Hi there, traveler, blissful to see you’re planning a visit to Switzerland! I spent years exploring this Alpine paradise and have crafted this compact Switzerland journey information that will help you plan your journey!
Today, you’ll study concerning the high locations to go to within the nation, one of the best points of interest, discover a curated listing of native meals and delicacies to attempt (sure, I’m speaking about chocolate and cheese!), learn to get round, and way more!
Switzerland is a well-liked vacation vacation spot all 12 months lengthy, so it’s undoubtedly a good suggestion to ebook your lodging and tickets prematurely!
We’ve bought lots to cowl, so let’s leap proper in!
Overview
Can’t learn until the tip? No worries, I’ve bought you lined with a fast listing that highlights key info from the article:
● Best locations to go to: Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, St. Moritz
● Best points of interest: Scenic prepare rides, medieval castles, snowboarding within the Alps
● Must-try meals: fondue, raclette
● Must-pack objects: long-sleeve shirt, sunscreen
● Best time to go to: May-August in summer season, December to February for snowboarding
1. Why go to Switzerland
For all these of you touring from afar, it’s possible you’ll be questioning, is visiting Switzerland really well worth the time, cash, and energy?
Oh, it’s so value it!
These are simply a few of the causes to go to Switzerland this 12 months:
- The most scenic Alpine landscapes with everlasting snow-covered tops (a photographer’s dream)
- A well-developed prepare community that’ll will let you soak in all of the beautiful surroundings
- Well-preserved medieval cities and fortresses on each nook
- World-renowned meals tradition, residence to a few of the most scrumptious chocolate and cheese manufacturers
- High-end buying, particularly for Swiss watches
- Very secure surroundings for foreigners, not overwhelming to get round
- High ranges of tradition, clear streets, and a steady financial system
FUN FACT: Switzerland has the best variety of 4,000+ meter (13,000-feet) peaks in Europe! 48 mountains have this or increased altitude. Think about all of the wonderful surroundings this nation has to supply!
2. My fav locations to go to in Switzerland
Now, let’s take a look at all one of the best cities and resorts value visiting in Switzerland!
2.1 Zurich
Although not the capital (that’s Bern), Zurich is the largest and most populous metropolis in Switzerland, with over 380,000 residents. Ask any native or vacationer, and so they’ll agree that Zurich can also be one of many nation’s most charming cities!
What struck me essentially the most was how peaceable and quiet town is regardless of its dimension. Plus, it’s tremendous walkable, so that you gained’t even have to make use of public transport for many of your keep! Start your go to with a leisurely stroll by the Old Town (Aldstad) for a journey again in time, after which take a look at a few of the museums just like the Kunsthaus Art Museum and Swiss National Museum.
Then, chocolate tasting, cathedral hopping, and wonderful eating places of Zurich will hold you busy for days! We have a tried-and-true 3-day itinerary for town, so be happy to test it out for extra particulars!
Best experiences in Zurich to ebook prematurely
Check out some unmissable experiences in Zurich that you must undoubtedly ebook prematurely:
Or learn extra on the greatest issues to do in Zurich in our separate information!
Where to remain in Zurich
We even have a particular information on the greatest areas to remain in Zurich with top-rated motels, however right here’s a fast abstract of the highest 3 choices sorted by funds:
- Luxury: Widder Hotel – tremendous trendy 5-star resort within the Old Town, serving connoisseur delicacies and providing a health middle
- Mid-range: Bristol Hotel – superb for informal and enterprise guests and nestled within the metropolis middle, this resort additionally has the cutest rooms
- Budget: Hotel Marta – one of the vital reasonably priced and newly renovated motels only a brief stroll from the principle prepare station
2.2 Geneva
My favourite metropolis in Switzerland and a paradise for high-end customers, Geneva sits on the Southern finish of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and is a pleasure to go to each in summer season and winter.
With one of many largest previous cities in Europe, charming cathedrals, the beautiful 140-meter-high water jet fountain, and vibrant buying boulevards and eating places, Geneva simply has all of it.
You can go to most of Geneva in 2 days, but in addition use it as a base to discover different points of interest within the space. Plus, Geneva can also be residence to a world airport from the place you may fly to most locations in Europe!
