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

Read Before You Go
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Resources to help plan your trip
This summer, Joe Diaz and I traveled to Switzerland on a ten-day trip prompted by the launch of one of AFAR’s newest ventures, AFAR Journeys, where we asked the members of AFAR’s Travel Advisory Council to create custom itineraries that allow AFAR readers to travel deeper in Switzerland. One of the most surprising areas of the country for both Joe and I was the Italian speaking southeast. Here are a few favorite highlights from that part of the trip.
Clear alpine lakes, bucolic valleys, dramatic craggy peaks, fresh mountain air, perfect chalets, the gentle tinkling of cowbells carried on the breeze: The Swiss Alps remain the most iconic mountain landscape in the world. Drive over breathtaking mountain passes, hike meticulously maintained trails, ski pristine powder, indulge in a world-class spa – the picture-perfect scenery will stay with you long after you leave.
Dining in one of Zurich’s classic restaurants is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a step back into Switzerland’s past. The almost 100-year-old Kronenhalle is among the most esteemed of Zurich’s restaurants, with its fabulous food matched by the expensive decor. Alfresco dining doesn’t get better than snuggling under a blanket outside the Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten and indulging in an all-you-can-eat fondue session. Zurich is also home to the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
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.
Switzerland’s restaurants range from white-tablecloth Michelin-starred establishments in Geneva to Alpine huts atop soaring peaks serving raclette and other traditional dishes that are even tastier when paired with mountain air. In every part of the country, you’ll find local products—cheeses, cured meats, and wine among them—highlighted by chefs. It’s a dining scene that is as varied as the cultures in this nation at the heart of Europe.
Swiss specialties vary by region, especially as they incorporate German, French, and Italian influences – though you’ll never have to look far for raclette, fondue, or potato rösti. While restaurants serving traditional cuisine are overwhelmingly popular, Switzerland is on the forefront of modern, sophisticated dining, especially its many Michelin-starred restaurants. Best of all, restaurants here often come with breathtaking lake or mountain views.
Three days might just be enough time to sample the delights Zurich has to offer. Take the Polybahn up to ETH University’s terrace for its vistas overlooking the city. Explore Lake Zurich, take a swim in a riverside badi, grab a beer at Zurich’s oldest preserved pub, taste its world-famous chocolate, visit an art museum, and calorie-splurge on traditional Swiss cuisine.
Switzerland’s largest city mixes urban pleasures with lots of natures, most notably Lake Zurich. The Swissôtel’s location near the train station is convenient for business travelers, while 25 Hours Hotel Zurich West offers a business lounge alongside playful local touches such as a kiosk selling Freitag bags. For 5-star service, book the Baur au Lac, set along the lakeshore and close to Zurich’s famous shopping street Bahnhofstrasse. Escape to the fairytale-like Dolder Grand for a true splurge.
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Switzerland’s unique wines, served on every SWISS flight, make for delicious onboard discoveries.
Iconic Scenery is just the beginning of an amazing trip that begins with a flight aboard SWISS.
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