Switzerland

Switzerland is a masterclass in Alpine grandeur, where snow-dusted peaks like the Matterhorn tower over mirror-like glacial lakes and pristine meadows. You will discover a nation that operates with the legendary precision of its finest watches, offering a travel experience that is both seamless and incredibly scenic. From the cosmopolitan streets of Zurich to the car-free tranquility of Zermatt, the country effortlessly blends urban luxury with rugged outdoor adventure. Whether you are gliding through the mountains on a panoramic train or indulging in world-renowned chocolate in a lakeside cafe, Switzerland promises a timeless elegance. It is a destination that feels both deeply traditional and impressively modern, rewarding every visitor with breathtaking vistas at every turn.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

4 cities
12 guides
$148 – $224 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital
Bern (federal city; de facto capital)
Languages
German, French, Italian, Romansh
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
1 CHF ≈ 1.29 $
Plug Type
Type J (Type C Europlug also fits many sockets) (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+41
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
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Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)
Emergency
112 (General); also 117 (Police), 118 (Fire), 144 (Ambulance), 1414 (REGA Air Rescue)

Why Visit Switzerland

Iconic Alpine Landscapes

Home to the most recognizable peaks in the world, including the Matterhorn and Eiger, Switzerland is a paradise for hikers and skiers. You can explore thousands of kilometers of well-marked trails that wind through dramatic valleys and flower-filled meadows.

World-Class Rail Journeys

The Swiss Travel System is legendary for its punctuality and scenic routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. These trains offer glass-roofed carriages that allow you to witness breathtaking glaciers and mountain passes from the comfort of your seat.

Pristine Lakes and Waterways

With over 1,500 lakes, including Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva, the country offers endless opportunities for boat cruises and summer swimming. The turquoise waters are so clean that you can see deep into the depths even in the heart of the cities.

Rich Culinary Traditions

Beyond just chocolate, you can dive into a world of artisanal cheeses, hearty mountain stews, and sophisticated regional wines. Every linguistic region offers a unique flavor profile, from the creamy fondues of the west to the sun-ripened polentas of the south.

Exceptional Safety and Quality

Ranked consistently as one of the safest countries globally, it provides a secure environment for families and solo travelers alike. You can enjoy the high quality of life reflected in everything from the cleanliness of the streets to the efficiency of public services.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Switzerland

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Cities & Destinations

Regions

Bernese Oberland

Centrally located and home to Interlaken, this region features the massive peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. It is the ultimate playground for adventure seekers, offering everything from paragliding to world-famous cogwheel train rides to high-altitude glaciers.

Central Switzerland

Surrounding the winding shores of Lake Lucerne, this is the historic heartland where you can find Mount Pilatus, standing at 2,128 meters. It offers a perfect blend of medieval city charm and accessible mountain excursions that are ideal for scenic day trips.

Valais

Located in the southwest, this high-altitude region is dominated by the Matterhorn and the sprawling Aletsch Glacier. It is a premier destination for luxury skiing in Zermatt and features some of the highest vineyards in Europe along the Rhone Valley.

Lake Geneva Region

This French-speaking area includes the cosmopolitan city of Geneva and the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. It is known for its Mediterranean-style microclimate, lakeside promenades, and the world-famous Jazz Festival held annually in Montreux.

Ticino

As the Italian-speaking canton in the south, Ticino feels like a piece of the Mediterranean tucked into the Alps. You will find palm trees, sun-drenched piazzas in Lugano, and a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying local risotto and lakeside walks.

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Interlaken, Switzerland – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Cities & Destinations:

Best Time to Visit

Switzerland is a premier year-round destination, offering pristine Alpine skiing in winter and lush hiking trails in summer. For the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, visit during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons.

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb

The summer months (June–August) are ideal for hiking and lake activities, with temperatures averaging 18–28°C (64–82°F). The winter peak (December–February) draws crowds for world-class skiing, though prices for accommodation are at their highest.

Shoulder Season

Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Spring (April–May) offers blooming wildflowers and melting snow, while autumn (September–October) features crisp air, vineyard harvests, and vibrant foliage. Temperatures range from 10–18°C (50–64°F), and major attractions are less crowded.

Off-Peak

Mar, Nov

November and March are transitional months with unpredictable weather and fewer tourist services in mountain regions. While many high-altitude passes may be closed, these months offer the lowest rates for city-based travel.

Getting Around

Switzerland boasts one of the world's most efficient and punctual public transport networks, seamlessly integrating trains, buses, and boats. Most travelers find a car unnecessary due to the dense coverage and the existence of car-free alpine villages.

Train

The SBB CFF FFS network is the backbone of Swiss travel, featuring high-speed intercity connections and world-famous panoramic routes like the Bernina Express. Trains are frequent, often running several times per hour between major hubs.

