Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking Alpine landscapes, picturesque lakes, and charming villages. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and sophisticated city life, with impeccable cleanliness and efficiency. Its stunning scenery and high quality of life make it a truly captivating destination.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$100/day
Mid-range$250/day
Luxury$400/day
Known For
AlpsGenevaZurichBernMatterhornSwiss Confederation
🇨🇠Country Information: Switzerland
CapitalBern
CurrencySwiss franc (CHf)
LanguageGerman , French,Italian,Romansh
Phone Code+41
Electricity230V (Type C, J)
Tap WaterSafe to drink
Tipping
- Tipping is not obligatory as service charges are included, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for excellent service is appreciated (5
- 10%)
- For taxis, round up the fare
- For hotel staff, a few francs for good service is customary
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas; cash is still common for smaller purchases
- It's not strictly necessary to bring a lot of cash, but useful for small vendors
- No black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Punctuality is highly valued and expected
- Direct communication is common; Swiss people are generally reserved but polite
- Greeting with a handshake is common
- When invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift (e
- g
- , flowers, chocolate)
- Dress codes are generally conservative and neat; casual but tidy is usually appropriate
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Switzerland has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2022. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is also prohibited.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16, for spirits is 18
- Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal substances, including cannabis
Special Laws
- Public nudity is generally not allowed outside designated FKK areas
- Jaywalking can result in fines
- Be aware of mountain safety rules when hiking or skiing
Common Phrases
NoNein (nayn)
YesJa (yah)
HelloGrüezi (groo-eh-tsee)
PleaseBitte (bit-tuh)
GoodbyeUf Wiederluege (oof vee-der-loo-guh)
Excuse meEntschuldigung (ent-shool-dee-goong)
Thank youDanke (dahn-kuh)
Climate
Switzerland has a diverse climate due to its mountainous terrain, with distinct alpine and pre-alpine regions, as well as more moderate valley and plateau areas.
Climate Zone: Continental Cool
Best Time to Visit
- Extreme Cold: Dec
- Feb
- Extreme Hot: Jul
- Aug
Getting There
- Fly into Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) (direct flights from major international cities)
- Extensive train network connects major cities and towns (e
- g
- , Zurich to Lucerne \~1h, CHF 20
- 30)
- Buses connect smaller villages
- Scenic boat trips available on many lakes
Getting Around
- Efficient public transport (trains, trams, buses) in all cities and regions
- SwissPass available for unlimited travel
- Taxis and ride
- sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) available in larger cities
- Cable cars and funiculars for mountain access
Health & Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) recommended
- No specific altitude sickness meds usually needed for general tourism
- Probiotics may be beneficial for digestive health
- No malaria risk
Staying Connected
- eSIMs widely available
- Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt are major providers
- Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM apps work well
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 2–3 months in advance
These popular trains have limited capacity for seat reservations, especially in the panorama coaches, and sell out far in advance during peak seasons.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 2 weeks to 6 months in advance
Booking well in advance, especially for longer distances, secures the lowest prices (Supersaver tickets) for SBB rail travel.
Book 4–8 weeks in advance
Pre-booking confirms your ticket, secures a potentially better price, and is essential for specific time slots on high-demand routes like Jungfraujoch.
Fun Facts
- 1. Switzerland is one of only two "double landlocked" countries in the world, meaning it is surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries (Austria and Liechtenstein).
- 2. Bern, not Zurich, is the capital of Switzerland, serving as the seat of the Swiss federal government.
- 3. Apart from Vatican City, Switzerland is the only country in the world to have a square flag—a red square with a white cross.
- 4. Despite its small land mass (0.4% of Europe), Switzerland holds 6% of the continent's fresh water reserves thanks to its many lakes and glaciers.
