal: $25–$50 (e.g., simple restaurant or takeaway)
Mid-range Restaurant Meal: $50–$100+
Fine Dining: $125+ (per person)
Transport
Train (single journey): $38–$125+ (depending on distance)
Note: A Swiss Travel Pass (3 days, 2nd class) starts around $305.
Local Public Transport: $5–$13+ per ride
Day passes often available for $10–$19 in major cities.
Car Rental: $50–$125+ per day (economy to mid-size)
Activities
Museums (entry fee): $25–$44
Mountain Excursions: $50–$125+ (cable cars/trains)
Hiking: Free (if no mountain transport is required)
Daily Budget (in USD)
Budget: $125–$225 (hostels, casual meals, public transport/some hiking)
Mid-range: $250–$500 (mid-range hotels, some attractions, train travel)
Luxury: $625+ (fine dining, high-end hotels, extensive activities)
Internet & Mobile
Free Wi-Fi: Available in trains, cafés, and hotels.
SIM Cards: Salt or Sunrise ($25–$38 for 10GB). EU roaming applies.
eSIMs: Supported (Airalo, Swisscom).
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for Schengen visas. Covers medical emergencies (Swiss healthcare is costly!).
Winter sports: Verify coverage for skiing/snowboarding.
EU Citizens: GHIC covers basics (supplement with private insurance).
Accomodation Options
From luxury resorts to budget hostels, Switzerland caters to all.
Hotels
Budget: Ibis, Swiss Night ($93–$140/night).
Mid-Range: Traditional Alpine inns ($175–$350).
Luxury: Five-star stays (Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, Dolder Grand in Zurich).
Hostels
Affordable dorms: ($35–$70) in cities (Zurich, Interlaken).
Apartments/Airbnb
Ideal for families or groups. Book early in ski resorts.
Mountain Huts
Basic but scenic for hikers (book via Swiss Alpine Club).
Chalets
Splurge on a private ski chalet in Verbier or Gstaad.
Getting Around Switzerland
Switzerland’s transport system is among the world’s most efficient.
Trains:
Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats. Worth it for multi-city trips.
Scenic Routes: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line offer breathtaking views.
SBB App: Essential for real-time schedules and tickets.
Buses/PostBuses:
Connect remote Alpine villages (e.g., Lauterbrunnen to Mürren).
Boats:
Lakes Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich have regular ferries—great for sightseeing.
Car Rental:
Useful for exploring off-the-beaten-path areas (Valais, Emmental).
Note: Mountain passes (Gotthard, Furka) may close in winter.
Public Transport in Cities:
Zurich/Geneva: Trams and buses cover all major areas. Day passes available.
Cable Cars: Key for mountain access (e.g., Titlis, Matterhorn).
Handy Tips
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), with banknotes in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1,000 CHF denominations. Coins come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, plus 1, 2, and 5 CHF.
Exchanging Currency: Banks offer the best rates, but exchange offices are available at airports and train stations. ATMs (Bancomats) are widespread and reliable.
Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but smaller shops, mountain huts, or rural areas may prefer cash. Always carry some francs for tolls, markets, or tips.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is modest (service charges are usually included):
- Restaurants: Round up or add 5–10% for exceptional service.
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest franc.
- Hotels: 1–2 CHF per bag for porters; 2–5 CHF per day for housekeeping.
- Tour Guides: 5–10 CHF per person for a full-day tour.
Switzerland has four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh). Key phrases vary by region:
- German (most common):
Guten Tag (Hello) / Danke (Thank you)
Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?)
Wo ist…? (Where is…?)
French: Similar to France (see your Spain guide).
Italian: Buongiorno (Hello) / Grazie (Thank you).
Pro Tip: English is widely spoken, but locals appreciate greetings in their native tongue.
Switzerland is exceptionally safe, but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas like Zurich or Geneva.
Emergency Contacts:
- 112: Pan-European emergency number.
- 117: Police.
- 144: Medical emergencies.
- 118: Fire brigade.
- Your Embassy: Keep details handy (e.g., U.S. Embassy in Bern).
Switzerland uses 230V/50Hz with Type J plugs (three round pins). Adapters are needed for most foreign devices; converters are unnecessary for dual-voltage electronics.
Tap water is safe and delicious—often sourced from Alpine springs. Bottled water (Mineralwasser) is available but unnecessary.
Major closures on:
1 Jan: New Year’s Day
2 Jan: Berchtold’s Day (some cantons)
Good Friday & Easter Monday (varies)
1 May: Labour Day (some cantons)
Ascension Day & Whit Monday (spring)
1 Aug: National Day (fireworks!)
25–26 Dec: Christmas
Cities: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:30, Sat until 17:00; closed Sunday (except train stations/bakeries).
Villages: Shorter hours, often closed Wednesdays.
Markets: Morning-only (e.g., Zurich’s Bürkliplatz on Tuesdays/Fridays).
