Switzerland Travel Tips

SWITZERLAND TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS

At a Glance | Trip Planning | Things to Do | What to Eat | Places to Stay | Latest

At a Glance

This economic powerhouse nestled amongst the Alps provides a phenomenal experience for any visitor. The juxtaposition of power and tranquility is beautifully demonstrated in its cities, where the significance and global status of Zurich is met by its fairytale majesty and rolling hills.

Kick back in alpine-style cabins and resorts or go full throttle with skiing and skydiving in the incredible mountains. You could even just simply binge on the creations of master chocolatiers. Either way, you can be sure that Switzerland definitely has something for you.

As for other benefits, well, the flag is a big plus!

Switzerland Quick Information

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Electricity Socket: 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are usually two-prong round but may be three-prong round also. To avoid the hassle of having to buy new adaptors for everywhere you go, we recommend picking up a Universal Travel Adaptor before you leave.

Visa: Switzerland is not a member of the EU but are signatories to the Schengen convention. They permit 90 days Visa-free travel to all EU citizens, including those not in the Schengen zone and 90 days Visa-free travel to those approved by the Schengen scheme including most of the Americas, Israel, and Australia.

You must always carry your passport with you in Switzerland as it is a legal requirement to have photo ID; Swiss citizens carry national ID cards.

However, with that being said, we never were asked for our passports apart from checking into hotels. Being that they are not part of the EU, Switzerland has their own currency, the Swiss Franc.

Safety: Widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, Switzerland’s geopolitical position doesn’t put it at risk of terror and its high standard of living means crime is low and equality is high. Risks come from its winter sports but safety on the slopes will prevent injury and fatality which is why getting travel insurance is highly recommended.

Our top pick for travel insurance is Safety Wing due to their extensive coverage and monthly travel plans.

Language: Switzerland is a fascinating mix of languages, predominantly French, German and Italian with some regional dialects such as Romansh. It is also one of few countries to still use Latin as a functional language in parts.

English is spoken in parts and in most ski resorts but this is by no means a guarantee and the Swiss will be appreciative of any effort you can make in French or German.

Transportation: When traveling around Switzerland, the train system is pretty efficient along with other means of public transport. Apps such as Rome 2 Rio are also very useful when it comes to looking up train connections. If you prefer to drive and rent a car while in Switzerland, we recommend looking at Discover Cars as the prices are very competitive.

Switzerland Trip Planning

Best Time to Go

Like any other country, you can visit Switzerland at any time of the year and have a fantastic time. However, there’s always a ‘best’ time for what you want to do there so it is always worth checking the seasons. It all depends on what your planned activities are. If you are intending to ski and snowboard, best to go when the snow is at its peak time.

If you want to splash out during your trip to Switzerland, you can also charter a private jet for your ski weekend. There are around 30 airports in Switzerland that are available for private jets so you can fly around the country with ease.

Activity in Switzerland can be broken down into three tourist seasons:

• Low Season (Oct-Mar) – In the first half of this season, mountain resorts are closed with sights and restaurants open fewer days and shorter hours. Expect prices to be up to 50% lower than high season.
• Mid Seasons (Apr-Jun & Sep) – Warmer temperatures mean that resorts are opening for longer and you can still benefit from better prices.
• High Season (Jul, Aug & Dec-Apr) – Everything is open and busy, especially in July and August.

Rough Budget

Switzerland is an expensive country to travel around, which is why it is often missed off the typical Europe travel route. Saying that though, it is possible to travel here for approximately $70-100 per day if you stay in hostels, cook most of your meals and using local transport only when necessary. You’ll find that food is quite expensive as well as accommodation. However, the entire experience is 100% worth it as it is one of the most amazing places we have been to. Here’s a rough cost of basic commodities:

What to Pack for Traveling Switzerland

Despite having different seasons, traveling around Switzerland is generally a moderate temperature with the exception of spending time in the mountains. With that in mind, make sure you bring lots of thin pieces of clothing that you can layer if you’re cold but that would also be suitable to wear alone for the warmer days.

