Switzerland travel guide
Switzerland Tourism | Switzerland Guide
You're Going to Love Switzerland
A mixture of languages, cultures, and traditions, Switzerland is the perfect place to visit for travelers that enjoy adventure. Whether you are going for a hot air balloon ride, hiking through the mountains, or skiing, you are sure to enjoy your trip in this country.
What to do in Switzerland
1. Discover Switzerland's Rich History
To learn more about this one-of-a-kind country during your vacation, head to Chillon Castle, a structure that is located directly on Lake Geneva and contains a cultural center filled with artifacts from Switzerland's past.
2. Enjoy Breathtaking Views
If you would like to see Switzerland from a new perspective, go to Palatus, a mountain that offers stunning views of Lucerne and has both a cable car and traditional rail system.
3. Modern Art Meets Historical Architecture
For those that enjoy art, you will not want to miss the Chapel Bridge, a historical piece of architecture that is lined with contemporary art installations.
4. Go Hiking in the Alps
Best known for its challenging hiking trails, Eiger is a mountain that can be found in the Bernese Alps and provides stunning snowy views of the nearby region.
5. Hit the Slopes
Skiing in Switzerland is a must, so make sure you go to the Aletsch Glacier, where you will find a resort that offers a selection of winter sports.
When to visit Switzerland
Unless you would like to participate in winter sports, the best time of the year to visit Switzerland is during the months of April, June, September, and October, as this is when the weather is mildest.
How to Get to Switzerland
Entry Requirements
For those that are citizens of a country that is in the Schengen Zone, you can go to Switzerland without a visa and stay for as long as you'd like. If you are not from one of these countries, you will need a valid passport to visit Switzerland and can stay for a maximum of 90 consecutive days.
Plane
The easiest way to travel to Switzerland is by plane, as there are many cities that contain large airports, such as Geneva, Zurich, and Basel.
Train
For those that are interested in using the rail system, it is possible to travel directly to Switzerland from all parts of Europe, including countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Car
Many popular attractions in Switzerland can easily be reached by car, but keep in mind that you must purchase a vignette for your vehicle if you plan to use it on a highway.
Bus
Buses are an affordable mode of transportation for traveling to Switzerland, and both Eurolines and Flixbus offer competitive prices for trips departing from numerous countries in Europe.
Popular airlines serving Switzerland
Where to stay in Switzerland
While standard hotels can be found everywhere in Switzerland, many travelers opt to stay in a ski lodge or resort if they will be partaking in winter sports. Young people are able to save money while traveling by booking a bed in a student hostel, a type of lodging that can be found in most major cities.
Where to stay in popular areas of Switzerland
Most booked hotels in Switzerland
How to Get Around Switzerland
Public Transportation
Major cities in Switzerland, such as Geneva and Zurich, have extensive public transportation systems that incorporate local bus, tram, and metro systems. It is possible to purchase either a daily or weekly pass, which will often allow you to also rent a bike at no additional cost. For example, in Geneva, a 24h public transport ticket will cost you approximately 10 CHF (10 USD).
Car
While Switzerland is known for having high quality roads and being very accessible by car, keep in mind that during the winter, driving conditions can be more dangerous than usual due to snow.
Plane
Many domestic flights are offered every day in Switzerland, and some of the most popular companies to book trips with are SWISS and Darwin Airlines.
Best car rental deals in Switzerland
Compact
4 Adults, 2 Bags
$50/day
Intermediate SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$51/day
The Cost of Living in Switzerland
When dining in a restaurant, you can expect the cost of a meal and a drink to cost you approximately 25-30 CHF (25-30 USD). Although most restaurants accept debit and credit cards, keep in mind that smaller boutiques may not. If necessary, you can exchange your money at the airport, but there are also plenty of ATMs around the city centers.