Rösti: Crispy pan-fried potatoes—Switzerland’s answer to hash browns, often topped with cheese or egg.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Creamy sliced veal dish served with Rösti—try in Zurich for the real deal.
Fondue: Melted cheese pot (usually Gruyère + Emmental) served with bread—winter or not, it’s a must.
Raclette: Melted cheese scraped over potatoes, pickles, and onions—hearty alpine comfort food.
Älplermagronen: Alpine mac ‘n’ cheese—macaroni baked with potatoes, cheese, and onions, topped with applesauce.
Saucisson Vaudois: Smoked pork sausage from the French-speaking Vaud region—often served with leeks.
Perch Fillets: Lake fish delicacy—pan-fried and buttery, best in lakeside towns like Lausanne.
Basler Läckerli: Spiced, honey-almond biscuit from Basel—dense, chewy, and perfect with coffee.
Nusstorte: Rich nut-filled caramel tart from the Engadin Valley—sweet and indulgent.
Toblerone: Born in Bern, this iconic triangle chocolate combines honey, nougat, and Swiss milk magic.
Alcoholic:
Fendant: A crisp white wine from Valais—made from the Chasselas grape, perfect with cheese dishes.
Dôle: Swiss red blend—fruity and light, typically from Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes.
Lutry Wine: From the Lavaux vineyards—UNESCO-listed and known for scenic lakeside sipping.
Bündner Pinot Noir: Grown in the Grisons, this is Switzerland’s finest red—elegant and earthy.
Feldschlösschen: Most popular Swiss lager—brewed in Rheinfelden since 1876.
Calanda: Clean, refreshing lager from Graubünden—especially great after mountain hikes.
Appenzeller Alpenbitter: Herbal liqueur—strong, complex, and ideal as a digestif.
Non-Alcoholic:
Rivella: Switzerland’s beloved fizzy soft drink made from milk whey—sounds odd, tastes great.
Ovomaltine: Swiss version of Ovaltine—rich malt-chocolate drink, hot or cold.
Swiss Hot Chocolate: Creamy, decadent, and made with real chocolate—best enjoyed après-ski.
Mineralwasser mit Kohlensäure: Sparkling alpine mineral water—refreshing and pure.
Château de Chillon: Fairytale lakeside castle near Montreux—medieval halls with unbeatable views.
Old Town Bern: UNESCO World Heritage Site—clock towers, arcades, and fountains galore.
Swiss National Museum (Zurich): Explore Swiss history from prehistoric to modern times.
Gruyères: Cobblestone village with cheese-making heritage and a surreal H.R. Giger museum.
UN Headquarters (Geneva): Global diplomacy at work—tours available.
Romansh Culture (Grisons): Discover Switzerland’s rare fourth national language and its traditions.
Appenzell Traditions: From yodeling to alpine cattle parades—alive and well in this small canton.
Watchmaking (La Chaux-de-Fonds): Visit the International Watch Museum in the birthplace of precision.
Basel Fasnacht: Switzerland’s most colorful and surreal carnival—don’t miss the 4 a.m. kickoff.
Heidi Village (Maienfeld): Step into Johanna Spyri’s world of Alpine innocence.
Bernina Express: One of the world’s most scenic train rides—from glaciers to palm trees.
Winter Sports (Zermatt & St. Moritz): Ski, snowboard, or just sip glühwein by the slopes.
Montreux Jazz Festival: Legendary lakeside music event—held every July.
Thermal Baths (Vals or Leukerbad): Soak in steamy outdoor pools with mountain views.
Lugano Lido: Lake swimming and sunbathing with a Mediterranean vibe.
Lucerne Boat Tour: Classic paddle steamers glide through the heart of Switzerland.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Highest cable car station in Europe—snow fun year-round.
Alpine Hiking: Trails crisscrossing the Jungfrau and Ticino regions—stunning at every turn.
Cheese-Making Tours: From Gruyère to Emmental—watch the magic happen.
Open-Air Cinemas: Summer films by lakesides and city squares—bring a blanket and wine.
Kaufleuten (Zurich): Elegant clubbing inside a former ballroom.
Rote Fabrik (Zurich): Lakeside alternative scene—live music, DJ sets, and cultural events.
Les Enfants Terribles (Lausanne): Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with serious mixology.
Lady Godiva (Geneva): Popular pub with local brews and international vibe.
La Parenthèse (Nyon): Cozy bar hidden behind a bookstore.
Club Bonsoir (Bern): Trendy and intimate—electro and indie DJs.
Old Crow (Zurich): Top-tier cocktail bar with over 1,000 spirits.
Apéro Hour: Swiss love early-evening drinks—cheese platters, olives, and wine.
Le Verre à Monique (Geneva): Chic and vintage-inspired for craft cocktails.
Sky Lounge (Basel): Rooftop drinks with river and cathedral views.