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Coronavirus: New rules for entry to Switzerland and for people vaccinated abroad to access the COVID certificate

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(Last modification 20.09.2021)

Bern, 17.09.2021 - The Federal Council wants to prevent an increase in the number of infections caused by people returning from the autumn holidays. From Monday 20 September, travellers entering Switzerland who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 will have to present a negative test result. They will then have to be tested again after four to seven days. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 17 September. The Federal Council has also set out details of how people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad can obtain a COVID certificate.

With the autumn school holidays approaching, the Federal Council has decided on new public health requirements at the border. This comes in response to experience made after the summer holidays: data from the cantonal contact tracing offices indicates that returning holidaymakers contributed to the worsening situation after the summer. The new rules reflect the fact that the highly contagious Delta variant can cause case numbers to rise very rapidly on a regional basis. It has therefore been decided that keeping and updating a list of risk countries is no longer the most appropriate health protection measure at Switzerland’s  borders.

Compulsory testing on entry for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not recovered must present a negative test result (antigen or PCR) on entry into Switzerland, irrespective of where they are travelling from or by which means of transport they are entering the country. After four to seven days in the country, another test must be carried out, subject to a fee. The result of the second test must be sent to the relevant cantonal office. Testing is not required for vaccinated or recovered travellers who can present a COVID certificate or other valid proof of vaccination or recovery.

Entry form required for everyone

All travellers entering Switzerland – whether vaccinated, recovered or with a negative test – must also complete the entry form (Passenger Locator Form, SwissPLF). This will enable the cantons to carry out random checks to determine whether people who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered and who entered the country with a test have actually taken the second test after four to seven days.

No test or form requirement for cross-border commuters 

The test and entry form requirements do not apply to travellers in transit through Switzerland without stopping, drivers who transport people or goods professionally, and cross-border commuters or people entering from border areas. The Federal Council is thus taking account of the close economic, social and cultural exchange in the border regions. Children under 16 are also exempt from the test requirement.

Risk-based inspections

More than two million people and one million vehicles cross Switzerland's borders every day. Risk-based inspections are to be carried out to ensure compliance with the new rules. Anyone required to present a negative test result and who cannot do so on entry must take a test immediately after entering Switzerland. The cantons are required to carry out random checks to ensure that incoming travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered have actually taken the required second test. Fines may be imposed if these rules are breached (CHF 200 for missing test certificates and CHF 100 for incomplete forms). In international travel, the airlines and bus companies are responsible for ensuring that travellers to Switzerland have completed the Passenger Locator Form and can present a COVID certificate or a negative test result. The Federal Customs Administration and local police forces will carry out risk-based inspections on all modes of cross-border travel. In a few weeks, the Federal Council will evaluate the experience with the new entry rules and make adjustments if necessary. 

The existing entry regulations remain unchanged. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to operate a list of high-risk countries, which is used to determine who may enter Switzerland. Any non-Schengen state not on this list is still considered a risk country for which restrictions on entry to Switzerland apply to unvaccinated third-country nationals. As a Schengen associated country, Switzerland aligns its entry regulations as far as possible with the decisions taken by the European Union. The Travelcheck online tool can be used to check the conditions for travellers wishing to enter Switzerland from specific countries.

Swiss COVID certificate for individuals vaccinated or recovered abroad

As of 20 September, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and who is resident in or travelling to Switzerland will be able to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate. This means that people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad, such as tourists, can also participate in social activities here. Currently, only the certificates of countries using the EU Digital COVID Certificate are compatible with the Swiss system.

The documents can be submitted electronically. Each canton must designate a contact point for persons who have been vaccinated abroad. All cantonal contact points will be listed on a federal website. A federal working group (FDHA, FDFA, FDF) will oversee implementation together with the cantons and other agencies (data protection). The aim is to find a solution that is as efficient, straightforward and user-oriented as possible. In a transitional phase until 10 October 2021, all foreign vaccination certificates for EMA-approved vaccines will be valid for access to events or facilities requiring a COVID certificate.

As in neighbouring countries, access to the Swiss COVID certificate will not be extended to all WHO vaccines. Exceptions are being made for Swiss citizens living abroad returning to the country, non-EU citizens working in Switzerland, employees of international organisations and accredited diplomatic staff, as well as students.

Outcome of the consultation

The Federal Council had consulted on two variants for adapting the entry regulations, one with a requirement to take two tests and one with mandatory quarantine. Based on the results of the consultation, the Federal Council decided in favour of the first variant, which was found to be more practicable and should involve less additional work for the cantons.

Address for enquiries

Federal Office of Public Health Coronavirus Infoline +41 58 463 00 00 COVID-19 Vaccination Infoline +41 58 377 88 92

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The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Home Affairs http://www.edi.admin.ch Federal Office of Public Health http://www.bag.admin.ch State Secretariat for Migration https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html Federal Office for Customs and Border Security https://www.bazg.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

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The requirements for entering Switzerland differ depending on the purpose of stay (e.g. tourism, visit, employment, family reunification or studies) and length of stay (short or long).

If you are intending to come to Switzerland, the State Secretariat for Migration recommends that you check the entry requirements before travelling. Please refer to the information on the following pages:  

Information for Entry

• The entry into Switzerland or a country within the Schengen area

(90 days in any 180 days period)

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Additional information on the subject of stays and/or entry requirements for Switzerland can be found on the following pages:

- General questions on entry and visa requirements - Questions relating to a specific pending or rejected visa application - Questions on entry bans - General questions on issuance of work permits for employment in EU/EFTA member states - General questions on issuance of work permits for employment in third countries

Questions relating to: - Application for extension of a residence permit, - Early issuance of a settlement permit (C permit) - Application for a work permit - Application for family reunification

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31 March 2024: Extension of the Schengen area to Bulgaria and Romania

As of March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania will also be part of the Schengen area. This means that the same requirements apply for entries from Bulgaria and Romania or with documents issued by Bulgaria and Romania as for entries from any other Schengen state or with documents of any other Schengen state.

Last modification 20.03.2024

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Traveler’s Checks: How to Reclaim Your Money

Redeeming unneeded traveler’s checks is becoming more difficult in Switzerland. This guide explains where in Switzerland you can still redeem traveler’s checks.

Traveler’s checks used to be the ideal way to get money and pay while traveling internationally. But today, many Swiss banks no longer offer them – and options for redeeming traveler’s checks for money are dwindling. This guide explains how to cash unneeded traveler’s checks in Switzerland and reclaim your money.

1. What are traveler’s checks?

A traveler’s check is a type of check for a fixed amount of money which is guaranteed by a financial services provider and can be cashed in local currency or used to pay directly at some merchants. Traveler’s checks can only be cash by you. You must sign when you purchase traveler’s checks, and then sign again and show identification when you cash them or use them to pay.

Financial service provider Swiss Bankers issued traveler’s checks between 1975 and 2013. Banks and travel companies (like Swiss federal railway company SBB/CFF) also offered traveler’s checks. Today, traveler’s checks are no longer offered by any Swiss service provider.

2. What are the advantages of traveler’s checks?

The advantages of traveler’s checks are that only you can cash them or use them for payments, and you can get reimbursed if they are lost or stolen. This makes them a secure alternative to carrying cash or credit cards. Another unique advantage is that traveler’s checks can be used in locations with poor power and telecommunications infrastructures. But a sharp decline in the use of traveler’s checks has led many service providers to stop offering them. The number of merchants and financial service providers which accept or cash traveler’s checks has also shrunk.   

The Swiss market for traveler’s checks was dominated by Swiss Travelers Cheques issued by Swiss Bankers and denominated by the Swiss franc, and by American Express Travelers Cheques denominated by the US dollar. Other traveler’s checks issuers included Mastercard, Visa, and Thomas Cook, among others.

3. How long do traveler’s checks remain valid?

Theoretically, traveler’s checks never expire. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to redeem them. Because using traveler’s checks or reclaiming your money will likely become even more difficult, you should consider cashing them as soon as possible.

Whether a service provider can cash a traveler’s check largely depends on which currency it is issued in. Checks from Swiss Bankers in Swiss francs and checks from American Express in US dollars can be redeemed at some Swiss banks.

4. Which Swiss banks cash Swiss-franc traveler’s checks?

Some banks will cash traveler’s checks denominated by Swiss francs at the counter. Many banks only provide this service if you have an account with them. Some banks will cash lower amounts (typically up to 2000 francs) even if you do not have an account with them. The following banks will cash traveler’s checks at the till:

• Banque Cantonale de Fribourg (No charge)
• Bank Cler (No charge)
• Basler Kantonalbank (No charge)
• Berner Kantonalbank (Only traveler’s checks which you purchased at BEKB, with a receipt. No charge.)
• Credit Suisse (Only for account holders. 10-franc fee.)
• Luzerner Kantonalbank (Only for account holders. No charge.)
• Migros Bank (No charge)
• Raiffeisen (Only for account holders. 25-franc fee.)
• UBS (Only for account holders. No Charge.)
• Valiant (Only for account holders. 5-franc fee per traveler’s check.)

Fees at Raiffeisen banks may vary between individual banks. Some Swiss banks – like PostFinance and the Zürcher Kantonalbank – do not redeem traveler’s checks at all.

Many service providers state that they will pass on any third-party costs associated with redeeming traveler’s checks to you as the bearer. This could happen if, for example, Swiss Bankers were to instate administrative fees in the future. That is not currently an issue.

