SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland, the land of stunning Alpine peaks, pristine lakes, cheese, and delicious chocolate. Known for its efficient public transport and amazing mountain landscapes, Switzerland is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure, hiking, or just relaxing and enjoying the views.
Here is a quick introduction to Switzerland:
Why Visit Switzerland?
- Scenic Landscapes: From the majestic Matterhorn to the serene waters of Lake Geneva.
- Cultural Diversity: Four official languages means that there is a blend of German, French, Italian, and Romansh cultures.
- Outdoor Fun: Skiing, hiking, mountain carts, and more.
- Iconic Cities: Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, and Grindewald.
- World-Class Cuisine: Fondue, raclette, and (of course!) Swiss chocolate.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
- Summer (June-August): Perfect for hiking and iconic mountain landscape views.
- Winter (December-February): Perfect for skiing and Christmas markets
- Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): Fewer crowds — but expect some gondola/funicular and restaurant closures.
Getting Around Switzerland – Transportation options
- Swiss Travel Pass: Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats.
- Trains: Renowned for punctuality and scenic routes like the Glacier Express.
- Buses and Boats: Efficient and scenic public transport options, usually included with a Swiss Travel Pass.
- Car Rentals: Convenient to reach off-the-beaten path gems.
Top Destinations in Switzerland
- Zurich: The financial hub with a vibrant old town.
- Lucerne: Known for its ancient wooden bridges
- Bernese Oberland: Amazing mountain views, mountain top excursions and outdoor sports
- Zermatt: Gateway to the Matterhorn.
- Montreux: Famous for the Jazz Festival, casinos and lake views.
Quick Travel Tips for Switzerland
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Language: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
- Weather: Be prepared for sudden changes, especially in the mountains. Gloomy weather in winter, can have heavy rainfall in the summer.
- Power Outlet Type: Type C (two prong) and Type F (three prong). We always brought specific Type F prongs when traveling to Switzerland as sometimes older lodging or apartments couldn’t use the Type C / two prong)
- Capital City: Bern
- Major airports: Zurich (ZRH), Basel, Geneva (GVA). There are also airports in Basel and Bern but they are much smaller and serve mostly European airlines. If you are coming from the US, you would typically fly into/out of Zurich or Geneva.
Must-Try Switzerland Experiences
- Ride one of the panoramic trains, such as the Glacier Express.
- Hike around Oeschinen Lake.
- Explore one of the mountain tops, such as Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) or Gornergrat which offers Matterhorn and glacier views
- Eat some of that famous Swiss food – chocolate and / or fondue!
- Spend some serious money! Seriously. A vacation to Switzerland is going to cost you!
Whether you’re planning a quick trip or an extended stay, the posts below will help you plan your trip based on my personal experience traveling to Switzerland.
Switzerland Blog Posts
Is the swiss travel pass worth it? Let’s break it down
Geneva Marriott Hotel Review – Switzerland
Rhine Falls Day Trip from Zurich + Schaffhausen: Is it Worth it?
Tips for Visiting Switzerland on a Budget
19 Things That Shocked Me About Switzerland
Ultimate Guide to Hiking Bachalpsee Lake Trail from Grindelwald First – Switzerland
Stoos Ridge Hike: Klingenstock to Fronalpstock in Switzerland
Top Experiences in Switzerland
Ride the Glacier Express Hop aboard the Glacier Express, often referred to as the “world’s slowest express train”, and experience a scenic but slow journey through the Swiss Alps. The panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of snow-capped peaks and picture-perfect villages as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz Switzerland.
Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe Take the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Standing at 3,454 meters, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding mountain peaks. Don’t miss the Ice Palace and the viewing platform at the Sphinx Observatory. While I personally wasn’t interested in vising Jungfraujoch, this is an extremely popular attraction for a lot of tourists, especially if you come from somewhere that it doesn’t snow.
Take a Boat Cruise: Switzerland has tons of lakes, many with boat cruises and/or ferry services. Some lakes that offer boat cruises are Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich, Lake Breinz, Lake Thun, and Lake Geneva. A scenic boat cruise on any of these Swiss lakes is the perfect way to soak in the beauty of central Switzerland — and cool off in the summer! Plus, if you get a Swiss Travel Pass, these boats are included in your travel pass and are no extra charge!
Hike in the Swiss Alps From beginner-friendly trails to challenging multi-day hut-to-hut treks, the Swiss Alps offer some of the world’s most amazing hiking trails. A few of my favorites include Stoos Ridge and Oeschinen Lake Panorama Hike . Both of these offer stunning views of turquoise waters set against dramatic mountain scenery.
Eat Swiss Chocolate and Cheese No visit to Switzerland is complete without sampling its famous chocolate and cheese. Visit local chocolatiers in Zurich or take a cheese-tasting tour in Gruyères to savor these iconic Swiss delights. Or, if you’re on a budget, just hit up a grocery store like Coop or Migros and buy some chocolate and cheese there — that’s what we did!
See the Matterhorn: The iconic Matterhorn peak is one of the most photographed mountains in the world — and the gateway village (Zermatt) is stunning! Take the Gornergrat Railway for amazing glacier views and hiking opportunities.
Stroll Through Old Town Bern The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Bern is like stepping back in time. Explore its cobblestone streets, visit the Zytglogge clock tower, and visit the bears who call Bern home.
Relax in Swiss Spas Switzerland is home to some of the most luxurious spas in the world. The thermal baths in Leukerbad or the serene spa resorts in St. Moritz offer the perfect escape. Or, you might want to book a hotel that has a great spa — you’ll find lots of them in Switzerland.
Experience Swiss Festivals From the vibrant Montreux Jazz Festival to the Grindelwald’s summer street festivals, to Geneva’s Noel au Quai Christmas Market, Switzerland’s festivals are lots of fun if you happen to be in town for them!