Bus

Yellow PostBus (PostAuto) vehicles reach remote valleys and mountain passes where trains cannot go. These buses are timed to coincide with train arrivals, ensuring smooth transfers for hikers and rural visitors.

Mountain Transport

A dense network of cogwheel trains, cable cars, and funiculars provides access to high-altitude peaks and ski resorts. Notable examples include the world's steepest funicular and the 'Top of Europe' train to Jungfraujoch.

Boat

Passenger ferries and historic paddle steamers operate on major lakes, including Lake Zurich, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Geneva. These are used both for scenic commuting and as a relaxing way to reach lakeside towns.

Food & Drink

Swiss cuisine is a hearty reflection of its Alpine geography and diverse linguistic heritage, heavily featuring dairy, potatoes, and high-quality meats. Meals are often social affairs, centered around communal pots of melted cheese or shared platters in cozy mountain taverns.

Must Try

Fondue

A communal pot of melted cheeses like Gruyère and Vacherin flavored with white wine and garlic, served with bread cubes for dipping.

Raclette

A semi-hard Alpine cheese that is melted and scraped directly onto a plate of boiled potatoes, pearl onions, and pickled gherkins.

Rösti

A golden, crispy pan-fried cake made of grated potatoes, often served as a hearty breakfast or a side dish to meat specialties.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Tender strips of veal cooked in a rich cream and mushroom sauce with a splash of white wine, typically paired with a side of Rösti.

Birchermüesli

A healthy breakfast staple made from rolled oats soaked in milk or yogurt, mixed with grated apples, lemon juice, and chopped nuts.

Älplermagronen

The Swiss version of macaroni and cheese, layered with pasta, potatoes, cream, and fried onions, traditionally served with a side of sweet applesauce.

Rivella

The national soft drink of Switzerland, this unique sparkling beverage is made from milk whey and comes in several refreshing varieties.

Money & Costs

Switzerland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations. For entry checks, third-country nationals staying at their own expense must be able to demonstrate at least ~$110 / CHF 85 per day (CHF 100).

Tipping

Tipping is voluntary as service charges are included by law in most bills; however, it is customary to round up to the nearest franc or leave ~5–10% for exceptional service.

Cards

Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including in mountain huts and for small purchases, though carrying a small amount of cash is useful for remote areas.

ATMs

ATMs (locally called Bancomats or Postomats) are ubiquitous in cities and villages. Most machines accept international cards, though transaction fees may be applied by the provider.

Culture & Etiquette

Swiss culture is built on values of punctuality, discretion, and a deep respect for communal order. Visitors who observe local social norms, such as quiet hours and polite greetings, will find the locals welcoming and helpful.

✓

Be strictly on time for all appointments and transport, as the Swiss view even a five-minute delay as a sign of disrespect.

✓

Greet shopkeepers and staff with a polite 'Grüezi' in German areas or 'Bonjour' in French areas when you enter a store.

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Make direct eye contact when clinking glasses for a toast and wait for everyone to be served before you begin eating.

✕

Don't speak loudly on public transport, particularly in the designated 'Quiet Zones' where phone calls and loud conversations are forbidden.

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Don't ignore recycling rules; waste must be strictly separated into glass, PET, and paper, often requiring specific paid trash bags.

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Don't flush the toilet or shower late at night in older apartment buildings if it might disturb others, as social etiquette prioritizes silence after 22:00.

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Carry your passport or a valid ID at all times, as local law requires all persons to be able to identify themselves upon request.

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Don't try to haggle over prices in shops or markets, as the listed price is always considered final and non-negotiable.

Safety & Health

Switzerland is exceptionally safe with very low crime rates. Most tourist issues are limited to petty theft in crowded transit hubs or risks associated with high-altitude outdoor activities.

Tap Water

Safe to drink

Vaccinations

No special vaccinations are required, but travelers planning to hike in forested areas are advised to consider the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine.

Common Scams

  • ⚠ Fake police officers asking to inspect your wallet for 'counterfeit currency' or 'drugs' to steal cash.
  • ⚠ The 'free' friendship bracelet or flower scam where a gift is forced upon you followed by aggressive demands for payment.
  • ⚠ Distraction theft involving fake petitions or charity donation clipboards, particularly in Zurich and Geneva.
  • ⚠ Taxi drivers taking unnecessarily long routes or claiming broken meters in major city centers.
  • ⚠ Late-night phone calls to hotel rooms from scammers pretending to be the front desk to steal credit card details.

Healthcare is of the highest standard but extremely expensive. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. If you need a Schengen visa, travel medical insurance with at least $35,340 / CHF 27,360 coverage is required as part of the visa application.