INSIDER TIP: My favourite place to stroll in Geneva is alongside Quai Gustave-Ador (map)! Such beautiful views of the fountain, the trendy half throughout the lake, and the previous city!
Best experiences in Geneva to ebook prematurely
Where to remain in Geneva
Check out one of the best motels to remain in Geneva:
- Luxury: Hôtel de la Cigogne – top-notch location, distinctive service, and essentially the most charming inside await at this 5-star resort in Downtown Geneva
- Mid-range: citizenM Geneva – simply your standard citizenM resort superb for mid-range vacationers on a brief keep to Geneva
- Budget: Hotel Central – wonderful worth for cash with properly adorned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and each day housekeeping
2.3 Lucerne
Lucerne is that metropolis you go to if you wish to expertise the right mix of Switzerland’s pure magnificence and historical past.
It’s surrounded by picturesque Alps, lies by Lucerne Lake, and has one of many oldest standing picket bridges within the nation! Yes, I’m speaking concerning the Chapel Bridge, and sure, you can take an image that captures all 3 beauties without delay (bridge, mountains, and lake)!
Apart from the romantic views, Lucerne additionally has a cute Old Town with medieval buildings recognized for his or her frescoes and cobblestone streets.
PRO TIP: Wake up the medieval explorer in you and hop on one of many 9 towers on the Musegg Wall to take pleasure in essentially the most romantic views of Lucerne!
Best actions to ebook prematurely in Lucerne
Here’s what to not miss whereas in Lucerne:
Where to remain in Lucerne
And as standard, take a look at the highest 3 motels in Lucerne for all budgets:
- Luxury: Hotel des Balances – 4-star resort proper by the lake within the Old Town, providing views of the Chapel Bridge and essentially the most cozy rooms
- Mid-range: Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern – this 3-star resort can also be positioned in Old Town, has espresso makers in rooms, a scrumptious breakfast, and family-friendly rooms
- Budget: Hotel Baslertor – one other 3-star resort in Old Town with barely extra reasonably priced costs and even a seasonal outside pool
2.4 Interlaken
Interlaken is conveniently positioned between Zurich and Geneva and makes an important base in case you’re in search of adventures in nature. You can simply spend 3 to 4 days right here with out losing interest!
Think quick access to the Alps and a pair of beautiful lakes on either side of the city, scenic prepare rides to the “Top of Europe” (Mount Jungfraujoch, map), countless climbing paths, and a lot extra. Yes, the enduring Bernina Express, one of the vital in style prepare routes in Switzerland, runs right here!
In brief, Interlaken is heaven for outside adventurers, and also you shouldn’t miss it!
Best actions to ebook prematurely in Interlaken
Where to remain in Interlaken
- Luxury: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – elegant 5-star resort with a spa, steam room, sauna, and tons of different luxurious perks to spoil you in your keep in Interlaken
- Mid-range: Hotel Artos – tucked in between the mountains, this 3-star resort additionally has a spa middle however comes at way more reasonably priced costs
- Budget: Walters Hostel – an iconic hostel with free parking, a backyard, each day breakfast, and free Wi-Fi
2.5 St. Moritz
Are you visiting Switzerland within the winter? Well, a visit to St. Moritz is a should! One of the main ski resorts within the nation awaits with all its wonderful ski slopes, luxurious motels, wonderful views, and iconic scorching springs!
The Dorf space, the place the principle village is, is greatest for luxurious, sightseeing, and people charming St. Moritz Lake views! You may also keep within the Bad (means “spa”) space to soak within the 3,500-year-old pure scorching springs!
The space is tremendous inviting to skiers from world wide within the winter, so in case you’re one among them, you’ve discovered your self an ideal place to go to in Switzerland!
Activities to ebook prematurely in St. Moritz
Where to remain in St. Moritz
Now let’s see what are one of the best motels in St. Moritz!
- Luxury: Bardutt’s Palace Hotel – this lakefront resort with 5 stars has all of it: completely beautiful views of the mountains, a complicated indoor pool, lavishly adorned rooms, and even a scorching tub!
- Mid-range: Hotel Schweizerhof – 4-star resort in Dorf with quick access to ski slopes and 4 on-site eating places, superb for {couples} and households
- Budget: Hauser Hotel – in style ski-to-door resort with easy and comfortable rooms, on-site parking, and a spacious solar terrace good for after-ski
For extra particulars on the place to remain on this in style ski resort, examine our full lodging information that covers 6 lovely areas.