5. Where else can I cash traveler’s checks in Swiss francs?

You can redeem Swiss Bankers traveler’s checks directly with Swiss Bankers free of charge. This applies to Swiss-franc traveler’s checks with both the Swiss Bankers design and the American Express design (but not to US dollar traveler’s checks from American Express).

To cash a traveler’s check, you must contact Swiss Bankers and send in your checks by mail. The checks will be cashed and the money will be deposited to your Swiss bank account free of charge.

6. Which banks redeem US dollar traveler’s checks?

Here too, many Swiss banks will only redeem American Express traveler’s checks in US dollars if you have an account with them. These Swiss banks redeem traveler’s checks in dollars:

• Basler Kantonalbank (No charge.)
• Migros Bank (Only for account holders.)
• Raiffeisen (Only for account holders; 25-franc fee.)
• UBS (Only for account holders. 5-franc fee.)

Fees at Raiffeisen banks may vary between individual cooperatives. Some bank, including Bank Cler, PostFinance, and the Zürcher Kantonalbank, do not redeem traveler’s checks in US dollars.

For dollar traveler’s checks too, service providers state that you have to carry third-party charges. This could happen if, for example, American Express were to begin charging administrative fees in the future.

7. Are there alternatives for cashing travelers checks in US dollars?

In Switzerland, financial services provider Travelex is an alternative for cashing American Express traveler’s checks. The downside is that Travelex charges a fee equal to 10 percent of your checks’ face value. You pay a 5-franc currency exchange commission on top – but this only applies once for all your traveler’s checks combined.

Travelex has three branches in the transit area of Zurich Airport (only accessible to travelers) and one branch in a part of the airport which is open to the general public. You can also cash traveler's checks at the Travelex branch in Basel's main train station (Badischer Bahnhof). Travelex converts the money and pays it out in Swiss francs – even if your traveler’s checks are denominated by US dollars.

American Express traveler's checks denominated by US dollars can also be redeemed online free of charge via the American Express website. Traveler's checks denominated by Australian dollars, British pounds, Canadian dollars, euros and Japanese yen can also be redeemed online, but the money is paid out in US dollars with a 2.5 percent exchange markup. Total online redemptions are limited to 1000 US dollars' worth of traveler's checks.

Alternatively, you can also cash American Express traveler's checks outside of Switzerland (when traveling or on holiday, for example). You can easily find places which cash traveler's checks using the American Express Traveler's Cheque Exchange Locator.

8. Where can I cash traveler’s checks from other issuers?

Most of the traveler’s checks sold in Switzerland were issued either by Swiss Bankers or American Express. But if you have traveler’s checks from other issuers like Thomas Cook, Visa, or Mastercard, you can cash these at Travelex offices in Zurich Airport. You pay a fee equal to 10 percent of the transaction plus a 5-franc currency exchange commission.

UBS customers can cash other traveler’s checks such as American Express checks in British pounds, Canadian dollars, or Australian dollars, and Citicorp traveler’s checks in US dollars. UBS charges a 5-franc fee per traveler’s check.

Raiffeisen lets you return Thomas Cook traveler’s checks in US dollars or British pounds if you have an account with them. The downside is that you pay a high 25-franc fee. The fee may be even higher depending on which Raiffeisen bank you use.

9. What are the best alternatives to travelers checks?

Credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards are all possible alternatives to traveler’s checks.

Cards from neobanks like Neon, Revolut and Wise are particularly favorable for travelers because they have very low foreign transaction fees, or none at all. They also have very low currency exchange costs and favorable conditions for cash withdrawals at ATMs. You can find more information in the guide to neobanks in Switzerland .

You can also use conventional Swiss payment cards. Just note that many Swiss debit and credit cards use unfavorable exchange rates.

Debit cards are a good option for making cash withdrawals both in Switzerland and abroad. Using credit cards to get cash, on the other hand, is not recommended because Swiss credit cards have high cash advance fees. Refer to the guide to cash withdrawals for more information .

Credit cards, for their part, are more widely accepted than debit cards, and may be required for certain kinds of purchases (like hotel or rental car bookings). Many credit cards also provide travel benefits like airport lounge access , travel insurance, rental car collision damage waivers, and concierge services . You can find out more about when using a credit card makes sense here .

In terms of security, cards are only as secure as traveler's checks if you take specific security measures. Because many payment cards display all information necessary for online transactions on the card itself, it is important to set up 2-factor authentication for each online transaction. Many cards can be used to make PIN-free NFC transactions up to a certain limit, and you have to be able to disable this feature if you want optimum protection from theft. The same applies to the magnetic strip, which can be used to make PIN-free transactions in some cases, and is also prone to skimming . Some neobanks and card issuers give you the option of disabling these features.

More on this topic: A guide to using checks in Switzerland Compare Swiss credit cards now Reka checks in Switzerland FAQ

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Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

If you've ever ogled over photos of Switzerland's Alpine peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine lakes, you'll be happy to know that it's even more beautiful in person. The central European country is small compared to its neighbors, but it packs a lot into its 16,000 square miles, including 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , more than 1,500 glaciers, and at least that many lakes.

All these geologic wonders add up to some of the more stunning scenery in the world. And that's enough to bring travelers—about 12 million of them per year —to Switzerland. When you factor in the countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and boating; hearty Swiss food; modern, interesting cities; and what is probably Europe's best public transportation system, you're met with an accessible, exciting, and altogether satisfying vacation destination.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit :  The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do while you're here. Ski slopes are open November through March (though there is year-round skiing in a few places), while hiking and swimming are glorious in the summer months. But to beat the crowds, consider a visit in spring or fall.
• Language:  Switzerland's cantons, or states, are mostly either French- or German-speaking. In the southern Ticino canton, Italian is the first language and in the Graubünden/Grisons canton, Romansh, a form of ancient Latin, is still spoken by about 60,000 people. The good news for travelers is that English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, stores, and tourist attractions.
• Currency:  Despite being in the middle of western Europe, Switzerland is not part of the EU, though it participates in the European Common economic market. The official currency here is the Swiss franc (abbreviated CHF). That said, your euros will probably be accepted at most places, though they'll give you change in francs.
• Getting Around :  The clean, convenient, and comprehensive Swiss Travel System is the pride of Switzerland, and rightly so. The system includes trains, buses, lake and river ferries, funiculars, cogwheel trains, ski lifts, and gondolas that permit access to virtually every corner of the country. Because the system is so complete, we recommend touring Switzerland by public transportation, instead of by rental car. From airports and larger train stations, taxis are always available for those who don't feel like schlepping their bags.
• Travel Tip:  If you plan to do a lot of travel within Switzerland, consider purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass , which grants the holder unlimited first- or second-class travel across the country's network of trains, buses, and boats, and most scenic railways. Plus, you'll get admission to more than 500 museums, as well as discounts on mountain excursions. However, if you just plan to visit a couple of places in the country, you can get by with individual train/transit tickets.

TripSavvy / Michela Sieman

Things to Do

While every traveler has their own reasons for visiting Switzerland, the big draws here can more or less be broken down into three categories: scenery, outdoor activities, and Swiss history and culture. Your trip will likely start or end in one of Switzerland's big cities, where that history and culture are on full display. Be sure to plan at least one (or several) excursions into the Swiss countryside, either on an easy or challenging hike, a boat ride across an iconic lake, or a cable car ride up to some of the highest peaks in Europe.

Here are some ideas for planning your Swiss itinerary:

• Explore one of the country's culturally rich cities. If you're flying into Switzerland, you'll most likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Zürich , Switzerland's largest city, is a delightful place to spend a few days taking in art and history museums, dining in centuries-old restaurants, and strolling down the River Limmat. Geneva , in French-speaking Switzerland, is the diplomatic center of Europe, with plenty of history and classical appeal, and an idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Hike, bike, swim, or ski. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find a huge range of outdoor activities in Switzerland—though admittedly, swimming is a bit brisk from October to June! There are biking and hiking routes for every level of fitness, extensive networks of ski "arenas" across the Alps and the Jura mountains, and rivers and lakes waiting for you to jump in for a swim or a paddle.
• Choose a mountain excursion. In Switzerland, it doesn't matter if you're not a skier or hiker. You can answer the call of the mountains just the same, thanks to dozens of scenic mountain excursions that whisk you—by cogwheel rail, cable car, or ski gondola—for close-up looks at the Matterhorn , the Eiger, the Aletsch Glacier, and more. At most places, you can have lunch on the mountaintop while you enjoy the view. Don't leave Switzerland without partaking in at least one of these thrilling rides.

For more trip-planning ideas, check out our full-length articles on the top things to do in Switzerland , Switzerland's most scenic train rides , and Switzerland's top lakes .

What to Eat and Drink

Swiss cuisine is hearty, to say the least. Cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and risotto is popular in the cantons bordering Italy. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported!

