Country guides
Europe
Switzerland Travel Guide
Boasting snow-capped mountain ranges, glamorous ski villages and shimmering lakes dotted with lavish spa resorts, Switzerland's fame as a top European holiday destination is long-established and well deserved.
The majority of visitors head to Switzerland over the ski season, with the country's southern Alpine region offering some of the best skiing in the Europe, thanks to its reliable snow, staggeringly beautiful scenery and world-class resorts such as Davos, Gstaad, St Moritz, Zermatt and Verbier.
Those that travel to Switzerland over the summer will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the Bernese Oberland region. A popular hiking destination, this a land of distant mountains and lush edelweiss-strewn meadows dotted with quaint wooden chalets.
The sophisticated cities of Zurich, Geneva and Bern are also a draw for visitors, who will relish the rich histories, upmarket dining, and exclusive boutiques these destinations have to offer.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Switzerland is a year-round destination but the ski season lasts from late November to mid-April, and the slopes are busiest over Christmas and New Year, and during the Easter school holidays. Walkers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts head to the Alps over the summer months (June to September).
What to see in Switzerland
-Admire the dramatic Mont Blanc from cruise on Lake Geneva. There are cruise operators on Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne.
-Visit the stunning 13th-century Chateau de Chillon, a medieval castle that looks as though it were plucked straight from a fairytale.
-Explore the charming, historic city of Bern's cobbled streets, ornate fountains and spired cathedrals.
-See the Lion of Lucerne, which Mark Twain called 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world'.
What to do in Switzerland
-Go to the Swiss Alps and experience some of the best winter sport action to be found anywhere in the world.
-Visit Interlaken, the king of Switzerland's summer resorts, and bask in the glorious sunshine, lake views and edelweiss fields.
-Ride the cog railway to Jungfrau and see awe-inspiring glacial fields and a 'palace' filled with ice sculptures.
-Take in some culture at one of Switzerland's celebrated museums, including the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, and the Museum of Design in Zurich.
Getting to Switzerland
There are regular flights to Switzerland from a number of airports in the US and UK. Direct flights to Geneva or Zurich are plentiful, while visitors from the UK can also find flights to Bern and Basel.
Read
Dark Palace by Frank Moorhouse.
Watch
North Face (2008), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), and Heidi's Song (1982).
Eat
Zurcher eintopf (a hot-pot dish famous in Zurich), rippli (pork ribs), fondue, rosti and sauerkraut; also try desserts such as apfelkuchlein (deep-fried apple cookies) and nusstorte (nut cake).
Drink
Rivella, a milk whey-based soft drink; and try some locally produced Chasellas or Pinot Noir wine.
What to buy
Watches and clocks (Switzerland is the watch-making capital of the world), chocolate, cheese, cow bells, clothing embroidered with edelweiss flowers and, of course, Swiss Army knives.
What to pack
Ski kit or hiking boots, depending on the reason for visiting. If travellers are heading over in spring or summer, they should take a lightweight rain jacket in case of light showers. Switzerland is unbelievably expensive, so it's best to pack well!
What's on in Switzerland
The Geneva Festival (August) is the highlight of Switzerland's summer event calendar, and there are musical performances, food fairs, parades and fireworks displays. The Montreux Jazz Festival (July) attracts a crowd of more than 200,000 every year, and is deservedly renowned as one the best jazz festivals in the world. Art Basel (June) is known as the 'Olympics of the art world', and features work from 300 leading galleries from around the world.
Did you know?
-Switzerland has not been at war since 1515.
-Switzerland has the second-highest life expectancy in Europe (after Sweden).
-The Swiss flag is the only square-shaped flag flown at the United Nations.
A final word
A land of cosmopolitan cities that function with the precision of clockwork, and of extraordinarily beautiful natural surrounds, Switzerland is quite simply one of Europe's finest tourist destinations.
Things to do in Switzerland
Home to soul-stirring natural settings, wealthy cities and charming villages, Switzerland is rightly famous for being one of the first global tourist destinations. Foreign visitors will discover a country that is extremely well prepared for them, as getting to the many attractions is effortless, if rather expensive. Public transport options include buses, taxis and a clean and efficient rail network, and renting a car is an attractive option, thanks to the impeccably maintained and signposted roads.
This is truly a year-round destination, as its cold winters are perfect for skiing and mountain viewing, and its glorious summers are ideal for exploring the major cities and delightful Alpine villages. An obligatory stop on any grand tour of the continent, Switzerland is a sure bet for travellers looking to experience the best of what Europe has to offer.
