Exploring Switzerland
Our Travel GuideKati and I love Switzerland. Other than losing our car for like four hours in Zurich, we have always loved traveling and exploring Switzerland and try to every time we get to Europe. Snow-capped mountains, hot chocolates, delicious cheese, and rocky picturesque landscapes are some of the biggest reasons that make people visit Switzerland. A truly European country, the time conscious Swiss are amazing hosts with a taste for international cuisine. Being a hub for financial services means it doesn’t matter what language you speak, business in Switzerland goes in all year round for people from all over the world.
Switzerland shares borders with Lichtenstein, Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. This makes Switzerland sort of a melting pot of cultures. Each of these cultures influences Switzerland just as it influences them.
Visiting Switzerland brings you up close with nature. From thundering waterfalls to scenic lakes and breathtaking mountain views, this European nation is bucket-list waiting to be ticked. And it is not just a winter destination. In the spring and summer, Switzerland’s natural geographies and contours are cast in splendid sunshine. The lakes are perfect for swimming and the mountain ranges yearning for hikers.
Switzerland is a peaceful and calm nation. For those looking for a place to feel free of troubles, then the mountainous country awaits you with open arms. Grab a hot chocolate along the way and you won’t regret it.
Switzerland at a Glance
Currency: The Swiss Franc is the currency in Switzerland.
Visa: Us citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Switzerland. Visitors from 26 Schengen countries within Europe do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
Language: The official languages in Switzerland are Italian, French, German, and Romansh. Majority of the people in Switzerland also speak English, making it a truly international country.
- Sight Seeing 90%
- Cost 97%
- Ease of Travel 85%
- Activities 95%
Traveling in Switzerland is like a dream. Around every corner, the scenery gets better and better. The mountains get more majestic. The waters seem to get bluer. And the food just seems to taste better. Kati and I love traveling to Switzerland year-round. Though I am not a skier, there is plenty other activities to do. Since it is not a particularly large country, flying into Zurich gives you easy access by car, train, or bus to virtually every part. Take a week and explore this country. It will change your life.
Top Experiences in Switzerland
Best time to visit Switzerland
The best times to visit Switzerland are the spring and fall months. Between the time when the temperature starts to rise and when winter proper starts, the weather is nice for light clothing and sight-seeing. The cold winter months also come with pleasant surprises if you look for the right mountain tops.
Spring
As the temperatures rise from March, the country begins to come to life. Spring in Switzerland lasts from March till May, during which town the country slowly comes to life like a flower facing the sun after a long night. Temperatures are still lower than in most parts of Europe, and the additional rain means you would have to pack the right type of clothing before setting off. Meanwhile, the brilliant Morges Tulip Festival kicks off on Lake Geneva throughout April.
Summer and Fall
The summer months are perfect if you wish to explore Switzerland under the blissful sun. The large number of crowds, however, means you need to a lot of preplanning before setting out. Apart from the more expensive fees during the summer, the brilliant sunshine does bring the best out Europe’s mountainous region. With the start of the hiking season at the end of May, cable cars connecting long mountain ranges provide scenic views for families and loved ones.
In the fall, the temperature begins to fall again and the crowds begin to thin. Visiting Switzerland around this time means you have access to great discounts.
Winter
For ski lovers, winter is the perfect time to visit Switzerland. Numerous ski resorts dot the nation especially in the areas close to the mountain ranges. There are warm springs to help you relax after a day spent gliding through the snow, while the warm cafes and excellent dishes will keep you licking your fingers long afterwards.
Popular Region Destinations in Switzerland
Visiting Switzerland is a perfect opportunity to see some of the wonders of the alpine region and beyond. The lakes are the perfect shade of blue, while the country sides and rural areas offer some of the best foods during your stay in Switzerland.
Geneva
Geneva is the definition of an international city. Home to the headquarters of about 20 international institutions including the Red Cross and the UN, Geneva is the preferred traveling destination for tourists seeking work and pleasure. Geneva draws its name from the beautiful lake that runs through it. About 20% of the land mass is dedicated to parks and gardens, making it a truly green city.
Geneva is home to the popular gigantic fountain called Jet d’Eau located on the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva waterfront. The Cathédrale St-Pierre in the Old Town offer a picturesque view for lovers of photography. The cobblestone streets add character to the Old Town; walking through the streets feels like tracing Geneva back to its very roots.
The perfect adventure in Geneva is a boat ride on Lake Geneva, a walk along its wide banks, and a warm chocolate on the terraces of Old Town. Visiting Switzerland is a chance to enjoy some of its amazing food and wines; you couldn’t expect less in an area that shares borders with France and Italy.
Zurich
Zurich is the romantic capital of Switzerland. With tasty food, great wine, and a boat ride on Lake Zurich, there is no excuse for missing this cosmopolitan city. With over 150 museums and art galleries, Zurich offers a wide variety of options for art lovers and history buffs. If you visit Switzerland with the family, there are up to 14 museums in Zurich dedicated exclusively to the kids.