Here are some of the foods and beverages you shouldn't miss in Switzerland:

• Fondue. This classic dish of melted cheese, served with bread and vegetables for dipping, is as iconic as the Matterhorn. Fondue originated in French-speaking Switzerland , but it's pretty much ubiquitous across the country.
• Raclette. Sort of a cousin of fondue, raclette is melted cheese served on a plate with bread, potatoes, and gherkins. Its roots are high in the Alps, where farmers would make meals from their abundant cheese reserves.
• Rösti. Pancakes made of grated, fried potatoes, rösti may be served as a side dish or, when paired with eggs, meat, or cheese, as the main course.
• Chocolate. Thanks to milk from grass-fed Alpine cows, plus a few "secret" recipes, Swiss milk chocolate is among the creamiest in the world. Brands to look for include Toberlone, Lindt, Sprüngli, and Läderach.
• Swiss wine. Largely produced in the more temperant cantons south of the Alps, Swiss wine is equally celebrated in its red and white varieties. Chasselas and pinot noir are among the most common grapes, but across the country's wine-growing region, micro-vineyards specialize in small-batch wines. Be sure to sample the wine while you're here— Swiss wine is hard to find outside Switzerland.

Read more in our guides to the top foods to try in Switzerland and where to eat in Zürich .

Where to Stay

Switzerland's accommodation options range from rustic mountain bunkhouses for hikers to luxurious 5-star hotels with spas, Michelin-star dining, and every imaginable amenity. In between those extremes, there are concept hotels, ski-in/ski-out lodges, and a host of B&Bs, small inns, and vacation rentals.

If you're staying in a city, we usually recommend basing yourself in the historic center so that you're within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars. But cities like Zürich also have creative, modern districts outside of the center, which make for interesting bases as well. In an Alpine destination such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or Gstaad, we like cozy, traditional hotels that really impart a sense of place.

For a taste of what Zürich has to offer, check out our articles on Zürich's top neighborhoods and best hotels.

Getting to Switzerland

International flights to Switzerland, especially those originating outside of Europe, will likely arrive in Zürich or Geneva. Some intra-Europe flights might land at Basel's airport, which is actually located just over the French border.

You can reach Switzerland by train from the neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. Note that if you're traveling to Switzerland from an adjacent country, your ticket will likely only cover you until your first stop in Switzerland; for example, if you're traveling from Milan, Italy, your ticket will take you as far as Lugano. After that, you'll need a travel pass or ticket from the Swiss Travel System if you want to change trains.

If you're driving to Switzerland, you need to purchase or make sure your car already has a motorway vignette —a sticker that permits access to Swiss highways.

Learn more by checking out our guides to Zürich airport , traveling to Switzerland from Italy , and Zürich's public transportation .

Culture and Customs

While there are no special "rules" for visiting Switzerland, travelers here might find the Swiss somewhat reserved, especially when compared to Mediterranean cultures to the south. Here are a few basic customs and courtesies to keep in mind:

• Be on time. Trains aren't the only thing that runs on time in Switzerland. Plan to arrive on time, or even a few minutes early, for restaurant reservations or other reserved activities.
• Don't be noisy. In restaurants, on public transportation, and especially in the evenings in residential areas, keep your voices at a conversational level.
• Tip in moderation. While tipping waitstaff is appreciated in Switzerland, it's not expected. Tips for your hotel cleaning staff and bellhops are the norm, however.

Money Saving Tips

Here's something you should know about Switzerland before you start planning your trip: it's expensive. Hotels, dining, trains, and attractions are all costly compared to many other European countries, but there are a few ways you can save money:

• Travel in the shoulder seasons. Visit Switzerland in the spring or fall to save money on airfare and hotels.
• Drink tap water. Unless otherwise posted, tap water in Switzerland is clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any tap.
• Pack a picnic. Before you head out for a day of adventures, stop at a grocery store and pick up bread, cheese, cold cuts, or whatever else you want for a picnic. Just don't forget to grab a chocolate bar for the road!

https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ch

https://www.worlddata.info/europe/switzerland/tourism.php

Switzerland Tourism. "Language distribution." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

Switzerland Tourism. "Currency." Retrieved on November 9, 2021.

BBC. "Tracing fondue’s mysterious origins." February 12, 2013.

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Book flights, reserve seats and access your digital boarding passes. With the SWISS app, your mobile travel companion for journeys with the Lufthansa Group network airlines, you can do all this and more. Push notifications will inform you of your flight’s status in real time, so you are kept up to date throughout your journey. With the SWISS app you are always well informed, from booking your flight to the arrival of your baggage at your destination so you can rest assured that your journey will run smoothly. Your personal data and personalized services can all be conveniently managed on your smartphone. In short, the SWISS app ensures you are well informed about all aspects of your flight. The main features of the SWISS app: Before your flight • Book your flight, reserve your seat and add your baggage: All this can be done conveniently in the app. You can also book a rental car or reserve or change your seat on the plane if you need to. With the app, you also have the option to add additional baggage. • Online check-in: Use the SWISS app to check in with ease for all flights operated by Lufthansa Group Network Airlines. Your digital flight ticket will be sent directly to your smartphone. Use the app to show your mobile boarding pass at the airport. • Travel ID and SWISS Miles and More: You now have the option of adding several payment methods to your Travel ID account so you can pay seamlessly and easily anytime and anywhere. To log in, use your Travel ID or SWISS Miles & More login credentials. Enter your personal data and personalized services to adapt the SWISS app to your needs. • Real-time information and flight status: In the 24 hours before your flight, your personal travel assistant will inform you of all important updates about your trip. Push notifications will appear on your home screen, so you always know when it’s time to check in or if there have been any gate changes. This way you always have an overview of your flight and the most current information. During the flight • Flight ticket and on-board services: With the SWISS app, you always have your mobile boarding pass and on-board services in your pocket, even during the flight and when you’re offline. This means you receive important flight information when you need it, ensuring that any changes to your flight don’t come as a surprise. After the flight • Track your baggage: Your digital travel companion is also there to lend a helping hand after landing. You can easily track your checked baggage in the SWISS app so you can arrive relaxed at your destination. With the SWISS app, you can enjoy a carefree journey. From booking your flights and rental cars to receiving automatic information and updates on the day of travel, the smartphone app is your handy travel companion. You can also manage your personal data while on the go. Download the SWISS app now and enjoy your flight! Your personal travel assistant is there for you before, during and after your journey. Find out about our flight offers at swiss.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X to stay up to date. If you have any questions or require support, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us at https://www.swiss.com/ch/en/customer-support/faq.

Version 6.418.0

Minor bug fixes and improvements

Ratings and Reviews

Amazing airline.

Clean, timely, modern, amazing food offers on all classes. Love its destinations as a connecting in Zurich One request is to consider changing seats within the same class, or offering upgrades after a reservations is made and confirmed. It seems impossible to check other seats if like prices once one is chosen. Also the passport reverification seems to be superfluous and oftentimes frequent travelers are not used to that kind of double check. Why not at the gate itself and have the gate agents remind passengers of it, or even have it available at the business and senator lounges?

An embarrassment to airline mobile apps.

I’ve used several apps from different airlines around the world and this is by far the worst I’ve used. Two of us were traveling together. After several attempts, my friend successfully checked us in via the app. No data regarding that success showed in the app, so we confirmed online via a laptop and saw we were set. An hour later the boarding passes showed up in my app but never did on his. Reviewing my own data I realized very little of my personal data had been saved in the app, including phone number and passport number. I entered the passport number at least 3 times prior to it remaining. For our return trip, he successfully checked us in. We received e-mails showing this, bit the boarding passes never showed up in the app for either of us this time. As a computer programmer I know that none of these functions are rocket-science, so I whole-heartedly think Swiss Air, which has an amazing airplane and outstanding in-flight service, should be ashamed of this app, and could hire a college intern to fix things.

Poor user experience, doesn’t do what you need

This app is disappointing from start to finish. Cumbersome check in process. You have to enter your *G card so many times, it never remembers you. You’re like a stranger to Swiss every time you fly. Whoever thought it was a good idea on your “my bookings” page just to list a bunch of destinations (at least half of them are ZRH or GVA)? Completely unhelpful. You have to go through the check in process twice every time, to get your choice of seat, because the first time your *G status isn’t considered. Your boarding pass then doesn’t come into the app. There’s no true live departure or arrival information. Booking a flight is just a reduced functionality version of the website. Swiss needs to get some designers to do some proper design thinking on the user journey - and look at apps from airlines like Delta, easyJet, BA, etc. that are so far ahead of the Swiss app it’s a joke.

App Privacy

The developer, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Search History

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Planning a trip to Switzerland: Tips & Checklist

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Planning a trip to Switzerland and wondering where to start? Let us help you with all the essential Switzerland tips and checklists to get you ready. Switzerland is one of our favorite countries in the world, and after multiple trips, first hand experience and thorough research we share all the travel insights to help plan yours! 

Planning a trip to Switzerland: Tips and Swiss Travel Checklist

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect in this post, 

• Tourist Visa – Multiple Schengen Visa
• Currency – Swiss Francs – CHF
• Languages – German, French, Italian, Romansh (4)
• Best time to visit – Late Spring, Autumn/Fall
• Safety – Safe for solo female, couples, family travel
• Arrival – Zurich , Geneva, and Basel (frequency, comfort)
• Getting around – Trains ( Swiss Travel Pass )
• Budget – 150- 200 CHF /day (per adult, mid-budget)
• Accommodation – 120+ CHF (per adult double occupancy in mid budget)
• What to eat – Cheese Fondue, Fried grated potatoes
• Tipping – Not required, but nice if you do (8 to 10%)
• Bucket list destinations and places
• Packing list
• Insurance – World Nomads 

We have been traveling to Europe extensively over the last 5 years and traveled to Switzerland from Canada directly, and from within the European continent (connecting from Spain and France). Here are our detailed planning tips for Switzerland,

Tourist Visa | Travel Documents

Switzerland is located in central Europe, and is a landlocked country. It shares its borders with Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Liechtenstein. 

