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40 things you should not do in Switzerland

There are things you should not do in Switzerland. Knowing these before you travel will save you time, nerves and possibly even money. This list lists mistakes and mishaps that you can easily avoid in Switzerland

It's so easy to put your foot in it when you travel to a new country. Danger lurks everywhere.

At the train station, at the supermarket, in the mountains ...

Wherever you go, you're never really safe from it.

If you've ever been to Japan and left your slippers at the wrong angle in front of the door while visiting the toilet, or thought that, in Australia, "just around the corner " was less than a two-hour drive, you know what we're talking about.

In Switzerland, there are also several mistakes just waiting to be made. Some of them are merely not socially accepted, while others strain your budget unnecessarily, cost you an excessive amount of time and nerves, or they simply want to finish you off.

The following list should help you to recognize those issues early enough and to make your adventure in Switzerland as pleasant as possible. Let's start with what you should not do in Switzerland:

• Be on the train between 7:00 - 8:00 or 17:00 - 18:00

During rush hours, certain train routes in Switzerland are hopelessly overflowing. A classic here is undoubtedly Zurich-Bern or Geneva-Lausanne. If you want to save yourself a lot of stress and find a place for you and your luggage, you should avoid these times for a journey by public transport between major Swiss cities whenever you can.

• Talking loudly on the train (or bus)

Let's stay on the subject of public transport for the moment. If you're concerned about not upsetting local tempers, postpone your phone calls until after you arrive whenever possible. Loud phone calls in public are not very popular in Switzerland.

• Talking loudly in restaurants

Unfortunately, the same is true for restaurants. In general, people in Switzerland try to keep the noise level somewhat subdued. It depends on the establishment, of course. Read the room and decide how many decibels you can tolerate for yourself and those around you. The evil eye will inevitably follow if you overdo it.

• Thinking the train (or bus) is late or waiting for you

The punctuality of public transport in Switzerland is at a very high level. Depending on which transport company you look at, it hovers around the 90% mark. So if you hope for a delay to catch the train (or bus), you will succeed only in 10% of all cases. Therefore, arrive on time at the station or wait for the next connection.

• Exploring the mountains with bad shoes

Accidents in the mountains happen again and again. Sometimes they are mild, sometimes fatal. On average, 130 people lose their lives in the Swiss mountains every year. The number of seriously and lightly injured is several times higher. With good footwear, you can significantly reduce the risk of a serious accident.

• Underestimating the weather in the mountains

Unfortunately, good shoes do not protect you from quick weather changes in the Alps. Thunderstorms often move in very quickly and unexpectedly. Visibility can suddenly drop to 0% and temperature drops cannot be ruled out, especially at higher altitudes. Good preparation in all respects can save you many an anxious moment.

• Assuming that every Swiss speaks fluent German, French and Italian

Although every Swiss learned at least one additional national language in school, this doesn't mean that it is also mastered flawlessly. Some basic knowledge is there, but we are far from all being impeccably trilingual. Unfortunately 🙂 English has become very common, though. Even if not all Swiss speak English, you can get by with it pretty easily in most places.

• Forgetting to weigh your vegetables or fruits in the supermarket

In Swiss supermarkets, you have to weigh vegetables and fruits yourself. To do this, simply find the corresponding number, put the vegetable or fruit on the scale, enter the number and stick on the label. If you forget, there is usually a scale near the checkout so you can weigh it there.

• Going shopping on Saturday

On Saturday, the whole of Switzerland has to do their weekly shopping, because there is a risk of starving on Sunday (see next point). That's why we advise you not to go shopping on Saturday. During the week you have a little more peace and space for yourself between the shelves.

• Going shopping on Sunday

Sunday is a day of rest. Except at the train stations, the stores are closed all day.

• Spending a lot of money on water

Switzerland is blessed with very good quality tap water available everywhere. It's worth carrying a water bottle and filling it up at one of the thousands of public fountains. This will save you money on your trip in Switzerland .

As long as there is no sign with "no drinking water " , you can drink the water without hesitation. Theoretically you could even fill up the bottle in the toilet. It's not necessarily suitable for everyday use, but in Switzerland the toilet is actually flushed with drinking water.

• Travelling by public transport without installing the SBB app

If you are planning on using public transport on a regular basis, we recommend you to install this extremely helpful app. Whether you're looking for the next train connection from the airport to Bern , the departure time of the passenger ship from Thun to Interlaken or the bus schedule from Solothurn to Langendorf, the SBB App will give you the information you need. It also provides information about train tickets in Switzerland , station facilities and the availability of Supersaver tickets.

• Assuming that all of Switzerland is covered in snow in winter

If you come to Switzerland and are looking forward to meters of snow, you may be bitterly disappointed. Climate change does not stop here and snowfall is no longer as certain as it was 10-20 years ago.

If you're staying at lower altitudes in winter and would like to spend some time in the snow, you will most likely find it in higher places. So if you don't see any snow when you land in Zurich in January, you don't have to give up hope right away.

• Thinking you can see all of Switzerland in three days

Granted, Switzerland is small. Very small. In terms of land mass, it can fit 8.5 times in Germany, 67 times in Argentina and a whopping 414 times in Russia. But if you think that a few days are enough to explore the whole of Switzerland, you are badly mistaken.

The diversity of this small country is immense. Even if the distances between various sights and attractions are comparatively tiny, the Riviera in Ticino in no way resembles the stone formations of the Bernese Jura or the meanders of the Rhine around Schaffhausen. So take enough time to discover all the facets of Switzerland. We're happy to help you plan your itinerary in Switzerland .

• Only travelling to Interlaken

We admit it. The region around Interlaken is incredibly beautiful and has a lot to offer with the Jungfraujoch and Lake Thun . Just to name a few. But still, you can discover countless other places in Switzerland that are just as impressive and sometimes way less crowded. So try to include more stops in your trip than just the one in Interlaken.

What is true in public transport is generally true for the rest of Switzerland as well. Punctuality is very important and if you have an appointment, we recommend that you keep it. You can't expect anything else in a country famous for its watch industry. Can you?

• Buying drinks at the station

If you get thirsty at the train station and don't have your water bottle with you, takeaway stands or kiosks are real price traps. They sometimes charge you three times the price you'd normally pay. Since you can find a supermarket such as a Migrolino or Coop Pronto at every major train station, you can pick one of them instead to buy a drink at the regular price.

• Eating too much before visiting a chocolate factory

In Switzerland, you'll find various chocolate factories that have set up a visitor center. This means you can check them out in person and find out all there is to know about Swiss chocolate. These places don't skimp on tasting opportunities, either. So if you show up with a full stomach, you'll definitely regret it once you arrive at the chocolate fountain. At the latest! The same applies to the Kambly factory in Trubschachen. So leave some room in your stomach when you go on a culinary discovery tour.

• Cutting in front, no matter where

Although the Swiss don't have a well-mannered queuing culture like the British do - evil tongues say we have no idea how to queue properly - pushing in front is still very much disliked. Be it at the checkout in the supermarket, at the train station after boarding the train or in the ski resort at the valley station. Better take a deep breath and, if in doubt, take a step back.

• Sitting down on the train without asking if the seat is free

If you question this tradition for a minute, it doesn't make much sense. But it's just something we grow up with. When we get on the train and sit down with another person, we always ask if the seat is still available. Even if the person got on at the same station as we did and they are obviously sitting alone in the compartment. The "is this seat free? " is a part of Switzerland like the Sphinx on the Jungfraujoch.

• Doing laundry or housework on Sunday

As already mentioned in the store opening hours: Sunday is a day of rest. This also applies to laundry and housekeeping. In rented apartments with a shared laundry room it is even forbidden to wash on Sunday. You should also refrain from vacuuming on the seventh day if you don't want to risk a neighbor dispute.

• Eating a St. Galler Bratwurst with mustard

It's a well-known fact: In St. Gallen you eat a bratwurst WITHOUT mustard. In the rest of Switzerland, this is debatable. But in eastern Switzerland, it is such a strong unwritten law that it may well be considered written. The argument: A St. Galler Bratwurst is so good that it doesn't need mustard.

• Starting a discussion whether the raclette cheese belongs on top of the potatoes or next to them

Raclette is a typical Swiss specialty that you should definitely try when you're here. However, you'd better not ask your Swiss friends if they put the cheese on top or next to the potatoes. This can start a heated discussion, even if it seems a bit pointless. But if you want a peaceful evening without nerve-wracking debates, ask them if they grew up as a Migros-child or a Coop-child insetad.

Entering someone's home without taking off your shoes

It doesn't matter if your host cleans the apartment every day or hasn't held a vacuum cleaner in two months: In Switzerland, you are generally expected to take off your shoes when entering an apartment or house. Unless your host explicitly mentions that you are allowed to keep your shoes on.

• Waiting for help without asking anyone if you get lost

In some countries, standing at a crossroads with a confused look on your face is enough to be offered assistance. This may happen in Switzerland in some cases, but it is rare. So if you need help or directions, it's best to just ask.

• Carrying all your luggage during a city stopover

Because Switzerland is so small and compact, you may pass by an interesting place or two on your journey from A to B. This is a great opportunity to get to know new places you didn't have in your itinerary . For example, you might travel from Zurich to Geneva and put in a stop in Bern. However, if you're traveling with two suitcases and three backpacks, this is easier said than done. Fortunately, SBB train stations are all well equipped with lockers. So you can store your luggage for a fee during your discovery tour.

Our friends from our neighboring countries are regularly shocked at how expensive speeding on the road can be in Switzerland. The range varies greatly. Depending on whether you are driving through a town, overland or on the highway, you pay more or less. But the values vary between 40 CHF and 250 CHF. For severe violations even more, up to a stay in jail. So think carefully about how much of a hurry you're in.

• Buying chocolate before Easter or Christmas

Chocolate is sold in large quantities throughout Switzerland at every time of year. But never is the selection as varied as before Easter and Christmas. Prices, however, are strongly based on demand. So if you can wait, it's definitely worth postponing your bulk purchase until after the holidays.

Supermarkets usually try to get rid of all kinds of chocolatey delicacies at half the price or less shortly after.

• Thinking that German and Swiss German are the same thing

If you're wondering what kind of a weird German is spoken in this country, let us enlighten you. Swiss German is not, strictly speaking, a language, but a collection of Alemannic dialects. Not even the Linguistics Center Zurich dares to determine how many dialects there are, because the boundaries between the individual dialects are very blurred. Sometimes 10 km is already enough for another dialect to be spoken.

What is clear is that someone who speaks fluent High German can be quite frustrated on their first visit to Switzerland because they don't understand anything. This is because, even though the German-speaking Swiss all understand High German and it is one of the four official written languages, it is rarely used in everyday life.

We probably don't have to tell you this, but it's still a concern of ours. Especially in nature, but also in cities, on the train or in public places, there is no reason to leave your trash behind. In most cases, you don't even have to look far to find a trash can. Switzerland is very well equipped in this respect.

• Heading out without checking the weather forecast

You plan to go on a a trip, look out the window and think: "Great, the sun is shining!" Don't let that fool you. The weather in Switzerland is rarely consistent. So if you want to be sure that you won't have any unpleasant surprises at your destination, take a quick look at the weather forecast beforehand.

The same is true the other way around. If it's raining or cloudy where you are, it's still possible that the weather will be much better not too far away. A pretty reliable place for good weather, by the way, is Ticino . Often, not always, it can rain all over Switzerland but the sun shines in Ticino.

• Travelling on public transport without a rail pass

Travelling by public transport in Switzerland can be expensive. A ticket from Zurich to Bern will cost you 51 CHF without a discount. So, if you're planning on taking several trips by train, it might be worth looking at the various rail passes for tourists , Supersaver tickets or other tourist offers. Especially if you plan to travel longer distances by train, the Swiss Travel Pass might make your life a lot easier.

• Thinking that Swiss food is all about cheese and chocolate

Admittedly, Swiss chocolate and Swiss cheese is world famous. And delicious. Nonetheless, we don't spend all day eating chocolate and cheese. And neither should you. Unless you've set your ming on trying all 450+ types of cheese during your stay.

Otherwise, there are other Swiss specialties that you're going to love. Be that a crispy Rösti with a fried egg and a Bratwurst, a delicious Zürcher Geschnetzeltes with Spätzli, a healthy Birchermüesli or tasty Capuns from the Grisons.

• Paying with a currency other than Swiss francs

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and therefore does not use the Euro as a means of payment. Our currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF) and is accepted throughout the country. Although you can theoretically pay with Euros in most places, we recommend that you use the Swiss Franc. The exchange rate to the Euro offered in supermarkets or at ticket machines is often very unfavorable. With bank apps such as Revolut, you benefit from low fees and good exchange rates. This is how you can save money in Switzerland .

• Hitting the slopes for the first time without a ski instructor

It looks so simple. Put on your boots, get in your skis and hit the slopes. But let us tell you, it definitely looks easier than it is. Your legs have a tendency to want to go in a completely different direction than your head does. If you've never skied before in your life, we recommend that you make use of a ski instructor for the first few hours. After that you will know the most important tips and tricks and can work from there. The same applies if you decide to go snowboarding.

• Sledding without a helmet

Every year, around 10.000 accidents happen in Switzerland while sledding . It's not uncommon for concussions to occur, which can have dangerous consequences. The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention therefore recommends wearing a helmet when sledding.

• Asking the Swiss how much they earn

In certain cultures, money is a topic that is openly addressed and discussed. Everyone knows how much their friends earn and own. In Switzerland, however, the topic is rather taboo. There's a saying that goes, "You don't talk about money, you have it." Make what you want of this. But if you'd like to start a casual conversation with a Swiss, maybe don't start with the question, "So, how much do you earn? "

• Asking the Swiss how they voted the previous weekend

Another question you better avoid... In Switzerland, people vote four times a year. Be it on initiatives, changes in the law or the election of members of the government. Often, heated debates arise, even among family and friends. If you're not particularly close to someone, we advise you not to ask them about their voting decision.

• Leaving Switzerland without having tried "Böötle*

It has almost become a new popular sport: "Böötle" . The principle is simple. You wait for a nice, sunny summer day, grab an inflatable water vehicle such as a unicorn, a rubber boat, a flamingo or an air mattress, jump into a river and let yourself drift down with all the others.

The most famous place for this is certainly the River Aare between Thun and Bern. But during summer, unicorn lazybones can be found all over Switzerland with a beer in their hand. So if you want to "go with the flow" , give it a try when you get a chance.

• Forgetting to say hello while hiking

In Switzerland, it's common to say hello to each other while hiking. Or Bonjour, Grüezi, Buongiorno or Bun dì. Depending on which part of Switzerland you happen to be in. So if you're hiking on one of the more than 60.000 km of hiking trails, you'll make your oncoming traffic happy if you give a friendly hello. Especially when it gets a little tighter and you have to make room for each other. Simply staring at the ground and passing by silently doesn't go down too well with the Swiss population.

These are our 40 things you shouldn't do in Switzerland. We hope we were able to prepare you well for your trip and keep you from putting your foot in your mouth.

Table of contents

• Entering someone's home without taking off your shoes

Discover leisure activities

Top destinations.

• Lauterbrunnen

Top Activities

Top attractions.

• Harder Kulm
• Jungfraujoch
• First Cliff Walk
• Museum of Transport
• Mount Titlis
• Lake Lucerne
• Eiger Glacier
• Schynige Plate
• Glacier Gorge Grindelwald
• Grindelwald First
• Chillon Castle

14 things to know before going to Switzerland

May 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Use our local tips to ensure your Swiss vacation is unforgettable © emperorcosar / Shutterstock

Little did I know when I moved to Switzerland a decade ago that I’d still be here now. But with its supermodel looks, fine weather, easy-peasy public transport, multilingual mindset and penchant for cheese and wine, this is a country where it’s easy to get comfortable – even if things are a bit on the pricey side.

Get a taste of Swiss life for yourself with these top tips everyone should keep in mind before visiting Switzerland.

1. Prioritise what you want to see

It’s possible to drive the breadth of Switzerland in just a few hours, but this small country packs in a lot, from culture-rich cities and little mountain villages to epic alpine landscapes and vast lakes. Thanks to the smooth transport network, it’s all very accessible, allowing you to explore a city center in the morning, ride across a lake at lunchtime and be up a mountain come the afternoon. So whether you’re coming for a weekend-long city break, or taking your time to explore by train, car or bicycle, Switzerland suits the lot.

2. Pack for all weathers

Generally speaking, Switzerland is seasonally predictable, with hot summers and cold winters, but there are always exceptions to keep you on your toes. Violent storms on summer days can catch you off guard, while temperatures can plunge in the mountains at night even after a very hot day – snow isn’t uncommon at altitude in August. Prepare for all eventualities, and always pack a little more clothing than you think you’ll need if you’re exploring alpine areas. The federal weather service is a go-to for accurate local forecasts.

3. Download the SBB app and look for Supersaver tickets

The easiest way to buy train tickets is on the app provided by SBB/CFF/FFS , Switzerland’s rail service. Input your credit card details the first time you use it and then it’s just a couple of taps to buy any ticket. If you purchase on the day of travel, journeys are the same price throughout the day (i.e. no early bird or off-peak deals), but if you can plan in advance, search for Supersaver tickets that can shave a fair few francs off the price. Multi-day transport passes and day passes can also save you money.

4. Book hotels and mountain cabins well in advance

Switzerland’s a popular place, so accommodation gets booked up in advance. Always plan ahead, especially if you’re on a budget. That doesn’t just apply to cities and famous resort towns – even a dorm bed in a rustic cabin high in the mountains can be highly sought after in peak season. Don’t forget to pack a sheet sleeping bag, which is obligatory in most high-mountain cabins.

5. Be prepared to splash the cash

Everyone knows Switzerland is pricey. There are ways to travel frugally here, but it’s prudent to accept that certain things are unavoidably expensive. Even though it might hurt to shell out for food, accommodation and travel, it'll be worth it when you’re standing on top of a mountain taking photographs so achingly beautiful your friends will later say you’ve photoshopped it – trust me.

6. Don’t assume everyone is multilingual

When it comes to communication, Switzerland isn’t straightforward. Though the country has a distinct national identity, its four official languages – French, Swiss German, Italian and Romansh – divide the country into discrete linguistic areas. Though there’s some crossover in towns such as Biel/Bienne and Fribourg that straddle the language border, in rural areas the so-called röstigraben can be so stark that you might encounter a francophone village on one side of the border and a Swiss-German-speaking one five kilometers down the road. And while many Swiss are multilingual, don’t assume that everyone speaks each other’s language – many people are more likely to speak English than another Swiss national language.

7. Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Swiss German is not the same

German speakers may come to Switzerland thinking they’ll have no problems understanding the Swiss, but that may not be so. German – or Hochdeutsch , high German – is quite different to Swiss German, or Schweizerdeutsch , so even native German speakers might be left scratching their heads at times. Not only that, but Swiss German isn’t a single language – it encompasses various different dialects across the region. However, don’t despair if you greet someone with Grüezi (hello) only to get Grüessech in response – people will appreciate the effort, even if you get it wrong.

8. Remember what country you’re in

When discussing Switzerland’s language regions with a local, never refer to, for example, the "French" area – always say French-speaking or francophone. This is a proudly independent, neutral country and any suggestion that it is part of another nation does not go down well!

9. Call places by their local names

Likewise, you’ll make friends more quickly if you call things by their proper names, not their anglicized ones. Say Lake Geneva to a Lausanne resident and you’ll get a stern look and a pointed reply about Lac Léman. Likewise, Lake Lucerne is actually Vierwaldstättersee, and Lake Constance is Bodensee.

10. Tip if you want to, but it’s not obligatory

There isn’t a big tipping culture in Switzerland. Leaving 10% on top of the meal bill, if you’ve enjoyed a meal, will be very much appreciated but it’s not obligatory – and certainly not if you’ve only had drinks at a bar. Prices are high enough and salaries in the service industry are decent.

11. Drink wine with a fondue

Switzerland’s cheesiest dish comes with numerous etiquette rules – don’t double-dip, don’t drop your bread in the pot, never leave the crusty bit at the bottom ( la religieuese ) uneaten – but the most important rule must be: only drink wine with it (preferably a dry Swiss white like Chasselas, the country’s most widespread homegrown grape). It supposedly helps with digestion (see also: schnapps). Apparently drinking water would cause the cheese to solidify in your stomach. Or perhaps (evidently, if you ask me) it’s simply that the Swiss love drinking wine and use any excuse to do so.

12. Don’t buy bottled water – tap water is just as good

One of the greatest rip-offs in Switzerland must be bottled water. It’s expensive and buying it is wholly unnecessary since the tap water is just as tasty and abundantly available. Carry a reusable bottle and fill up wherever you can – including from the many fountains you’ll see in cities, towns and mountain villages all over the country. Unless otherwise stated, it’s drinkable and delicious. Despite this, don’t be surprised if restaurants grumble when you order tap water – apart from in the canton of Ticino , they aren’t legally obliged to provide it for free and some will either charge you, or refuse to serve it, if you don’t also order another drink.

13. Keep an eye on your bags when traveling from the airport

Switzerland is generally a safe, honest country, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your suitcases when you’re traveling on the train from the airport, as thieves sometimes see newly arrived tourists as prime targets. Sit near the luggage rack or put your bags on the shelf above your head.

14. Stay safe in the mountains – and watch out for cows

Part of the thrill of touring Switzerland is spending time in the mountains, but don’t underestimate the unpredictability of nature. Make sure you’re well equipped with good boots and suitable clothing in case the weather turns. Check the forecast and trail conditions before you set out, and abide by any local rules such as avoiding areas where there might be rockfalls or other hazards.

Ideally, tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back. Consult trail maps on Wanderland.ch and save 1414 – the emergency number for Rega , Switzerland’s air rescue service – in your phone just in case.

Oh, and if you see cows with calves in the fields, give them a wide berth – though rare, there have been instances of hikers being trampled by irate mother cows.

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Switzerland:

Save this guide to the best things to do in Switzerland.  Plan a road trip (or seven) with this guide. Check when is the best time to go  depending on your interests and budget. Give your wallet a break with these free things to do in Switzerland . And find out why you should take the train (plus other transport tips ) for Switzerland.

This article was first published Jun 9, 2023 and updated May 5, 2024.

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18 Do’s And Don’ts To Visiting Switzerland On A Budget

Jaw-dropping peaks, pristine green fields and wooden cabins, turquoise-blue lakes – Switzerland is easily one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Europe. It also happens to be one of the most expensive . While many scrape by backpacking the Swiss Alps, the price tags of food, transportation, accommodation and experiences make planning the average weekend getaway or extended vacation a major hit to the wallet. But you can still make your dream trip a reality while saving money – use these tips to do Switzerland on a budget .

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Currency in Switzerland

The currency is used in Switzerland are Swiss Francs (CHF). As of August 2022, 1 CHF equals $1.05 USD. And while the exchange rate is fairly even, the cost of living in Switzerland is completely different to most areas in the US!

To put into perspective just how much the prices can differ in Switzerland, a Big Mac and a 6-count chicken nugget meal from McDonald’s cost me 27 CHF in Switzerland. In the US, it would cost me $10!

Tips to Visit Switzerland on a Budget

Do grocery shop.

One of the easiest ways to save money in Switzerland is to live like a local! Skip restaurants and head to the grocery store to stock up on snacks, pre-made lunch goodies, and even do some normal grocery shopping if you have the means to cook at your accommodation.

While the Swiss lifestyle isn’t cheap and the prices of some things will still make you do a double take, you will still be able to find much more affordable food options here than at any restaurant or take away in the area.  

Don’t Eat Out Every Meal

You’re on your dream trip to Switzerland, so it is impossible to tell you to not try the local food or have a nice meal every now and again! But if saving money is your biggest worry, then you should try to avoid eating out for every meal and instead have a plan to picnic or cook with your grocery store finds.  

Do Take Advantage of Grocery Store Restaurants

My favorite Switzerland budget travel secret is… the grocery store restaurants! I discovered at least two of the major grocery store chains in Switzerland, Migros and Coop, also have their own IKEA-esque eating areas. It may sound strange but they are a budget traveler’s dream!

Some are buffet-style where you can stack your plate with as much food as you’d like for a fixed price, while others are focused on meal deals and a-la-carte items. I can guarantee you will get some of the best deals on eating out here. If you already know the stops on your itinerary, check ahead of time if these grocery stores are present and if they have a restaurant!

Do Book Hotels Early

Some say that you can get crazy last-minute deals if you wait to book your accommodation immediately before your trip days, but I have not found that to be the case in Switzerland.

It may just be because of traveling during peak season, but once accommodation is getting booked up, prices rarely go down. Instead, they increase! Your only shot at testing out this method and having it work is to try a service like HotelTonight that collects discounts on lasts-minute hotels.

Good to know : You will likely have to pay a city tax at the end of your hotel visit. The amount can vary depending on the town. As an example, in Interlaken, the tax was 2.50 CHF per person/per night.  

Don’t Travel to Switzerland During High Season

I know everybody says it, but the period in which you are traveling through Switzerland can have a huge effect on accommodation prices.

Switzerland’s peak seasons are between June-August and December-February. The most budget-friendly time to visit Switzerland is from March-April and October-November.

Pro Tip : If you are looking for Switzerland accommodation during one of the peak season periods, try to book a hotel that allows you Free Cancellation up to a certain point. Then you can frequently check back to see if any new, more affordable properties are available due to cancellations.

Do Utilize Day Trips to Save Money

Staying for a longer time in one place can often be more cost-saving than switching hotels frequently. Rates per night tend to get better the longer you are staying at a hotel. Lots of Airbnbs also give extended-stay discounts for stays over a week long.

With this travel tip, you should plan your itinerary around day trips instead of moving from place to place. Planning excursions to cities, like a day trip to Lucerne or one day in Zurich , is very easy because of the well-connected public transport network.

And to get to more remote areas like Jungfrau, for example, you can also check out day trip tours. Weigh the cost between traveling with a tour that includes the activity and transportation and DIYing your day trip to find out what’s the best deal for you.

Do Get Breakfast Included at Your Hotel

It may seem counterintuitive to spend more booking your accommodation to get breakfast included, but if you do the calculations, you will see that the price difference is usually a savings rather than a cost.

As a personal example, I spent two nights in Interlaken with my boyfriend and paid an extra 20 CHF for the two of us to have breakfast included. Just a cappuccino in Interlaken cost 5 CHF, so for the same price per person we had a full buffet breakfast each day.

Don’t Pay for Water

The beauty of the Swiss Alps? The super fresh mountain water! Many cities and rural areas are full of fountains distributing the water so that you can fill up for free!

Don’t forget to pack your favorite travel water bottle .

Do Stay at a Hostel or Campground

I know they sound like they are reserved solely for backpackers and road trippers, but there are actually options to make these accommodations adaptable to any budget-conscious traveler’s trip style!

Hostels are known to be some of the cheapest accommodation around. But you don’t need to opt for the cheapest of the cheap and board with 10 other people. Many also offer private rooms like any other hotel for a higher price, but are still more budget-friendly than standard hotels.

And did you know that even if you’re not road tripping through Switzerland with your own motorhome, you could still take advantage of an inexpensive campground?

Tons of campgrounds have their own bungalows ! These tiny houses are perfect for cheap stays. Plus, they will likely have a kitchen, which makes cooking and staying on a budget with food even easier!

Don’t Road Trip Switzerland Without Knowing These Expenses

Driving in Switzerland is a spectacular way to see the country’s incredible landscapes. It also gives you tons of flexibility in your itinerary.

But there are some fixed expenses you should note before hopping on the road. Switzerland’s toll system operates with a vignette , a small sticker that allows you access to all the highways in Switzerland. This vignette is valid for the calendar year up to January 31st of the following year, but costs 40 CHF.

Parking is another expense that can get out of control in major cities. Parking in Zurich, in particular, is very expensive (around 5-6 CHF per hour in parking garages).

And it’s also important to know the road rules in Switzerland, as fines are very high. Throughout Switzerland, there are speed cameras that you may not notice. Small towns often have very slow speed limits but it’s important not to exceed them to avoid having a fine show up in your mail weeks later due to these cameras. For more road rules, check out my guide to Driving in Switzerland .

Do Take Advantage of City Guest Cards

It pays off to do research and planning to truly do Switzerland on a budget. Luckily, Switzerland has a decent number of initiatives to promote tourism that also result in you being able to do more while paying less!

One useful hack you should look out for is city guest cards . You’ll have to look up if your specific destination offers an incentive like this, but guest cards are usually offered to travelers staying in accommodation in that city.

For example, the Interlaken guest card is available to anyone staying in accommodation in the town of Interlaken and offers discounts on stores and attractions, but most importantly, allows you to ride the public transportation for free in and around the city!

Lots of other cities do this too: Lucerne, Bern, Geneva, Basel. The Canton of Ticino even has a Ticino ticket that lets you use free public transport to explore the entire region!

Pro Tip : When deciding where to stay during your trip to Switzerland, you should also consider staying outside of major tourist areas and cities, where you’ll likely find more budget-friendly rates. I recommend during your accommodation search weighing the costs between savings on transportation and activities with a city card (if your destination has one) and staying in more remote areas.

Do Consider Buying Travel Passes

If you are planning to get around Switzerland on a budget using public transportation, you should weigh the cost of buying one of the many Swiss travel passes against paying for tickets individually to every destination on your itinerary.

The Swiss travel passes are expensive, so it is best to plan out your itinerary in as much detail as you can to understand if the price tag of the travel pass will truly save you money. Some of the travel passes offered include the Swiss Travel Pass , which comes in packages of 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days of unlimited travel on the public transportation network, and the Swiss Half Fare Card , which gives you unlimited 50% discounts on public transportation tickets for a year.

Pro Tip: On the Swiss Travel Pass website, use the Find The Right Pass section to start getting an idea if the pass makes sense for your itinerary and budget.

Don’t Be Too Spontaneous

Being spontaneous on vacation can lead to some unexpected amazing memories! Or, it can end up being a costly mistake.

Budget-breaker storytime : My boyfriend and I hiked from Iseltwald to Giessbach waterfalls, about an hour and a half. Well, after a strenuous, long uphill climb to these falls, we figured let’s take the bus back. We had no internet and found out the last bus passed hours ago. It was now 8 pm, the sun was due to set in 45 minutes, and our accommodation was an almost 2-hour walk and then a 15-minute bus ride away. In short, we ended up having to walk to the next town over with a train station (another hour and a half journey) and spend 20 CHF to take a train back to Interlaken.

Moral of the story? Have a plan! You don’t have to have every detail organized but, at least before you act on spontaneity, take a minute to consider what factors could have a significant impact on your budget and if you are okay with that.

Do Have a Phone Plan

We found ourselves in the previously told sticky situation mostly because we had no roaming in Switzerland on our phones, meaning we could only access the Internet via WiFi. Switzerland is not included in EU roaming, meaning using data is extremely costly.

You could either try to buy a local SIM card, rely on WiFi like us, or pay the international rate through your domestic phone plan. Buying a local SIM card is typically the perfect balance between cheap and convenient, whereas WiFi is only cheap, and paying for your international plan is only convenient.

Pro Tip: Download Offline Maps using Google Maps so that if worse comes to worst, you have a map on hand to orient yourself and get around. Also, be sure to pack a portable charger with you, especially if you plan on spending long days out away from your accommodation, like hiking.

Don’t Miss Out on Student Discounts

Youth and student discounts on travel in Switzerland can help you save on transportation and activities!

For example, young travelers from 16-24 can get a discount on the Swiss Travel Pass.

These discounts are usually found in the “Reduced” section of ticket charts. Not every activity or transport has them, but it is always worth checking ahead of time to see if you can take advantage of them and how (if you need to present a student ID, for example.)

Do Exchange Currency (But don’t do it at local kiosks!)

Most places in Switzerland accept debit and credit cards. However, one of the reasons you might prefer to pay in cash is because some restaurants and shops may use a conversion rate that is highly unfavorable.

But if you are going to exchange currency, you will almost always find the best rates at banks and post offices. You will find less favorable exchange rates at kiosks located in your destination (it literally just looks like a tourist trap) or at airports.

Check out more budget travel tips relating to using ATMs abroad and exchanging currency while traveling .

Don’t Let The Language Fool You

Surprisingly, even in places known for tourism, you will not find that many things are translated from German – menus, signs, etc. This can make it difficult to understand what you’re paying for and if it’s worth the spend.

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about this other than hoping you can get a hold of someone who speaks English to help you out or have a translation app on hand.

Do Have Fun with Free Activities!

Unfortunately, lots of activities in Switzerland are expensive, both in and out of cities. But if you do some research before your trip, you’ll find that there’s also a decent number of free things to do to help curb costs and fill up your itinerary!

Switzerland Travel Budget Resources

We all know by now that planning a trip to Switzerland on a budget is no easy feat. It’s probably one of the hardest destinations in Europe. Here is a list of resources to help you stretch your dollar and understand what a realistic Switzerland trip budget looks like:

• BudgetYourTrip – This site gives you the average prices relating to different travel expenses in your selected destination. You can use it as a benchmark to see if you are getting a good deal on accommodation, food, and transportation.
• My Road Trip Budget Planner (& many other resources in The Travel Library!)
• SBB Offers – Current deals from the main train company in Switzerland.

Unfortunately, visiting Switzerland will never be “cheap” but the travel tips in this guide for doing Switzerland on a budget will at least help ease the expenses.

Let me know in a comment – what does your dream Switzerland itinerary look like?

Save these tips to Pinterest for later reference!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

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More travel information for Switzerland

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Switzerland

• Geneva travel guide
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What are the dos and don'ts in Switzerland? Is it rude not to tip in Switzerland? How do Swiss people greet each other? If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and are wondering about the country’s cultural norms, our overview of Switzerland etiquette is on hand to help.  

Overview of Switzerland’s cultural landscape 

The magnificent mountain ranges that are arguably the main draw for visitors to Switzerland have also played a pivotal role in forming Switzerland’s national identity.  

They're also among the reasons you voted Switzerland one of the  most beautiful countries in the world .

Within this rugged environment, community spirit is perhaps stronger than anywhere else in Europe. Since the country is not an ethnic, linguistic or religious unity, it has survived — so the Swiss are fond of saying — through the will of its people to resolve their differences. 

Mountains have shaped Switzerland's culture  © 4kclips/Shutterstock

Not only are there four official languages spoken (German, French, Italian and Romansh), but communities divide into Catholic and Protestant. At the same time, regional characteristics remain sharply defined and diverse. 

Local pride is fuelled by a range of traditional customs, most of which stem from pagan or medieval Christian festivals. Most prominent of these is carnival, held throughout the country on or around Mardi Gras, the last day before Lent.

In the centre and the east, the old isolation of tight-knit mountain communities lingers on in Swiss German Kantönligeist (“little cantonal spirit”) — a parochialism leavened by down-to-earth rumbustiousness.  

To the west lies the Röstigraben, a comical name given to the invisible language border between French-speaking Switzerland, where they don’t eat the traditional potato dish Rösti, and German-speaking Switzerland, where they do. 

These different communities are held together through a unique style of “bottom-up” democracy, which ensures real power still rests with the people. 

Delve deeper into Switzerland's culture

Experience festivals in switzerland, take expert-led tours.

• Best for traditional culture vultures: explore Lausanne on an art and culture tour .
• Best for history buffs: tour the International Quarters and Old Town  in  Geneva .
• Best for modern art lovers: get to grips with graffiti on a tour of Chur in the region of Graubünden .

Stay in historic accommodation

• Best for literary romantics: Angleterre & Residence, Lausanne . This classy hotel occupies eighteenth-century mansions, including where Byron is said to have written  The Prisoner of Chillon .
• Best for big occasions: Trois Rois, Basel . Founded in 1681, this is one of Europe's grandest hotels, and counts Napoleon, Dickens, Wagner and Picasso among its former guests.
• Best for old-time Alpine glamour: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt. The grandest hotel in the canton, and one of the finest in the country.

Discover more about accommodation in Switzerland .

Greeting your fellow mountain-hikers is a must-do of Swiss etiquette © Swiss Tourism

Meeting and greeting — Switzerland etiquette basics 

Wherever you are, take the time to greet everyone you meet. That applies to shop keepers, hotel staff, bar and restaurant staff when you arrive, and hikers and skiers you encounter in the great outdoors.

In the case of the latter, it’s customary — and considered polite — to greet everyone in a group. A quick hello, friendly nod, or making eye contact as you hike by will do the trick. 

Given that Switzerland is blessed with excellent outdoor experiences , this is one of those top Switzerland travel tips you can thank us for later. 

When it comes to first encounters, your best bet is to keep it formal — offer a firm handshake and use surnames. 

In German-language situations, use the formal “Sie” until they suggest switching to the informal “Du”. 

When it comes to kissing — even the air variety — keep it for closer friends. Once you've broken that barrier, convention sees the Swiss kiss three times, starting with the right cheek. 

Keeping kissing for closer friends is a top tip of Switzerland etiquette © Shutterstock

Learn the lingo(s)

Related to the above, it’s worth learning some local lingo to seem polite, and enhance your Swiss travel experience. 

Be sure to check what’s spoken in the region you’re visiting. Switzerland has four official languages — German, French, Romansh and Italian, the latter of which is spoken in the Ticino region.

In good news, The Rough Guide to Switzerland includes overviews of all four languages and key words and phrases to help you communicate. 

You could also arm yourself with Rough Guides' phrasebooks covering, French , German and Italian .

Keep it clean

We’ll keep this one short and sweet — never litter. It really is a massive faux pas when it comes to following good Swiss etiquette.

Learning the lingo is one of our top Switzerland travel tips — test your Italian in Gandria, Ticino ©  Keitma/Shutterstock

What to wear in Switzerland

It goes without saying that clothing depends on where you are and what you’re doing — hardcore summer hiking and depth-of-winter skiing dictate the need for special attire, depending on when you decide is the best time to visit Switzerland . That said, when you’re exploring towns or cities, or dining out, it’s best to opt for a smarter look.

Dining etiquette in Switzerland

Rule number one: don’t be late. If you have a reservation, or are meeting someone at a restaurant, be sure to be on time.

Rule number two:  don’t flag down restaurant staff with a wave of the hand. And, in German-speaking regions, address staff as Herr Ober (male) or Fräulein (female).

Rule number three: brush up on your fondue skills, as revealed in our guide to eating and drinking in Switzerland . 

Delve deeper into Swiss dining

Book food-focussed tours.

• Best for fondue fans: in Geneva, take a walking tour that includes a fondue-making class .
• Best for wine-lovers: in Zurich take a wine and fondue tasting tour . In Lucerne , enjoy a wine-tasting boat trip .
• Best for all-rounders: going to Gruyère? Book a trip that combines cheese and chocolate .

Stay in food-focussed accommodation

• Best for big spenders: Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne . One of Switzerland’s finest hotels, this is set in ten-acre waterside gardens and serves award-winning food.
• Best for al fresco fine dining::  Hotel Ascona., Ascona, Ticino . This plush hillside four-star offers fine views from the rooms, dining terrace, and palm-fringed gardens.
• Best for lakeside charm: Hotel Krone, Thun . This smart hotel on Thun's Old Town square and steps from the river, has contemporary styling and two upmarket restaurants.

Avoid sticky situations by brushing up on dining etiquette in Switzerland © Shulevskyy Volodymyr/Shutterstoc

Tipping in Switzerland

All bar, restaurant and hotel bills are calculated with fifteen percent service included — staff are on proper salaries and tipping is officially abolished.  

That said, unless service was truly diabolical, everyone rounds up to the nearest franc. In restaurants, it’s common to add two or three francs. 

Time-keeping in Switzerland

Perhaps reinforcing a Swiss stereotype, it’s polite to be punctual in Switzerland. Don’t turn up late for restaurant reservations, tours, meetings or events. 

Bern's Zytglogge astronomical clock tower — helping citizens keep track of time for centuries © MrinaD_37/Shutterstock

Shopping etiquette in Switzerland

Be sure to greet shopkeepers, but don’t expect other customers to stand in line.

While the Swiss are a polite people, Switzerland doesn’t have a queuing culture, so don’t be shocked if a fellow shopper steps in front of you.

Travelling with children in Switzerland

With its visitor-friendly efficiency, tolerant attitudes to breastfeeding in public, generously-stocked pharmacies and unimpeachable safety record, Switzerland is an easy country to travel with children. 

Be aware, though, that children under the age of 12 and under 150cm in height will need special booster seats, or front-facing child seats, when travelling by car, including taxis. 

Children can be included on passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass, which can be bought in advance .

Alongside all those winter snow-based activities, many Swiss festivals include child-focused events such as street performances.

Meanwhile, grown-ups and kids of all ages can enjoy stacks of amazing train rides — no surprise given that Switzerland features in our overview of the best scenic train rides in Europe .

Kids will love gliding by mountains on the Glacier Express © Swiss Tourism

Tips for travelling with children in Switzerland

• Best for active dare-devils: The zip-lines, rope courses and playgrounds of  Lago Maggiore Adventure Park  near Locarno will burn off plenty of energy.
• Best for making memories of a lifetime: take a train trip to the top of Europe .
• Best for city explorers: check out fun self-guided scavenger hunts in Basel, Bern and Lausanne . Older kids might enjoy getting to know Geneva on a zombie hunt game .
• Where to stay
• Best for self-catering comfort: Spannort, Engelberg . Somewhere between a hotel and hostel, this excellent-value option has large multi-bed rooms.
• Best for active families:  Hotel Paradis, Leukerbad . This unfussy B&B has lovely rooms and apartments is a great place for families looking to be very active, 
• Best for Alpine adventures: Camping Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen . This large family-oriented campsite boasts six-person bungalows and dorms in addition to tent space.

LGBTQ+ travellers in Switzerland

Switzerland is very tolerant towards gay (schwul, gai, gay), lesbian (lesbisch, lesbien, lesbico) and transgender (transgender, transgenre, transgender) lifestyles. 

The age of consent is 16. All towns have lobby organizations which serve as a focus for the local scene.

National mouthpieces are  Pink Cross and Los , while city organizations include VoGay in Lausanne . 

Known as the San Fransisco of Switzerland, lovely Lausanne has its own LBGTQ+ organisation © Shutterstock

Want to know more about Switzerland? The Rough Guide to Switzerland  and our tips on  things not to miss in Switzerland  will help you plan your Switzerland vacation. The same goes for our Switzerland travel tips .

Not a fan of planning? Consider booking a hassle-free tailor-made trip to Switzerland, with customisable itineraries covering everything from  unforgettable highlights of Switzerland , to  touring the Grand Circle .

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30+ Switzerland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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There are many countries I love in Europe, but if I were to pick one that has me (and my bucket list) in an absolute chokehold, it’d be Switzerland.

I mean… There’s glossy lakes in every shade, epic mountains caked with snow, and town after town with views so perfect, they’ll actually make you mad.

… which explains why I keep crawling back, like a sad obsessive ex.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Switzerland in all seasons and for all reasons – whether solo, with friends, with family, or as a romantic getaway. In that time, I’ve not only been able to amass a restraining order-level of enthusiasm, but I’ve also collected quite the list of random Switzerland travel tips learned through trial and error.

… so allow me to share those with you today!

Read on for a list of must-knows before you visit Switzerland for yourself. With these on your side, you’ll soon see why this is one of my favourite countries in the world.

Save this list of Switzerland Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Budget plenty of money for your Switzerland trip

As you might expect from a country that seems this perfect, Switzerland has one fatal flaw: and that is its prices.

Indeed – beautiful Switzerland is a country filled with sights that will drop many a jaw, but perhaps none more so than the sight of your first restaurant receipt.

Dining out is expensive in Switzerland, a place known for having the priciest Big Mac in the world . But so is practically everything else – from transport and hotels to groceries. In fact, it’s fairly common for Swiss residents near the border to road trip across to France, Germany or Italy to save a few francs on household goods.

All this to say: make sure you’re ready for Switzerland’s high price points, and plan accordingly.

Of course, there are ways to cut costs and save money while travelling Switzerland, but we’ll cover those more in-depth below.

2. Remember Switzerland is NOT in the EU

While Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone (which means yay, borderless travel!), it is not actually part of the European Union. 

Practically speaking, this isn’t a big deal for tourists, BUT I need to mention it in case you’ve purchased some kind of phone plan that is for EU only. 

On a trip a few years ago, I was happily using my German SIM card as we crossed the border into Switzerland and within minutes, all 20 euros of my phone credit had been zapped because I forgot my plan didn’t cover countries outside of the EU! 

Now, most packages have smartened up these days and offer options for “EU + Switzerland” but be sure to double check just in case, lest you end up in debt from loading a TikTok recipe you’ll never even make.

3. Switzerland has its own currency

Another practical Switzerland must-know related to the above point is that Switzerland has its own currency – the almighty Swiss Franc (or CHF).

The bad news is, this means your euros probably won’t get you far. The good news is, their money is vibrant and beautiful, like every other dang thing in the country.

Of course, if you’re wary of withdrawing too much local currency, I’ve found Switzerland to be very card-friendly, so if you have a good credit/debit card with minimal foreign transaction fees, you’ll get by fine with that in most places. I can highly recommend Wise for that purpose.

4. Switzerland also has its own unique plugs/outlets

In addition to the currency being different, the outlets are also different.

In Switzerland, they use Type J outlets that typically look like this, with scattered dots akin to a shocked emoji:

Usually Type F Euro plugs can fit these outlets, but it’s very important you make sure your adapter isn’t one of the circular ones because some of the outlets in Switzerland have these flat thin frames and the circular adapters won’t properly fit. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

5. Know that they speak different languages in different parts of Switzerland 

Another important Switzerland must-know is that when it comes to the local language, there’s no such thing as “Swiss”. 

People in Switzerland are among the most multilingual you’ll meet (next to Luxembourg, anyway!) so depending on where you are in the country, you’ll hear German, French, Italian or Romansch spoken.

So, come prepared and do your research about which languages are widely spoken where you’re visiting, and try to at least learn hello and thank you in those languages as well.

6. Consider flying into one airport and out another

The major international airports in Switzerland can be found in Zurich, Geneva and Basel (which, fun fact – is one of the few airports jointly operated by two countries, France and Switzerland).

Anyways, if you plan on covering a lot of ground while in Switzerland, I would actually recommend flying into one airport and out of another, if the cost difference isn’t substantial. 

The reason I say that is while Switzerland is small, there isn’t really a good way to travel around the country in a loop. So logistically, it kind of makes sense to travel in one direction, so you don’t have to double back.

7. Or concentrate your Switzerland trip in a smaller area

Alternatively, I would advise picking a smaller region/area of Switzerland and exploring it thoroughly, rather than try to cover too much ground.

Transportation in Switzerland is expensive, so one of the best ways to cut costs is to simply not move around as much… which is Mission Impossible, I know, because of the many, many iconic spots you’ll no doubt want to see.

The trouble is though, many of these most famous spots aren’t actually that close together.

So, instead, I’d advise committing to one area – by doing that, you also start to discover more hidden gems and unique spots beyond the most famous attractions… which is of course a huge win in my books!

8. Go beyond the big cities in Switzerland

I have loved visiting many of the big cities in Switzerland like Lucerne, Zurich and Basel .

BUT, I would say the real charm of the country lies beyond city life, and if you really want the ultimate Switzerland experience, I highly encourage you venture off to the countryside for at least a day trip – exploring everything from quaint little villages and epic mountains to lakes more vibrant than Gatorade.

That’s where the real magic happens!

9. Go for Christmas markets!

Once upon a time, I did a whirlwind tour of Switzerland’s best Christmas markets , and it was probably that trip that sealed the country’s fate as one of my favourites.

Twinkly lights and the smell of Glühwein are usually enough (on their own) to make me tear up with joy. Add on the beauty of Swiss landscapes as the backdrop? Oof – I never stood a chance.

So, if you’re looking for one of the the most magical times to visit Switzerland, then I can highly recommend Christmas market season. If you plan your visit for earlier in the season (late November, rather than close to Christmas), you’ll usually be able to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Here are my top must-knows for visiting Christmas markets in Europe if you want to learn more, and you can check out my Swiss Christmas market guides for more details on those:

• Zurich Christmas Market Guide
• Lausanne Christmas Market Guide
• Basel Christmas Market Guide
• Montreux Christmas Market Guide

10. Use public transport as much as possible

Swiss public transport is an astounding marvel in itself. It’s so clean. So beautiful. So scenic.

(And so expensive… but hey, probably not as expensive as renting a car!)

So, if you are planning mainly city to city travel, I can advise just getting around with the public transport. In fact, most cities will offer a free Guest Card when you stay overnight, which usually gives you unlimited public transport for the duration of your stay. Not too shabby at all!

11. Look into scenic Swiss trains 

And if you’re someone who likes to gaze out large windows and pretend they’re in a coming-of-age film, boy do I have the Switzerland travel tip for you.

Book yourself on one of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides. .. and thank me later.

12. Book regional trains on scenic routes to save money

Now, if you do find yourself with a rabid desire to hop on Switzerland’s most scenic train routes (which duh, why wouldn’t you) then I have another secret money-saving tip.

Odds are you’ve heard of the big famous Swiss trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express . Both are great, but also pricey and sometimes over-congested with our fellow tourists.

But if the views are more your priority, what you can actually do is hop on a regional train that goes along the same route. This way, you get the same views at a fraction of the cost and even bonus perks like being able to roll down the (admittedly smaller) windows, or even special train cars that have space for photography!

I did this on the Bernina Express route, and actually preferred it to the main tourist/sightseeing train.

13. Look into Swiss transport passes

Even if you don’t end up using my Swiss train travel hack above, there are still many ways to save money on trains in Switzerland.

Overall, if you plan to take trains very frequently (or plan to be in the country for a while), then you’ll almost certainly save money by purchasing some kind of Swiss transport pass.

There are a few popular ones, and which is best depends on your specific situation, but here are the top options:

• Swiss Travel Pass: Gives you unlimited transport and discounts on attractions across Switzerland – prices vary depending on the time period you buy for.
• Swiss Half Fare Card | 120 CHF for a month: Gives you discounts of up to 50% on all journeys by train, bus, boat and most mountain railways in Switzerland, as well as public transport in over 90 cities. 
• Regional Passes: Grants unlimited entry to attractions/public transport in a particular region, usually cheaper than buying the passes above which are nationwide. E.g. Jungfrau Travel Pass or Berner Oberland Pass

And of course, if you’re travelling to multiple countries, it might be more worthwhile to use a Eurail pass instead. This is how I managed to ride the Bernina Express and Glacier Express for a fraction of the full cost.

Read my full Eurail review for more details.

14. Rent a car if you plan to do a lot of natural sights or smaller villages

But while public transport across Switzerland is amazing, it does have its downsides.

The main one for me is that local bus services don’t tend to drop you to more remote hiking destinations or nature spots, so if your goal is go more off the beaten path, definitely rent a car.

IMPORTANT: To use the motorways in Switzerland, you need to purchase something known as a Vignette. This is a sticker you pay for that allows you to use Swiss highways. Unfortunately it’s only available as an annual sticker so it does cost 40 CHF, so that’s another cost to hear in mind.

Interested in renting a car? Here is a post to help you figure out how much renting a car in Europe really costs .

15. Learn all the tricks to saving money with your accommodation

Alright, so we’ve covered Switzerland travel tips for saving money on transport, now here are a few quick tips for saving money via your accommodation:

• Book accommodation with a kitchen to save big on food costs
• Stay in a smaller village outside a big expensive resort/city to save big
• Look for freebies/inclusions when booking accommodation (e.g. a visitor pass, meals included, etc.)

16. Budget for the tourist tax

We’ve already covered the fact that Switzerland is pricey, but an additional cost that surprises many visitors is the Swiss tourist tax.

This is an additional tax that usually has to be paid in person and can range from 2-7 francs per person per night. Yes, more money. Whee! 

17. Don’t take Swiss directness personally

One of my most important Swiss travel tips? Don’t take any perceived ‘rudeness’ as a personal attack.

Culturally speaking, Swiss people can be very direct so don’t be surprised if you enter a bakery and they just ask “what do you want?” instead of “hey how are you? How’s your day? How’s your mom??”

They don’t tend to do the whole ‘overly friendly customer service’ thing here, so just accept it as a cultural difference, and know it’s not worth ruining your trip over.

18. Prepare for an earlier start to the day

Another potential Swiss culture shock? Generally speaking, Swiss people get up early.

As a result, shops open earlier, and close earlier too. It’s not uncommon for grocery stores to close at 6:30 or 7pm, so keep that in mind when preparing your day.

19. Learn how to tip in Switzerland

Tipping is definitely not expected in Switzerland to the same extent as in North America. Often rounding up is considered enough (e.g. if your bill is 45 euro, then rounding up to 50), with 10% being a rough benchmark for good service.

20. Thoroughly research your hiking route beforehand

Alright, now this is a more specific Switzerland travel tip, but if you plan to do any hiking while you’re there, listen up.

Research beforehand is very very important.

Swiss locals tend to be highly athletic and begin hiking from a young age. In fact, I’m convinced most Swiss people exit the womb with hiking boots on.

As such, I’ve noticed hiking resources like signs in Switzerland aren’t super helpful for beginners, so make sure you thoroughly research the trail and make sure you can do it before committing. Swiss mountains are no joke.

One of the most infuriating parts of travelling in Switzerland is the ubiquitous “Wanderweg” (Hiking Path) sign, which often points in two directions and offers little to no help for those new to these trails… so here’s an example of what you might be working with:

21. Consider an SAC membership

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking and intend to stay at mountain huts, another Swiss money-saving tip is getting a membership for the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) .

This membership costs between 80 – 110 CHF a year but comes with a ton of perks like 50% off mountain hut stays.

Considering how expensive accommodation is, this can definitely be worth it for a longer hiking heavy trip.

22. Splurge on some Swiss specialties

Alright, now let’s engage in a swift pivot from Swiss hiking to Swiss FOOD.

Yes, welcome to your happy-place.

Food-wise in Switzerland, I’ll be sharing some budget friendly tips below, but I do think it’s important that you don’t miss out on Swiss food while you’re over there. I know it can be pricey, but frankly there are some Swiss specialties that are worth the splurge.

Some Swiss must-tries include: 

• Fondue: A delicious pot of melted cheese or chocolate that you dip things in
• Raclette: An amazing cheese that you melt a layer of and scrape over top potatoes and veggies
• Rösti: a crispy potato pancake
• Chocolate: A treat that requires zero introduction

NOTE: Apparently it’s considered sacrilegious to drink a cold beverage other than white wine while eating fondue or raclette. It stems from an old belief that this will lead the cheese to glop up weirdly in your body and kill you, but that has been scientifically dismissed. Instead, you’ll just be getting some weird stares from locals if you do… like we did when this photo was taken:

23. Have a quick search of regional specialties before you go

While yes, fondue and raclette are great, you should make sure to try some other lesser known Swiss delicacies too.

The cuisine in Switzerland can vary a lot depending on where you go, so I’d recommend doing some research beforehand about what the best must-tries are, so you can keep an eye out for them.

24. Stock up on supplies before visiting Switzerland

Alright, now for the less fun budget-friendly version of my Switzerland advice.

It’s a lot less exciting, but nonetheless necessary. Unless you want to leave Switzerland bankrupt.

First off – one of the best ways to keep your budget down is to ensure you grab all your necessities before you get to Switzerland.

The last thing you want to do is realize you forgot shampoo, or a razor, or your favourite granola bars, then be at the mercy of Swiss prices for all these random items.

So, stock up before you leave and your budget will thank you.

25. Buy groceries & cook to save big

On a similar note, if you’re on a budget, don’t feel pressured to dine at a restaurant for every meal while in Switzerland.

These costs can add up quickly, and since service in Europe is less rushed than in North America, often this will cut into your sightseeing time as well.

Instead, don’t forget that grocery stores and markets are a great resource for cheap grab & go meals, or even groceries for whipping up your own meals if you’ve booked accommodation with kitchen facilities.

The cheapest places to get groceries in Switzerland would be ALDI or Lidl (huge German chains known for their rock bottom pricing), or Switzerland’s own leading discounter, Denner.

Depending on where you are though, I’ve found that there often aren’t one of these available, so in those cases, be sure to look for the budget store brand for whichever supermarket you’re shopping at. These would be…

• M-Budget brand at Migros
• Prix Garantie brand at Coop

26. Shop for souvenirs at the supermarket

If you’re looking for nice goodies to bring back home to loved ones, often you’ll save a lot of money by buying them at the supermarket, rather than at pricey souvenir shops.

And no, I don’t mean in a “hey Timmy, I missed you, here’s some Swiss lettuce” kind of way, but moreso in a “suitcase full of Swiss chocolates and personalized Toblerones” kind of way.

Many souvenir shops will sell chocolate and the like, but usually for a higher markup than supermarkets. Beyond that, many supermarkets in more touristy areas will also have things like postcards and magnets too, so keep an eye out! Nobody from home has to know.

27. Visit Äss Bar 

Yay! My favourite Switzerland tip for saving money! Because I’m sure you’re all absolutely mortified right now from that heading.

Don’t worry though – I haven’t completely lost it. I know the name seems a bit… questionable, but Äss Bar is actually a unique Swiss chain known for their low prices because they sell day old food that’s still good to consume.

It’s all bakery stuff like sandwiches, salads, and pastries, and honestly really good value for money, with quite a few locations now spread across the country. I’ve enjoyed a salad from there before, and was very pleasantly surprised by the price and quality.

Overall – it’s a great pick if you’re on a budget, or at the very least a fun photo opp:

28. Consider sightseeing/attractions passes

If you plan to do a lot of paid attractions while in Switzerland, those costs can add up, so another way to save money on those is by purchasing… you guessed it – a pass!!

Most cities and regions will offer an attraction pass of some kind that bundles up entry to multiple attractions and modes of transport for one set price. If you plan to do a lot of paid sights, these can save you a ton of cash.

I’ve previously purchased one in Lucerne and was shocked by how much I saved.

Buuuut beware that some attractions and cable cars are privately owned and won’t be part of certain passes, so definitely read the fine print to double check if there’s a specific sight you had your hopes on. 

29. Prepare for ever-changing weather

Generally, I have been blessed with beautiful weather on every trip of mine to Switzerland, but I’ve learned the hard way that Swiss weather conditions can change quickly. Very quickly.

It can also vary a lot depending on your elevation.

Many first time visitors fail to take into account that nasty weather conditions can mean zero visibility up in the mountains, which is a bummer when you pay so much to get up there!

So, be sure to check weather reports diligently and don’t forget what a huge consideration that is during your Switzerland trip… and pack layers so that you’re not caught off guard with swift changes in temperature and conditions.

30. Use webcams to spy on visibility conditions for mountain attractions

Another important tip is to use webcams to check visibility conditions before heading up to alpine attractions.

Swiss mountains are epic… but they’re also very high up. And just because the visibility is fine on ground level doesn’t mean it will be 2000m above ground.

This is why I’d advise against booking set date tickets or tours for Swiss alpine attractions until you get close to the date and have an idea of the forecast. It can be very disappointing to spend a bunch of money just to get up and see nothing but pure whiteness.

Anyways, one way to quickly check on weather is by using webcams. Most mountains will have a few installed so just google the viewpoint name and webcam to see if you can find one.

31. Rent free bikes

And as if Switzerland didn’t sound Utopian enough, another hot Swiss travel tip for you is that some cities actually offer free bike rentals so long as you put down a deposit and ID.

Here are two known cities that do this:

• Zurich: ‘Züri rollt’ program – free bike rental with a deposit of 20 CHF
• Geneva: GenèveRoule program – free bike rental in the summer with a deposit of 20 – 100 CHF plus an ID

32. Use train station lockers

When travelling around Switzerland, if you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore a city for the day, or if you need a place to dump your bags before check-in or after check-out, remember that most Swiss train stations have a paid locker service that will totally save your life.

With them, you can explore with ease without worrying about lugging your bags around. So helpful!

33. Get familiar with the many free things to do in Switzerland

Alright, as we near the end of this list of Swiss travel must-knows, it’s worth mentioning that while the country is (generally) quite expensive to travel, many of the best things to do in Switzerland are free.

Hiking? Free. Swimming in lakes? Free. Leaving a trail of drool as you gape at all the landscapes? Very messy… and very free!

Beyond the obvious however, there are many free attractions in pretty much every major Swiss city, from museums and parks to even a free tour of the Swiss Parliament Building.

So, be sure to google “Free Things to Do + Destination” to uncover a wealth of great freebies.

34. Know what “CH” means

Last but not least, allow me to solve a Switzerland mystery for you so you can strut around during your trip as someone ‘in the know’.

All over Switzerland, you’ll see the letters “CH” everywhere – the currency is CHF, most Swiss website URLS end in .ch…. etc. etc.

So what is that about? Well, as I learned, it comes from the Latin “Confoederatio Helvetica”, AKA the “Helvetic Confederation”. 

The Helvetians were a Celtic tribe that occupied Switzerland for hundreds of years up to the 5th century. 

Their legacy lived on through the Latin name of Switzerland through the Middle Ages (Helvetia), which is still seen today all over the country in the form of “CH”. Just in case you were curious (and want to flaunt your knowledge in front of your travel companions).

I hope this list of Switzerland travel tips was helpful!

Made it this far? Still reading? Wow! Hi mom 🙂 I admit this was a VERY long list of tips for Switzerland travel, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “30+ Switzerland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

I’ve lived here for ten years and still always giggle when I see the Äss Bar.

“The main one for me is that local bus services don’t tend to drop you to more remote hiking destinations or nature spots”

Yes they do. There are endless bus and train stops in the middle of nowhere. Certainly there are some spots you can drive to that would be an hours walk or more from the nearest public transport stop, but it would take years to exhaust all the options that are possible without a car.

“One of the most infuriating parts of travelling in Switzerland is the ubiquitous “Wanderweg” (Hiking Path) sign, which often points in two directions and offers little to no help for those new to these trails”

Those signs are just to indicate which of multiple options the path follows. If you come across a sign like that it means you just somehow stumbled into the middle of the section.

There are frequent signposts at every junction on the network and likely starting place (village, bus stop, car park etc) showing the destinations with the average time to reach them, and useful things like food or transport options – often with a map too in villages/transport stops.

You can also download the map on the SwissTopo app for free and check your position on that if you do somehow start mid-route.

Great article, and a ton of useful info !!!

I’m going there for Christmas & New Years by myself for the first trip across the pond. Flying in and out of Zurich. Starting off in Bern for Christmas, and eventually making my way back to Zurich. Any suggestions for Christmas day in Bern or New Years in Zurich….or elsewhere ?

Thanks again for your awesome article !!!

Hi Craig, sounds like you have a great trip planned! I haven’t spent Christmas in Bern so I’ll point you towards their official tourism page which will have more helpful info: https://www.bern.com/en/christmas/highlights If you didn’t know though, do prepare yourself for the fact that most (if not all) of the Christmas markets will be closed on Christmas Day.

As for New Years in Zurich, again, I haven’t had that experience myself but it looks like they do a cool fireworks display over the lake! Here’s more info on that: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/new-years-eve-in-zurich

Hope that helps, and safe travels! 🙂

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Where millennial men improve daily. grow in your wisdom, experiences, wealth, health and style. "it is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much. … the life we receive is not short but we make it so; we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully." – seneca.

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Traveling Do’s and Don’ts When in Switzerland

Traveling to a new country is always a new adventure. You get to try out new food, see new places, but most importantly, experience new cultures. Since cultures vary from one country to the next, it’s essential to research etiquette and customs to avoid insulting the locals. As an expat, these tips are something I learned myself, too, when I first arrived. So, before you get on that plane and head there, here are some important traveling do’s and don’ts you should take note of!

In this guide:

Do’s: 1. Be on time 2. Try Swiss dishes 3. Be polite 4. Look them in the eyes! 5. Check the weather 6. Have fun!

Don’ts: 1. Be loud 2. Ask personal questions 3. Buy bottled water 4. Take a cab 5. Eat out all the time

Table of Contents

Traveling Do’s:

There’s nothing Swiss people dislike more than tardiness. When traveling to Switzerland and happen to be meeting some locals, be on time. If you know you’re going to be late, you have to text/call them to let them know beforehand. However, they’ll probably only excuse tardiness up to 30 minutes max, so make sure you’re on time or five minutes late at most. When you’re taking public transport, every minute counts! When the train says it’s leaving at 8:00 a.m., it will leave at 8:00 a.m.

Try Swiss dishes

Since you’re in Switzerland , you might as well try authentic Swiss dishes! Some of these dishes are:

Raclette : a meal that involves melting raclette cheese and scraping it onto bread or potatoes. It is sometimes paired with cornichons and cold cuts on the side.

Cheese Fondue : a Swiss national dish, its key ingredient is cheese (with alcohol!) melted in a pot and paired with bread or potatoes

Rösti : a kind of potato cake that can either be served as a side dish or main dish, wherein the potatoes are peeled and grated then fried in butter to form a round cake.

Berner Platte: a traditional meat dish of the Bernese region that usually consists of sauerkraut, potatoes, sausage, smoked pork, sausage, and mustard

Although reserved, Swiss people are very polite. When you walk into a shop, greet the shopkeepers with a sweet “Gruezi!” (Hello!) Before you leave, don’t forget to say, “Schönen Tag!” (Have a great day!) Also, when walking past someone, greet them, too. Finally, if you hear someone sneeze, say, “Gesundheit!” (Bless you!)

Look them in the eyes!

When making a toast with someone, say, “Prost!” and look them in the eyes. Some say the reason for this is so you don’t have a horrible sex life for the next seven years. But, honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s because it’s rude to avoid eye contact. Anyway, it doesn’t hurt to try, am I right?

Check the weather

Coming from a tropical country, I only used to check the weather based on whether there were dark clouds in the sky. In Switzerland, you must check the weather, especially if you’re going to the mountains. The temperature up there is most often much colder, so it’s important to dress accordingly and bring the right things.

Finally, and most importantly, have fun! As long as you’re respectful of Swiss etiquette, you don’t need to worry about insulting the locals. Traveling is a privilege not everyone gets to have, so make the most out of this wonderful experience!

Traveling Don’ts :

Swiss people love their peace and quiet, especially on a Sunday! If you’re staying at an Airbnb, try not to be loud. Locals will not hesitate to bang on your door or call the cops if you’re being too loud. Also, Sundays in Switzerland are for resting. This means no loud vacuums and wild parties! Oh, and most shops don’t open on Sundays, too, so you should buy groceries in advance. Lastly, try to keep your voice low during phone calls made while taking public transport, and avoid playing loud music.

Ask personal questions

Swiss people are reserved. As much as possible, please don’t ask them their age, salary, and religion. Of course, they’re pretty friendly and will help you out when needed but best to avoid getting too personal with the questions. But then again, who would be comfortable telling a stranger about how much they earn and how old they are?

Buy bottled water (Seriously!)

Okay, hear me out! Even bottled water is quite pricey, so save your money, and bring an empty water bottle instead. Switzerland has tons of water fountains with potable water. In fact, Zürich alone has over 1,200 water fountains! If you feel thirsty, you can always refill your bottle wherever you go, free of charge at that.

Taxis are expensive in Switzerland, just like pretty much anything else. Thus, you should consider sticking to public transport instead. Anyway, the transport system is extremely reliable, and if you’re sticking to the city, they run until way past midnight. Although, if you’re staying in a small town, buses only run once an hour on Sundays.

Eat out all the time

Switzerland can break the bank, especially if you’re on a budget. The best way to save money on your trip is to avoid eating out all the time. Of course, you can still spoil yourself, but try to limit the number of times you’re going to a restaurant to eat. Instead, you can head over to Migros or Coop and buy some fresh food there, like a chicken sandwich. If you plan to cook something, you can shop at Aldi or Lidl. Their prices are lower than local Swiss supermarkets.

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7 things you need to know before traveling to Switzerland

by Ava Roxanne Stritt | May 17, 2018 | 27 comments

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was last updated December 8, 2020.

While most international trips are still out of reach, we do encourage you to go ahead and dream. And if it’s Switzerland you dream of, you’ll enjoy visions of sparking lakes, scenic hikes, world-class skiing and stunning snow-covered mountains like the Matterhorn. If you ready to start planning, we’re here to help you sort out all of the logistics and details so that you can get the most out of your Switzerland vacation, including these seven things you need to know before you pack up and go.

RELATED : We’ll help you plan your next Europe escape with just 7 questions  (QUIZ)

1. Don’t stress the transportation

Travel is a breeze with a Swiss Rail Pass

Getting around in Switzerland is so easy, it’s almost like time travel. You probably don’t need to rent a car, unless you’re planning some way-off-the-beaten-path adventures. Taking trains is the norm in Switzerland. Ask your hotel concierge for tips, if you need ideas. One concierge gave me notes on how to get from the airport to my hotel; my journey started with an airplane, a train, then a boat and onto a funicular to arrive at my first stunning destination, Burgenstock.

Despite the different forms of transportation, the process was simple and smooth. Switzerland has made it easy to move around with only one single ticket: a Swiss Rail Pass. This ticket includes most trains and buses. You can also “check” your luggage at the beginning of your journey and get it at the end of your line. That means during the day, you can get on and off the train without lugging your suitcase around.

2. Head to the water

Since 1891 this giant water jet called Jet d’Eau has spouted water at Lake Geneva

Don’t think “landlocked” when you think of Switzerland; think luxurious bodies of water. Make sure you plan a stop at one of the lakes of Switzerland. I stayed on Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva in two luxury hotels: the Buergenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa and the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace . Most activity in Switzerland is centered around the lakes, both big and small. They’re where you want to be!

3. The Matterhorn is a must

Head to the Matterhorn and check off that bucket list

When in Switzerland, you’ll want to visit the Matterhorn, the famous mountain of the Alps. But to scale this mountain, you don’t need climbing gear. You don’t even need to break a sweat. You can take trains up to the top—at least two trains. Take the first one to Zermatt and the next one (which runs every 30 minutes) to the peak. It is absolutely worth the ride to score these jaw-dropping views, not to mention getting to check this off your bucket list.

4. Plan a wellness day (or two)

The Bürgenstock Hotel Alpine Spa is heaven in the sky for spa and wellness lovers

Switzerland has some of Europe’s (make that the world’s) greatest spas. Add them to your itinerary, and I promise you will be amazed. Not only will you enjoy the treat, but it will also help you recover from the jet lag so you can bounce back more quickly.

The most beautiful hydrotherapy circuit I have experienced is at the Burgenstock Resort’s Alpine Spa. Imagine a spa on a breathtaking cliff 500 metres above Lake Lucerne. This is definitely a wellness destination resort which offers a true Switzerland experience.

For a taste of city life, head to Montreux and treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace’s Willow Stream Spa on the water’s edge of Lake Geneva.

Most food in Switzerland is locally sourced

If you are an asparagus lover, you must try to visit Switzerland during white asparagus season. I found this bunch at a lakeside market in Lausanne. Switzerland’s asparagus soup is a staple on traditional menus.

You’ve heard of Swiss hot chocolate, but the coffee is amazing here. Coffee is just better in Europe. Also in Lausanne is the Nestle—Nespresso corporate offices perched on the side of a picture-perfect lake. You can take a free tour of the building and learn more about the warm beverage that gets you going every morning.

And last but not least, be sure to have a proper fondue while in this country—both savory and sweet!

6. Hit the slopes

Hotel Silberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland

It’s no Swiss mystery that come winter, much of the country is tucked under a blanket of snow. It’s also no mystery that Switzerland transforms into the ultimate European playground for ski junkies. Zermatt is most famous, of course, but there are 338 ski areas scattered across the country. Wengen, for example, is a charming Alpine ski village a stone’s throw from lakes Thunersee and Brienzersee, and famous for its Belle Époque architecture, Jungfraubahn Railway (leading to the highest elevated rail station in Europe) and proximity to glaciers and waterfalls. Stay at Hotel Silberhorn , a cozy chalet that is framed by snow-capped mountains. It also boasts accommodations designs to fit different family and group types, a bar (with fireplace, of course), restaurant and spa with views of the mountains and valley. (Learn more about this Roaming Gnome Top Pick !)

7. The language is diverse, as is the currency

Even the swans never tire of this view

If you think you speak the language where you’re staying, you might be surprised. The language that is spoken in Switzerland all depends on which direction you took the train. It could be French, Swiss German, Romansh or Italian. Switzerland is such a diverse country that it has four official languages. Their money, the Swiss franc is also diverse, but only in color. Pick up some at an exchange if only to see how beautiful it looks both in and out of the sun.

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Ava Roxanne Stritt

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27 Comments

An amazing place and the article says it all!

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much! It is a place I hope to spend a lot of time soon!

Wow! I never thought of Switzerland as a great place to visit! Time for me to save up.

It is definitely worth it. Check out the Travelocity App and see the best deals to get you on your way to Switzerland!

Thanks for the information. I was just researching and found this article.

What regions do you plan to visit?

What can you tell me about Montreax

I have only been to the airport in Switzerland. It’s been on my bucket list for such a long time, thank you for this post.

You need to visit! Let me know if you want more information and I know your trip will be amazing!

We are heading to Switzerland this month! Any tips? We want to get the hiking, kayaking…outdoor experiences. Wondering where to stay? etc

Definitely take the train. Train travel is so simple in Switzerland!

What about moving to Geneva wow please share expierence thanks

My time in Geneva was a lazy Sunday afternoon. The streets were full of vendors and families enjoying the water’s edge. Eat at an outside cafe for a true Geneva experience and get some espresso!

I will be visiting Switzerland from 17Mar to 29Mar to Interlaken, Seen at, Tasch and Geneva. Please suggest places I should visit.

Take the train to Zermatt and you can easily ride up to view the Matterhorn. I consider this a must!

How’s the weather in switzerland in the month of april? My wife and i are planing to visit geneva, zurich, and interlaken this coming april.

How were you able to drop and pick up your luggage? You wrote “You can also “check” your luggage at the beginning of your journey and get it at the end of your line.” I would like to be able to do this.

Planning a visit to Geneva and Zurich this coming 26/07. Travelling along with three (3) kids. We a family of (5) members. Can you suggest places to visit ideally for kids. Any tips where and what to do? Thanks

I’m visiting Switzerland for the new year would certainly appreciate any tips RE clothing to take and places to vist

I’m going soon and was wondering what kind of clothes I should pack and how much money I should bring for a week and a half! It’s my first time so I’m worried but super excited!

I am a senior in high school and me and my boyfriend want to go to Switzerland and flights are so expensive and so are hotels and i’m trying to find cheaper activites to do in switzerland and i need help this is my first time overseas.

You wrote “When in Switzerland, you’ll want to visit the Matterhorn, the famous mountain of the Alps. But to scale this mountain, you don’t need climbing gear. You don’t even need to break a sweat. You can take trains up to the top—at least two trains. Take the first one to Zermatt and the next one (which runs every 30 minutes) to the peak.” This is simply not true. There are no trains to the top of the Matterhorn. Trains will only get you to areas near the Matterhorn. Why would you publish this blatantly false information?

What is the temps in august? Is their dress collared shirts or t-shirts? We are planning on lots of trains. Can’t wait…

Czytam i czytam, oczy przecieram i prawie nie wierze… ten tekst robi wielkie wrażenie mówię Ci szczerze 🙂

Im extremely impressed along with your writing abilities and also with the structure for your blog. Is that this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s rare to look a nice blog like this one these days..

Hi Really good post note. God bless, cure,invention You writers… 😉 do You seen ?

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20 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Switzerland Trip

Switzerland is renowned for its beautiful Alpine landscapes and top-notch infrastructure. It also boasts a reputation as one of the safest countries in Europe which helps to attract a lot of solo travelers. 

Many people dream about visiting Switzerland and spend a long time planning their trip to this country when they get a chance to come here. However, if you have never been to Switzerland, it’s not uncommon to make mistakes that could cost you time and money.

As someone who has spent time in this beautiful country, I want to give you some tips on how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls during your Switzerland trip.

Travel resources for your trip to Switzerland

• Accommodations in Switzerland – I use  Booking
• Flights to Switzerland – I use  CheapAir
• Travel insurance in Switzerland – I use  SafetyWing
• Tours in Switzerland– I use  Viator
• Car rentals in Switzerland  –  I use  DiscoverCars

1. Not budgeting

Switzerland is not cheap. 

You probably heard about how much money you can shell out on simple things like a hotel or a basic meal at a fast-food restaurant in Switzerland. If you don’t do planning ahead of your trip, you could end up spending tons of extra money simply because you didn’t bother to look for deals and discounts on tickets, transportation, and popular tourist attractions in Switzerland.

To save on accommodations in Switzerland, check out HostelWorld or Agoda , great resources for budget stays that will help you save hundreds of dollars.

👉 Book your hotels in Switzerland ahead of your trip by clicking here

Bills add up very quickly when you travel in Switzerland, so don’t forget to create a daily budget for your trip.

2. Not buying Swiss Pass

Do you want to save hundreds of dollars?

When you travel in Switzerland,  the Swiss Pass is your best friend.   It allows you to save tons of money on transportation such as buses, trains and tour boats. It also provides free admission into many museums in Switzerland and discounts on many cable cars and funiculars.

PRO TIP: Download the SBB app  on your phone to check train schedules, platforms, and connections. You can even book your train tickets on the app.

✅ BOOK THE MOST POPULAR TOURS IN SWITZERLAND

3. Using wrong transportation

The fastest way to get around Switzerland is by train. 

It’s reliable, fast and connects most parts of the country. However, when you travel by train in Switzerland, you have to stick to a specific schedule which gives you a bit less freedom. 

If you are spending a few days in a major city like Zurich, bern or Geneva, Uber in Switzerland is a great way to get around and avoid expensive taxis.

✅ Check my complete guide on how to from Zurich to Lucerne

If you want more flexibility, you can rent a car in Switzerland , but you will have to pay for additional expenses such as gas and parking. Switzerland has strict road rules and radars are very common in Swiss cities and along highways, so it’s paramount that you follow the road rules and don’t go above speed limit.

💰 Click here to save money on rental cars in Switzerland!

Discover Cars is my favorite place for renting cars in Switzerland and beyond. It has a great inventory, competitive prices and superb customer service. I used their services many times, and always loved it!

4. Buying bottled water

Water quality is excellent in Switzerland. 

This means that you can fill up your bottle in public places and water fountains in big cities like Bern , Zurich , or small villages like Morcote . You can also drink tap water in your hotel, hostel or wherever you stay. Skipping bottled water will not only save the planet from plastic but also help you avoid unnecessary expenses during your Switzerland trip.

✅ GET A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE FOR YOUR TRIP

5. Not buying insurance

Medical service is very expensive in Switzerland. 

This means you could be looking at a very steep bill if something goes wrong and you have to go to a hospital. That’s why you should buy insurance for your trip to make sure that your adventure is not going to be ruined. 

To spare yourself from losing thousands of dollars, get World Nomads insurance  that will protect you in case of lost or stolen luggage, accidents, hospital visits, and many other unforeseen events. Another option is Safety Wing , that is great for long-term travelers who plan to explore Switzerland for a couple of weeks.

6. Not getting proper hiking gear

Please don’t show up on hiking trails in flip flops.

Hiking in the Swiss mountains requires proper outfit and gear, and, if you come unprepared. Good hiking shoes , sunscreen , layers and hiking pants are musts.

GET A FREE PACKING LIST FOR YOUR TRIP

7. not checking the weather.

Don’t underestimate mountains as the weather there can change rapidly.

The weather in places such as the Jungfrau region can change at a moment’s notice, which means you have to have several layers to stay warm.

A lot of the Alps have snow year-round which means a snowstorm could hit any time. However, the Swiss weather can change quickly even if you are in a city such Zurich or Bern, so make sure you are ready and have an umbrella or a raincoat .

LET ME HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SWITZERLAND!

Besides being a travel blogger, I also create itineraries for my readers 😃 If you want me to plan your trip to Switzerland, provide insider tips and do all the research for you, fill out the form.

My custom itineraries include information on popular landmarks, restaurants, and hidden corners that most tourists miss. As part of my services, I also create suggestions on flights, hotels and activities.

Can’t wait to hear from you! 💛

8. Spending too much time in cities

Swiss cities are pure magic.

They boast great cultural attractions, unique architecture and tons of museums and galleries. 

However, what makes Switzerland so popular is its incredible landscapes with snow-capped Alps, gurgling rivers, and waterfalls. Even if you are in Switzerland only for a quick visit, get out in the mountains. 

In case, you are short on time, consider a tour to Grindelwald and Interlaken from Zurich.  

Need help planning your Switzerland itinerary?   Check my guide where you can find 3,7 and 14 days itinerary for Switzerland .

9. Skipping Swiss dishes

Rosti, Raclette, or Fondue. 

These are all traditional Swiss dishes that should be on your list when you travel in this country. Of course, it might be tempting to stop in a fast-food restaurant that is cheaper and more accessible, however, trying a Swiss dish will help you have a more authentic experience.

Other things you should try are Swiss cheese, chocolate and wine. 

To see how the Swiss wine is made, head Swiss Rivera, the region along the shores of Lake Geneva. The best area to see the lush vineyards is Lavaux, and if you want to visit it, my guide is here to help you . 

10. Sticking only to popular places

Switzerland offers tons of cool places beyond the classic tourist route that includes Zurich , Zermatt or Luzern . How about  Ticino, an Italian-speaking canton that boasts a Mediterranean flare and amazing Alpine valleys? 

Switzerland might be a small country with a well-trodden tourist path, but it still has many less touristy spots that you should try to explore if time allows.

11. Asking if there’s a Swiss language

In case you are wondering if there’s a Swiss language, I’m here to tell you that there is not.

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. English is widely spoken and understood in most parts of Switzerland. Note that Swiss German is very different from the traditional Hoch Deutsch (or classic German) that’s often taught in schools, and has its own pronunciation and spelling.

12. Spending too little time in Switzerland

Switzerland is a small country but it’s jam-packed with incredible scenery.

This means that visiting places such as Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen and Jungfrau in addition to stops in Luzern and Zurich in 3 or 5 days might be difficult. If you have never been to Switzerland and are trying to create your itinerary, I recommend no less than 7 days to have enough time for Swiss cities and a couple of destinations in the mountains.

✅  GET THIS PERFECT HIKING BACKPACK FOR HIKING IN SWITZERLAND

13. Planning your trip during peak season

September is a beautiful month in Switzerland. 

While tourist crowds begin to dissipate following the summer, the weather is still pleasant enough where you can do things like hiking, sightseeing, and other stuff.

14. Not learning basic Swiss history

Switzerland was founded on August 1, 1291. The country fought hard for its independence before declaring itself a neutral state in the early 16th century. If you plan to take a trip to Switzerland, you should learn some basic facts about this country to get a better context and understanding of how things work here. 

PRO TIP: Taking organized tours in Switzerland is a great way to learn the country’s history. 

15. Eating out all the time

When you travel to Switzerland, it’s a good idea to buy food in-store and cook it, because dining in restaurants is going to be very expensive in the long run. Food is expensive in Switzerland and if you don’t watch prices, you could spend a ton of money.

16. Trying to shop on Sunday

Many stores and restaurants are closed in Switzerland on Sunday. This means that you have to buy groceries and other things beforehand.

17. Tipping too much

Salaries are high in Switzerland and waitresses and waiters are able to make living wages without having to depend on customers’ tips. This means that while gratuity is appreciated, it’s not always expected at the end of the service.

However, as I’ve been told by a few of my friends, people who leave no tip at all are considered rude. Switzerland is still a very expensive place to live, and people who work in the service industry don’t earn high enough wages to live comfortably, so your gratuity goes a long way.

18. Trying to do small talk

Swiss people don’t do small talk. While you will generally experience a friendly attitude as a visitor, don’t expect strangers trying to start a conversation with you on every corner. 

19. Not watching your surroundings

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. And while it’s safe to walk at night or travel by yourself, you should still use common sense when you go to a large event like a Street Parade in Zurich that is attended by over a million people every year.

✅  GET THIS ANTI-THEFT BAG TO KEEP YOUR BELONGINGS SAFE

20. Don’t forget to be polite

Staying courteous and saying simple things like “thank you” and “please” will get you a long way. 

After all, you represent your country when you travel in Switzerland and leaving a bad impression is the last thing you want to do. 

Happy exploring!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article. 

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9 Switzerland Travel Tips

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Don’t plan a trip to Switzerland without reading these Switzerland travel tips first. You’ll save money and have a better time!

Invest in a Swiss Travel Pass

Switzerland is easy to get around, thanks to an impeccably run transit system that includes everything from boats to trains and cable cars. If you plan on traveling between cities, as well as utilizing intra-city transportation (like city buses), get a Swiss Travel Pass that covers unlimited travel  “throughout the rail, bus and boat Swiss Travel System network.”  It also offers 50 percent off most mountain railways and cable cars.

Not only will you save money on travel, but the Swiss Travel Pass also gets you free entrance to 500 museums and exhibitions.

Don’t Take Taxis

Swiss public transportation is easy to navigate, with well-marked signage for routes and countdown clocks that let you know when your bus will arrive. Most cities and towns in Switzerland are walkable as well. If you want to save money, avoid taxis, though, as you may be shocked—even for a short ride—at the exorbitant cost. In fact, a recent survey by Carspring found that the taxis in Zurich are the most expensive in the world, at an average of $5.19 per kilometer. So, not taking a taxi is one of the best money saving Switzerland travel tips.

Mind the Altitude

Headed to the Swiss Alps? Thanks to the great network of cable cars, trains, and gondolas, it’s easy to get up to high altitudes quickly. Make sure you bring sunscreen with you, as you’ll get a sunburn faster at higher altitudes. Don’t push yourself too hard if you’re hiking, and take breaks if you feel lightheaded or dizzy—even if you’re just walking around a viewing platform. Be sure to drink lots of water, as that can help with some of the effects. Learn more about altitude sickness .

Don’t Buy Water

Purchasing bottled water from the supermarket in Switzerland is a total waste of your money, as the country is home to some of the world’s cleanest and best-tasting tap water. (In fact, in some places, you can even drink straight from a lake with no ill effects , but I don’t advise testing that on your trip if you’re not familiar with the area.) You can drink from any tap or one of the numerous free-flowing fountains you’ll find in every town, city, and sometimes even along mountain trails. Unless there’s a sign advising that the water is not potable (like you’ll see in train bathrooms), feel safe to drink for free and skip the bottled water.

Don’t Buy Tourist Chocolate

Souvenir shops and airport kiosks display mouth-watering assortments of Swiss-branded chocolates. Use your willpower to walk straight past those and into the nearest supermarket, where you’ll find entire aisles of equally great (or better) quality chocolate that the locals eat—at less than half the price.

Check Out Less Touristic Spots

Famous spots like Lausanne and Zurich get packed with tourists in the peak season, so if you’re adventurous and don’t mind getting off the beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with a cheaper and less crowded vacation experience. Try lesser-known towns of Biel, Solothurn, and Thun in the summer—you’ll likely never have to deal with crowds or lines.

Take Out Minimal Cash

Although it’s surrounded by EU countries, Switzerland is not part of the European Union. Since the country has its own currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF), it’s a good idea to take out out a small amount of cash when you arrive to use for emergencies (like when you want to buy ice-cream from a cash-only street vendor) and use your credit card (assuming it doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee) everywhere else. This way, you won’t get stuck with a bunch of leftover CHF at the end of your trip.

Also note, that some places in Switzerland (but not all) will accept Euros, but they will likely give you your change in CHF.

Learn Which Language is Spoken

Normally, it’s pretty clear ahead of time what language is spoken in a country. Not so much in Switzerland, which has four official languages—German, French, Italian and Romansh. This can make it pretty confusing when deciding how to greet a local. As a general rule, Swiss-German is a safe bet, as it’s the most popular language in Switzerland, with 19 of the country’s cantons, or districts, being Swiss-German speaking. And many people speak English, so you shouldn’t have much trouble communicating.

Watch Out for Closing Times

Hoping to do some souvenir shopping or pick up groceries for a picnic dinner? Keep an eye on closing times. Particularly in the smaller towns, many shops close for lunch from noon until 2 pm, and then close fairly early, at around 5 pm. On Sundays and Mondays, many shops are closed all day.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping in Switzerland: The Switzerland Tipping Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide: What to Do in Switzerland
• 10 Ways to See Switzerland Like a Prince or a Pauper

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Caroline Morse was hosted by Switzerland Tourism . Check out their website for lots of great Switzerland travel tips, and be sure to follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for more photos or to share your Switzerland travel tips!

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Best Switzerland Travel Tips For An Amazing Trip

SWITZERLAND TIPS – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING

Table of Contents

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and my personal favorite. I am not sure how many months I have spent in Switzerland so far – but it must have been at least about 18 months over the past 14 years.

Once you have seen the gorgeous lakes , stunning Swiss Alps , and lovely cities and towns, you’ll know why. The beauty is beyond imagination.

If you are heading to Switzerland soon and wondering about the best Switzerland travel tips, then this post is for you. Here are the most important things to know before traveling to Switzerland for the first time.

BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR SWITZERLAND

Here they are…the best Switzerland travel tips.

Languages in Switzerland

Let´s start with the languages in Switzerland. Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages : German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

German is the most widely spoken language, with around 65% of the population using it as their first language. Especially in the northern, eastern, and central parts of Switzerland, German is the main language. This includes areas like Interlaken , Zurich , and Bern . 

French is spoken by roughly 18% – especially in the western and southern parts of Switzerland. This includes areas like Geneva , Lausanne , and Zermatt .

Italian is the main language of about 8% – and it is mostly spoken in southern Italy, the canton of Ticino  (like Lugano and Locarno ), and parts of Grison.  Romansh is spoken by 0.5% – in some parts of Grison.

English is also widely spoken, with many Swiss people able to communicate in it more or less fluently.

In addition, Switzerland has a vast array of minority languages, with over 70 different dialects spoken throughout the country. 

People in Switzerland

Well, this is no fact but just my own perception. Swiss people are quite nice . They are more reserved than other Europeans and – overall – they are not very outgoing, but they are friendly and polite; just not that warm and welcoming. 

You will find, however, that they are friendlier in the Italian part, and in contrast, more reserved in the French part (that is my impression and reflects a bit of what I have experienced in Italy and France). So, don’t worry if people are short-spoken, that’s just how they are.

They also don’t like confrontations and will expect you to criticize politely and not be overly direct. 

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

When it comes to the best time to visit Switzerland , the answer is any time! That is the short answer. The longer answer is: It depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation.

Generally, the warmest and driest months are July and August , making this the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. However, if you’d prefer to enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing, then December to March is the best time to visit.

In December there are many beautiful Swiss Christmas Markets in the cities and towns (if you want to visit Switzerland in the winter check out my winter guides):

• Best things to do in the winter
• Best ski resorts in Switzerland: Verbier
• Best family ski resort in Switzerland: Grachen
• Lucerne in the winter
• Basel – winter itinerary

I advise visiting in May, June, September, and early October because prices are lower and it’s not as crowded in popular tourist spots, like Interlaken . I have stopped relying on seasons – I have had terrible weather with heavy rains in the summer months (July and August) and great weather in October. So, while seasons can give you a tendency weather is not really predictable.

Scenery-wise fall is probably my favorite season. It just gets beyond stunning. All the foliage is beyond gorgeous. Check out my Switzerland in fall guide for more info.

Weather in Switzerland

The weather in Switzerland can be very moody. In the summer, there can be weeks of bad weather at a time, when it is raining every day and almost all day.

You just can’t rely on the weather here. But typically, July and August are the hottest months. The Italian-speaking area in the south is hotter than the rest of the country most of the time. Winter usually starts in November and the winter season can last up to April in some regions.

Public Transportation in Switzerland

Switzerland has the best public transportation ever – I mean seriously, it is just amazing!

Whether you’re visiting Swiss cities or exploring the countryside, getting around is easy with bus, train, boat, and cable car services available throughout the country.

In addition to train services, there is also an extensive network of buses and boats in Switzerland. Many routes are operated directly by the SBB, while others are operated by private companies. Bus and boat services offer a great way to explore the country’s stunning natural scenery.

Cable cars also provide an easy way to get around in some areas of Switzerland. In particular, cable cars are popular in mountainous regions such as Zermatt and Interlaken. Most cable car services run all year round, although some close during the winter months, or in the shoulder seasons (October/November and March/April/May).

Public transportation in Switzerland is a great way to get around and explore the country’s stunning natural beauty. With reliable and affordable services available throughout the country, getting from one place to another has never been easier!

Train Travel in Switzerland

Train travel in Switzerland can be the most beautiful you can experience, but make sure you ask for scenic trains (called express or panorama trains) so that you have the best scenery.

Here are some of my favorites train rides in Switzerland :

Bernina Express – OMG! The Bernina Express is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist attractions. This scenic, panoramic train journey offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps as it snakes its way from Chur to Tirano, Italy.

The route passes through some of Switzerland’s most picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Bernina Pass. Along the way, you’ll pass over viaducts, through tunnels, and past glaciers. The Bernina Express is an unforgettable experience that will leave you mesmerized by its majestic beauty. Here is more on this gorgeous train ride.

The Glacier Express  is another stunner. This iconic railway journey takes you on an 8-hour trip through the beautiful Swiss Alps , from St. Moritz to Zermatt . Along the way, you’ll experience stunning views of towering mountains and glaciers, cascading waterfalls , and lush forests. The journey passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, giving you plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery.  

There are more Swiss train rides that will leave you speechless – believe me, I am a self-certifies Switzerland train expert and yet I am still always in awe when I look out of the window.

Driving in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland  and road tripping in Switzerland is another fantastic way to explore Switzerland.

Switzerland is a dream destination for any road trip enthusiast, with its winding roads and picturesque landscapes. Driving through this country’s stunning mountain passes and lush valleys is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Here are some very general tips for driving in Switzerland:

Do not speed – speeding is expensive in Switzerland (as is illegal parking) and other wrongdoings.

You will need to buy a toll sticker if you want to use the highways. They cost about $40 for a year (unfortunately, you can’t get them for less than a year, but they are normally included if you get a rental car).

Check out my Switzerland road trip guide or my tips on driving tips in Switzerland for more detailed info.

If I had to name the best place for a road trip then it would be Switzerland!

Style in Switzerland

The Swiss people generally dress up more than those in other countries, especially in the Italian part. And while it’s not the fashion hotspot, people dress well and wear luxury brands often.

Consider wearing comfortable, but stylish, shoes while in Switzerland. You’ll probably be walking a lot, but don’t want to feel like you’re dressed too casually.

In rural areas, it is, of course, a bit different and you might easily feel overdressed when dressing up.

Electricity in Switzerland

If you’re planning to travel to Switzerland, it’s important to note that the power outlets run on 230V/50 Hz.

Most power sockets are designed for three-pin round plugs. The standard continental-type plug with two round pins, applied for many electrical travel products, may be used without a problem.

And in case, you do not have one/forget yours, it might be worth asking at the hotel reception – they often have adopters.

Safety in Switzerland

I have to say, that traveling in Switzerland feels amazing – it is safe whether you travel solo or with children, or with whomever.

Crime levels are low and the Swiss police force is reliable and efficient. Personal safety isn’t usually an issue here and you can generally feel secure while exploring the country’s natural beauty. That being said, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and take simple precautions such as avoiding dark and deserted areas at night.

You should also familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before traveling so you can avoid any potentially unpleasant situations.

I go as far as saying, that Switzerland is one of the safest places in Europe – maybe even in the world! Thus, I highly recommend Switzerland as a solo travel destination.

Just watch out for the cows that might stand in your way and don’t even bother to move. Or worst case scenario, they chase you (yes, this has happened a couple of times, and though they were actually chasing my little dog for unknown reasons, I had to find out, that I am a pretty fast runner, too if I have to).

Drinking Water in Switzerland

Clean water is a human right and while some Swiss companies disagree and exploit water supplies in other countries, Switzerland is perfect for those who love natural water.

Switzerland is known for having some of the highest-quality water in the world! So if you’re ever feeling parched, make sure to head straight for this beautiful country and have a refreshing drink.

About 80% of the drinking water comes from under our/your feet in Switzerland- and thanks to groundwater protection zones, half of it is so clean it does not even need to be “treated”! Now that’s something to raise a (water) glass for!

But my best tip is to always have an empty bottle with you to refill with fresh mountain water from the many fountains dotted all over Switzerland (seriously, they are basically everywhere).

Mountain water is free -bottled water can be expensive as heck in Switzerland and do we not all love to save some money and rather spend it on more fun things? It is an easy way to save money on your Switzerland vacation .

It is also tastier than bottled water! Also, it is much, much better for the environment!

Tip: Many fountains have a date on them – that tells you the date of the fountain. You might be surprised how old some of the fountains are (some are so pretty they are attractions by themselves).

Currency and Credit Cards in Switzerland

The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). My main Switzerland travel tip is to always recommend having some cash (and coins in particular)  – for parking e.g. but some smaller shops (or in rural areas) also do not always accept credit cards.

And, unfortunately, American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or MasterCard.

Money in Switzerland

There is no getting around it – Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you are trying to save money though, I have a post on how to do Switzerland on a budget that you can check out. It will never be a cheap destination, but it is definitely worth visiting.  

The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF equals about $1,10 or 1,03 € (March 2024).

Everything but water is expensive in Switzerland. Food in Switzerland is pricey, too, especially meat and dairy because the animals are free-range. I have heard that McDonald’s menu items can cost about 20 CHF, but normally menus from this fast-food restaurant (which we all use as a parameter, do not we?) are about 12-18 CHF.  My vegan Mc Chicken menu (that I always order) is only about 12-14 CHF.

In restaurants, the cheapest plate is typically about 22 CHF. This is a dish of pasta with tomato sauce. However, I know, there are – on rare occasions – cheaper places. 

A generic cappuccino is 5 CHF (this is not the expensive Starbucks cappuccino or any fancy var/restaurant). A scoop of ice cream will cost you about 3 CHF in many parts of the country.

Tipping in Switzerland

Tipping in Switzerland is not expected! I know, there are countries in the world, like Japan , where tipping is considered an insult, but in Switzerland, you want you can always tip and it is appreciated. However, the unofficial “minimum wage” (about $23 an hour) is very good, so tipping is not really a must. Switzerland is actually the only country in the world where I do not tip – I do round up in restaurants though.

Wine in Switzerland

Switzerland is a wine country, so don’t be surprised to see a lot of vineyards. When it comes to these vineyards, I rather focus on the beauty of looking at them. However, I know I do have some readers who want to know more about Swiss wine.

You’ll find something to love in each of Switzerland’s six unique wine regions! From light Pinot Noir grown along Lake Geneva to full-bodied Blauburgunder from the Bündner Herrschaft – whatever your taste is, you will be sure to experience exceptional Swiss wines.

Valais leads the way when it comes to quantity – they make up one-third of total production. Vaud comes in close behind them as a major contributor too. But don’t count out the Three Lakes region (Neuchatal, Murten , and Biel)  – although their contribution may be small, you know what they say: quality over quantity!

• 148 million 750ml bottles of Swiss wine were produced in 2019
• Per capita, the Swiss drank 38 750ml bottles of wine each year in 2018. 

Find out about the famous vineyards at Lake Geneva and read my Montreux itinerary.

Food in Switzerland

Traditional Swiss food is hearty and flavorful, often featuring cheese  and potatoes, and a lot of meat. Fondue is a popular dish in Switzerland – it’s a pot of melted cheese that you dip pieces of bread into. Another typical Swiss dish is rösti, which is made with shredded potatoes and fried to a golden crisp.

Raclette is another popular cheese dish, served with boiled potatoes and pickled onions. 

The quality of food in Switzerland is overall good. Many products, like meat, cheese, etc. are locally sourced. Yes, the Swiss love their meat, despite the price, and have a lot of meat and cheese in their diet.

Thus, if you are vegan or vegetarian, you may have a hard time. In Zurich, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a great variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. But in many other places, the max. you get a pasta dish with tomato sauce if you are looking for something vegan/vegetarian. However, as in most parts of the world. this is also changing and more and more vegan/vegetarian-friendly options are available.

Also, while the quality of the food is high, you may also be surprised that the Swiss use a lot of MSG, even placing some on the tables at restaurants (however, I have noticed this more in rural areas). 

So, another of my Switzerland travel tips is – at least if you are picky with food (like me) then book your own place if you stay longer so you can – on some days – cook your own food in some smaller places where the choices of food are limited.

Hidden Gems in Switzerland

One of the best Switzerland travel tips I can give you: the country is so rich in beautiful places that you can visit almost any place and will not be disappointed.

Since Switzerland is such a popular place to visit, there are a lot of tourist attractions that gather crowds. But there are still some hidden gems that you can see if you’re willing to look a little deeper for them, like Flims and Susten Pass or Valposchiavo .

Hotel and Accommodations in Switzerland

Most areas in Switzerland charge a tax, usually 1-3 CHF a day which is not always included when you book your hotel. Some also provide you with a city guest card, which is great because it allows you to use public transportation within the city for free.

The standard in Switzerland is not bad, but many 3 and even 4-star hotels are old-fashioned (and I do not mean the cute chalets). So, if you prefer brighter or modern accommodations, read the descriptions carefully.

Of course, Switzerland is also home to some amazing hotels as well as hostels. Airbnb is also quite common (though, if not an official accommodation you might not get a guest card which could help you save money). Here is my “Where to stay in Switzerland guide”

Traveling with a Dog in Switzerland

Switzerland is very dog-friendly, with lots of outdoor places. Dogs love it (I just guess so) and it’s a lot of fun to take them along.

However, you cannot take dogs to museums or some other places (even if you carry them in a bag).

If your dog is small and fits in a bag it can even travel for free in public transportation – if it isn’t in a bag, it will need a ticket (children’s ticket – which is about 50% of the regular price).

However, make sure that you check with the hotel you are staying at as to the amount of the pet fee ahead of time. They usually don’t mention it and you don’t want to be surprised when you get your final bill (the highest rate for my little dog – 30 CHF…for one night!). Here are more tips for visiting Switzerland with a dog.

Traveling with Children in Switzerland

Switzerland is an amazing destination to visit with your family – especially with children. I visited Switzerland with 5 nieces and nephews and the older ones just LOVED it. The two youngest cannot even remember but the three older keep asking me when we will visit Switzerland again.

If you are traveling with children, there are lots of parks, playgrounds, and outdoor trails here. The lakes, train rides, and cable cars, not to mention the activities, should keep them busy. I also recommend the open-air museum in Ballenberg as a fun place for kids.

Many activities with kids do not cost much (hiking and other outdoor activities). Most of the time you have to pay 50% of the regular prices for children.

Hiking in Switzerland

The Swiss often spend their weekends’ hiking. Hiking seems to be the national activity of Switzerland. And having such stunning scenery in front of your door, this is not surprising!

Switzerland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, with its stunning mountain ranges, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just getting started, Switzerland has trails to suit every ability level.

Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots for your hikes , and enjoy the lovely scenery. Here are more hiking tips in Switzerland for your Switzerland itinerary.

Public Holidays in Switzerland

If you’re planning a Swiss holiday, don’t forget to think about the Swiss holidays.

Switzerland has a range of public holidays, each celebrated in its own unique way. On New Year’s Day (January 1st), many cities will have a fireworks display and special events to mark the start of the new year.

The Swiss National Day on August 1st is one of the most important holidays in Switzerland, celebrated with parades and flags throughout the country. Easter is usually celebrated in April or May, depending on when it falls each year. On this day, many churches will offer special services and there are often festivals in villages and towns.

The most important Swiss holiday, however, is probably Christmas. Check out my guide on public holidays here.

Overall, Switzerland is full of unique public holidays that should not be missed! Whether you’re visiting for a day or an extended holiday,

FINAL THOUGHTS ON TIPS FOR VISITING SWITZERLAND

I hope that these Switzerland travel tips make your trip even more exciting and fun. The country is one of the best places to visit in Europe and you’ll no doubt have an amazing experience with these travel tips for Switzerland.

Read more: 

• Here are my favorite places to visit in Switzerland (yes, it is a quite lengthy post but Switzerland has so many gorgeous places to see).
• Do you want to visit Switzerland and Austria in 10 days? Then check out my itinerary – Switzerland and Austria in 7-10 days.

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Planning A Trip To Switzerland – When To Go, What To Visit & More

If you are planning a trip abroad to Switzerland, or any other country, it certainly pays to be prepared ahead of time.

It’s always great to know the basics such as:

• When is the best time to go
• What are the best places to visit
• How can you get around easily
• What are the best foods to try
• What languages are spoken (and do they speak English)

In this handy guide, I will help you with all the basics, as well as some insider tips to Switzerland (because I live here) that you might not find anywhere else.

Below is a menu/table of contents you can use if you want to jump to a specific section, or you can just read the whole thing. There is lots of information here, so remember to take notes :>

Switzerland – The Basics

Switzerland is right in the heart of Europe and as such, is influenced by all kinds of food, languages, architecture and people.

If you head to a place like Zurich, the biggest city in Switzerland, you will see the diversity on the streets! Count how many different languages you hear.

To get you started with understanding Switzerland, I have listed below all the basics.

Languages in Switzerland

Switzerland is right in the center of Germany, France, and Italy, so it is not surprising the people here speak so many languages. There are four official languages:

• German ( Swiss German actually )
• Reto-Romansch (only spoken in the Canton of Graubunden)
• English is spoken in all tourist areas, major cities and shops/hotels etc.

Switzerland is in Europe, but not officially part of the European Union. They do have a strong agreement with Europe, on almost all fronts, but do not use the Euro.

So, if you are traveling around Europe, you will need to change currencies here and use the local – Swiss Franc (symbol: CHF)

If you are wondering about how to pay and tip for things in Switzerland, I have a separate page with a lot more details.

At the time of writing the Swiss Franc is about 10% less than the Euro, however, things are generally a lot more expensive.

As you might have heard, Switzerland is very organized and that includes an extremely efficient public transport system . So, if you don’t feel like driving while you are here, the trains are an awesome way to get around. Easy, punctual, reliable, but not so cheap. Have a think about getting some form of Swiss Travel Pass or the local “half tax” which gives you 50% off (but it costs you over 100). 

The highway (or Autobahn) system in Switzerland is very good, but like all places in the world these days – is prone to traffic jams at peak time (early morning, late afternoon, Sundays). So, although driving is relatively easy, it might not be the best option for a relaxing holiday! Also, keep in mind that major North/South routes are extremely busy (like the Gotthard Tunnel) at most times of the year – because the whole of northern Europe is heading to Italy!

The main airports are Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. With Basel being cheaper than Zurich (that is where airlines like Easy Jet fly from). Again, flying to Switzerland is super easy and efficient, but not always as cheap as say landing in Milan or Frankfurt and taking the train. So check out your options when traveling around Europe – you might save a lot (but of course you lose time!).

Depending on which region of Switzerland you are in, the food can vary a lot. Remember, the borders are Germany, Italy, and France. And the food often reflects that.

However, Switzerland also has a lot of its own creations you have to try while you are here, such as:

• Fondue – Melted cheese in a big heated pot, eaten by dipping bread pieces into it
• Raclette – Melted cheese slices are eaten with potatoes and other condiments
• Swiss cheese , in general, is worth digging into (supermarkets are great places to get a variety)
• Swiss Chocolate of course (Lindt, Frey, Callier – all at the supermarket, and specialty stores like – Läderach, Sprüngli in Zurich, and these in Geneva )
• Rösti – like hashbrown/potatoes
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – Zurich’s famous dish, which is a ragout of veal and mushroom
• Birchermüesli – health nuts around the world love this stuff, but did you know it was invented in Switzerland in 1900!

I could go on forever with food, and of course, there are so many regional specialties. Check out t his page from the My Switzerland team who do a great job of listing even more food ideas!

Electricity & Adapters

In all likelihood, you will need a specific swiss adapter or a multi-adapter for worldwide use (the ones with all the plugs in it). However, to be sure, check out this detailed page on Swiss electrical outlets .

Switzerland is part of the Schengen agreement which means in general that if you have the right to travel in the EU, you can travel in Switzerland. However, with visas you can never be too sure, so check out this website on the Swiss Schengen Visa system and application .

Best Time To Travel To Switzerland

The answer to this question really depends on what you want to experience when you arrive.

Switzerland is at its best in the European summer (June – September ) with everyone out and about, enjoying the “not so long” summers we have.

But, if you are coming to experience the ski resorts or just the snow and coziness of a swiss chalet in winter, then obviously the winter months are better (December – March).

The in-between months can also be amazing, especially the autumn/fall for hiking (as the snow has yet to start), but the weather is unpredictable in the mountains and probably not the best option when you are planning a vacation!

Below I have summed it all up so you can see what is best for you and your vacation.

Summer In Switzerland

• Best Months: June – September
• Average Temperatures: 18 to 28 °C (65° – 82° F)
• High Season: mostly this is when European and Swiss schools are on holiday, which varies from area to area but generally most of July and August
• Best Activities: Water Sports – Sailing, Rafting, Stand Up Paddling, Canoe, Kayaking, Mountain Sports – Hiking, Climbing, Mountaineering

Learn More About Summer In Switzerland

Winter In Switzerland

• Best Months: December – March
• Average Temperatures: -2 to 7 °C (28° – 45° F) – COLDER in the mountains
• High Season: Christmas / New Year and February
• Best Activities: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Cross-country Skiing, Ice Skating

Best Places To Visit Switzerland

Switzerland is a wonderland of mountains, lakes, history, and outdoor activities.

It is impossible to see it all and to experience it all in even a month.

So, with that in mind, I have listed the best places to visit in terms of location type (city, mountain village, mountain attraction) so that you can choose what suits your needs and desires!

I have also made some suggestions on the best places to visit on a tour if you have said a week or more. Places you can combine into a round trip and see some of the best Switzerland has to offer.

Best Cities To Visit In Switzerland

Lucerne (luzern).

Lucerne is a favorite of all visitors to Switzerland and even amongst the Swiss themselves.

Nestled amongst some amazing mountains and sitting on the shores of the famous Lake Lucerne (the Vierwalstattersee in German) how can you not love this city.

It also has a beautiful river running right through its center with the historic and fully restored – Kapellebrucke .

Lucerne is also only an hour’s train ride from Zurich and right on the way to the alps (Interlaken, Bernese Oberland), so most people stop here way

And it has an amazing historic center, is close to both Rigi and Pilatus mountains in case you feel like taking in a panoramic view as well.

Bern city overview – looking at the Aare river and the old town.

Bern (The Capital of Switzerland)

Bern, founded in 1191, is perhaps not on every tourist’s bucket list but has some worthwhile sites to visit. It is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage site , which itself makes it worth a visit. But, if in doubt, just look at the picture opposite and you will see how stunning it is.

The old town sits between the curves of the Aare river (which the daring can swim in, with the locals, in summer). The streets are filled with fun local shops (medieval arcades) to visit, many of them in basements that you have to enter from steps at the front (kind of like a storm cellar).

Bern, as the capital, also has the House of Parliament to visit as well as the historic clock tower (Zytglogge) right in the center of the old town.

There are lots of other great places to visit such as Einstein house (yes, Switzerland is where lived, worked and studied), the Rose Garden (where that picture is probably taken from) and the quite unique and newly renovated Bear Park – with live bears outside in the middle of the city!

You probably know Zurich as the place where spies stash all their cash or meet bankers and exchange Swiss bank account numbers. But Zurich actually has a lot to offer the visitor, not after a new bank account.

Water is everywhere in Switzerland and Zurich is no exception. It has the Limmat river running right through the center (which you can see in the picture) and Lake Zurich too. So, if you come in summer , bring your bathing gear because everyone is either at the lake or in the river, and BBQing!

Zurich also has some cool sights to see including:

• Grossmünster – The famous church with the two towers, you can see in the picture opposite. You can climb to the top and get a great view.
• Uetliberg – Zurich’s home mountain and a great place to get away from the city or just take in an amazing view of Zurich , the lake and see the mountains in the distance.
• If shopping is your thing, then Zurich has all the top brands right on the main street (Bahnhofstrasse, leading right from the train station).
• Check out the old town on both sides of the Limmat river.

In fact, there is so much to do and see in Zurich , I recommend you check out the cool website from the city itself for far more information!

Zurich – Looking along the Limmat River right in the center of town

Other Cities Worth Seeing In Switzerland

I am a little biased with the above cities, but there are many more worth a visit if you are in the area:

Best Mountain Resorts In Switzerland

As you may have seen on TV, Switzerland is full of mountains, and apart from the flatter northern areas, you will actually find it hard to avoid them (count how many tunnels you go through in your car or on a train! it is nuts).

So, I can only recommend you check out some of the more amazing mountain towns and resorts in Switzerland while you are here. No trip to Switzerland is really complete without it. Even if it is just for a day or two!

I would recommend the following if you have time:

• Saas Fee as an alternative to Zermatt
• Grindelwald & the Interlaken region

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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• 12 Switzerland Travel Tips For A Fantastical & Flawless Vacation

07 Dec 2021

Needless to say, Switzerland is a well sought-after tourist destination, especially when it comes to European vacation. This country has made its mark in the thoughts and heart of tourists from several countries, thanks to its scenic beauty adorned with lakes and alps.

Visiting this country might as well be in your list, and with these Switzerland travel tips, your escapade is about to get better. The tips are not just anything you’ll find in the internet, they are indeed destination specific and act as a crucial takeaway whether someone is traveling solo, with spouse or family.

12 Essential Switzerland Travel Tips For A Hassle-Free Holiday

To make sure that your long-awaited holiday in Switzerland turns out to be the best vacation of your life, take a note of all these tips before you pack and leave.

1. Small talk isn’t really appreciated

Image Source

This is nothing personal but a part of the culture. Most people in Switzerland have their own personal space and expect others to respect it. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have fun! So, make sure you respect their culture and preferences while you’re there and do not offend anyone.

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2. Don’t get deceived by the delicate beauty of the lakes

Must Read: 10 Surreal Lakes In Switzerland That Are Absolute Natural Wonders

Switzerland glitters with its pleasing landscape adorned with lakes, with adorable swans swimming around. But if you bug these peaceful creatures, you must keep in mind they can break your bones with their wings. So, enjoy their beauty from a distance and don’t take them for granted.

3. The day starts early in Switzerland

The people in Switzerland believe in “early to bed and early to rise.”  So, you can visit the restaurants and grocery stores even at 6 AM. But, this also means that the shops close early too. The best way to make the most of all these places is to plan your visit accordingly!

4. Going to enjoy nightlife? Don’t rely on public transportation

Must Read: Switzerland Nightlife: 15 Experiences That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Country Even At Night

Most of the public transit stops service post midnight. So, make sure you figure out how you’ll make your way back to the hotel. It’s always a great idea to know how you’d be commuting well in advance before you start partying or drinking.

5. Buy the Swiss chocolates from local chocolatiers

Switzerland is famous for it sweet delicacies and you just cannot come back without buying a few packets or boxes. And though the chocolates at the high-end stores have more tempting packaging usually, prefer buying from the ones sold at the local chocolatiers as they are indeed good in taste, and may as well save you a few bucks.

6. Swiss Travel Pass gives you a great deal

An easy way to get around, Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel on everything from railways to cable cars (Swiss Travel System network). You will also get fifty percent discount on most mountain cable cars and railway. Plus, there’s free entrance to about 500 museums and exhibitions.

Suggested Read: 12 Honeymoon Places In Switzerland To Visit In 2022 That Are A Romantic Haven

7. The tap water is drinkable, so you can skip buying bottles

Suggested Read: 14 Spectacular Switzerland Tourist Attractions

Switzerland is amongst the countries that have cleanest water in the world. You can simply drink it from a tap, unless there’s a sign mentioning the water is not clean (in case of recycle). So, you can carry an empty bottle with you instead of wasting money at a new one time and again.

8. Go offbeat and go to the touristic places on a daytrip

Since Switzerland is quite small in size (it takes 5 hours to pass through one end to other), the best way to ditch tourist crowd is by staying in offbeat place and then go to the touristic ones on a day excursion. You will also find cheaper accommodation in such places.

9. Locals speak more than one language

Suggested Read: Top 20 Things To Do In Switzerland On Your Europe Holiday!

French, German, Romansh and Italian are among the most-spoken languages here. While English is also commonly spoken, just learn a few phrases in these languages. If that’s too much for you, simply learn a little bit of Swiss-German or download a translator in your mobile.

10. Keep a track of when the shops close

Siesta is a thing here, just like many European countries. Which means many shops close for some time during afternoon, as owners take a nap or break. The shops also close fairly early in the evening. Also, on Sundays and Mondays too many shops stay shut.

11. Don’t get too excited and take care of altitude sickness

Since Switzerland is bestowed with alps and there are indeed a number of ways including cable cars and railways to reach high altitude region in matter of few hours or minutes, it is important you keep yourself hydrated and take enough breaks while hiking.

12. Take a bike, for FREE

Yes, you read that right! There are places in cities like Neuchâtel, Geneva, Zurich and Bern where you can get a bike for hire, without having to pay anything. All you have to bring is 20 CHF as deposit and an ID card for verification.

Further Read: Head To The Switzerland Mountains For A Dreamy Alpine Vacation In Europe

Great! Now that you know it all with these Switzerland tips, you can go ahead on your own adventure. If you want some professionals at your service, Travel Triangle’s Europe tour packages will be your best pick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Switzerland Travel Tips

What do I need to know before traveling to Switzerland?

Some of the best and helpful Switzerland travel tips which one should remember includes: – Getting around in Switzerland is so easy – Don’t miss out on the luxurious lakes – The Matterhorn is a Must – Plan a Wellness Day (or Two) – The Language is Diverse, as is the Currency.

Do and don’ts in Switzerland?

Some of the important things which one should never do while in Switzerland includes, addressing someone by their first name, giving extravagant gift and also making noise.

Is it expensive to travel in Switzerland?

Switzerland is considered to be quite expensive and the options of budget traveling narrows down to just $75 USD. In this price people can afford a hostel and also enjoy some outdoor activities.

How many days do you need in Switzerland?

To enjoy the best attractions of Switzerland and its nearby regions, at least 6 days are required.

How can I travel cheap in Switzerland?

There are some easy ways to travel to Switzerland on a budget which the travelers can follow: – Skip Staying in the Major Cities – Cheap or Free Accommodations – Visit Free Museums – Free Outdoor Activities.

Is Switzerland worth visiting?

Switzerland is quite expensive, but every traveler must plan to visit this place at least once in their life. Starting off from the history and architecture, this place is worth a visit.

What is the best month to go to Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland is during April and June, and September to October, when the weather is at best, and there aren’t too many tourists.

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Switzerland on a Budget: Tips For Cheap Travel 

Wondering if it’s possible to travel to Switzerland on a budget? Of course, it is, but it depends on what your budget is. While the country can be explored without ludicrous amounts of money, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s still one of the most expensive countries in the world and is far from cheap. 

But there are ways to save money while traveling in Switzerland, and I want to tell you all about them. From finding cheap flights to getting the best exchange rates for Swiss Francs; here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Switzerland on a budget! 

Table of Contents

Typical Cost of Traveling in Switzerland

The typical cost of traveling in Switzerland depends on many different factors. The main thing to consider is what you’re going to spend money on – are you fine staying in one place the entire time, or do you want to ride trains to explore more destinations? 

Would you prefer to pay more for a hotel and save money on going out, or vice versa? Or are you looking for the most budget experience all around? The average cost of a trip to Switzerland is: 

• Budget: 100-200 CHF per day
• Mid-Range: 200-400 CHF per day
• Luxury: 500+ CHF per day 

Keep in mind that it depends on so many things. If you can get cheap plane tickets, sleep on someone’s couch for free, eat only home-cooked meals, and pay only for attractions and train tickets, you can get costs under 100 CHF per day. 

Finally, I highly recommend you set apart a budget for iconic Swiss landmarks. Schilthorn , Jungfraujoch , Titlis , Pilatus , and other mountains are very expensive to visit, but worth every penny because it’s an experience unlike anything else. 

If you have to prioritize what to spend money on in Switzerland, I say eat sandwiches the entire time you’re there but splurge for access to visitor’s centers in the mountains. What’s the point of traveling to a country with such stunning natural landmarks if you’re not going to visit any of them? 

Can You Travel to Switzerland on a Budget?

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world but it is possible to visit it on a budget. Don’t get me wrong – a cheap stay in Switzerland can get you a four-star hotel with restaurant dinners every night in a different European city. But it is absolutely possible to travel the country without spending absurd amounts of money, and I’m going to share all my best tips with you! 

Start saving money right off the bat when looking for flights to Switzerland. Flying with a low-cost airline can save you hundreds of Euros, especially if you can manage to pack all your belongings in an underseat bag so you don’t have to pay extra for carry-on luggage. 

Low-cost airlines that operate flights to Switzerland are: 

It’s important to note that only Basel Airport is serviced by all four airlines. Zurich airport only works with Vueling and Easyjest, while the airport in Geneva works with all airlines except Ryanair. 

Low-cost flights are available from other destinations in Europe. If you’re traveling from overseas, look for flights to London, Munich, Paris, or other major destinations in Europe. From there, you can book a cheap flight to Basel for 20-30 Euros in one direction. 

Just pay attention to the airports. Budget airlines usually offer flights to airports that are farther outside the city. In practice, this means that you’re more likely to find cheap flights to Switzerland from say Gatwick Airport in London than Heathrow. 

I recommend looking for cheap flights to Basel first and then looking for flights from your city to the connecting one. It is a bit of a hassle, but if you use search tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, and even Google Flights , it should be easy enough. And it will save you a lot of money. 

Regional Transportation

Public transportation works very well in Switzerland; all the major cities are connected by trains, and you can travel around the entire country relying only on public transportation. However, trains in Switzerland are also notoriously expensive, so traveling on a tight budget isn’t the easiest thing in the world. 

But there are ways to save money and they’re called train passes! Some of the most popular options are: 

• Eurail/Interrail Pass
• Swiss Travel Pass
• Half-Fare Card
• GA Travel Card
• Berner Oberland Pass 

…and more. Some of these passes are regional and won’t offer discounts outside a specific canton or city. Stay away from taxis and Uber because they’re significantly more expensive than train travel. 

If you’re serious about traveling to Switzerland on a budget, start by making a list of all the destinations you want to visit. Then look into the cost of the different passes, and see which one is the best value for the money. It’s often the Half-Fare card, especially if you’re in the country for a short time and don’t intend to travel to a new city every day. 

But if you want to ride trains often and get discounts on other attractions, the Interrail/Eurail Pass or the Swiss Travel Pass might offer better value. It’s hard to say without knowing your itinerary. Math doesn’t lie, so take the time to look into the cost of train tickets to towns you want to visit (available on sbb.ch ), and attractions you’re willing to pay for, and then just do the math. 

Additionally, SBB often offers supersaver passes at a discounted cost. These are usually train tickets you buy a couple of days in advance, and they’re valid only for the connection at a specific timeslot. But they can be up to 70% cheaper than standard tickets, so they are a great way to save money. Relying on supersaver tickets is an option if you don’t want to have a rigid itinerary in Switzerland, and instead prefer to be more spontaneous and flexible. 

Transportation Within Cities

Many cities in Switzerland offer multiple public transportation options to get around. Most Swiss cities don’t have a metro, and I’m pretty sure that Lausanne is the only city with a Metro system. Trams, buses, and local trains are public transport options in most other towns. 

The reason I’m even mentioning all of this is because public transportation within a city is often entirely free for tourists. In most Swiss cities, when you book a stay at a hotel or an apartment registered with that city’s tourism board, you’ll get a city pass that includes free public transportation in a certain zone and discounts for other attractions. This is the case in Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, and other destinations. 

I advise against riding any type of public transport without an appropriate ticket. Conductors often come and check, and if you are caught without a valid ticket, you’ll be fined so much money you wish you had rented a limousine to get around because it would have been cheaper. 

Finally, just explore on foot. If you don’t want to pay for public transportation, it’s better to walk around. Bike rental is usually cheap and in some places, it’s free, so you can get around faster for very little money. 

Food & Drinks

Saving money on food and drinks is the easiest thing in Switzerland if you know where to go. For one, there are many fast-food joints and small restaurants where you can eat good food for little money. Kebabs and pizza are often the cheapest things to eat out in Switzerland, followed by sandwiches. 

Look for hole-in-the-wall shops, get recommendations from locals, and visit bakeries often. If you stay at a private apartment or a ho(s)tel with access to a kitchen, you can also prepare your own food. This is by far the best option for saving money because supermarkets in Switzerland are surprisingly affordable. 

The restaurants at those supermarkets and department stores are also significantly cheaper than proper restaurants with table service. They usually have a buffet-style menu and charge food by the kilo, and you can often get a generous portion for under 20 CHF. My favorites are: 

• Migros restaurant
• Coop restaurant
• Manor restaurant

But cooking your own food is by far the best for eating for cheap in Switzerland. You can get about 500 grams of pasta, tomato sauce, some mozzarella, and olive oil for less than 10 CHF. That amount of food should be enough for at least 4 generous meals. In Zurich, 10 CHF can get you two scoops of ice cream. 

Even if you don’t have a full-sized kitchen, you can always make sandwiches. If there’s no fridge at your accommodation, buy foods that don’t need to be refrigerated, and get smaller sizes of the ones that do so they don’t go bad, and make sandwiches. If you can survive off sandwiches while you’re in Switzerland, you can easily save hundreds of Francs. 

And you can prepare picnics! This is my go-to for going out and exploring because restaurants in the mountains are even more expensive than those in the city centers. So, whenever I make plans to spend an entire day outdoors, I’ll prepare a picnic we can enjoy out in nature. It’s always a fun experience, not to mention how much money it can save you.

A meal at a restaurant costs 20-30 CHF on average, and that’s for basic meals in mid-range restaurants. High-end and fine-dining restaurants are significantly more expensive. Two meals a day for two people is at least 100 CHF, so avoiding restaurants in Switzerland is by far the best way to save money in the country. 

Finally, never buy water while you’re in Switzerland. The tap water is perfectly safe for drinking, so remember to bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up before leaving the accommodation. One thing to note is that many restaurants in Switzerland will charge you for tap water if you don’t order any other drink. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is expensive in Switzerland and will likely take up most of your travel budget. The cost of hotel rooms and apartments varies depending on the city, but in general, you can expect hostels to be up to 100 CHF, mid-range hotels are 100-300 CHF, and luxury hotels can be well over 1,000 CHF for a night. 

Keep in mind that the bang for the buck depends on the city. In a smaller place like St. Gallen, 300 CHF per night can be enough for a pretty good hotel. But in Geneva, it will likely get you a mid-range hotel room at best. 

Hostels and guesthouses are the way to go for a budget stay. Pitches on campsites are also a decent option if you’re no stranger to spending the night under the sky. You can camp outdoors in Switzerland, and this can actually be a great way of saving money while uncovering some of the country’s most spectacular natural landmarks. 

I recommend going with a hostel or a budget apartment for city stays. Even rooms at private properties are a good option, provided they come with a private bathroom and a shared kitchen at the very least. Anything that can allow you to prepare food at home is a good option because it can save you a lot of money. 

House-sitting and couch surfing are also options to consider, but they’re generally the best solution for friendly and somewhat adventurous travelers. There’s nearly a quarter of a million hosts for couch surfing in Switzerland, and if you’re up for it, you can save a bunch of money on accommodation. 

Personally, I prefer house-sitting because I’m somewhat of an introvert. And also because so many people who are looking for house-sitters need someone to take care of their pet while they’re away. I love animals, and I’m always thrilled to save thousands of Francs on accommodation simply because I need to feed a cat during my stay. 

Things to Do in Switzerland on a Budget

Switzerland offers surprisingly many free activities for one of the most expensive countries in the world. The country has stunning nature, and exploring its countless hiking trails often costs nothing. 

Well, that’s the case for hikes that are accessible from urban areas. Access to hiking trails in the Alps is generally not as easy and often requires you to ride mountain trains and gondolas, which are very pricey. 

But there are plenty of hiking trails to be explored without spending any money, as well as a bunch of free attractions. I can’t list everything, but I recommend you check out my detailed posts on free things to do in cities throughout Switzerland. I’ve got ideas for: 

• Grindelwald

Botanical gardens and public parks are often free of charge in Switzerland, as are certain museums. CERN is also entirely free, so if you are traveling in the Lake Geneva region, stop by the famous science center to have your mind blown free of charge. 

Additionally, the amount and nature of things you can do for free in Switzerland highly depend on the season. In the summer, you can usually go hiking for free, swim in the lakes and rivers, and even try climbing mountains. But in the winter you can’t do any of these things; you might be able to ice skate on a frozen lake or explore some winter hiking trails, but there are generally fewer cheap things to do in Switzerland once the snow falls. 

Also, free walking tours are available in most Swiss cities. They’re not entirely free because you are expected to tip the guide, but it’s still significantly cheaper than organizing something with an official operator. 

Finally, museums and other attractions can have discounted or even free access for select holidays and days of the month. Always check whether a place you want to visit grants discounts or free entrance for whatever reason, and you might just save some money in the process. 

Cheap Places to Visit in Switzerland 

Here’s the thing – there are no cheap places to visit in Switzerland. The prices are similar throughout most of the country with a few exceptions, and it’s expensive everywhere. One thing to keep in mind is that accommodation is often cheaper in bigger cities than in smaller villages, simply because there are more options. So, always choose to stay in a city or a town, as opposed to a village in the mountains. 

On top of that, don’t plan a trip to Zurich or Geneva if you’re trying to do Switzerland on a budget. They’re the two most expensive cities in the entire country and by far the worst Swiss destinations for budget trips. 

Instead, choose a smaller city. Chur, St. Gallen, Interlaken, and even Basel are all more affordable than Zurich and Geneva, especially in terms of accommodation and restaurants. Basel is a good destination because it’s close to the airport, it’s got many free activities, and you can easily travel to other destinations in Switzerland from the city. 

Lucerne is one of my favorite cities and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience authentic Swiss charm. It’s not exactly a cheap place, but you can find budget accommodation and visit many of the city’s best landmarks without spending a Franc. The Chapel Bridge, Spreuer Bridge, city walls, and the iconic Lion Monument are all free to visit in Lucerne. 

More Switzerland Budget Travel Tips (Do’s and Don’ts) 

I’m not done with tips for saving money while traveling in Switzerland, and here are some more ideas. 

• Travel in the off-season. The peak season in Switzerland (summer/winter) means higher prices of accommodation, transportation, attractions, and even restaurants. Avoid traveling during peak season for the best deals. 
• Always ask for discounts. It never hurts to ask for a discount; the worst that can happen is that you get denied a discount and spend the same amount of money you would if you didn’t ask. So, whether it’s a hotel, museum, or whatever else, ask if they offer any special deals or discounts and see if you’re eligible. You can also haggle at souvenir shops and local boutiques to try and save some money while shopping. 
• Look into the city cards . All major cities in Switzerland have city cards (not the same as city passes that you get for free) that offer free access to attractions, discounts, use of public transport, and other deals for a select period. City cards are often hit or miss, and it’s best to once again do the math; see which attractions you’d like to visit and calculate the cost of tickets vs. the cost of the city card. The Geneva city card is a really good deal and I highly recommend getting that one if you’re planning to visit many landmarks in the city. 
• Mind the exchange rates. The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. When paying by card, you can choose whether you want to pay in Francs or a different currency. It’s generally best to pay in Francs because you’ll get the best exchange rates. I highly recommend a wise.com account and one of their free cards because they’ve got minimal fees even for ATM withdrawals. Also, you don’t need that much cash in Switzerland, but it’s good to have some on hand, just in case. You’ll get the best rates if you withdraw Francs from your bank account at the bank, otherwise, you can use ATMs, but you’ll pay steep fees.

One thought on “ Switzerland on a Budget: Tips For Cheap Travel  ”

Very good advice. We are six time travelers and it can be done as you say.

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How to say Thank you, Excuse me, Please, sorry, Good Morning and other things tht might please the german speaking hosts.

Wht are the do's & don'ts while shopping ?

Thanks for any info !

This is a complex topic. There is a book about it called 'beyond chocolate' which is very good. however, a few things to get you started.

When visiting somebody it is customary to bring a small gift. if you are eating with them, a bottle of wine is good, otherwise flowers, toys for the kids, something from home, just a token.

It is normal to take your shoes off before going into someone's house. They will usually provide slippers in a range of sizes called 'house shoes' so you don't need to bring your own. If you have holes in your favourite socks though, you might want to leave them at home.

Also you should shake hands both when meeting someone and when leaving. You should shake hands, (one by one and taking your time) with everybody (including children) whose company you are joining or leaving and say their name if you know it. If they are close friends, three 'air kisses' near the cheek is appropriate. Follow their lead, if their hand goes to your shoulder and they lean forward, kissing is the go. first to your left (their right cheek), then right, then left again. Again say their name.

When you are poured a glass of wine, always wait until you have touched glasses and said 'prost' 'cheers' 'sante' or whatever with everybody before you start drinking it. As you do it, eye contact is important and again, say their name. Also, one at a time. If 2 other people are touching glasses, wait until they have finished. Try not to miss anybody.

After you have eaten at a Swiss host's house, it is customary to help clean up.

While shopping, in a small store, say a collective hello to everybody present when you enter, and a collective goodbye when you leave. Also greet new customers when they arrive. In a larger store or supermarkets, this doesn't apply, just in the little village stores. A guide is that if there are not more than 3 or 4 people in the store, you should say hello.

I should add that Swiss are very forgiving to those who don't follow etiquette. It is not expected from visitors. It is however appreciated that you are making an effort. So good on you for asking.

cheers and have a good time

Robert, thank you so much for these tips !

Its to their credit that the Swiss are generous in forgiving the visitors for not observing their code of conduct.But i like it when trying to follow these lil mannerisms brings smiles from locals and breaks the barriers.

While saying 'prost', if there are 5 persons at the table, if i understand it correctly, one has to address everyone by name while making eye contact and raising the glass, right ?!

How to say ' the food was excellent'' we liked it very much' in german ?

Is public display of affection acceptable ?

And apart from army knife, watches, chocolates and cow-bell, is there any other typical swiss souvenir, not to be missed for carrying back home ?

With the 'prost', that's it exactly, except that you touch glasses rather than just raising them. Normally you hold the glass by the stem so that it makes a sharp ting rather than a dull thunk. then, with eye contact, you say, for example, 'prost robert' and after going around the whole table, you can drink.

To express that something (food, wine) tastes good, we normally comment after the first mouthful, something like

Public displays of affection? What is acceptable here is similar to elsewhere in the western world (I think). I mean it's ok as long as nobody gets carried away.

As for souvenirs, I can't think of any more suggestions. It's a horses for courses kind of thing.

We never stop learning.I dont want to be paranoid about how to carry myself but at the same time cultural faux pas are a 'no no'.I have heard so much and learnt from people like you who take the rouble to explain tht i wonder if i havent already been to the Swiss ! :) Cant wait though for this small first trip.

Danke wieder!

viel spass, (have fun)

Roberthome did an incredible job explaining some cultural differences. I might use his text for my next English class.

One more custom: there used to be an unspoken rule that Swiss, when walking past each other on a hike, would greet each other by saying: Gruezi (pronounced: Grezi). Some (many in fact) still do.

So if someones says Gruezi to you, say it back. Then you can keep walking.

Thanks to you too Olygirl !

With my preparation for this trip, interaction on swiss forums and email exchange with tourism authorities, i am really impressed with the touristic culture and promptness of response of Swiss people.This is amazing !

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