Switzerland

Switzerland flourishes as a country of innovation and diversity while putting an emphasis on protecting its pristine nature, timeworn architecture, and unique traditions. While urban pleasure-seekers succumb to the temptations of world-class cuisine and sophisticated living, others are beguiled by medieval towns and candlelit villages. In the Alps, glitzy ski resorts exhibit fur boots and Ferraris, but there are also family destinations where children master their first snowplow. For adrenaline junkies, the dramatic geography means off-piste skiing, ice climbing, and one of the most renowned ski tours on Earth.

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Photo by Marco Meyer/Unsplash

Overview

When’s the best time to go to Switzerland?

Switzerland offers much to do year-round, though summer and winter are the most popular seasons to visit. Warm summer temperatures reliably lure locals out to bask on lakeshores, traipse through villages, and saunter along meadows and mountain paths. The snow-free roads open up many climbing opportunities, and intrepid visitors don ice boots on mountain trams. Many towns play host to a plethora of summer festivals. Be warned, though—flash thunderstorms are not uncommon. Depending on snowfall, the ski season begins as early as November and goes through April, though the peak time is January to March. Swiss resorts are rated among the finest in Europe and attract visitors from around the world. Without a doubt, the ski facilities are the main draw in winter—though ice skating, ice climbing, and Christmas shopping are great side shows.

How to get around Switzerland

Due to its central location, Switzerland is easily accessible from nearly anywhere in Europe. High-speed trains offer routes to and from surrounding countries, and an extensive road system enables visiting drivers to reach even remote destinations. International airports in the cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are serviced by multiple airlines, including Swiss. No visitor restrictions apply for stays of up to three months, after which a visa is required.

Switzerland has pioneered one of the most efficient and sustainable transit systems in the world—and rather than buying individual journeys, travelers can access it all using the Swiss Travel Pass. Plan routes throughout the country on electric trains powered by renewable energy, hybrid-electric buses, and boats using the SBB Mobile transit app. Explore cities and towns on foot or by bicycle. Zurich’s bike-rental facilities are conveniently located at three locations throughout the city, including the main train station—simply show your passport, leave a deposit, and borrow a bike for free. When getting around by vehicle, drivers must purchase a tax disc (vignette), costing 40 Swiss francs (US$45). In winter, many mountain passes are closed, so those traveling by car should contact Automobile Club der Schweiz before making a journey or better yet, catch the train. Most trains have dedicated spaces for luggage, skis, and snowboards, and many ski hills have trams and gondolas that run straight from train station terminals. The Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts on many of the nation’s gondolas and trams.

Food and drink to try in Switzerland

A combination of three vastly different food cultures has kept the Swiss at the forefront of celebrated gastronomy. German, French, and Italian influences infuse different regions, and within these, nature-based gastronomy blends sustainable elements of food through locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. In the countryside, it’s not uncommon to see local farmers selling cheese on the honor system at the end of a driveway—a sign of how fresh and local food is in this country. Switzerland is home to a plethora of mountain restaurants with jaw-dropping views. Some of them require work to reach the reward, while others are a mere tram ride away. Swiss wine, though seldom exported, is excellent—and often affordable. Vineyards offering overnight stays, cycling tours, and walking trails scatter the land in many regions. Pair fine pinot noirs, chasselas, and quintessential Swiss mountain landscapes with a traditional fondue or raclette.

Culture in Switzerland

Centuries-old traditions and modern-day nuances are abundant in Switzerland’s architecture, people, cities, villages, nature, and festivals and events. Among the most celebrated festivals is Swiss National Day on August 1; on this date seven centuries ago, the regions of the area took an oath of allegiance. This foundation of modern-day Switzerland is celebrated vehemently every year, and each region marks the occasion in its own manner, usually with fireworks, bonfires, lavish parades, floats, and music. It is one time you might see the Swiss really letting loose.

Switzerland’s business ethic is offset every summer by a range of festivals. At the forefront is the Montreux Jazz Festival, which pulls in diverse artists from around the world. Set on the waterfront of Lake Geneva, this monthlong festival burgeons every year thanks to its delightful ambience, variety of music, and free entry to all but a few concerts. Lucerne’s Blue Balls Festival draws legends of rock and pop. And for one day every August, Zurich is transformed into a musical heaven during its famous annual street parade.

Tips for responsible travel in Switzerland

Switzerland’s 26 regions, or cantons, have their own customs, traditions, and—in many cases—languages. Supporting the communities and people of those regions is as easy as using a local guide, staying at a locally owned and sustainable hotel, or buying goods made in the region. But perhaps the simplest way to be a responsible traveler in Switzerland is to walk, bike, and take public transit. After all, the beauty of this country is best seen by taking it slow on foot or bike and staring out the train window with a camera in hand.