Other in style locations to go to in Switzerland
These have been the highest 5, however they’re removed from the principle touristy spots within the nation! Here are some extra fabulous spots in Switzerland:
- Bern – the capital metropolis and the final word vacation spot for bear lovers
- Lauterbrunnen – jaw-dropping waterfalls that pound down the rocky valleys, a novel sight within the nation
- Lausanne – the capital of the Olympic Games with beautiful castles, lakefront promenades, and an city metropolis middle
- Jungfraujoch – a well-liked cease for outside lovers with the best railway in Europe
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3. Hidden gems of Switzerland
The main vacationer hotspots above usually overshadow the much less in style however not any much less lovely elements of this Alpine land! Let’s discover some hidden gems of Switzerland collectively:
- Bachalpsee (map) – generally known as the Blue Pearl and accessible through a 3km hike, that is arguably essentially the most picturesque lake in Switzerland, and solely only a few vacationers ever get to see it!
- Gimmelwald (map) – postcard-perfect mountain village accessible through cable automobile, sitting at virtually 1,400 meters with charming views of the glaciers and valleys
- Vevey (map) – tiny, picturesque village on the shores of Geneva Lake recognized for being residence of Charlie Chaplin and an enormous chrome steel fork within the lake
- Maggia Valley (map) – in case you’re into climbing and wish to discover the uncooked great thing about Switzerland and admire some centuries-old properties, add this hidden gem to the listing
- Rhine Gorge (map) – that is Switzerland’s Grand Canyon! Bike alongside the Rhine River or take a journey by the gorge. Both choices provide spectacular views however at a distinct tempo
- Stoos (map) – take the world’s steepest funicular to get to the highest of this car-free tiny mountain village!
NOTE: Switzerland is completely charming and each canton has its hidden gems and sweetness. This listing may be very subjective and comes from my private expertise. It’s removed from being the entire listing of hidden gems within the nation.
4. Must-see castles in Switzerland
Switzerland has over 500 castles ready to be explored all through the nation, with the oldest one courting from the tenth century!
We’d usually see random castles excessive within the mountains as we drove on the street, and I bear in mind being in awe of how the individuals even managed to construct castles in such distant areas.
Here are some iconic ones so as to add to your bucket listing:
- Château de Gruyères (map) – a small detour off the street from Bern to Lake Geneva, and you’ll discover one of the vital lovely and scenic castles in Switzerland excessive within the mountains. Plus, get to see the place they make the famed Gruyère cheese!
- Château de Chillon (map) – this iconic fort was featured in Disney’s The Little Princess! So a lot historical past and allure, plus it’s handy to go to in case you’re already stopping by at Montreux.
- Château de Tourbillon (map) – a kind of castles excessive within the mountains with scenic views and big stone partitions that you simply simply can’t miss
- Thun Castle (map) – a Twelfth-century fort with a museum that showcases the area’s historical past during the last 4,000 years, plus an occasion corridor
- Castles of Bellinzona (map) – the three castles on this fort complicated are so charming, a should in case you’re visiting the Southern a part of Switzerland
TIP: Just a brief journey from Chateau de Chillon (by automobile), you’ll be in France, Evian (map), the enduring little spa city the place Evian water comes from! We’d make month-to-month journeys right here for grocery buying, and I at all times loved the surroundings and small villages we’d move by.
5. How to get round in Switzerland
There are a number of methods to get round Switzerland, all relying in your funds, itinerary, and out there time:
- Train – prepare is the best choice to get round in case you’re coming for informal sightseeing. Get a Swiss Travel Pass to unlock limitless journey on all public transport (together with that steepest cable automobile on the earth at Stoos!) for a choose variety of days (3, 4, or 8)!
- Car rental – automobile leases are higher in case you’re staying for over a month and know you’ll be transferring lots exterior of cities. Parking and driving in cities, particularly in early mornings and early evenings is completely hectic. I undoubtedly don’t advocate automobiles to get round in city areas.
