Travel to Switzerland — everything you need to know
When to go to Switzerland?
- Jun – Sep — Ideal (mountains) : High-mountain hiking, alpine flowers, lakes at their finest. All attractions open and accessible.
- Dec – Mar — Skiing & winter : Some of the best ski resorts in the world: Zermatt, Verbier, Davos, St. Moritz.
- Apr – May — Spring : Beautiful cities, lower prices, but the mountains are still partly snow-covered.
- Oct – Nov — Autumn : Autumn colours over the lakes, fewer tourists, some cable cars closed.
Weather in Switzerland
Check the weather city by city, starting with Bern.
- Zurich: daytime highs from 5 to 25 °C depending on the season, 92 mm of rain per month on average.
- Zermatt: daytime highs from 1 to 20 °C depending on the season, 53 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 5 to 27 °C depending on the season, 79 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 4 to 25 °C depending on the season, 108 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Switzerland?
Switzerland is one of the most spectacular destinations in Europe, with its grandiose Alps, crystal-clear lakes and immaculately kept towns. A quadrilingual country at the crossroads of Europe, it fascinates as much for its landscapes — the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau, Lake Geneva — as for its watchmaking tradition, its cuisine (cheeses, chocolates) and its outstanding tourism infrastructure. Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lucerne each offer a unique urban experience.
Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Zermatt is a car-free mountain resort at the foot of the Matterhorn (4,478m), the Alps' iconic peak and a symbol of Switzerland. Access is only by electric train from Täsch, which preserves the unique atmosphere of this alpine village. Summer and winter alike, hiking, skiing and photographing the Matterhorn in the golden light of sunset are the essence of this unforgettable experience.
Highlights : The Matterhorn — climb it or view it from Schwarzsee or Gornergrat, Gornergrat — a 3,089m ridge with views of 29 peaks over 4,000m, Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn) — Europe's highest point accessible by cable car, Zermatt's Bahnhofstrasse — lively main street.
Interlaken & the Jungfrau
Interlaken is the ideal starting point for exploring the Bernese Oberland, wedged between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The Jungfrau (4,158m) is accessible from Grindelwald or Wengen via the famous Jungfrau Railway, which climbs to the 'Top of Europe' at 3,454m. The Giessbach Falls, the Rosenlaui gorges and the villages of Grindelwald and Mürren complete this exceptional alpine picture.
Highlights : Jungfraujoch — the 'Top of Europe' at 3,454m via cogwheel train, Grindelwald — alpine village with a view of the Eiger (3,970m), Lauterbrunnen waterfalls — 72 falls including the Staubbach Falls, Schynige Platte — alpine botanical garden at 1,967m altitude.
Lucerne & Lake Lucerne
Lucerne is one of the most picturesque cities in Switzerland, with its famous Chapel Bridge, preserved medieval old town, and the majestic Rigi in the background. Lake Lucerne offers panoramic cruises to sites steeped in history like the Rütli meadow, where the Swiss Confederation was founded. Mounts Pilatus and Rigi, accessible by boat and cogwheel train, offer 360° views over the Alps.
Highlights : Chapel Bridge — a 14th-century wooden bridge, the symbol of Lucerne, Mount Pilatus — the 'dragon mountain' at 2,132m, reached by gondola and cogwheel train, Swiss Museum of Transport — Switzerland's most-visited museum, the history of mobility, Rigi — the 'queen of the mountains' with spectacular sunrises.
Geneva & Lake Geneva
Geneva, the world capital of diplomacy, is a cosmopolitan city on the shores of Lake Geneva against the backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif. The Jet d'Eau, the city's icon, shoots 500 litres of water 140 metres into the air. Touring Lake Geneva reveals Lausanne, Montreux (jazz festival), Chillon Castle and the UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards of Lavaux.
Highlights : Jet d'Eau — a 140m lake fountain visible from all over the city, Chillon Castle — a medieval lakeside castle near Montreux, Lavaux vineyards — UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards along the lakeshore, Geneva Old Town & St. Pierre Cathedral — the historic heart of the Reformation.
Travel budget for Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Prices are 60 to 80% higher than in Western Europe. The strong Swiss franc amplifies the cost for European travellers. However, the quality of services and the reliability of transport largely justify the investment.
- Backpacker : 110–140 €/j — Hostel, supermarket and one restaurant meal, Swiss Travel Pass
- Comfort : 200–280 €/j — 3-star hotel, mid-range restaurants, mountain excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Switzerland
- Flight from Paris : Paris–Zurich: 1h30 flight. Paris–Geneva: 1h. Also reachable by TGV Paris–Geneva in 3h20.
- Visa : Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. No visa for EU citizens. An ID card is sufficient.
- Currency : Swiss franc (CHF). Euros are sometimes accepted at an unfavourable rate. Prefer CHF.
- Language : German in central Switzerland, French in French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne), Italian in Ticino.
- Electricity : Type J (specific to Switzerland, 3-pin). An adapter is essential coming from France.
- Health : Very high-quality but very expensive healthcare. Travel insurance with repatriation is essential.
- Swiss Travel Pass : Strongly recommended for stays longer than 3 days. Includes trains, boats, buses and museum access.
- Altitude : Some excursions exceed 3,000m. Bring warm clothing even in summer.
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