Switzerland
Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Switzerland, in one word… BREATHTAKING.
With mountains that are covered in snow no matter the season, blue lakes, picturesque villages, and lush green hills. Plus a whole lot of chocolate, watches and Swiss army knives! These are some of the reasons we want to keep coming back to Switzerland.
Switzerland has a lot to offer: Places like Lucerne, Bern, Basel, Zurich, Lauterbrunnen, Geneva, Grindelwald, St. Moritz, Jungfrau, and Interlaken. And so much more! The best way to travel through Switzerland? The Swiss Travel Pass is the way to go, as it allows you to travel around by train, which offers some of the best views you will ever experience in your life. The train system is ridiculously efficient.
Below you will find comprehensive guides to the country.
Best Time To Visit
Visit Switzerland is during the shoulder seasons, as in April to June and September to October. You can enjoy fewer crowds, mild weather, and lower prices. In fact, the mountain resort towns are completely empty.
Tourists flock to Switzerland in the summer months to soak up the sunshine and swim the crystal-clear lakes. The snow also thaws on the lower parts of the mountains so you’ll have the chance to hike trails that are often covered. Mountain resorts open up again but booking costs will increase.
Winter is also a high season, why? Summer tourists are gone but arriving are the skiers, snowboarders and those who love the snow dust. Prices will still be higher on the slopes but will drop elsewhere in the country if you’re looking to save a little cash.
What To Expect
Capital: None! But Bern is the de-facto capital of Switzerland
Population: 8.545 million
Language: There are four national languages in Switzerland, all found in specific regions of the country. The most widely spoken language is Swiss German, spoken by 63% of the population. In the western part of the country, Swiss French is spoken, and in the southern part of the country, Swiss Italian is spoken.. ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Swiss German: “Grüezi” for hello, and “merci beaucoup” or “danke schön” for thank you.
Currency: The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 USD is equivalent to 0.98 CHF.. £1 GBP is equivalent to 1.27 CHF. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash on you. Switzerland is global financial capital, so ATMs are available in all towns and cities. A lot of places will also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: The voltage in Switzerland, as in most of Europe, is 230V/50 Hz. Switzerland uses type C (2-pin) and Type J (3-pin) plugs. (Type C 2-pin plugs also fit J sockets.) Most power sockets are designed for three pin round plugs.. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and purse snatching do occur in the vicinity of train and bus stations, airports, and some public parks. Liechtenstein has a low crime rate. Ranked 11th safest country in the world! It’s safe!!
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Switzerland and reasons to visit Switzerland
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Switzerland
(Note: Switzerland is brimming with activities. Truly, there’s an abundance to explore and experience. The following are just a few of our top picks. For more country-specific activities, refer to the detailed guides linked to each country below!)
The Jungfrau Region, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, offers some of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. The trinity of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks dominates the skyline, providing a dramatic backdrop to the valleys below. One can board the Jungfrau Railway, which tunnels through the Eiger and Mönch mountains, to reach the Jungfraujoch station — the highest railway station in Europe. Here, breathtaking panoramic views, glacial hikes, and the allure of the Aletsch Glacier await, making it a once-in-a-lifetime Alpine experience.
Positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Château de Chillon is a beautifully preserved medieval fortress. With its stone walls, turrets, and ramparts reflected in the lake’s shimmering waters, the castle is a picturesque embodiment of Swiss history. Within its walls, visitors can traverse the dungeons, grand halls, and bedrooms, all echoing tales of counts, dukes, and Byron’s famous poem, “The Prisoner of Chillon.” After exploring, a leisurely stroll along Montreux’s lakeside promenade caps off a day of historical immersion.
Lucerne, with its serene lake and mountain vistas, also pulsates with cultural vitality. The Lucerne Festival, a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, draws classical music aficionados from around the globe. Esteemed orchestras, renowned conductors, and virtuoso soloists converge here, filling the KKL Luzern concert hall with symphonic melodies and harmonious chords. Whether it’s Wagner’s operas or Beethoven’s symphonies, the Lucerne Festival promises musical delights in a spectacular setting.
Lake Zurich, with its crystalline waters cradled by rolling hills and the city’s spires, offers a tranquil retreat from urban life. Boarding one of the classic paddle steamers or modern boats, visitors can embark on a leisurely cruise, watching the cityscape transition into quaint lakeside villages and verdant meadows. Stopping at towns like Rapperswil, with its rose gardens and medieval castle, adds a touch of charm to this aquatic sojourn. As the sun sets, the lake’s waters shimmer in the twilight, encapsulating Swiss serenity.
Switzerland is synonymous with gourmet chocolate and cheese, and what better way to experience this than at their source? Embarking on a journey through the Swiss chocolate factories, such as Maison Cailler in Broc, provides an insightful (and delicious) foray into the art of chocolate-making. Similarly, the Emmental region invites visitors to discover the secrets behind the country’s iconic holey cheese. Tasting sessions, fondue feasts, and chocolate workshops ensure a delectable dive into Switzerland’s culinary heritage.
Our Favourites
Below are some of our favourite things to do in Switzerland.
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