- Bus – although buses can be found, I’ll be trustworthy with you and let you know I may rely on my fingers the occasions I used a bus in Switzerland (only a few, and solely in small areas the place the prepare was unavailable). The SubmitBus is the official bus community however you’ll discover many others which have connections between main cities and small cities. Overall, trains are extra environment friendly as they don’t get caught in site visitors rush and provide much better views.
- Taxi – taxis can be found all through the nation, principally in massive cities, however once more I counsel you towards utilizing them except you don’t have any higher choices to get to the airport with all of your baggage. The taxis are notoriously costly right here! In main cities, you may hail taxis on the road or discover them at designated taxi stands. For different locations, you must name or use apps like Talixo.
- Uber – the app works high-quality in Zurich, however for different locations, in case you handle to discover a journey, it’s virtually assured to be far more costly than taxis
6. Most scenic prepare rides in Switzerland
So we’ve established that the prepare is the preferred transport choice, however I additionally wished to present you this listing of essentially the most scenic rides you simply can’t miss:
- Glacier Express – goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz, and is often generally known as “the world’s slowest express train”! The journey lasts 8 hours and takes you throughout a whole lot of bridges and dozens of tunnels, with charming views of glaciers, villages, and mountain peaks.
- Bernina Express – from Chur to Tirano in Italy, one of many few UNESCO World Heritage routes with dramatic surroundings as you cross by glaciers and delightful valleys
- GoldenPass Express – from Montreux to Interlaken, a very nice route that passes 2 lakes and a pair of mountain ranges with a few of the nicest views of the Alps and previous cities
NOTE: The Swiss Travel Pass covers rides on all 3 specific strains above!
7. Must-try conventional meals in Switzerland
So you’re coming to Switzerland for the primary time and do not know what meals to attempt? I’ve bought you lined! These are must-try dishes, greatest sweets, and cheese manufacturers you simply must attempt:
Must-try dishes
- Fondue – family-favorite cheese-and-bread combo dish. Emmental or Gruyère get melted in a pot and you then dip lengthy forks with bread on them contained in the pot to benefit from the heat cheese.
- Raclette – much like fondue, however on this one the melted cheese is unfold on boiled potatoes and normally paired with cured meats or pickles. My private favourite!
- Rösti – began out as breakfast however now you may have it in most eating places any time of the day. It’s simply sautéed or pan-fried potatoes that sort of appear like a thick pancake.
- Papet Vaudois – once I was little, I used to name this “a dish for adults”. It has a mattress of potatoes and leeks and a cabbage sausage on high.
- Tartiflette – you’re assured to have this one in ski resorts. It’s made with potatoes, Reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions, and can hold you full for the entire day!
Best chocolate manufacturers I really like:
- Frey (my all-time favourite)
- Villars (these guys make Toblerone)
- Cailler
- Lindt
Best cheese manufacturers to search for
- Emmental (additionally referred to as Emmentaler)
- Gruyère
- Tête de Moine
- L’Etivaz
8. Winter occasions and actions in Switzerland
Visiting Switzerland within the winter? Apart from having enjoyable on the ski resorts, you can even catch wonderful occasions that solely happen right here in winter!
- Festival International de Ballons, Château-d’Oex – a scorching air balloon competition that takes place in January and lasts for 9 days, a tremendous expertise and sights for the entire household.
- Christmas Markets of Switzerland – particularly in style in Zurich, Basel, and Montreux with its flying Santa, Christmas Markets are a must-visit from late November to December in Switzerland!
- White Turf Festival, St. Moritz – going down in February since 1907, this competition includes horse racing on the frozen St. Moritz lake!
- Ice Skating on Lake Zurich – you simply can’t miss the final word Christmas magic in Zurich if you’re visiting within the winter! The occasions fluctuate relying on climate situations, however definitely one thing to remember when visiting round New Year’s.
- Lucerne Festival of Light – go to Lucerne within the first half of January for lovely illuminations within the metropolis’s Old Town! The foremost points of interest, squares, and streets shine their greatest presently!
And in case you’re planning a ski journey, Zermatt and St. Moritz are 2 high resort areas within the nation. Check out our particular information the place we talk about and share useful suggestions for each of them!
9. Packing listing for Switzerland
A visit to Switzerland wants correct planning when it comes to clothes and equipment, particularly in case you head to discover the nice outside.
