Switzerland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Switzerland? Explore Zurich for its beautiful lake, historic Old Town, museums, and easy access to the Alps; visit Lucerne for mountain scenery and its famous Chapel Bridge; travel to Zermatt for unforgettable views of the Matterhorn; or head into the Bernese Oberland to experience Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and some of Switzerland’s most dramatic Alpine landscapes.
Switzerland may be a small country, but its combination of snow-covered mountains, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, scenic railways, medieval towns, mountain villages, vineyards, castles, hiking trails, chocolate, and cheese makes it one of Europe’s most spectacular travel destinations.
This Switzerland travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about entry requirements, currency, trains, rail passes, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and Swiss traditions.
Visiting Switzerland for the first time? Zurich, Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland, and Zermatt make an excellent introduction. Add Bern, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, Basel, or the Engadin region if you have more time.
Switzerland is particularly well suited to train travel. Instead of rushing between destinations, build your itinerary around a few regions and make the journey part of the experience with mountain railways, lake boats, cable cars, and panoramic trains.
Switzerland Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Switzerland? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Federal City and De Facto Capital: Bern
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
National Languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Swiss drivers drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and J, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: June–September for hiking and outdoor sightseeing; December–March for skiing and winter activities
Popular First-Time Destinations: Zurich, Lucerne, Bernese Oberland, Zermatt, Bern, and Lake Geneva
Getting Around: Trains, buses, boats, trams, funiculars, mountain railways, cable cars, and rental cars
Visa Requirements: U.S. tourists can generally visit Switzerland and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
UNESCO World Heritage Properties: 13
Best Known For: Swiss Alps, scenic trains, mountain villages, lakes, chocolate, cheese, watches, hiking, skiing, and the Matterhorn
Don’t Miss: A scenic train ride, an Alpine destination, a Swiss lake, a historic town, and at least one mountain excursion
First-time Switzerland travel tip: Don’t automatically rent a car. Switzerland’s integrated public transportation system makes many of its most popular cities, villages, lakes, and mountain destinations remarkably easy to reach without driving.
Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
Zurich: Best for a First Introduction to Switzerland and City Life
Zurich is the gateway to the Alps and is the definition of picturesque. You will find a turquoise lake with an Alpine background, shutter adorn Altstadt, flowers, cobblestone walkways, lake views, snow-capped mountains, fountains, fondue, 100+ art galleries, elegant watches, and Swiss Army knives. Top sights include the Grossmunster, Fraumünster, Rathaus, Niederdorfstrasse, Augustinergasse, and Rennweg Streets.
READ One Day in Zurich Switzerland
Lucerne: Best for Lakes, Mountains and Classic Swiss Scenery
Lucerne Switzerland is postcard perfect. You will find a gorgeous lake, snow-capped mountains, city walls, cobblestoned old town squares full of frescoes, wooden shutters, beautiful water fountains, ringing church bells, a wooden bridge covered in flowers, and a dying lion monument full of emotion. Top sights include Chapel Bridge, Rathaus, Spreuerbrücke, Museggmauer Tower, and the Dying Lion Monument.
READ One Day in Lucerne Switzerland
Basel: Best for Art, Museums and Culture
Basel (Boz-ul) is the third-largest city in Switzerland and has a lot to offer. It is a cultural center and is well known for its museums, theater, and music. Basel is a big player in the art world. In fact, Art Basel began here in 1970 and has since expanded to Miami and Hong Kong. There are random sculptures throughout the city and don’t miss the Tinguely-Brunnen Mechanical Water Fountain. The city is also known for its high-end shopping and artistic shop signs, don’t forget to look up.
READ Christmas in Basel Switzerland
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Switzerland
Where is Switzerland
Switzerland is a small country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. To give each territory equal importance, Switzerland does not have an official capital. The seat of government is in Bern, the Federal Supreme Court is in Lausanne, and the Federal Criminal Court is in Bellinzona.
What Languages Are Spoken in Switzerland?
Switzerland is a multicultural country and does not have a unified language. 62% of the population speaks Swiss German, 23% French, 8% Italian, and .5% Romansh. Currently, English is not the first foreign language taught in schools. That being said, 2/3 of the population speak some English, and English speakers will not have difficulty traveling the country. It is important to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Switzerland?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Switzerland and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Switzerland Use?
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc. It is possible to pay with euros in many shops, hotels, rail stations, and gas stations, change will be given in the franc. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Switzerland?
ATMs are available throughout Switzerland. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Switzerland and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Switzerland, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in the Swiss franc. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How Much Does a Trip to Switzerland Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Switzerland is $213. Expect to pay $2,981 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland?
The best time to visit Switzerland is during the shoulder seasons, April and June, and September to October. Spring is cold and rainy, you will need a winter coat and gloves if you go into the Alps. The high season in Switzerland is July to August when the hiking trails in the Swiss Alps are snow-free. Visit January to mid-March to participate in winter sports. The Basel Christmas Market is one of the best in the region. Swiss panoramic trains (Glacier Express and Gotthard Panorama Express) do not run in the winter.
How Do You Get Around Switzerland?
Zurich is the busiest airport. The airport trains will transport you to the main station in 10 minutes. Most international trains connect through Basel SBB. Public transportation in Switzerland is a combination of trains, buses, boats, lake steamers, funiculars, and cable cars. Swiss taxis are the most expensive in Europe. Uber is available in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, and Zürich. Lausanne is the only city with a metro station. It is not difficult to reach your destination by train and most cities are walkable from the main train station. Use the SBB Mobile app for Swiss Federal Railways to locate your route. The Swiss Travel Pass may save a lot of money if you plan to travel throughout the country. Do not place luggage in the seat next to you on the train, you will be charged a half-ticket fine on the spot. Bike rental is free in Zurich. If needed, it is possible to purchase a Zurich Card for unlimited public transportation in the city.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Switzerland?
