Beyond its banks and the famous Swiss neutrality, Switzerland evokes the sweetness of life, a certain lethargy even. It evokes a lot of little pleasures: a skiing session in the mountains, a hike around a lake, the tasting of a chocolate or a Gruyère, a visit to an exhibition, a friendly moment around a "real" fondue. Yes, the country refers to all this, as any tourist guide to Switzerland will say. From Geneva to Lake Constance, via Lausanne, Zurich, Basel or Bern, the capital, Switzerland offers a wealth of possibilities, despite its steep terrain. The Alps, which are present throughout the country, offer skiing and sliding sports in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer. Its lakes and rivers are ideal for water sports and short cruises. As a natural destination, Swiss cities, which are avant-garde in terms of ecology, are not to be outdone. Rich in museums and monuments, each one has a unique charm. Depending on whether you are in German-speaking, French-speaking or Italian-speaking Switzerland, you will speak French, German or Italian, which may seem confusing. But don't stop at the language barrier, the Swiss are courteous, rigorous and have their own philosophy of life. And above all, don't forget the typical memories: cuckoo clocks, knives and lace, watches and small cows carved in wood, local wines and Grisons meat.

The must-see places in Switzerland

Suggested addresses Switzerland

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When to go to Switzerland?

Switzerland has two peak tourist seasons: in July-August, and from December to March for winter sports. The best time to travel to Switzerland will vary according to your wishes. From June to September, during the summer season, pleasant temperatures encourage a wide variety of outdoor activities. If you visit Switzerland in spring or autumn, you will of course avoid crowds of tourists and can benefit from cheaper hotel rates. On the other hand, think about taking an umbrella! If you want to enjoy winter sports, the season generally begins at the end of November and ends with the melting of the snow in early spring.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

Switzerland has very different climates depending on the region. The Alps divide the country in two: in the north, the climate is rather temperate and continental. In the south, the climate is much milder, and you can feel a Mediterranean influence. In summer, temperatures rise on average to around 25/30°C. In winter, they are around 0°, and snow is frequent. Of course, an alpine climate prevails in high mountain areas and considers that we lose about 1°C every 150 m

Berne
January
-4°C
2°C
February
-3°C
4°C
March
1°C
9°C
April
4°C
14°C
May
8°C
18°C
June
11°C
21°C
July
13°C
23°C
August
13°C
22°C
Sept.
10°C
19°C
October
5°C
13°C
Nov.
1°C
7°C
Dec.
-2°C
3°C
Zürich
January
-3°C
2°C
February
-2°C
5°C
March
1°C
10°C
April
4°C
15°C
May
8°C
19°C
June
12°C
23°C
July
14°C
25°C
August
13°C
24°C
Sept.
11°C
20°C
October
6°C
14°C
Nov.
2°C
7°C
Dec.
-2°C
3°C
Lausanne
January
-3°C
2°C
February
-2°C
5°C
March
1°C
10°C
April
4°C
15°C
May
8°C
19°C
June
12°C
23°C
July
14°C
25°C
August
13°C
24°C
Sept.
11°C
20°C
October
6°C
14°C
Nov.
2°C
7°C
Dec.
-2°C
3°C
Zermatt
January
-16°C
-4°C
February
-15°C
-2°C
March
-10°C
3°C
April
-5°C
7°C
May
0°C
13°C
June
2°C
17°C
July
4°C
20°C
August
3°C
18°C
Sept.
1°C
15°C
October
-3°C
9°C
Nov.
-9°C
2°C
Dec.
-14°C
-4°C
Budget

The Swiss currency is the Swiss franc. While it is possible to pay in euros in most cases, it is preferable to carry Swiss francs (which can be collected from a distributor). It will be cheaper for you and there is no shortage of banks in Switzerland! If the prices include the service, leave a tip is frequent (around 10%).

On the budget side, Switzerland has the reputation of being an expensive country: a reputation that is well deserved, given the high prices

Procedures

Although it is at the crossroads of Europe, Switzerland is not part of the European Union. However, no particular formality is required to stay there for less than three months, only a valid identity card or a valid passport is required. Beyond three months, a visa is required for a stay in Switzerland.

