Ultimate Guide to Exploring Switzerland

Switzerland is a land of soaring mountain peaks, placid lakes, verdant green valleys, and unheralded but surprisingly good wine.

At one time it was imperative on your Grand Tour to take a scenic train ride into Switzerland to buy a handmade watch and gaze in amazement at the Matterhorn. If your wallet was full, you’d head to St. Moritz, or you could go skiing (or play snow golf) in Gstaad Saanenland.

Switzerland’s scenery is more accessible than ever today. Postal buses get you to any tiny Swiss corner. Little red trains— the slowest “express” trains you’ll ever ride—called Bernina and Glacier take you through scenic areas with panoramic open cars, gourmet restaurant cars, historic coaches, and feature spiraling open descents into valleys. Hiking trails are everywhere, making it easier for active travelers to enjoy the great outdoors. Tourist boats ply the lakes big and small—you can even take one under Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls near the interesting town of Schaffhausen. Moreover, you can ski, hike or climb in the Matterhorn’s shadow in Zermatt.

Visiting Switzerland

Transportation in Switzerland

Switzerland is served by more than 13,000 miles of train, bus, and boat routes, providing extensive options for exploration.

Swiss Regional Passes

Some regional passes are available at Swiss train stations. One of the most popular is the Bernese Oberland Regional Pass, allowing 7-15 days of travel on various means, including rail, boat, bus, and cableway. The Bernese Oberland region is the mountainous area just south of Bern.

Swiss Scenic Trains

Just about any route through Switzerland is a scenic route; however, many travelers believe the Glacier Express is the best. The Little Red Train is an excellent option if you’re coming from Italy.

Rail Passes for Switzerland

Europe rail passes are valid for the routes of the Swiss National Railroad, although they may not apply to private railroad companies. Fortunately, most Swiss rail passes cover these private railroads.

Postal Buses in Switzerland

Trains don’t always reach the high, out-of-the-way places in the Alps; therefore, you may need a postal bus to take you there. They run a lot of routes for tourists, but reservations are necessary. For more options, visit the Swiss Post site.

Destinations in Switzerland: Highlights of Select Cities

Geneva lies between the Alps and the Jura mountains on the shore of Lake Geneva on the west side of Switzerland bordering on France. It’s the second-largest city in Switzerland after Zürich.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is a good place to start. Bern takes its name from the German word for bear. It’s a picturesque medieval city founded in 1191, boasting numerous attractions, museums, and historic sites that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Lucerne lies on the shores of Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, notably Mount Pilatus and Rigi. Its small medieval center is rich with museums. For a town of 60,000 people, there are numerous events to attend.

Basel is a border city in French-speaking Switzerland, located along the Rhine River in northern Switzerland at the intersection of France, Germany, and Switzerland. Basel is renowned for its ancient masked carnival, or Fasnacht, commencing on the Monday after Mardi Gras, as well as for hosting the largest Christmas Market in Switzerland.

If you desire a charming spot on a lake surrounded by mountains for a relaxing vacation, Zug could be perfect; it’s known for its stunning sunsets. The compact medieval center flows down to the lake, providing an ideal setting to unwind and enjoy life.

Swiss Christmas Markets

A tradition in Switzerland, Christmas markets are found in every major city, and even on top of a mountain, offering unique shopping experiences and local culinary delights.

Accommodations in Switzerland

Accommodations in Switzerland tend to be pricey; further, there are typically fewer hotels around train stations compared to other countries. Hotel rooms may be smaller than in other locations, but they usually offer more services. Prices typically include service, taxes, and sometimes breakfast (it is advisable to ask).

Most Swiss hotels are members of the Swiss Hotel Association, which rates them based on their facilities rather than charm.

Swiss Currency

The Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc, abbreviated to CHF. Swiss Franc banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Francs. Notably, the exchange rate for the Swiss Franc to the US Dollar is approximately one to one.

Language in Switzerland

Switzerland recognizes four primary languages: German, French, and Italian are the official languages, while Romansh serves as an official language for communications with Romansh-speaking individuals. Furthermore, English is increasingly taught from an early age, sometimes taking precedence over a secondary national language.

Weather in Switzerland – When to Go

Due to the mountainous terrain in Switzerland, weather can vary significantly with altitude. Prediction can be tricky; therefore, it is best to check reliable sources for updates. For historical climate information, including temperature and precipitation graphs, visit the Travel Weather Switzerland website.

Eating in Swiss Restaurants

Although dining in a Swiss restaurant is generally more expensive than in neighboring countries, you can discover interesting, affordable options. Notably, lunches are often cheaper than the same meal served for dinner; consequently, it’s wise to look for a “plate of the day.”

General Eating Times: Lunch: 12-2 PM and Dinner: 6-8 PM

Swiss cuisine primarily revolves around dairy products—cheese, milk, cream, butter, and yogurt. Also, beer is frequently cheaper and more readily available than soft drinks, making it a preferred choice.

Tipping

Meals typically include a service charge; however, tipping is common. A usual tip is about 5% of the total bill. According to locals in Zurich, it is customary to leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to the credit card total when paying.

Public Holidays in Switzerland

• New Year’s: January 1st and 2nd
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Labor Day – May 1st
• Ascension Day
• Whit Monday
• National Day: August 1st
• Christmas Eve (afternoon only)
• Christmas: December 25th and 26th
• New Year’s Eve (afternoon)

Traffic Rules for Switzerland

Maximum Speed – Green signs indicate motorways (which require a vignette, mentioned below) at 120 km/h, motor roads at 100 km/h, and country roads and towns generally at 50 km/h.

Vignette – Like neighboring Austria, Switzerland requires a vignette, a sticker placed on your windshield indicating you’ve paid a tax or yearly toll for using the high-speed motorways. Vignettes can be purchased at customs offices, post offices, gas stations, and various stores near the Swiss border. They are valid for a calendar year.

Blood Alcohol Limits – The legal blood alcohol limit in Switzerland is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (or 0.05%).

Use your seat belts—front and rear are mandatory.

Emergency Telephone Numbers – Road and traffic conditions can be checked by dialing 163. For road assistance, dial 117, which also serves as the police emergency number. For an ambulance, call 144 toll-free.

Travel Tips for Driving in Switzerland

Travelers heading to or from Italy have two options for crossing the Alps: the Gotthard Pass (the high road) or the Gotthard tunnel. The tunnel is free and typically the quickest route; however, it is dark and less scenic. The pass, when navigated in good weather, offers a beautiful, scenic drive—definitely worthwhile if you have the time.

Be wary of radar speed traps, and remember that snow chains must be kept in your vehicle during winter conditions.