Spring
A beautiful time when flowers bloom and the weather is mild.
Travel guide
Suisse
Switzerland, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, offers a rich blend of culture, history, and outdoor activities. From the majestic Alps to picturesque lakes, it is a destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.
Waldemmental_Juli2007.jpg : Simon Koopmann derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 2.0 de- Best MonthsApril to June, September to October
- AirportsZurich, Geneva, Basel
- TransitExtensive train and bus network
- Power230V, Type C and J plugs
- TippingNot mandatory, round up the bill
- LanguageGerman, French, Italian, Romansh
01
When to go
The best time to visit Switzerland is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Summer
Warm weather perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter
A magical season with snow-covered landscapes and winter sports.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Urban
Zurich
The largest city in Switzerland, known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful lake.
Busy city life.
Scenic
Lucerne
A charming city surrounded by mountains, famous for its preserved medieval architecture.
Tourist hotspot.
Adventure
Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it's a gateway for outdoor adventures.
Popular for tourists.
Cultural
Geneva
Known for its Red Cross headquarters and stunning lake views, it’s a hub for international diplomacy.
Expensive area.
Mountain
Zermatt
Famous for skiing and views of the Matterhorn, this car-free village is a winter wonderland.
Remote access.
Cultural
Lausanne
Home to the Olympic Museum, this city offers beautiful views of Lake Geneva.
Hilly terrain.
Historic
Bern
The capital city, known for its medieval city center and the Zytglogge clock tower.
Smaller city feel.
Scenic
Montreux
Famous for its annual jazz festival and stunning lakeside promenade.
Tourist-heavy in summer.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Fondue
A classic Swiss dish made with melted cheese, best enjoyed in mountain chalets.
→ Try it in the Alps.
Rösti
A crispy potato dish, often served as a side, popular in the Bern region.
→ Perfect for breakfast.
Raclette
Melted cheese served with potatoes and pickles, best found in traditional restaurants.
→ Great for sharing.
Zopf
A traditional Swiss bread, often enjoyed on Sundays, available in bakeries.
→ Try it fresh.
Saffron Risotto
A creamy rice dish often found in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino.
→ A unique twist on risotto.
Nusstorte
A nut-filled cake from the Engadine region, perfect for dessert lovers.
→ Don't miss this treat.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Lake Geneva
A stunning lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for boating and picnics.
The Matterhorn
One of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, a must-see for nature lovers.
Jungfraujoch
Known as the 'Top of Europe', offering breathtaking views and glacier experiences.
Château de Chillon
A historic castle on the shores of Lake Geneva, rich in history and architecture.
The Swiss National Park
Switzerland's only national park, home to diverse wildlife and hiking trails.
Bern's Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture and charming streets.
Lucerne's Chapel Bridge
A picturesque wooden bridge with a rich history, perfect for photography.
The Rhine Falls
The largest waterfall in Europe, a spectacular sight to behold.
Interlaken
Known for adventure sports and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Grindelwald
A charming village known for its hiking trails and ski resorts.
Zurich's Old Town
Rich in history, with narrow streets and beautiful buildings.
The Aletsch Glacier
The largest glacier in the Alps, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
Switzerland is served by major international airports, including Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), and Basel (BSL).
ZRHZurich
GVAGeneva
BSLBasel
Train Travel
The Swiss Travel System offers efficient train services connecting major cities and scenic routes.
Public Transport
Trams and buses are available in cities, providing easy access to attractions.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is an option for exploring more remote areas, but public transport is recommended.
Biking
Many cities have bike-sharing programs, making it easy to explore on two wheels.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Switzerland uses type C and J plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.
Language
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore multiple regions and enjoy various activities.