Here’s my fast listing of must-haves:
- Jeans or good pants
- 1-2 pairs of T-shirts or good tops
- Sweater
- Breathable raincoat/jacket
- Good strolling footwear with a closed high
- Hiking poles in case you plan to hike
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit for swimming within the lakes
- Reusable water bottle
NOTE: For metropolis hopping, costume between informal (suppose denims and a T-shirt) or sensible informal (good pants and a high). For climbing, sturdy strolling footwear are a should. Even in case you go to in the summertime, evenings can certainly get chilly, so a heat sweater or a jacket are important.
Additions for winter:
10. Switzerland itinerary
So you’ve discovered about all these enjoyable issues to do and see in Switzerland, however how do you really go about it? We have a particular 7-day itinerary that highlights all the main locations, be happy to learn it right here! But in case you’re brief on time, right here’s a fast preview:
- Day 1: Zurich
- Day 2: Leave Zurich and head for Lucerne
- Day 3: Leave Lucerne for Bern
- Day 4: Leave Bern for Jungfraujoch (in a single day in Interlaken)
- Day 5: Lausanne
- Day 6: Leave Lausanne for Geneva
- Day 7: Departure
This itinerary covers each the city areas and mountain resorts, however in case you’re brief on time, you may customise it any manner you need!
For a 5-day itinerary, simply omit Jungfraujoch and Lausanne!
And for 10 days, add stops to Montreux and that attractive Chillon Castle and spend a day or 2 in St. Moritz!
I nonetheless advise you to take a look at our full itinerary I shared within the first paragraph as a result of it has particulars on manage every day, but in addition a collection of one of the best motels for every place and a few sensible suggestions in your keep!
11. Cultural suggestions
Last however not least, let’s discover some enjoyable, cultural suggestions and information that’ll come in useful throughout your go to:
- Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, however English is extensively spoken.
- The official forex is Swiss Franc (CHF), and the speed on the time of writing is round US$1.13 for 1 CHF. You can withdraw Swiss Franc and Euros in most ATMs.
- Most individuals in Switzerland follow Christianity, however spiritual freedom is granted by the structure.
- Being good in Switzerland is a part of the cultural norm. Basic greetings (Bonjour, Grüezi, Ciao) and gratitude phrases (Merci, Danke, Gracie) are vastly appreciated.
- In bars and eating places, the frequent tip is from 10 to fifteen%, however this depends upon the kind of place and your ranges of satisfaction with the service.
- Clothing apparel is most frequently sensible informal, and also you’ll infrequently see individuals strolling round in sweatpants.
| 🥾 Best energetic tour: | Mount Titlis |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best Zurichh tour: | Highlights tour |
| ☀️ Best summertime to go to: | May-August |
| ⛷️ Best time for snowboarding: | December to February |
| 🫕 Must-try meals: | fondue |
FAQs about Switzerland journey
🇨🇭 How many days are sufficient for Switzerland?
Plan at the least 7 days to see the principle highlights! If you mix sightseeing with snowboarding or climbing, I’d say 10 days is sufficient.
🍃 What are one of the best months to go to Switzerland?
May to August for all of the greenery and nice climate, and December to February for snowboarding or simply appreciating these Alpine winter landscapes!
🙅 What are the don’ts of Switzerland?
Avoid commute from 7 AM to eight AM and 5 PM to six PM because of site visitors rush, don’t speak loudly in trains and eating places, don’t overlook sturdy footwear for the mountains, and by no means underestimate the Swiss climate.
🎒 Where to go for the primary time in Switzerland?
Visit Zurich, Geneva and its lovely lake, and go climbing in and round Interlaken! For extra concepts, take a look at our 7-day Switzerland itinerary for first timers!
Final phrases
So, pricey reader, you’ve made it to the tip of my sensible Switzerland journey information! Look in any respect the enjoyable stuff we lined at present! Hopefully, all this has helped you higher put together in your journey!
Switzerland is so lovely in any season, however I have to say late spring right here has stolen my coronary heart! It’s when all the things begins to bloom however the mountain tops are nonetheless lined with snow, and the climate is right for lengthy walks!
Regardless of the time of your go to, do ebook your flights, motels, and excursions prematurely to safe one of the best offers!
And you probably have any questions or considerations about this Switzerland journey information, shoot me a remark beneath! I’ll be blissful to assist!
Happy travels,
Darija
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