Language

While not an official language, English is widely spoken and serves as the common tongue between linguistic regions. Tourists will find high English proficiency in hotels, restaurants, and among younger populations.

English Spoken: Widely spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning Local Pronunciation
Hello Grüezi grew-et-si
Thank you Merci mer-see
Please Bitte bit-teh
Excuse me Entschuldigung ent-shool-dee-goong
Do you speak English? Sprechen Sie Englisch? shpreh-ken zee eng-lish
The bill, please Die Rechnung, bitte dee rekh-noong bit-teh
Goodbye Uf Wiederluege oof vee-der-loo-geh
Yes / No Ja / Nein yah / nine

Visa & Entry

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been rolling out since October 2025 (gradual rollout; full operation expected April 2026). ETIAS (electronic travel authorization) is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026 (fee $24 / CHF 18). Visa applications are lodged via Swiss representations/visa application centres (e.g., VFS Global).

Max Stay

90 days in 180-day period

Passport Validity

Issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area

Visa-free for

USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea (not China—PRC ordinary passports require a visa for short stays)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Switzerland safe for solo travelers?
Switzerland is exceptionally safe and consistently ranks among the most secure nations in the world. You can comfortably walk through cities like Zurich or Lucerne at night, though you should maintain standard vigilance in crowded transit hubs to avoid petty theft. Additionally, when exploring the Alps, always check weather conditions and stay on marked trails to ensure your personal safety in high-altitude environments.
How expensive is a trip to Switzerland?
Switzerland is a high-cost destination where the average daily budget for a mid-range traveler is approximately $183 / CHF 141. A casual restaurant meal typically costs between $24–$47 / CHF 18–CHF 36 per person, and a cup of coffee is roughly $5.89–$8.25 / CHF 4.56–CHF 6.38. You can manage your expenses by using a Swiss Travel Pass for all transportation and by drinking the high-quality free water available from thousands of public fountains.
When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
The best time to visit depends on your interests, but peak summer occurs from June to August with temperatures ranging from 20–25°C (68–77°F). This period is ideal for hiking and swimming in the lakes, while the winter months of December through February are perfect for skiing. If you prefer smaller crowds and lower prices, consider the shoulder seasons of May or September when the weather remains pleasant.
Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland?
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, allowing citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, to enter for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out, and ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Travelers from other regions should check the latest Swiss government requirements to see if a Schengen visa is necessary.
Is English widely spoken in Switzerland?
Yes, English is very widely spoken throughout Switzerland, particularly in major cities like Zurich and Geneva and in all major tourist regions like Interlaken or Zermatt. While the official languages are German, French, Italian, and Romansh, most locals in the hospitality and service industries speak excellent English. However, learning a few basic greetings in the local language of the canton you are visiting is always greatly appreciated.
How do I get around Switzerland?
The most efficient way to travel is via the Swiss Travel System, which integrates trains, buses, and boats into a single, punctual network. Most visitors find a car unnecessary because the rail coverage reaches even the smallest Alpine villages, many of which are car-free like Zermatt. Purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel and free entry to many museums, making it the most convenient option for most tourists.
What should I eat in Switzerland?
You must try traditional cheese dishes like Fondue and Raclette, which are cultural staples often enjoyed in the colder months. For a hearty meal, look for Rösti, a crispy potato cake, or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, which is a creamy veal ragout. Don't forget to visit a local chocolatier for world-class truffles and try a Birchermüesli for a healthy, authentic Swiss breakfast that features fresh oats and fruits.
Is the tap water drinkable in Switzerland?
The tap water in Switzerland is among the highest quality in the world and is perfectly safe to drink everywhere, including from public fountains unless marked otherwise. Many of these fountains offer mineral-rich water that flows directly from Alpine springs and glaciers. Carrying a reusable water bottle will save you significant money, as bottled water in shops can be surprisingly expensive compared to the free public alternatives.
What are the tipping customs in Switzerland?
Tipping is not mandatory in Switzerland because a service charge is included by law in the prices at restaurants, bars, and hotels. However, it is a common social practice to round up the total or leave about 5–10% for exceptional service. You can simply tell the server the total amount you wish to pay, including the tip, when they bring the credit card terminal to your table.
Are there car-free villages in Switzerland?
Yes, several famous Swiss mountain resorts are entirely car-free to preserve their pristine air quality and peaceful atmosphere. Zermatt is the most famous example, where only small electric taxis are permitted, but other villages like Wengen, Mürren, and Bettmeralp also prohibit private vehicles. You will typically park your car in a nearby valley lot and take a train or cable car to reach these stunning, high-altitude destinations.

Why you can trust this guide

Headshot of Jan Křenek, founder of GoTripzi
Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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