Though there are eight alpine states, Switzerland reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of most alpine-seeking travelers. Is it the Matterhorn? Is it the impressive glaciers? Is it the cheese fondue? Whatever it is, Switzerland is a destination that promises and delivers heavenly mountain views accompanied by a bell chorus of cowbells.
Our favorite destination in Switzerland is Appenzellerland. We’ve also explored the Lake Lucerne Region, Jungfrau Region, and Zermatt.
Getting Around Switzerland
Switzerland has the best public transit system in the world. Use the sbb.ch website to research timetables and connections. We recommend either purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, or the Swiss Half Fare Card to save money on transit.
If you’re driving into Switzerland from a neighboring country, buy a Swiss motorway sticker, or vignette. The vignette can be purchased in petrol stations, post offices, garages, TCS outlets, as well as from the road traffic authorities.
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Switzerland. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip. Check rates here.
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SWITZERLAND TRAVEL GUIDE OVERVIEW
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
BOOK A SELF-GUIDED SWISS TREK
- 13-Day Walker’s Haute Route
- 7-Day Bernese Oberland Traverse
- 8-Day Swiss Whiskey Trek
- 8-Day Appenzell Alps Hut Hike
GET THE GUIDEBOOKS
Switzerland Travel Map
SWITZERLAND DESTINATIONS
Graubünden – Grisons
Lake Lucerne Region
Jungfrau Region
Zermatt
Mont Blanc
Switzerland Destinations
Swiss Alps
June – October
Alpstein, Appenzell Alps
June – October
3-Day Alpstein High Trail (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3)
Appenzell Village in Appenzell Region (Appenzellerland)
Lake Lucerne Region
June – October
Rätikon Alps
Late June – September
Rätikon Alps High Trail Circuit (Austria and Switzerland)
Zermatt
June – September
Best Hikes in Zermatt including the Edelweissweg, Tufteren High Trail, Gornergrat Hike, and Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge Hike.
Switzerland Facts
Official Name | Swiss Confederation. Confoederatio Helvetica is also a name for Switzerland, hence the abbreviation CH.
Capital | Bern
Government | Federal Republic
Regions | Switzerland is divided into 26 Cantons
Population | 8.4 Million
Languages | German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Currency | Swiss Franc
Tipping Etiquette | Tipping isn’t obligatory. There’s a service charge automatically included in all published prices.
Water Quality | Excellent
Something Interesting | Dog owners must pay an annual tax for owning a dog.
Swiss Saying | Mit däm/däre cha me go Ross stäle. Translation: You can steal horses with him/her. Meaning: You can depend on someone in all situations.
Switzerland Travel Blogs
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Visiting Mürren in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland: Read Before You Go
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Where to Stay in Zermatt, Switzerland for Hiking, Skiing, and Sightseeing
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4-Day Zermatt Itinerary, Switzerland
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Our Favorite Luxury Hotels in the Alps
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8 Best Hikes in Switzerland: Day Hikes + Short Treks
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6 Best Hikes in Zermatt, Switzerland