During winter months, the most important thing is getting high-quality base layers, a good coat, and solid boots.

After traveling to places with extreme weather (Everest), investing in good Winter wear is crucial. If you’re looking for great hiking boots- check out a few of our top picks for men and for women. Our article on the best thermal underwear and the best down jackets is also a great resource

For a complete guide on what to pack for Europe (for all seasons), check out our full article.

Best Things to Do in Switzerland

With so much to see and do in Switzerland, planning a trip can be tough. We’ve got covered with our list of the best places to visit in Switzerland. These Swiss cities and towns are sure to delight any traveler!

Here are some of the things that we highly recommend doing while in Switzerland.

Explore and Admire Bern

Although a small city, Bern earns its right to be called the capital of Switzerland. With origins tracing back to the 12th-century, you can see the medieval architecture that has been preserved throughout the whole city.

From ancient clock towers and churches, cobblestone streets, and important buildings such as the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace) all in its historic town center, you can spend hours walking around in awe, admiring the city in all its glory. Built around a crook in the Aare River, there are heaps of things to do in Bern.

Get Your Fill of Adventure in Interlaken

Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland! Offering so many choices of adrenaline-filled activities it’s easy to become overwhelmed when you get here, so make sure to plan plenty of time and watch your budget.

Whether you like skydiving, doing a canyon swing, paragliding, or going on a turbo jet boat, Interlaken offers everything and more for all adrenaline-seekers and anyone who loves the outdoors. A unique and quirky resort town, the Bernese Highlands are not to be missed! Apart from Interlaken, you can get your dose of adventure almost anywhere in Switzerland!

Click here to see all the adventure activities available in the area. On a side note, skydiving in Switzerland was a BUCKET LIST come true for us. It was absolutely incredible and is something I highly recommend.

Once you’ve had your fill of adventure, there are other glorious sights to admire and experience in Interlake. Read our article on things to do in Interlaken for some ideas!

As most of you know, accommodation in Switzerland can be pricey which is why we put together this guide on the best places to stay in Interlaken featuring everything from budget hostels, mid-range hotels and luxury spas!

Visit the Rhine Falls

We love exploring waterfalls wherever we go, so Switzerland is no exception. Located on the High Rhine on the border between Schaffhausen and Zürich, you will find Europe’s largest waterfall, Rhine Falls. It may be the most majestic too, but that’s for you to decide!

Grab a picnic and hike to the falls to enjoy the views. In the village of Schaffhausen, you’ll also get to feast your eyes on a medieval castle, so it’s worth the trip here for a couple of sights. If you’re coming from Zurich, we recommend this scenic tour which takes you to the majestic Rhine Falls!

Fly High Over Switzerland

If you’re looking for an incredibly memorable experience, head to Switzerland so you can enjoy the plethora of aerial activities. From scenic flights where you can see the Swiss Alps to helicopter rides above beautiful lakes. Listed below are a few of our best recommendations for incredible experiences.

Jungfraujoch Helicopter Ride – If you want a once in a lifetime experience, we recommend that you go on a scenic helicopter flight starting from Interlaken taking you over three magical peaks Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Tandem Paragliding over the Aletsch Glacier – Imagine flying high above a UNESCO heritage site and the largest glacier in the Alps.

Bungee Jump like James Bond – Recreate the James Bond film GoldenEye over the Verzasca Dam and take on the challenge of one of the most popular jumps in the world.

Explore Zürich

Set on a beautiful lake with a stunning mountain backdrop, Zürich is worth visiting for its picturesque views alone.

However, if you do make it here, you will be rewarded with what else it offers. A historic city center, lakes and parks, vibrant bars and restaurants, a big expat population and a bustling nightlife, Zürich has it all. Explore the street art and have a beer on the waterfront and you’ll soon see why this city is so appealing.

Due to its location, Zurich is a great jump off point to a lot of activities and sights! Here are a few of our recommended tours.