During the summer, Lake Zurich is a perfect place for a romantic boat ride. If the temperature is high enough, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take a dip into its cool waters. In the Kreis 5 area, you have the unique chance to view the Gerold Chuchi Umbrellas hanging over pavements. And when the day is spent and you are tired, soaking your pain away in thermal spas.
Stein am Rhein
Perhaps one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, Stein am Rhein is filled with fairytale-inspired architecture. There are frescoes painted across buildings and cobblestone streets that seem to be taken out of a story book. The secret to this medieval town is that is a pretty small place with barely 5,000 permanent residents.
Stein am Rhein is located on Switzerland’s northern border with Germany. Its close proximity to Germany and Austria makes it a perfect tourist node for visitors looking to explore the region. Its defining architecture is the Rathausplatz a city square bordered by historic frescoed buildings.
Lausanne
Picture this: a city built on three hills surrounded by vineyards off the blue waters of Lake Geneva. That is Lausanne, the capital city of Switzerland’s French-speaking Vaud region. Home to the Olympic Museum, Lausanne is a bustling university town with a charming commercial district. The city is old and proud, with alleyways in its corners and boutiques lining up graceful streets.
Decking Lausanne’s skyline is the gothic-inspired Lausanne Cathedral rising out of this medieval city. More than 400,000 people visit Switzerland every year to poke a glance at this magnificent edifice. For lovers of art, Lausanne boasts a proud collection of exhibits showing at the Musée de l’Elysée – Museum of Photography. More than a million images adorn the walls of the 18th century villa that houses the museum.
Finally, there are the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces that have been cultivated by families for generations.
The Jungfrau Region
What used to be the reserve of die-hard adventurists is now accessible thanks to a network of bike paths and rail lines. Home to the Swiss Alps, the Jungfrau Region is notable for its flittering mountain peaks and cable cars. The scenic views are replete with vast meadows and magnificent waterfalls.
The highest train station in Europe is located in the Jungfrau Region. If you are looking to be a film star, then a visit to Schilthorn is in order; it was here James Bond’s Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed, after all.
In Grindelwald, meanwhile, you get the chance to witness the World Snow Festival if you manage to make it to Switzerland in January. The larger-than-life ice sculpture exhibits are bound to awe by the end of the show.
Interlaken
Lying at the footsteps of some of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains, Interlaken is one of the most popular travel destinations in Switzerland. The town lies between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, creating the perfect Alpine weather that has proven irresistible to many travelers. It used to be a watch-making center. Today, Interlaken is a resort town with ample opportunity for hiking, sky diving, and paragliding. You could add a cable car ride to visit some of the villages in the upper terraces. If you have a thing against heights, though, then a boat ride on Lake Thun can provide you the perfect vistas in all of Switzerland. And, when the day is done and the sun is falling, you can head to the Funky Chocolate Club for a true taste of Switzerland.
Popular winter sports destinations in Switzerland
Winter is the perfect time to browse some of Switzerland’s best locations. With the sun high and the mountains covered in thick, white snow, the mountain and Alpine regions come alive. During the night, there are thermal spas and hot springs to keep the ginger in your knees.
Davos-Parsenn-Klosters
Davos is the highest town in the Alps. Popular for its connection to the World Trade Organization, the Alpine town is purely magical in winter. Riding the Glacier Express offers you a scenic view of the alps while sitting in the warm comforts of your train.
Klosters is a wonderland during winter with a special village atmosphere you don’t see in Davos. Parsenn is the town that connects the two extreme. Parsenn has the largest and longest ski runs in the alpine region. Between the three locations, winter sports lovers have up to 300 kilometers of ski runs to cover.
For lovers of winter sports, this region is home to cross-country skiing regions. Ride a fat bike during the day through the snow or join a winter torch trek expedition to discover the glimmering lights of Davos when the sun is set the world is dark. Truly, the night has never looked this magical.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the oldest winter resorts in the world. A two-time host of Winter Olympics, St. Moritz offers enough winter sports experiences for both newbies and professionals. At 2,486 meters high, expert skiers get a breathtaking view of the alpine region with the snow gleaming in the sunlight. For those not interesting in braving the steep mountain slopes, you can skate on the ice rinks, go kite skiing or bobsledding. St. Moritz is a luxury destination for those who see the value in ice-covered mountains.
Adelboden-Lenk
The scene at Bernese Oberland is best discovered with an adventure within Adelboden and Lenk. Between them, the two ski resorts offer winter sport opportunities for people of all experience levels. Even spectators get to enjoy the magnificent snow-capped mountain scenery.
Winter walking and Nordic Skiing are best enjoyed at Lenk. The wide valleys and compactness of the ski village offer up to 45 acres of ski ground. Adelboden, meanwhile, offers 160 acres of ski terrain at an altitude of 2,350 meters. This high up in the sky means there is always quality snow to enjoy winter sport in Switzerland.
Whatever the season. Whatever the activity. Switzerland has it all. A food tour. Skiing. Hiking. Classic train rides. Or just enjoying a cup of coffee enjoying the scenery. Sit back and relax. And enjoy your stay in Switzerland.
Switzerland
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