Switzerland doesn’t belong to the European Union, unlike its neighbours. But it belongs to the Schengen zone of countries. So if you require a visa to travel to Europe, and it is the Schengen visa – then that’s what you will need to enter Switzerland. 

Schengen Visa needs to be approved for multiple entries for visiting Switzerland. Here is a detailed guide to applying for a Schengen visa and passport validity requirements. 

For those with Canadian or US passports, you can travel visa-free to Switzerland, just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, upon entry to the country. Swiss authorities are pretty particular about this, so definitely check your passport (and visa status) expiry when you are planning your trip.

Swiss Currency | CHF 

As we mentioned Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, and so Euros are not accepted in Switzerland. Its official currency is Swiss Francs or CHF. 

CHF stands for Confoederatio Helvetica Franc. It is the legal form of currency in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  

No USD or CAD are accepted either. 

During our trip, we used a mix of CHF/Swiss Francs and our Canadian credit cards. Cards were handy at restaurants, stores, and on a few occasions we used it at train stations to buy tickets. 

You can take a call on what you prefer to use. We found the credit cards to be convenient and used it on bigger expenses (and pay for conversion a handful of times). 

Cash is always a good idea for coffee, tickets, wifi cards, laundry, etc. 

We pre-booked our hotels, transport passes and tours prior to our trip. These were paid for online, in CAD currency (you can do the same in your native $$ to save on conversions). 

Languages spoken in Switzerland

For a country as small as Switzerland, it is super diverse! Did you know it has four official languages (we only have 2 in Canada, and it is the second largest country by area!)

Okay! So the official languages in Switzerland are – German, Italian, French and Romansh. 

Romansh is a Romance language spoken in the Grisons canton (or state). Currently there are about 60,000 residents in the south eastern part of Switzerland who speak this language.

The other 3 languages – German, Italian, French – are spoken in specific regions, and they are not isolated to language alone, but also evident in architecture and everyday living. 

The old town of many cities is known as ‘Altstadt’ which is a German word. Even train stations/routes will say ‘Bahn’ which is another German word. 

• Swiss German cantons include Zurich, Basel, St Gallen, etc
• French speaking cantons are Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Jura
• Italian speaking cantons are Ticino and the southern part of Graubünden/ Grigioni

You can easily survive in Switzerland if you know English. It is quite widely spoken across Switzerland – so tour guides, restaurants, hotel staff and train operators speak English. Signages are written in both official languages and English, so it wasn’t an issue for us. 

When is the best time to visit Switzerland | Fall/Autumn & Spring

Switzerland experiences all 4 seasons, and they are very distinct. Typically the seasons, and months are as follows

• Spring: March to May
• Summer: June to August
• Autumn/fall: September to November
• Winter: December to February

It is important to note that the weather varies greatly by region and altitude. The crossover month makes for a great time to go to Switzerland – this is when you can expect fewer crowds, better accommodation rates, and can enjoy the best of both seasons.

Research will tell you that offseason is an amazing time to visit. And we can confidently vouch for that, after having explored Switzerland in shoulder seasons. 

We enjoyed visiting Switzerland in September. The weather was perfect for pleasant walks, sitting down by the lake, for browsing local (outdoor) markets, and patio cafes. 

So in short, late spring, and autumn/fall are great for exploring Switzerland. Autumn/fall is particularly beautiful with foliage and different shades of oranges and browns. 

In many resorts, you can also enjoy spring skiing in March/April (Zermatt, St Moritz, Saas Fee, etc.)

Summers are great for experiencing outdoor activities – swimming, picnics and festivals – but popular touristy places, train routes, restaurants can get very crowded, and they will have longer queues than offseason. 

If skiing is on your Swiss bucket list, or if you want to check out Christmas Markets, plan your trip around the winter months , particularly in December and January. 

Is Switzerland safe? Safety Tips

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. We felt completely safe venturing out late at night, using trains, walking old town centres, etc.

As always, when exploring crowded spaces you have to be mindful of your belongings, like your wallet, purses, camera, etc. Don’t leave your bag unzipped. 

It is not uncommon to wear/carry expensive watches, bags, and branded clothing in Switzerland – you just have to be conscious to not flash them around. I prefer wearing low-key luxury pieces so that I don’t catch anyone’s attention (and still look good in photos!)

When out and about, do carry some form of identification with you. 

Just like in any place in the world, avoid navigating unknown neighbourhoods in the night, and alone. 

Other than being safe against theft, it is important to be mindful of weather, and temperatures in all altitudes (health and physical safety). Be mindful and respectful of trail markings and guidelines. 

Arriving in Switzerland 

There are 7 international airports in Switzerland (2021). Choosing the right airport will depend on the frequency of flights from the city of departure, connectivity, prices, and where you plan to go in Switzerland.

The airports are located in all corners of the country. If traveling from North America or Asia/India, we recommend flying into one of these three airports – Zurich, Geneva and Basel.

From Canada, it is easy to find flights to Zurich (including nonstop ones from Vancouver BC via Star Alliance partner Swiss International Air Lines). There were flights departing from Newark & LA – USA, and Mumbai, India (pre-2020). You can check flight availability and track prices on Skyscanner here

Depending on your country/airport of departure, you will find good connectivity for flights for these cities – Zurich, Geneva and Basel, so we recommend starting there first.

If you are already in Europe and in nearby countries, you can arrive in multiple ways including trains, by road and of course flights. 

Getting around in Switzerland Transportation Tips

Switzerland’s scenic trains must be on your mind! It is one of the ways to explore this country, for sure. 

With an extensive train network and availability of (raving) discounted passes, using public transportation is one of the best ways to get around the city or different regions. 

It is also important to note that transportation savings cards ( Swiss Travel Pass , Half Fare Card ) are useful when you are traveling for a longer duration (like 5 days+, the longer you stay the per day transport costs and visits to free museums makes it all worth it). 

If you are in the country for less than 3 days, you are better off paying for a daily pass or a city sightseeing pass to explore the attractions and to get around (like the Zurich City Pass). 

Of course, if you are road tripping , you may not need these passes. Although a car will give you flexibility in terms of when you want to leave, it may not be the most feasible in all destinations. For one, many old towns are car-free and pedestrian-friendly. Plus many hotels do not provide free parking – so you have to factor in the costs of fees, gas, car insurance to your overall trip budget.

In Switzerland, you drive on the right side of the road. 

Guided day tours and packaged tours are also a good option to consider if you are nervous about navigating the train networks. 

Although things are pretty straightforward, we totally understand if you need guidance – if our parents were to travel to Switzerland, we will probably book a packaged tour. Salil and I had taken many day tours and short walking tours in Switzerland. 

Budgeting for Switzerland 

Switzerland is not inexpensive. In fact in certain aspects it is like Iceland, especially when it comes to food. A small cup of coffee at a vending machine will probably cost you the same as a delicious latte in Starbucks (in the USA and Canada). 

We were aware of these prices prior to our trip, and so we upped our budget for Switzerland. Point is if you are mid budget travelers like us, you will probably have to spend a little extra than what you normally do in other countries. 

We set aside a budget of 150- 200 CHF /day (per adult, mid budget) which included the hotel, day tour/pass, and food. We only picked up breakfast from a grocery store, and our lunch and dinner were in restaurants, as we were out and about. We also drank a lot of coffee (and candy, sometimes!)

If you are planning to buy any luxury items, or fancy souvenirs, add more money to the budget. Typical knick-knacks like postcards, fridge magnets, keychains were about 3-6 CHF (postcards were .99 CHF+).

Accommodation: Where to stay in Switzerland first time 

There are a variety of accommodation options in Switzerland . There are B&B, 5-star heritage hotels, mountain resorts, hostels, campgrounds, and Airbnbs. 

During off season, you can expect cheaper hotel room rates. But on an average, hotels in the city center area with 5 star status (fancy restaurant, pool, etc) start at about 350 CHF per night for double occupancy.

3 star or lower properties start at 230 CHF per night, double occupancy. Parking may or may not be included. Some hotels, and bed and breakfast may offer breakfast.

Standard hotels near the airport or away from the center start at around 180 CHF double occupancy, per night. 

Airbnbs style apartments start at 180 CHF per night, with basic amenities (and a kitchen). 

Hostels are a popular place to stay in Switzerland. Although we have not stayed in one, we can share that hostels cost around 180 CHF for shared dorm, and at that price we were able to score a standard hotel (iBis hotel). 

You can book private rooms too, in a hostel. They also offer breakfast. 

In the winter times, resorts in ski/mountain towns are expensive. On an average you can expect to pay 400 CHF and above, double occupancy in popular properties. 

In each accommodation, you are required to show your passport, and pay a city tax. It ranges from 2.50 to 3.50 CHF per person per night. You pay for it upon checking in (or check out – on your credit card).

What to eat in Switzerland? 

Where shall we begin? We had a lot of chocolates in Switzerland, especially the ones you don’t get here in Canadian grocery stores, plus you will also find a variety in Toblerones and can also hop on a chocolate factory tour!