The plugs in Switzerland are type C and J. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You may need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for Switzerland?
The dress is conservative and neat. Wear layers; temperatures in Switzerland vary greatly due to elevation changes. During one day of sightseeing, it might be warm while exploring a city center and freezing cold after a funicular ride up a mountain. Pack dark blue denim, layered tops, and a jacket. Wear close-toed shoes with cushioned soles for walking on cobbled streets in rainy weather. Bring hiking shoes for days in the Alps and a suit for swimming in the Alpine lakes and rivers. Pack an umbrella for rainy days but due to high winds, a rain jacket with a hood is most practical.
Is Switzerland Safe for Solo Travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe. Not only is the overall risk low, but there is also a low risk of scams, pickpockets, and muggings. Nevertheless, do not leave belongings unattended, and stay aware of your surroundings. Please note receipts may have your entire credit card number on them, check before throwing them away.
What Swiss Food Should You Try?
Cheese fondue, zurcher geschnetzeltes (Zurich-style ragout of veal and mushroom), papet vaudois (leeks with potatoes and sausage), tartiflette (potatoes, bacon and cheese), raclette (melted cheese over boiled potatoes), alplermagronen (Swiss mac and cheese), flammekueche (flatbread with bacon, onion and cheese), Basler mehlsuppe (flour soup), rosti (pan-fried grated potatoes), landjäger (semi-dried sausage), malakoff (ball of fried cheese), zopf (soft white bread), birchermüesli (breakfast oats with apples, hazelnuts and almonds), Swiss cheese tart, nusstorte (sweet nut tart), luxemburgerli macarons, and as much chocolate as possible.
Tips for Traveling in Switzerland
- The Swiss are private, reserved, guarded, and do not like small talk. Do not ask personal questions.
- Do not speak loudly in public places, especially on mobile phones.
- Don’t call someone by their name until invited to do so. Use surnames and alternative titles.
- Respect elders, always give up your seat.
- Greet with a handshake and eye contact on the first meeting.
- If invited to someone’s home arrive on time, leave early, and bring a small gift of wine or chocolate.
- Keep both hands on the table during meals, and keep the elbow off the table. Eat everything from your plate and place the knife and fork side by side at 5:25 when you finish.
- Tap water is safe to drink. Refill water bottles from fountains throughout the city.
- Restaurant meals in Switzerland are expensive. Do not tip, a service charge is included in the bill.
- Swiss chocolate at the grocery store is just as good (and less expensive) as ‘tourist’ chocolate.
- The day starts and ends early, night owls beware.
- Many shops close for lunch (noon to 2 pm), close for the day around 5 pm, and do not open on Sundays and Mondays.
- The Swiss do not tend to line up at stores and bumping into one another is not a big deal (but say excuse me or that’s ok).
- Always carry change for the toilet, not all are free.
- Train tickets are pricey; the fine for travel without a ticket is $100 plus the cost of the ticket.
- The Swiss follow rules and you will be fined if you do not. If your accommodation states quiet after 10 pm, be quiet after 10 pm or be fined.
Top Things to See and Do in Switzerland
- Walk across the Chapel Bridge and see the Dying Lion Monument in Lucerne.
- Picnic at the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.
- Browse the Christmas Market in Basel.
- Explore the waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
- Visit Lausanne on Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest Alpine lake.
- Ride the Glacier Express train to Zermatt and spend a snowy weekend on the Matterhorn.
- Participate in the annual descent of cattle festival.
- Wander Bern’s medieval old town.
- Walk across Lavertezzo’s famous double-arched bridge and take a swim in the river below.
- Visit the Montreux castle.
- Ride the train to the top of Europe and visit Jungfraujoch, but check the weather first.
- Get your adrenaline fix on the Canyon Swing in Interlaken or the Verzasca Dam bungee jump.
- Hike the Swiss Alps in St. Moritz.
- Ride the Albula/Bernina Railway Line for panoramic views.
- Get your art fix in Basel.
Check the Switzerland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Switzerland
- Switzerland has 7000 lakes and 208 mountains.
- Switzerland has the longest staircase and tunnel in the world.
- There are over 40 shipwrecks in Lake Geneva.
- The Swiss Franc is one of the most stable currencies in the world.
- Switzerland has more banks than dentists.
- Switzerland is expensive, but college is not.
- Switzerland is the least obese European country.
- 23% of the Swiss population is made up of foreign-born residents.
- The Swiss marry around the age of 30 and have a 40% divorce rate.
- Pets in Switzerland have legal rights.
- The story of Heidi began in Switzerland.
- A Swiss chemist invented LSD while researching a cure for migraines.
- Switzerland has the highest percentage of people over 100 years of age in Europe.
- Assisted suicide is legal but must be done by own hand (by pills for example).
- Swiss meat is the most expensive in the world.
- The average Swiss citizen consumes 23 pounds of chocolate each year.
- Switzerland is not part of the EU or NATO and has never participated in a World War.
- Swiss women were not allowed to vote at the federal level until 1971.
- Male citizens over the age of 18 are expected to serve in the Swiss army, after service they must keep their guns at home or store them for a fee.
- Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership and lowest rates of crime.
- The Pope is protected at the Vatican by Swiss Guards.
- Switzerland has nuclear fallout shelters maintained by its military to accommodate its entire population.
- The Red Cross was founded in Switzerland (the flag is not a coincidence).
- Albert Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity E=MC2 in Switzerland.
- The world’s first instant coffee, Nescafe, was invented in Switzerland.
- The corkscrew on the Swiss Army knife is made in Japan.
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