Switzerland travel info
Electricity
Electrical current in Switzerland is 230 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
Language
The four official languages are Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch. Most people know at least three languages, including English.
Money
The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), which is divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EU, many prices are indicated in euros and some merchants may accept euros. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro system. Banks offer the best exchange rates, but it is also possible to exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports. Banks are open Monday to Friday.
Tipping
A 15 percent service charge is normally included in all hotel, taxi, bar and restaurant bills, and further tipping is not necessary.
Health
Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world, but are very expensive, meaning health insurance is recommended. As of January 2021, most people cannot use a UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to get medical treatment in Switzerland. Everyone 16 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travel.
Safety
Switzerland has a low crime rate compared to other European countries and is generally a safe country to travel in. However, there has been a recent increase in petty theft and visitors should be alert to pickpockets and thieves, particularly in the city centres and on public transport. Travellers should be aware of robberies on overnight trains.
Local customs
Privacy and discretion are highly valued in Swiss culture, and strangers generally do not speak to each other. The Swiss are naturally reserved and conservative, and prefer structured rules to govern their daily lives. Littering is a serious social crime in Switzerland, and visitors should also make an effort to throw their recyclables in the proper receptacle. French and German-speaking Switzerland have different customs in some areas. When being introduced to someone, German-speaking Swiss will shake hands, while French-speaking locals may kiss on the cheek three times (generally left, right, left). Though many Swiss speak English, it is considered polite to inquire before attempting conversation.
Doing business
The Swiss business world reflects the local mastery at building well-oiled machines. Efficiency and organisation are prioritised, and the business culture is based predominantly on merit. The country's formal, no-nonsense approach to business offers little room for humour or lack of preparation in meetings and, though the Swiss are slightly less pedantic than their German or French counterparts, they attach great value to appearance and punctuality.
Dress codes for business people in Switzerland are quite formal and conservative, particularly in the banking sector, where dark suits are the norm. Business and pleasure are entirely separate in the Swiss work environment. In keeping work and personal compartmentalised, Swiss businesspeople even shy away from calling their colleagues by first names, which reinforces formality and boundaries between work and play. When invited to a Swiss business associate's home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appropriate.
In Swiss business culture those in senior positions garner a great deal of respect, but decision-making processes are often quite democratic. Switzerland is home to over 1000 multinationals and has become something of a melting pot of business customs, regional influences and etiquette. English is the corporate language, particularly for multinationals. However, regional languages, such as French, German and Italian, are sometimes preferred in their respective areas. Swiss-German business meetings are rarely over food and are often as brief as possible, with little small talk. By contrast, Swiss-French and Swiss-Italians often meet over lunches and talk is not restricted to business. Handshakes are common for addressing both men and women. Business hours are from 8am to 5pm on weekdays with a lunch break from 12pm to 2pm.
Duty free
Travellers to Switzerland over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2 litres alcohol up to 15 percent and 1 litre alcohol over 15 percent. The maximum allowance of wine is 20 litres, but duty will be payable on this quantity. VAT is liable if the total value of all goods exceeds CHF 300. Restricted items include meat and meat products from selected countries. Prohibited items are absinth and anaesthetics.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Switzerland is +41. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones, and WiFi is widespread.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and as of December 2008, Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
United Kingdom citizens require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, with the exception of passports marked 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, which will be accepted if valid on arrival.
No visa is required for passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, Identity Cards issued by Gibraltar, and 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom). All other British nationals are entitled to a maximum stay of 90 days without a visa, within a 180 day period.
Canadian passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Australian passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
South African passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa.
Irish nationals require a valid passport, valid for the period of the intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Swiss Tourist Office, Zurich: +41 44 215 4000 or www.myswitzerland.com
112 (General), 117 (Police), 144 (Ambulance).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Swiss Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 745 7900.
Swiss Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7616 6000.
Swiss Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 1837.
Swiss Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6162 8400.
Swiss Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 452 0660.
Swiss Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 218 6382.
Swiss Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 472 1593.
Embassies / consulates in Switzerland
United States Embassy, Bern: +4131 357 7011.
British Embassy, Bern: +41 31 359 7700.
Canadian Embassy, Bern: +41 31 357 3200.
Australian Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 22 799 9100.
South African Embassy, Bern: +41 31 350 1313.
Irish Embassy, Bern: +41 31 352 1442.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 22 929 0350.
Climate in Switzerland
The temperature is moderate with no extremes of hot and cold, so Switzerland can be visited at any time of year. Summer is warm to hot and lasts from about June to September and, although good for outdoor activities, it is also the most crowded time for a holiday. Ski resorts open in late November and remain so until the snow begins to melt in April.