Cheese fondue is a must-try in Switzerland. It is a perfect way to feel warm and fuzzy in the colder months! 

A Swiss dish of cheese, pasta, and potatoes is Älpermagronen . It is prepared with cream and baked in the oven. Papet Vaudois is another popular dish – it is composed of a bed of leeks and potatoes, and is paired with sausages. It is very filling. 

For dinners, try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes , which is a dish made of veal strips, white wine, cream, and demiglace. 

Although beer and wine are widely available in restaurants, Switzerland takes pride in their brandy, and schnapps/Pflümli. 

Switzerland Tipping Guide: Is tipping necessary in Switzerland?

In most European countries, tips and service charges are included in the final bill provided to you. You are not obligated to tip in Switzerland.

However, if you are happy with the food and service, you can tip the server to appreciate him/her. Because it is not mandatory you can decide how much you want to give. 

We follow the tipping % that we give here in Canada (just personal choice), and it is either 5% or 10%. Sometimes, if paying by cash we round up the bill amount, and leave the change. Or round up to the nearest franc. 

It is totally your call! 

If you are staying at a luxury hotel or resort, and a bellman carries your luggage, a tip of around 2 CHF (each bag) will be nice. Same goes for tipping a tour guide (5-10% defending on service).

Switzerland Bucket list destinations and places

From history, nature to adventure lovers, Switzerland has something for everybody. Swiss cities are filled with cute medieval old towns, beautiful shopping lanes, art galleries, luxury hotels and fancy diners.

Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland, and one of the popular destinations in the country. The beauty of Zurich is personified by the Limmat River flowing through the old town, museums, churches, beautiful promenade and the expensive street – Bahnhofstrasse. 

Situated by Lake Geneva are the cities of Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne . Geneva is also a great destination to start your Swiss adventure. Known for the iconic jet fountains, flower clock and UN & other international offices, you can’t go wrong with an extended trip to Geneva.

From Zurich/Geneva, Zermatt is about 3 hours away. Zermatt is a mountain town, with views of the Matterhorn.  

Other popular cities in Switzerland include – Bern (capital city), Basel, Lucerne, St Moritz, to name a few. And cute towns like Lugano, Interlaken, and Grindelwald are a perfect base to explore the countryside and indulge in outdoorsy activities like hiking, biking, paragliding, swimming, and boating. The Bernese Oberland is on every Swiss lover’s bucket list. 

Traveling by train is a unique experience in itself in Switzerland. Journeying through small towns, tunnels, and the countryside, inside glass enclosed trains, is a must-do activity. Popular panoramic train routes include – Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and the Golden Pass. These routes last anywhere from 4.50 to 8 hours. 

Cable Cars like those to the Top of Europe and Jungfraujoch region, Mount Pilatus, cogwheel trains to Mount Rigi, Mount Titlis , etc allows you to soak in the best of the Swiss Alps, and scenic views. 

Switzerland trip itinerary samples

One of the amazing things about Switzerland is that you can explore a lot of places by public transportation (trains), without renting a car. And the best part – you can keep a major city as base and then go on day trips to explore more of Swiss cities nearby, and the countryside. 

On our Switzerland travel blog , we have covered itineraries for short trips, to week long vacations.

Switzerland itinerary 2 days: Read our epic 9 samples for spending 2 days in Switzerland here . In this Switzerland travel guide, we share multiple itineraries combining Zurich or Geneva as base cities, and then venture on day trips to the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald, cities like Bern, Basel, Lausanne, and more.

Switzerland itinerary 5 days : In 5 days in Switzerland, you can spend a few nights in different destinations, and combine a city (or two), and the countryside/outdoor adventures. In our 5 day itinerary for Switzerland , we cover 5 different itinerary samples with scenic trains, tours only, and/ or independent travel. 

Switzerland itinerary 7 days: You can surely cover a lot of ground in 7 days in Switzerland, and we highly recommend spending a week in the country to have a good mix of cities, trains, and epic adventures. Read our entire guide here – this itinerary has recommendations from other travelers as well. 

Switzerland itinerary 14 days 

Create a 14 day Switzerland itinerary with these tips 

Switzerland travel packages

We love to combine guided tours, and independent travel into our trips. And by using Switzerland tour package options you can skip all the planning, and multiple bookings, and instead have an agency take care of it.

Our favorite package tour provider is Intrepid Travel. They are a small group tour company that organizes tours to Europe, including Switzerland.  

Tourradar is another site , where you can find a huge list of available guided tours. They have multiple departure dates for you to choose from, with a variety of tour operators. 

Here are our top picks, 

🗸 Explore Switzerland – Here is a 10 day tour of Switzerland that checks off multiple cities, and popular destinations in the country. Click to view this tour here

🗸 Best of Switzerland in 7 days – This is a 7 day tour of Switzerland with Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt, and Matterhorn. View the tour here

🗸 There are also day tours that you can use to make the most of your trip!

Packing list for Switzerland for all seasons

We have a detailed guide on what to pack for Switzerland . Here is a quick list of things that you must pack for your trip,

Summer | Spring | Autumn/Fall

• Tops, shirts
• Bottoms – jeans, shorts, leggings 
• Flowy dresses 
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for sightseeing, outings, cable car rides
• Lightweight (waterproof) jacket
• Light Cardigan (for crossover months)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses 
• Swimwear, flip flops and quick drying towel (lakes, pools)
• Daypack to store travel essentials, water bottle, camera gear, a small umbrella
• Carry-on luggage or 45 L backpack

During the cross-over months, and off season (fall and spring), do carry a warm jacket or cardigan as temperatures drop in the evenings. Rains also add a little chill in the air. 

• Long sleeve tops
• Bottoms – jeans, leggings 
• Nice sweater Dress for dinners out (her)
• Thermal wear (top and bottom to layer on)
• Winter Parka , or wool coat
• Winter boots
• Walking shoes
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Lounge wear
• Daypack to store travel essentials, water bottle, camera gear , a small umbrella
• Carry-on luggage or 45 L backpack 

Don’t forget travel documents, credit cards and currency. Plus your travel card and/or day pass to save money on transportation.  Must Pack: Universal Adaptor (to charge/plug your electronics).

Travel medicine kit and Vaccinations

We always like to carry a small medicine kit with us on our trips. They include first aid, pain killers, essential oils, etc. You can add prescriptions, jet lag/melatonin too (plus lens solutions, etc). 

There are some vaccines recommended by WHO for Switzerland. They are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria, flu, chickenpox, and shingles. 

Travel Insurance for Switzerland 

For all of your trips to Switzerland, we highly recommend getting travel insurance. We always take travel medical insurance, and now (in today’s time) trip cancellation is essential too.

Depending on what you are carrying with you, you must consider buying lost baggage insurance as well. Also, insure your expensive items (camera gear, etc). Check travel insurance quotes from World Nomads here

How do I plan a trip to Switzerland?

Here is how we planned our first trip to Switzerland

Step 1: Checking our vacation time off from our employers. Booking time off. Note: If you have a specific season or festival that you wish to attend, plan your vacation/trip around that trip. 

Step 1.1: Once vacation is approved, apply for tourist visa, if it applies to you

Step 2: Narrow down on the destinations. We recommend not combining too many destinations, but pick 2-4 depending on your trip duration.  We have 3 Switzerland itinerary samples for you 

• 2 days in Switzerland – 9 samples for a short trip
• 5 days in Switzerland Itinerary 
• Switzerland Itinerary 7 days

Step 3: Once the destinations are picked, it is time to create a loose itinerary. This step is important so that you can budget for accommodations, tours, and travel passes. 

• Check the flight tickets
• Starting city and hotel (how many nights, tours, passes?)
• Will you take day trips/tours out the base city or stay overnight in every city you visit. 

Step 4 : Save for the trip, or plan a budget

Step 5 : Book accommodation, tours, and/or Swiss travel pass, Half Fare card or city passes. And of course the big ticket item – your flight tickets. Save a copy of all emails, passes on your app or inbox

Step 6: Check out this packing list , and organize your clothing, gear and other accessories

Step 7: Get travel insurance prior to your trip

Step 8 : Inform friends and family about the trip (a few days prior)

Step 9 : Get to the airport for your flight to Switzerland (D day!)

Additional Switzerland Trip Planning Tips

A trip to Switzerland will cost around 150- 200 CHF  per day per adult for mid budget travelers (double occupancy hotel). This budget will vary depending on the season, and the selection of hotel location, and other amenities.  This budget is for one person Hotel 75 CHF (room rate 150 CHF shared by two) Food 65 CHF (3 meals – light breakfast and lunch, hearty dinner + drinks) Transport 10 CHF+ (minimum daily pass. More if you are booking a day tour, walking tour, etc)

September is a great time to visit Switzerland. During this time, there are fewer crowds, and accommodation rates are inviting. The weather is perfect for outdoor dining/patio fun, walking in old town, and temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing cruises in the evening.  Our next favorite time to visit is December, for cute Christmas markets, and winter activities. Accommodation is expensive during this time so plan ahead!

It is easy to book a trip to Switzerland from Malaysia and India. Flights take about 11+ hours to get to Zurich from one of the major airports in each country. There are many pre-packaged tours to Switzerland that are offered (honeymoon special, off-season, etc).  Malaysians do not need a visa to travel to Switzerland for a period of up to 90 days. A valid passport, hotel reservations, and return air tickets to Switzerland should be presented upon arrival at the port of entry. Indians do need a Schengen Visa (multiple entry).

