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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 destinationSwitzerland 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....
3 days in Basel
A week in and around Basel
Switzerland has two peak tourist seasons: in July-August, and from December to March for winter sports. The best time...
Read more about it
Switzerland has very different climates depending on the region. The Alps divide the country in two: in the north, th...
Read more about it
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
Although it is at the crossroads of Europe, Switzerland is not part of the European Union. However, no particular for...
Read more about it
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
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
There is a wide variety of tour packages available in Switzerland. Some agencies will offer you winter sports holiday...
Read more about it
Switzerland has a very dense public transport network: plane, train or coach. All lakes in Switzerland are navigable...
Read more about it
Remember the competition launched by the Australian Tourist Office to find dream jobs in kangaroo country? Some of them have thus become guardian of a desert island, guide ranger or gastronomic explorer in the land of kangaroos. This time it's the airline Swiss that becomes the Human Resources Santa Claus. The job? Travelling for 6 months to some 20 destinations, testing out airlines and good deals on the spot to become the exclusive ...
As every year in the spring, the charming village of Cully created the event, from April 4 to 12, 2014 with the Cully Jazz Festival. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux, this charming village welcomes international headliners on three stages for 10 days. But not only, because what makes the charm of Cully, where good wine is also made, are...its cellars where the Off makes you discover the hopes of Jazz. They ...
From June 27 to October 26 and on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, the Fondation de l'Hermitage is offering an exceptional exhibition devoted to 19th century American painting. More than 90 works, including works by artists from the Hudson River School (Thomas Cole, Jasper F. Cropsey, Albert Bierstadt, Frederic E. Church and Thomas Moran) and the luminist movement (John Kensett, Fitz Henry Lane), will be on display. The vast majority ...
Tourism in this region of the Canton of Bern in German-speaking Switzerland was born in the 19th century with the arrival of English people fascinated by these mountains with eternal snow: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Interlaken, between Lakes Thun and Brienz, boasts an exceptional location where tourists from all over the world flock today Winter, summer, adventure and sensational sports are very popular in Interlaken, where it is ...