Practical Information

The currency is the Swiss franc, though sometimes euros are accepted. The country’s three main languages are French, German, and Italian (a small minority also speaks Romansh). Most of the younger generation speak English. Switzerland (and neighboring Lichtenstein) use a J plug; travelers from the U.S. and Canada will need either a SEV 1011 or Earplug converter and an adapter for 240 V electricity.

Guide Editors

Simon Willis is a travel writer and freelance journalist flirting with both South America and Europe. He has contributed to the Washington Post, Independent, Yorkshire Post, Colombia Reports and Argentina Independent, among other publications. Simon is a sports nut, and when he is not adventure-seeking he is following his beloved Barnsley Football Club.

Jonny Bierman, who provided additional reporting, is a Vancouver-based sustainable travel journalist and photographer. He enjoys telling stories of marine and land-based conservation, Indigenous stewardship, regenerative travel, and innovation in science and technology. Follow his adventures on Instagram at @ecoescape.travel

Read Before You Go
Resources to help plan your trip
From the glitz and glamour of chic lounges to the speakeasy-style hangouts, Zurich’s bar scene is legendary in Switzerland. Zurich West’s Hotel Rivington & Sons, with its 80-year old New York made bar, is perfect for savoring a whiskey or ginger wine. But to climb the scales of exclusivity, head to Nietturm, a stunning bar located in a glass cube atop the Zurich skyline.
Along with its renowned cheese fondue, the Suisse Romande region offers a range of walks, spas, chocolates, and wines to enjoy. Dotted around this French-speaking part of Switzerland are traditional cities and towns like Gruyeres and Fribourg that serve up melt-in-the-mouth cheeses. Then delve into Romande Suisse culture with a trip to Lausanne’s Gothic cathedral, or experience the sound of the famous Swiss alpenhorn in Martigny.
The Swiss Riviera stretches from Lausanne to Montreux and encompasses the beautiful Lavaux vineyards perched on steep hills with a dramatic view of the lake and the Alps on the other side. Then you reach Vevey and its old town, passing La-Tour-de-Peilz before ending in Montreux, its casino and of course Chillon castle.
After an arduous day on the Swiss ski slopes, the steaming outdoor spas of Les Bains de Lavey and Bogn Engiadina are a romantic way to unwind with a loved one. Romantic apres-ski fun in Switzerland doesn’t come much more intimate than a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the glitzy resorts of Zermatt and St Moritz. And summer romance in Switzerland blossoms around the shores of Lake Geneva or down the secluded trails of the Bavona Valley.
Exploring Switzerland’s jaw-dropping scenery is a must for any visitor; the only question is whether you walk the secluded paths, ride the mountains, or drive the snaking Swiss Alpine roads. For a relaxed, one-with-nature experience, walk through the meadow trails in the Bavona Valley on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Speed junkies should try out a drive around the Great St. Bernard Pass, or ride down the mountainside on a monster scooter at Saas-Grund.
Switzerland draws influence from neighboring countries France, Germany, and Italy to produce some of the most refined dining in Europe. From traditional mountainside restaurants serving up fondue, raclette, and rösti to exquisite inner-city dining in Zurich and Geneva, the Swiss simply excel at gastronomy. Explore Switzerland’s best alpine restaurants, seafood eateries, and melt-in-the-mouth Swiss cheese hotspots—including a few Michelin-starred treats along the way.
A visit to Switzerland wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of its most luxurious local experiences. High-end eateries dot the streets of Geneva and Zurich, while hidden in the stunning Swiss mountains are some exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants. Think it’s time to purchase one of the world’s best watches? Switzerland’s affluent cities boast a plethora of opportunities to find your perfect luxury timepiece—maybe an Omega, Rolex, or Tag.
Experiencing everything Switzerland has to offer in a month may seem daunting, but it’s sure exhilarating to try. The glitzy ski resorts of Zermatt, St Moritz, and Verbier offer both deep, powdered off-piste areas and pristine corduroy runs. In the summer, journey along Switzerland’s—and Europe’s—highest tram line to reach the iconic Matterhorn, or cut along the dramatic Swiss Alps on the luxury chocolate train, stopping off at the lakeside cities of Montreux and Lausanne.
Contrary to popular belief, the Matterhorn isn’t Switzerland’s only mountainous child. It’s one of a string of 47 sky-scraping mountain peaks in the Swiss canton of Valais. The skiing, of course, is epic in this sunny, bilingual region on the border between Switzerland and Italy, especially on the Längfluh Glacier at Saas-Fee. As well as skiing, Valais is known for scenic spas and ancient Roman baths, such as the outdoor bubbles at Ovronnaz.
From summer through winter, Switzerland serves up a host of adrenaline-pumping extreme sports. When the sun is shining, the Swiss mountains are ascended and descended by climbers and bikers, while snowy conditions are heaps of fun for alpine skiers and snowboarders. Other thrilling sports in Switzerland include paragliding in Zermatt, hurtling down Europe’s longest toboggan run in Grindelwald, and ice-climbing up frozen waterfalls and glaciers in various spots in the Swiss Alps.
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