7 days are enough to explore the best of Switzerland. In a 7 day Switzerland itinerary you can cover 2-3 cities, go on a scenic train ride, and visit a mountain resort/nature venture!

Here is an ideal Switzerland itinerary for 7 days. Start by arriving in Zurich.  Day by day itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Zurich.  Day 2: Berne.  Day 3: Lucerne.  Day 4: Interlaken and Jungfraujoch.  Day 5: Basel.  Day 6: Zermatt.  Day 7: Return to Zurich.  Alternate day 7: Return to Geneva from Zermatt

We hope you enjoyed this guide to planning your trip to Switzerland. If you have additional questions, so let us know in the comments below. 

Happy Planning! 

Pin: Switzerland Travel Tips

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

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Amazing blog with very much helpful information.Thanks for sharing

Thank you so much for this information! You guys rock!

Love this blog! Extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

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Swiss Travel Pass.

Discover Switzerland with just a single ticket: the Swiss Travel Pass lets you travel by public transport to Switzerland’s most scenic regions.

The Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as many other advantages.

The advantages for you.

• Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat
• Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities
• Free admission to more than  500 museums Link opens in new window.
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• Discount of up to 50% on other mountain excursions
• Discount of up to 50% on leisure travel offers

Please note.

• The Swiss Travel Pass has been developed for guests from abroad. It is available to persons permanently resident outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
• For online purchasing, purchase as a “guest”. You do not need a login.
• To receive the Swiss Family Card directly, add the child as a passenger under ‘Add passengers’ when you buy your Swiss Travel Pass.
• The Swiss Travel Pass / Swiss Half Fare Card / and the Family Card cannot be loaded onto a SwissPass card. You will not receive a customer number or an additional card.

Offers for adults aged 25 or over.

Choose 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days of travel.

Prices effective until 31.12.2024. Prices and product specifications subject to change.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex.

Valid on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 freely selectable days within one month.

Offers for young persons under 25.

The Swiss Travel Pass Youth gives young persons under 25 a 30% discount on the Swiss Travel Pass. It offers the same validity.

Swiss Travel Pass Youth.

Swiss travel pass flex youth., children aged between 6 and 16..

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge on train, bus, boat and mountain railway with the complimentary Swiss Family Card.

Children under 6.

Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

Further content

Swiss travel pass, more on the topic..

• Children travel for free with the Swiss Family Card Link opens in new window.
• FAQ Link opens in new window.
• Miscellaneous provisions Link opens in new window.
• Map of validity Link opens in new window.
• Area of validity Swiss Travel Pass (PDF, 2,0 MB) Link opens in new window. This document is not barrier-free.

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Inspiration Calendar

Note for screen reader users.

The following content is heavily based on moving video content and mouse interactions. He is therefore not very accessible to screen readers. Short videos are displayed, sorted by month. Jump directly to the content overview

We need Switzerland.

Get inspired now!

Video and animations

• Oeschinensee – gondola rail One of the most attractive and imposing mountain lakes, namely Oeschinensee, is reached by gondola rail from Kandersteg. Learn more
• Kandersteg Kandersteg is located at 1,200 meters in the Bernese Oberland and offers a fantastic view of the Blümlisalp Massif. Learn more
• Rivers and lakes Discover the most beautiful lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and gorges in our country. Learn more
• Chäserrugg – and the Churfirsten From Chäserrugg, the mightiest of the seven peaks of the Churfirsten mountain range, you can enjoy unsurpassed views into six countries.
• Wildhaus Nestled between the mighty Säntis massif and the seven Churfirsten peaks, the resorts of Alt St. Johann, Unterwasser and Wildhaus are among the highest-lying municipalities in Toggenburg. Learn more
• Ruinaulta - Switzerland's Grand Canyon 10,000 years ago, 10 billion cubic metres of rock thundered into the valley. Learn more
• On a raft through the Swiss Grand Canyon The Rhine gorge is among Switzerland’s most beautiful locations for rafting. Learn more
• Brissago The lowest and oldest part of the village is clustered around the beautiful Renaissance church of St. Peter and Paul, surrounded by centuries-old cypresses. Learn more
• Brissago - Ronco - Ascona Strong fragrance of mimosas, well-tended Palm Gardens and simply unsurpassable views of the deep-blue Lago (Lake) Maggiore.
• Around the Churfirsten This moderately challenging loop takes you to the Wildhaus ski resort along a minor, little-known road and skirts magnificent Lake Walen. Learn more
• Donkey trekking The first item on this special walk is “donkey knowledge” before everybody prepares their “own” donkey. Learn more
• La Gruyère The Gruyère region, with its rolling green landscape and the peaks of the Fribourg Pre-Alps, is home to the world-famous Gruyère cheese. Learn more
• HR Giger Museum As tourists savor a fondue outside on the square, the surreal works of H.R. Giger come alive inside the Château St. Germain castle. Learn more
• Fribourg Region The Pays de Fribourg is somewhat a world turned upside down: cold, limestone summits are found in the south and mild, even Mediterranean-like lakesides in the north. Learn more
• Viamala Gorge The Viamala is full of history and stories. 2000 years ago, the Romans passed through the gorge. Learn more
• Canyoning in the Viamala Gorge The tour is led by experienced guides who assist the visitors with this nature adventure.
• CabriO Stanserhorn Enjoying the wind in one’s face and the perfect view. Learn more
• Mountain railways The journey to the top is an attraction in itself, be it onboard a cogwheel train, a cable car or the world’s steepest funicular. Learn more
• Hiking and Äscher cliff restaurant Nowhere else in Switzerland is the change from the hilly landscape of Central Switzerland to the craggy alpine scenery so abrupt or impressive as in the Alpstein area. Learn more
• Ebenalp and Wildkirchli Already Neanderthal men were here where today a cableway sweeps visitors up. Learn more
• Montreux Riviera The town of Montreux nestles in a sheltered Lake Geneva bay, surrounded by vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Learn more
• Bern Cathedral The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city. Learn more
• City breaks City breaks are a brief escape from everyday life – and our Swiss Boutique Towns are perfect for the occasion. Learn more
• Bern Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Learn more
• Dream route Airolo - Gletsch From Airolo, the historic pass road snakes around hairpin bends up to the Gotthard. Learn more
• Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch The Jungfrau-Aletsch Region was chosen as the first Alpine UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2001. Learn more
• Glaciers Venture out onto eternal ice and explore our country’s many glaciers. Learn more
• Oberhofen Castle - Living Museum and Park The castle, which dates back to the early 13th century, houses a living museum. Learn more
• Lake Thun Lake Thun is especially popular amongst sailors and windsurfers who appreciate the prevailing light breeze. Learn more
• Swimming in the Rhine through the historic old town Thousands of people cool off by leaping into the refreshing water during the warmer months of the year. Learn more
• Basel Home to 40 museums, the city of culture for connoisseurs has the highest concentration of museums in the country. Learn more
• Nationalpark Bike-Marathon In four one-day stages you experience the unique countryside on the National Park bike marathon route. Learn more
• Swiss parcs The Swiss parks are not just great spots for rest and relaxation, but also play a key role in the preservation of natural habitats. Learn more
• Geneva With its humanitarian tradition and cosmopolitan flair, the European seat of the UNO and headquarters of the Red Cross is known as the «capital of peace». Learn more
• Jet d'Eau In Geneva harbour, known as “La Rade”, this water jet up to 140 metres high is a real eye-catcher. Learn more
• Appenzell The village of Appenzell and the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden are situated in a singularly beautiful landscape of rolling hills. Learn more
• Appenzeller® Cheese The country’s spiciest cheese has been made by hand in the same way for more than 700 years. Learn more
• Alpine Panorama Route The Alpine Panorama Route crosses the northern Alpine foreland with its many passes and gorges, tradition-rich culture, settlements and mountain farms. Learn more
• Hallwilersee Like the Baldeggersee lake a little further south, Lake Hallwil is located in the Seetal, a north-south valley that leads from the Lucerne hinterland to Lenzburg. Learn more
• Monte Generoso At the southern end of Lake Lugano is the 1,701 metre high Monte Generoso. Learn more
• Via Albula/Bernina Through moorland and Alpine pastures to the Berninapass. One highlight follows another. Learn more
• Autumn The forests reveal a wonderful palette of colours, leaves crunch underfoot and you can already imagine the wonderful seasonal dishes that await. Learn more
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces The natural, cultural and culinary highlights of this area are definitely well worth a visit. Learn more
• Jura Crest Trail The undisputed highlight of this tour across an extensive grazing area is Mont Tendre, the highest point in the Swiss Jura. Learn more
• Zug Zyt Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the Old Town, the Zug Mountain and Lake Zug, is the city's landmark. Learn more
• Zug Castle Museum With its many nooks and crannies, Zug Castle has been home to the museum of cultural history for the city and the Canton of Zug since 1983. Learn more
• Creux du Van – Natural Spectacle Impressive 160 meter high vertical rock faces surround a four kilometer long and over one kilometer wide valley basin. Learn more
• Val de Travers The Val de Tavers is characterised by the watch industry and extends from Lake Neuenburg across the Jura all the way to the French border. Learn more
• LAC Arte e Cultura The building by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola offers visitors art across 2500 square metres Learn more
• Lugano With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town. Learn more
• Art & culture Switzerland is brimming with cultural surprises. Learn more
• Fribourg / Freiburg Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart incomparable medieval charm to the Old Town. Learn more
• Cathedral of St. Nicholas Climb the 368 steps and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town of Fribourg. Learn more
• Val Calnègia It can only be reached on foot, but the reward in the form of a submerged creek, unusual buildings and spectacular scenery is well worth the effort. Learn more
• Rochers-de-Naye: mountain with a view No two worlds could contrast more than those at the beginning and the end of the thrilling train ride from lively, sophisticated Montreux to the austere summit of Rochers-de-Naye.
• Schwarzsee The vacation region around the Black Lake and in the Eastern Freiburg Pre-Alps (Voralpen) is well-known for its authenticity and its wild, romantic natural landscape. Learn more
• Zurich The cosmopolitan city by the water combines creative urban life with nature in all its glory. Learn more
• Zürich West In the last 10 years the industrial wasteland to the west of Zurich has grown into a new bright lights district. Learn more
• Patinoire du Flon Lausanne The ice rink in Flon is a great place for outdoor ice skating. Learn more
• Europe’s highest suspension bridge The suspension bridge stretches spectacularly from one rock face to the other. Learn more
• Hikes to suspension bridges Thrills over the abyss Learn more
• Freestyle Academy In Europe’s first Freestyle Indoor Base, jumps and tricks can now be practiced all year. Learn more
• rockresort From bed to board. Learn more
• Panorama view Sweeping views extend from part of Lake Lucerne as far as the Black Forest. Learn more
• Gstaad Gstaad attracts a charming mix of visitors. Learn more
• Gstaad Saanenland ... ... a highlight on the Grand Tour of Switzerland. Learn more
• Snow and piste report Daily updated information on 250 winter sports stations. Learn more
• Matterhorn – Symbol for Switzerland The Matterhorn and Switzerland are inseparably linked to each other. Learn more
• Zermatt The vacation destination is a car-free zone and has preserved its original character. Learn more
• Bernina Express Fresh mountain air and stunning views from the Albula and Bernina rail lines. Learn more
• Train, Bus, Boat – Grand Train Tour The way of travelling that is as exciting as it is relaxing. Learn more
• St. Gallen The compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland with a charming, traffic-free old town. Learn more
• St. Gallen Abbey District In St. Gallen you'll find history at every turn. Learn more
• Saas-Fee 13 four thousand meter peaks surround the glacier village, which is located at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. Learn more
• Jungfraujoch On the Top of Europe: A visit to the Jungfraujoch puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Switzerland. Learn more
• Crans-Montana Sun-drenched plateau high above the Rhone Valley. Learn more
• Albert Heim Hut The views of the Galenstock and the crystalline rock-climbing routes are stunning.
• Rigi Kaltbad Swiss Quality Hotel Enjoy the hospitality in an inspiring alpine setting. Learn more
• Highland hike from Rigi-Kaltbad to Urmiberg The highland tour from Kaltbad via the Scheidegg to Urmiberg can only be described as absolute top!
• Lucerne Gateway to central Switzerland. Learn more
• Switzerland’s cities ... ... want to seduce you into discovering something new or experiencing something old in a new way. Learn more
• Chapel Bridge and Water Tower At the outflow of the river Reuss, a historic needle dam, built in 1860, regulates the water level of the lake. Learn more
• Giessbach Falls The Giessbach brook tumbles in 14 stages, over a length of 500 meters and out of the high valleys of the Faulhorn area down to Lake Brienz. Learn more
• Waterfalls You can feel the sheer force of the water as it thunders down into the depths. Learn more
• Swiss Historic Hotels Unique accommodation options from an unpretentious historic guesthouse to the luxurious grand hotel. Learn more
• Emmentaler AOP The king of Swiss cheese. Learn more
• Scenic nature Thanks to its unique geographical location at the heart of Europe, Switzerland is endowed with an extraordinary variety of scenic countryside. Learn more
• Rhine falls circular route The Rhine Falls are the centrepiece of this circular hike. Learn more
• The Rhine Falls By ship one can reach castles, the Rhine Falls Basin and even the mighty rock in the midst of the waterfall. Learn more

