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
If you’re driving into Switzerland from another country, buy a Swiss motorway sticker, or vignette, for 40 CHF. It is valid for the whole year.
Unlike Austria, there are no shorter period options. In Switzerland, 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 car rental 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
Alpstein, Appenzell Alps
June – October
Schäfler Ridge Trail (easy-moderate), Marwees Ridge Trail (difficult), Hoher Kasten – Saxer Lücke Hike (moderately difficult), Berggasthaus Aescher Cliff Restaurant (easy), Lake Seealpsee (easy), and Lisengrat Ridge Trail (difficult)
3-Day Alpstein High Trail (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3)
Appenzell Village in Appenzell Region (Appenzellerland)
Lake Lucerne Region
June – October
Stoos Ridge Hike (moderate) and Walenpfad Panorama Trail (moderate)
2-Day Stanserhorn-Engelberg Ridge Hike (difficult)
Rätikon Alps
Late June – September
Rätikon Alps High Trail Circuit in Austria and Switzerland (moderate)
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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8 Best Hikes in Switzerland
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6 Best Hikes in Zermatt, Switzerland
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Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge and Europahütte Hike near Zermatt in Switzerland
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Tufteren High Trail: Täschalp – Tufteren – Zermatt, Swiss Alps
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Gornergrat Hike in Zermatt, Switzerland
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Edelweissweg Hike (Höhbalmen High Trail) in Zermatt, Switzerland
