Switzerland

Switzerland Travel Guide

Switzerland is a land of alpine pastures, high mountains, and serene lakes. We fell in love with Switzerland from the moment we crossed the German border. And while we’ve collectively only spent time in Appenzellerland and the Rätikon Alps, we can’t wait to explore more of this alpine country in the future.

Getting Around Switzerland

If you’re driving in Switzerland and intend on taking the highways (Autobahnen), make sure to buy a “Swiss motorway sticker” or “vignette” for 40 CHF (approx. 41 USD). It is valid for the whole year. Unlike Austria, there are no 10 day or 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. More info: here.

Pin This!

Switzerland Travel Guide Overview

Switzerland Travel Basics
Where to Go (Interactive Map)
What to Experience in Switzerland
What to Eat & Drink in Switzerland

Planning a trip to Central Europe? Read these guide next:

Get the Guide

Rick Steves Switzerland

This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Sabrina and Kati

Switzerland Travel Basics

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

Language: 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.

Where to Go in Switzerland

Click the dots to explore specific destinations

Destinations

Mit däm/däre cha me go Ross stäle.

Swiss Saying

You can steal horses with him / her.

(You can depend on someone in all situations)

What to Experience in Switzerland

Our favorite things to see and do

Hiking the Alpstein in the Swiss Alps

Alpstein is a mountain range in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. The hiking here is accessible and incredibly rewarding. Trails meander through alpine dairy farms and around lakes. Bell-wearing cattle and goats roam around the alp freely. That particular bell chorus sound is what makes hiking here so special.

A few hikes to consider are: