Switzerland pairs pristine Alpine landscapes with world-leading public transport, hospitality, and safety standards. Recognized by Travel World Global Awards™ for sustainable nature tourism and service quality, it offers year-round experiences: winter skiing, summer hiking, iconic rail journeys, lakeside towns, and refined culinary traditions.

• Zurich — Financial hub with lakeside living, museums, and nightlife.
• Lucerne — Medieval old town, Chapel Bridge, access to Mt. Pilatus/Rigi.
• Interlaken & Jungfrau Region — Gateway to Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau.
• Zermatt — Alpine village beneath the Matterhorn; skiing year-round.
• Geneva — Lake Geneva, international organizations, vineyards.
• Montreux & Vevey — Riviera vibe, jazz festival, lakeshore promenades.
• Bern — UNESCO-listed old town and federal capital.
• Lausanne — Olympic capital with museums and lake views.
• Lugano — Ticino’s Italian flair, palm-lined lakeside.
• St. Moritz & Engadin — Luxury alpine resorts, high-altitude trails.

Official resource: Switzerland Tourism — MySwitzerland

Choose luxury alpine resorts, grand lakefront hotels, design boutiques, mountain huts, and wellness/spa stays. Winter books early; summer sees high demand in lake and hiking regions.

Official resource: Accommodation — MySwitzerland

Expect cheese fondue, raclette, rösti, artisan chocolates, Alpine cheeses, and wines from Valais/Vaud. Michelin dining sits alongside mountain huts serving local specialties.

Official resource: Food & Wine — MySwitzerland

Diverse linguistic regions shape architecture, festivals, and museums. Explore Bern’s UNESCO old town, Zurich/Lucerne galleries, Geneva’s international heritage, and traditional Alpine villages.

UNESCO: Switzerland — World Heritage

Highlights include Bern Cathedral, Lausanne Cathedral, Einsiedeln Abbey, and historic monasteries and castles overlooking lakes and valleys.

Winter: world-class skiing/snowboarding in Zermatt, St. Moritz, Verbier. Summer: panoramic hikes, via ferrata, paragliding in Interlaken, glacier walks, iconic railways (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gornergrat Bahn).

National parks & trails: Hiking Switzerland

Major international airports: Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP). Regional airports and alpine airfields serve seasonal routes.

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) and dense regional networks provide precise, scenic travel. Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, boats, and many mountain lifts. Ferries cross major lakes; mountain railways access high trails.

Transport: SBB | Swiss Travel Pass

Luxury watches, Swiss design, chocolatiers, farmers’ markets, and holiday boutiques in resorts. Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse and Geneva’s Rue du Rhône lead for luxury.

Cosmopolitan nightlife in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne; resort après-ski in Zermatt/Verbier/St. Moritz. Casinos operate in select cities under regulation—check local entry rules.

Legal drinking age varies by beverage (typically 16 for beer/wine; 18 for spirits). Drug laws are strict; penalties apply for illegal possession. Follow local regulations on smoking and public conduct.

Switzerland is in the Schengen Area (not EU). Many nationalities have visa-free short stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Always confirm current requirements and any electronic pre-travel steps.

Official visa portal: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

Swiss franc (CHF). Cards widely accepted; some smaller venues may prefer cash. ATMs common. Monitor bank fees and rates; dynamic currency conversion may be costlier.

High-standard healthcare with multilingual services in major centers. Carry travel insurance for treatment/evacuation. Mountain activities may require specialized coverage.

• Emergency Numbers: Police 117, Fire 118, Ambulance 144, EU Universal 112
• Mountain rescue (varies by region): 1414 (REGA air rescue)

Among the world’s safest destinations. Observe mountain/weather advisories, avalanche reports, and trail signage. Secure valuables in tourist hubs and transport nodes.

Excellent 4G/5G; prepaid SIMs available from major carriers at airports and shops. Public WiFi in cities, stations, and many hotels.

Layered clothing year-round; technical outerwear for mountains; sun protection for high-altitude hikes; winter gear for alpine resorts. Respect dress expectations at sacred or formal venues.

War-free, politically stable, and neutral. Weather and seasonal rail/mountain operations may affect itineraries—check live updates.

Follow signposted rules in protected areas, carry waste out of alpine zones, respect drone restrictions, and adhere to mountain railway/lift safety guidance.

Official portals: Switzerland Tourism | SEM (Immigration)