Health

You do not run any risk when you go to Switzerland. Just make sure your vaccinations are up to date (DT Polio, etc.). In case of illness, it is necessary to contact the French consulate. He will be in charge of helping you, accompanying you and providing you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, he or she also notifies the family and decides on repatriation. Switzerland has a very good reputation in terms of healthcare, even if prices are obviously expensive... Traditional medicines (headaches, stomach aches, lozenges...) are available without a prescription in Switzerland. There are of course exceptions but they do not concern the usual medicines; for others and treatments, take what you need with you.

How to go to Switzerland? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

There is a wide variety of tour packages available in Switzerland. Some agencies will offer you winter sports holidays (accommodation, travel, ski passes...). Others will specialize in city breaks (three days in Bern, Geneva, Basel or Lausanne for example). Other possibility, thematic stays: cruise, ecotourism stay, thermal cure....

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

Switzerland is a country where you can go alone without any problems. It is a very safe destination. On site, the organization is perfect. The tourist offices provide you with information and assistance. Internet bookings for accommodation are a well established practice. And they speak French, German and/or Italian depending on the canton. In addition, English is understood by almost all Swiss people. It's up to you to juggle to organize your stay without ruining yourself...

Switzerland has a very dense public transport network: plane, train or coach. All lakes in Switzerland are navigable and can be visited by single trip or excursions. Very pleasant to discover the country. If you plan to combine train, boat and bus transport, opt for the Swiss Travel Pass. Finally, it may be more advantageous to travel by car (yours or rental). Provided that it is well equipped for mountains and snow....

Prepare for your trip Switzerland

Transportation
Accommodations
Stays
Services / On site

Switzerland travel inspiration

3 days
Large budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté
  • With whom?
    Couple, Famille, Amis, Groupe
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine , Découverte, Détente / Bien être

3 days in Basel
Quotatrip
All tours
7 days
Large budget
  • When to go?
    Printemps, Eté, Hiver
  • With whom?
    Couple, Famille, Amis
  • Themes :
    Culture / Patrimoine , Faune et flore, Découverte, Aventure / Sports et loisirs, Détente / Bien être

A week in and around Basel

Pictures Switzerland

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Discover Switzerland

Practical information
When to travel?

Switzerland has two peak tourist seasons: in July-August, and from December to March for winter sports. The best time...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Switzerland has very different climates depending on the region. The Alps divide the country in two: in the north, th...
Read more about it

Budget

The Swiss currency is the Swiss franc. While it is possible to pay in euros in most cases, it is preferable to carry...
Read more about it

Formalities

Although it is at the crossroads of Europe, Switzerland is not part of the European Union. However, no particular for...
Read more about it

Health

You do not run any risk when you go to Switzerland. Just make sure your vaccinations are up to date (DT Polio, etc.)....
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Switzerland is a country where you can go alone without any problems. It is a very safe destination. On site, the org...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

There is a wide variety of tour packages available in Switzerland. Some agencies will offer you winter sports holiday...
Read more about it

Getting around

Switzerland has a very dense public transport network: plane, train or coach. All lakes in Switzerland are navigable...
Read more about it

Featured articles Switzerland

Edward Hopper mis en lumière à la Fondation Beyeler

Edward Hopper highlighted at the Fondation Beyeler

Edward Hopper is one of the principal American painters of the 20th century. His work is the expression of his singular view of modern life. Although he started out as an illustrator, he is today best known for his oil paintings, which show a keen interest in colour and the interplay of light and shadow. For this exhibition, which takes place at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, Switzerland, the focus is on his paintings, which were created ...

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Les plus beaux villages d'Europe

The most beautiful villages in Europe

The richness of European culture and landscape is unique. From north to south, climates and architecture evolve, promising a change of scenery in just a few hours by plane. It is, indeed, rather simple to envisage a tour of Europe thanks to the reasonable size of its territory and the different means of transport that serve the major cities. Many of you have no doubt already visited several European capitals: Rome, Paris, London or Berlin ...

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