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• Unterwasser
• Brissago Island
• Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park
• Wasserauen Ebenalp
• Aletsch Arena
• Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio
• Albulatal / Bergün
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Jura & Three-Lakes
• Fribourg / Freiburg
• Stoos – Fronalpstock

Jungfraujoch

• Crans-Montana
• Neuhausen am Rheinfall
• Kandersteg Kandersteg
• Unterwasser Unterwasser
• Flims Flims
• Brissago Island Brissago Island
• Wildhaus Wildhaus
• Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park
• Viamala Viamala
• Stans Stans
• Wasserauen Ebenalp Wasserauen Ebenalp
• Montreux Montreux
• Airolo Airolo
• Aletsch Arena Aletsch Arena
• Basel Basel
• Zernez Zernez
• Geneva Geneva
• Appenzell Appenzell
• Seengen Seengen
• Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio
• Albulatal / Bergün Albulatal / Bergün
• Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Jura & Three-Lakes Jura & Three-Lakes
• Noiraigue Noiraigue
• Lugano Lugano
• Fribourg / Freiburg Fribourg / Freiburg
• S. Carlo S. Carlo
• Veytaux Veytaux
• Schwarzsee Schwarzsee
• Zurich Zurich
• Lausanne Lausanne
• Engelberg Engelberg
• Stoos – Fronalpstock Stoos – Fronalpstock
• Gstaad Gstaad
• Zermatt Zermatt
• Engadin Engadin
• St. Gallen St. Gallen
• Saas-Fee Saas-Fee
• Jungfraujoch Jungfraujoch
• Crans-Montana Crans-Montana
• Andermatt Andermatt
• Lucerne Lucerne
• Brienz Brienz
• Emmental Emmental
• Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall
• May Kandersteg
• May Unterwasser
• May Brissago Island
• Jun Wildhaus
• Jun Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park
• Jun Viamala
• Jul Wasserauen Ebenalp
• Jul Montreux
• Aug Aletsch Arena
• Sep Appenzell
• Sep Seengen
• Sep Monte Generoso and Valle di Muggio
• Oct Albulatal / Bergün
• Oct Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
• Oct Jura & Three-Lakes
• Nov Noiraigue
• Nov Fribourg / Freiburg
• Nov S. Carlo
• Dec Veytaux
• Dec Schwarzsee
• Dec Lausanne
• Jan Engelberg
• Jan Stoos – Fronalpstock
• Feb Zermatt
• Feb Engadin
• Feb St. Gallen
• Feb Saas-Fee
• Mar Jungfraujoch
• Mar Crans-Montana
• Mar Andermatt
• Apr Lucerne
• Apr Emmental
• Apr Neuhausen am Rheinfall

List Inspiration Calendar

Something happens in a video. A bird's eye view of the beauty of Switzerland.

• Hallwyl Castle (Schloss Hallwyl)

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Accommodation camping.

Europcar Special rates for camper fans

Europcar e-grand tour, top destinations, grindelwald, recommendation summer, grand train tour of switzerland, summer: vacation and excursion tips, everything about hiking, the grand tour of switzerland.

The most scenic road trip

City: tips for holidays and outings

Recommendation winter, winter holidays, wellness & spa hotels, winter sports resorts, premium panorama trains, winter in the city, matterhorn (4,478 a.s.l.) - symbol for switzerland.

The Matterhorn and Switzerland are inseparably linked to each other. The pyramid shaped colossus of a mountain, which is very difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the world. The Klein-Matterhorn ("Little Matterhorn"), which can be reached via a funicular, lies adjacent to the Matterhorn.

The Rhine Falls

To stand high above Europe's largest waterfall, feeling the roar and vibration of the water over one's entire body - this can be experienced at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. By ship one can reach castles, the Rhine Falls Basin and even the mighty rock in the midst of the waterfall.

On the Top of Europe: A visit to the Jungfraujoch puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Switzerland.

Château de Chillon

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

Creux du Van

"Creux du Van", a natural rock arena of immense proportions, is located at the border of the cantons of Neuenburg and Vaud. Impressive 160 meter high vertical rock faces surround a four kilometer long and over one kilometer wide valley basin.

Aletsch - the Largest Alpine Glacier

Incredibly immense, incredibly beautiful: the Large Aletsch Glacier is the Alps' mightiest ice flow. And the most popular, for it is easily accessible and is ideally situated for extensive hikes, winter sports and special nature excursions.

Swiss Museum of Transportation

Switzerland’s most visited museum showcases the past, present and future of mobility with interactive and varied exhibits. In addition to the museum, unique attractions found nowhere else in Switzerland, such as the film theatre, planetarium, Swiss Chocolate Adventure and Media World, are just waiting to be discovered.

10,000 years ago, 100 billion cubic metres of rock thundered into the valley. Known as the Flims Rockslide, this event created the Ruinaulta, a canyon-like gorge in the Anterior Rhine Valley that can be reached on foot, over water, by train or by bike.

Zurich – for inquisitive urban explorers

Expert tips, waterside hikes.

What could be lovelier than a hike to a lake, along a river or even near a glacier? Water is a constant companion on these nine hikes. Immerse yourself.

