Holidays to Switzerland
Top destinations in Switzerland
Geneva
Pack your bags for a holiday to Geneva, the jewel of Switzerland, where natural beauty and international diplomacy meet world-class luxury and sophistication.
Zurich
A city of winding lanes and a steeple-dotted skyline, Zurich is the prettiest global financial centre in the world. Come explore riverfront promenades and exceptional architecture.
Grindelwald
Dreaming of a Swiss mountain escape? You’ll love Grindelwald, a picturesque outdoor playground with soaring peaks, green valleys, clear lakes and endless hiking trails.
Switzerland: fast facts
| Language | German, French, Italian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Swiss franc (CHF) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
Switzerland holiday highlights
Play in the snow
Snow sports are the thing to do in Switzerland. Whether you’re under the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn or up in Jungfrau’s towering triple peaks, you’ll find perfect pistes and pristine powder at some of Europe’s largest and most glamorous resorts. If you like your winter sports on the extreme side, head to Interlaken for ice climbing and bungee jumping.
See the lakes
Switzerland has over 1,500 lakes, and the largest are more like inland seas. Lake Geneva curves along the French border for 72 kilometres, lined with vibrant towns and cities. All are popular places for recreation and relaxation, be it a picnic on the rocks or a sundowner at a lakeside bar. And there’s plenty to do on the calm, clear waters, from boat trips to paddle boarding.
Eat the chocolate
The Swiss didn’t invent chocolate, but they just might have perfected it. Visit Switzerland’s famous chocolate factories, including the country’s oldest, established in 1819. You’ll find child-friendly tours, great-value outlet stores and a 9-metre-tall chocolate fountain — the tallest in the world. In Zurich, join the queues that form at the homes of artisan chocolatiers. Or smother yourself in the sweet stuff at a chocolate spa.
Things to do in Switzerland
Top attractions
Ride a cable car for stunning views of the Matterhorn, or explore the mountain on foot or skis. Take in the scenery on the Glacier Express, an eight-hour train ride through the Alps. In summer, relax like the locals with a refreshing swim at a nearby ‘badi’ (public lake pool).
Beaches
For a landlocked country, Switzerland has a lot of beaches. At the man-made lidos that dot its lake shores, you can sunbathe on golden sand with a view of the Alps or swim in crisp, turquoise mountain water. You’ll find water parks, saunas, beach volleyball and more. But keep an eye out for ‘FKK’ signs — this means you’ve reached the nudist section.
Nature
Protecting its environment is one of Switzerland’s greatest achievements. More than 14% of its land lies within designated nature parks. There are 20 across the country, including the Swiss National Park, whose over 100 miles of untouched wilderness are packed with Alpine species. Horned ibex and chamois (a small, goat-like animal) reign over the slopes, and golden eagles soar above.
Culture and museums
Old masters, modern masterpieces, avant-garde architecture — the art museums in Switzerland are destinations in their own right. Basel is the cultural capital, combining its annual art fair with a sculpture trail that winds into Germany and back. And the Swiss love of design is everywhere, from the Rococo Abbey Library of St Gallen to the Zentrum Paul Klee, which celebrates one of the country’s greatest abstract painters.
Cuisine
The restaurants in Switzerland are known for their fine dining, but you’ll find plenty of traditional regional cuisine too, from sausages and smoked meats to various cheeses. Fondue is a must-do — just never double-dip your bread in the pot. Chill out in Basel’s cafes, go wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards, or head to Ticino for some of the best Italian cooking outside of Italy.
Family friendly
Let your Willy Wonka wannabees press buttons, spin dials and decorate chocolate bars at the Maestrani Chocolarium in Flawil. Slide down the ‘tongue’ of a giant wooden cow, high in the Alps, at the Alpine Herdsman’s Playground in Männlichen. Ride the gondola from Grindelwald village to Grindelwald First, then zipline down the mountain.
Find the best time to visit Switzerland
Weather in Switzerland
March – May: Snow still caps the mountains, but wildflowers start to bud across the countryside. The Rhone Valley and Zermatt are perfect at this time of year.
June – August: Summer draws the Swiss to the mountains and lakes. Combine a city break with easy access to outdoor adventures. Don’t forget your swimsuit.
September – November: The air is crisp, and the forests turn bronze with changing leaves. Rain is normal, but don’t let it keep you from exploring the wineries of Lavaux or the trails around St Moritz.
December – February: Winter in the mountains is cold and snowy, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Cities stay milder, offering a cosy backdrop for daytime exploring and evenings spent enjoying warm fondue.
Events in Switzerland
Schwägalp Schwinget (August): Each summer in Urnäsch, top wrestlers compete in ‘schwingen’, a traditional Swiss sport where opponents grip each other’s shorts and try to throw one another to the ground. The popular event draws crowds with its mix of strength, tradition and festive atmosphere.
Cattle Descent (September): As summer draws to a close, farmers and their flower-crowned cattle descend from Alpine pastures back to the plains. The mountain town of Charmey is a perfect place to watch the parade.
Zibelemärit (November): On the fourth Monday in November, nothing matters more to the residents of Bern than onions. This time-honoured folk festival sees the old town marketplace filled with stalls selling onion tarts, onion braids and other winter produce.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Punctuality, politeness and cleanliness go a long way in Switzerland. Always have a valid ticket on public transport, and keep noise down. Especially on Sundays, when it’s illegal to mow the lawn, hang laundry or even recycle. Respect for quiet and order is part of daily life, particularly in residential areas.
Health and safety
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Switzerland are excellent, and all foreigners receive the same level of care as locals. Still, it’s a good idea to have comprehensive travel insurance, as medical costs can be extremely high, and all facilities will likely require payment in advance. Sun cream is essential at high altitudes, even in winter.
LGBTQ+ travel
With a long history of activism, Switzerland is a safe, welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. After all, homosexuality was decriminalised as far back as 1942. Zurich and Geneva are not only creative hubs, but also home to queer-friendly neighbourhoods, lively nightlife and annual Pride events that celebrate the country’s inclusive spirit.
Budget
It requires some work to have a cheap holiday to Switzerland, one of the wealthiest countries in the world. A budget meal will set you back around 25 Swiss francs (CHF), and self-service buffets are a good value option. A short taxi ride costs about CHF20, but the country’s hyper-efficient public transport is cheaper.
Getting around Switzerland
Public transportation
Buses: This is a fervent train-travelling nation where long-haul buses are in short supply. But if you’re looking for connections between remote areas, check out PostAuto.
Trains: For a small nation, Switzerland has an impressive network of trains. It’s the most used mode of transport, and for good reason. Trains are frequent, punctual, and they deliver incredible views. Ticket prices are based on route, but you can find cheaper fares through SBB’s supersaver ticket programme.
Boats: Boat travel in Switzerland is both scenic and practical, especially on lakes like Geneva, Lucerne and Zurich. Ferries and paddle steamers connect towns and offer stunning Alpine views. Some routes are even included with Swiss Travel Passes.
Domestic flights
You can fly domestically in Switzerland with the national carrier SWISS. Zurich to Geneva is the most popular route. But unless you’re really in a hurry, it’s best to travel by rail.
Driving
Roads in Switzerland are excellent, and rules are strictly enforced. Keep right, wear seatbelts, use headlights even during the day, and obey speed limits. Don’t drink and drive. A freeway tax sticker (vignette) is required for highways and should be displayed on your windscreen.