 Recommended Tours from Zurich

• Mount Titlis Day Tour from Zurich– This day tour will take you up a scenic Mount Titlis where you can admire the beauty of the Swiss Alps in a revolving cable car. The tour also includes a city tour of Lucerne as well as the Ice Grotto.
• Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour– This tour takes you on a bus, cable car, funicular, and even on a boat, showing you the best of Mt. Pilatus. We love this tour because it takes you to all the best sights, but also allows you to explore Lucerne at your own pace. Plus, the boat ride back to Zurich is stunning.
• Day Trip to Jungfraujoch- If you want to see the top of Europe, this day tour from Zurich to Jungfraujoch is incredible. You can ride the cog-wheeled train for views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as well as walk the tunnels in the ice palace.
• Day Trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken– Having explored the region of Grindelwald, I can honestly say that it is nothing short of beautiful so if you have the time, I highly suggest this tour!

Make the Most of the Mountains

The Swiss Alps offer a plethora of activity from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and trekking, so make the most of the mountains while in Switzerland! The Matterhorn offers some of the best skiing in the world (and some of the best views!), so bust out your skis or snowboard and challenge yourself.

If you like to hike, head to the city of Lucerne and take on Mount Pilatus. The trails up to the top may be tough but the breathtaking views of the alps when you reach the peak are more than rewarding.

Go Lake Hopping

Think of chasing waterfalls but with lakes instead. Switzerland is full of some of the most beautiful, glistening lakes in the whole of Europe, so take some time to visit some of the best and see those crystal clear waters for yourself.

To name a few, Lake Constance that borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland is worth a visit, as is Lake Maggiore, a great place for windsurfing, and Lake Geneva, a picturesque place surrounded by relaxing spa towns.

What to Eat in Switzerland

With a cuisine that combines influences from the German, French and North Italian culture, Switzerland has an incredible foodie culture that differs from region to region.

With the most popular dishes crossing the local borders and spreading across the whole country (see below!), you can take part in some seriously indulgent feasting anywhere. Make sure to try our favorites before you leave Switzerland.

Rösti

Who doesn’t love fried potatoes that are crisp and golden and delicious? One of Switzerland’s iconic national dishes, you can enjoy these beauties any time of the day anywhere, alone or commonly eaten with salty bacon, fried egg, and melted raclette cheese. I believe the word you’re looking for is YUM!

Swiss Fondue

You can’t get more Swiss than dipping some bread in a ceramic fondue pot filled with melted cheese after a day in the mountains. Pair yours with white wine and end with a schnapps or warm tea for the ultimate winter meal.

Raclette

Yes, it’s melted cheese again, but this time served with gschwellti (jacket potatoes), gherkins, onions, and pickled fruit! Do as the locals do and gather around wood-burning fires waiting for this delicious cheese to melt.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

A recipe local to the German-speaking region of Zürich, this popular dish makes a hearty and belly-warming lunch. Made of Zurich-style diced veal, calves’ kidneys and sweetbreads sautéed in a gravy of onions, butter, white wine, cream, and mushrooms, this needs to be on your list of must-tries while in Switzerland.

Where to Stay in Switzerland

Whilst accommodation is expensive in Switzerland, you do have a couple of options to choose from. From dorms or private rooms in hostels to budget hotels, luxury hotels or lodges, or Airbnb, there is definitely no shortage of places to stay.

If you’re traveling during peak season or holidays, it is best to book your accommodations in advance. We recommend checking sites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Hostel World.

To help you figure out the best places to stay in Switzerland for you, here are our personal suggestions on where to stay:

• Where to Stay in Switzerland
• Where to Stay in Interlaken

Books to Read About Switzerland

If you’re looking for a couple of guidebooks to help you during your trip, here are a few of our recommendations.

Rick Steve’s Switzerland

If you’re looking for a guidebook to help you make the most out of your trip to Switzerland, I adore Rick Steves and find his guides really useful.

Fodor’s Essential Switzerland

This guidebook comes in full color and is available as a PDF or as a kindle read which I love.