Bicycle tours by water

What could be better than letting your gaze wander over the water while you pedal? With its many lakes and rivers, our country offers various routes where you can be sure that the refreshment you long for is just a stone's throw away.

Swiss mountain railways take visitors to magnificent views as well as delightful and relaxing stays.

Switzerland is a paradise for hikes. Here you will find inspiration and information on the many hiking options.

Switzerland’s waterfalls

We not only have fascinating lakes and rivers, but impressive waterfalls as well – one of which is the biggest in Europe, the Rhine Falls. You can feel the sheer force of the water as it thunders down into the depths.

Open airs, festivals and parties in summer

Open airs, festivals and parties in the Swiss summer are a mix of top international acts, up-coming artists and a unique experience amid picturesque backdrops. From electronic music to rock and pop to jazz and folk, Swiss festivals offer something for every taste.

• From 15 May Afro-Pfingsten Festival Winterthur, 15.05. - 22.05.2024
• From 17 May Riviera Latina Festival Weggis Whitsun 24 Weggis, 17.05. - 19.05.2024
• From 17 May Street Artists Festival Ascona, 17.05. - 19.05.2024
• From 18 May Open wine cellars in the canton of Vaud Lausanne, 18.05. - 19.05.2024
• From 18 May Bluesfestival Baden Baden, 18.05. - 25.05.2024
• 18 May Bern Grand Prix Bern, 18.05.2024
• 19 May International Museum Day 19.05.2024
• 20 May Swiss Read Aloud Day 2024 20.05.2024

Gstaad Palace, Gstaad Discover extraordinary places

Price per double room valid: 28.06.2024 - 08.09.2024

Hotel Daniela, Zermatt Discover Zermatt

Price per double room valid: 14.05.2024 - 31.05.2024

Gletsch Cycling: Aare-Route Grimselpass - Bad Zurzach

Price per person in double room valid: 14.05.2024 - 31.12.2024

Hotel Restaurant Sonne Küsnacht, Küsnacht ZH Overnight stays on the Grand Tour of Switzerland

Price per person in superior room valid: 14.05.2024 - 30.09.2024

Theater Casino Zug, Zug Seminar flat rate | CHF 106.- excl. infrastructure

Without overnight stay valid: 14.05.2024 - 31.12.2024

Hotel Chesa Rosatsch, Celerina Get off to an active start in Spring

Price per night per double room valid: 14.05.2024 - 31.05.2024

Maloja Wandern: Via Engiadina

Solothurn mittelland-route for families, les brenets wanderferien au fil du doubs, schloss schadau hotel - restaurant, thun romance by the lakeside, advertisement.

How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation

Wondering how to get around Switzerland? This guide will help you learn how to use the public transportation system and how to get around by car.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Switzerland:

Wanderlust switzerland guide.

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Switzerland? Get my guide and let me do the work for you!

Our favorite Hotels in Switzerland

• Zurich : Baur Au Lac
• Lucerne : Burgenstock Alpine Hotel & Spa
• Zermatt: The Omnia
• Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel
• Bern : Hotel Schweiserhof
• Geneva : Swiss Luxury Apartments
• Montreaux : Eurotel Montreaux

Getting Around Switzerland

• Unlimited Train Rides : Swiss Pass
• Renting a Car : Cheap Rental Cars or Expedia Cars

Our favorite activities and tours in Switzerland

• Paragliding
• Lindt Chocolate Tour
• Lake Lucerne Cruise

How do I get around Switzerland?

There are many ways to get around Switzerland , the two main ways are using public transportation and renting a car. I’ll highlight the best way to get to each destination below. This Switzerland itinerary can easily be used with either a car or by train.

If you choose to get a rental car in Switzerland, I always recommend using this site to compare rates and cars.

If you choose to use public transportation in Switzerland, I recommend getting the Swiss Travel Pass to maximize your time and save you money. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited train rides on most lines, free or discounted gondola rides, and discounts to many attractions though Switzerland.

I find that it’s especially worth buying the Swiss Travel Pass if you are planning to visit Zermatt because the expensive Gornergratt train is quite expensive, and it’s half off with the pass. If you’re comfortable riding trains and buses, I think it’s the best way to travel in Switzerland.

Where do I purchase my Swiss Travel Pass?

You can purchase your Swiss Travel Pass here . Just select the correct number of days for your Switzerland itinerary and check out. The pass begins on your selected date and runs continuously. The Swiss Travel Pass comes in. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 day increments.

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re unsure of your dates or the amount of time your Switzerland itinerary will be, it might be a good idea to purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card instead. This pass is good for one month and will offer 50% off most trains. There seems to be less of a discount on shorter journeys. I prefer to purchase the more expensive Swiss Travel Pass just for ease of use while I am in the country. But the Swiss Half Fare Card may be a better option if you are only planning on taking several long and expensive rail journeys. You can purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card here .

Renting a Car in Switzerland

If you want a little more freedom during your trip, you may want to consider renting a car in Switzerland . You’ll have the ability to reach some more off-the-beaten-path places that trains can’t reach. Driving in Switzerland is easy, especially if you’re from the US because they drive on the right side of the road. 

Download the SBB App for Switzerland Transportation

SBB App – Public transportation in Switzerland is shockingly punctual, clean, fast, and efficient. The SBB app will tell you when and where to get your trains and buses to take you where you want to go. This is the most important app you’ll need in Switzerland if you’re only traveling by public transportation.

I hope this guide to Switzerland transportation will help you get around the country with ease. Be sure to check out the most beautiful places in Switzerland and our Switzerland Itinerary.

There are lots of pros and cons to renting a car in Switzerland and using public transportation. Here’s a good list

Here is a list of pros and cons for traveling Switzerland by train vs. by rental car:

Traveling by Train in Switzerland

• More scenic views out the window
• Can relax and enjoy the ride
• No need to focus on driving/navigation
• Environmentally friendly
• Arrive directly in city centers
• Less flexibility with schedule/stops
• Can be more expensive
• Limited luggage space
• More flexibility with schedule and route
• Can stop wherever you want
• Usually cheaper than train
• More privacy
• Can carry more luggage
• Less scenic views
• Have to focus on driving
• More planning required for navigation
• Have to find and pay for parking
• More environmental impact

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Switzerland!

The post How to Get Around Switzerland: A Guide to Swiss Transportation appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .

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Where will Eurovision 2025 be held? The three Swiss towns vying to host

Geneva, basel and st gallen have all thrown their hats into the eccentric musical ring, article bookmarked.

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Following  Nemo ’s big win in  Malmo ,  Sweden  with the song  The Code,  Switzerland  will host  Eurovision  for the third time in 2025.

The last time the Swiss hosted the contest was 35 years ago in  Lausanne in1989. Before that, the 1956 instalment of the competition visited  Lugano  in Switzerland’s Ticino region.

As the host country, Switzerland will join the Big Five – the  UK ,  France,  Spain ,  Germany  and  Italy  – to automatically qualify for next year’s live final.

Though the event often set up in the capital, there’s a huge tourism draw to wherever lands the title of host city.

Switzerland’s national broadcaster (SSR SRG) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are currently shortlisting the Swiss locations to set the stage.

Here are the potential host cities already bidding to be backdrop to the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Where could Eurovision 2025 be held?

According to local media Switzerland’s second city, Geneva , has already submitted a proposal to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation with preliminary plans to host Eurovision 2025.

The Palexpo convention centre, with a capacity for nearly 15,000 spectators, is pegged to accommodate the contest if Geneva  were selected as the host city.

As the gateway to the Alps , glitzy Geneva is a city break favourite among the the skiing crowds, as well as those looking for top-notch watch ateliers, chocolate to satisfy a sweet tooth and lakeside vineyards.

Conradin Cramer, president of the canton of  Basel -Stadt, posted to Twitter/X: “Congratulations to Nemo on his great victory at #ESC2024 in Malmö! Switzerland will now host #ESC2025. # Basel is an excellent venue. And we are ready: with our infrastructure, accessibility and hospitality. #ESC2025Basel.”

The third biggest Swiss city is a tangle of pastel townhouses on the Rhine, edgy art fairs and al fresco watering holes come summer.

Spaces that could host the international performance include the St Jakobshalle concert hall and St Jakob-Park FC Basel sports stadium.

The newly opened St Galler Kantonalbank Hall in St Gallen has been proposed as a potential venue with the space to host 12,000 Eurovision fans.

Christine Bolt, head of the Olma Messen AG in eastern Switzerland expressed her support for St Gallen to take centre stage next year.

Bolt said: “Thanks to the new hall, we are playing in the first league.

“It is part of our core mission to carry out events in the interests of Eastern Switzerland. Together with our partners in the next phase, we will check whether we officially apply or not.”

If the contest was to set up in St Gallen, the charming north eastern city features a renowned business university and the baroque facades and library of the Unesco-listed Abbey of Saint Gall.

How is the Eurovision host city decided?

The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation and the EBU will select a shortlisted city based on their proposals and require that they meet the hosting criteria for the contest. A group of organisers are currently working in Bern to plan the details of the eccentric music competition.

A Eurovision destination must have:

• A venue with a capacity for at least 10,000 people 
• A press centre for journalists
• Reach to an international airport 
• Enough hotel accommodation to host delegates and their teams 

Switzerland’s chosen host city is expected to be officially announced in September after the Host City Bid process and ahead of ticket sales.

Read more: Basel city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Switzerland’s underrated third city

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