Backpacking In Switzerland: A Complete Guide

A visit to Switzerland is something that is on every backpacker’s list. Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and for anyone who loves to travel, it simply can’t be missed out. 

However, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. High costs and backpackers don’t usually mix that well, which is why the likes of Southeast Asia and South America are backpacking hubs. 

Nevertheless, there is a way to go backpacking in Switzerland on a budget. It might not be as affordable as in other parts of the world, but it is possible and I am going to show you how. 

Join me as I run through everything you need to know about successfully backpacking in Switzerland so that you can see this amazing country without spending too much of your hard-earned cash. 

General Info

Visa

If you hold a passport from countries within the EU or EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) then you do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.

You also do not need a visa to enter Switzerland if you already have a visa issued by one of the Schengen member states. You can find a list of them here. 

If you do not hold a passport from an EU or EFTA country or do not have a visa from a Schengen member state, you will have to apply for a visa to visit Switzerland. You can find a list of the countries that require a visa to enter Switzerland here. 

How To Apply For A Visa 

You must apply for a visa a minimum of two months before you intend to visit Switzerland, and a maximum of 6 months before you intend to enter the country. The earlier the better! You can apply for a Visa by following the steps on this website. 

Once granted, you will be given a 90-day visa to use in Switzerland and all other Schengen area member states. 

Visas cost 80 euros for adults, 40 euros for children between 6 and 12 years old, and kids under 6 go free. 

Currency

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc – CHF. You can not pay for things in US Dollars or Euros, Swiss Francs is the currency used all over Switzerland. 

One Swiss Franc is about 1.06 US Dollars, so working on a 1:1 ratio is an easy way to think about your spending. 

You do not need to carry cash in Switzerland as everywhere takes card payments. The only time you may have to carry cash is when paying for a remote mountain hut on a point-to-point hike, for example. 

Language

There are four official languages in Switzerland and these include German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Each language is most prevalent depending on the border you are closest to.

Zurich and other areas close to the German border speak German more than anything else. Geneva and western Switzerland close to the French border speak French, and parts of southern Switzerland close to the Italian border speak Italian.  

Romansh is a language spoken in the remote alpine villages of Graubünden Canton in southeast Switzerland.  

Luckily for us visitors, around 32% of the people in Switzerland speak English, and this is actually more than the percentage of people who speak French and Italian. 

So you can get around with English very easily, especially as most locals working in tourism or hospitality speak English too. 

Travel Insurance

When backpacking in Switzerland or anywhere for that matter, having travel insurance is always a good idea. This is especially the case if you plan on doing some adventurous activities in the Swiss alps like skiing, paragliding, canyoning, and more. 

The chances of having your things stolen in Switzerland are minimal, but if you injure yourself, you will be paying for some of the most expensive medical treatments in the world. 

Don’t try to save money on travel insurance even if you are on a tight budget, it is simply not worth it. 

Wifi

A good way to save money is to not have to pay for a sim card and the costs of having a cell connection. But, can you get away with just using WiFi in Switzerland? 

You can access free WiFi in a lot of the hotels, bars, and restaurants in Switzerland. SBB train stations and SBB trains also offer free WiFi after you have registered, and some PostBuses also provide free WiFi too. 

Rural areas are also beginning to offer free WiFi, but there is no guarantee of having it in remote ski resorts for example. 

Personally, I would still buy a sim card, as being able to communicate is key to your safety. Use the free WiFi as much as possible and fall back onto your local Swiss sim card when you need it. 

Best Places to Go Backpacking in Switzerland

Lucerne

Lucerne (or Luzern) is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. It literally has everything you could want from a Swiss City. 

From the ancient medieval Old Town to the mountains, a stunning lake, a river, excellent hiking, museums, great restaurants, traditional Swiss culture, and a buzzing nightlife. There really is nothing missing in Lucerne. 

You can spend your days hiking around Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus or exploring the museums, art museums, and architectural delights of the city. 

In summer, sunbathing on the beaches of Lake Lucerne, swimming in the fresh alpine waters, paddleboarding, or taking a boat around the lake are great things to do, especially after a morning of hiking or sightseeing. 

Spend your summer evenings at the beach bars that have an amazing view across Lake Lucerne and then head to one of the many trendy nightclubs where you can boogie until dawn if you want to.  

It is also very easy to get to and is just an hour from Zurich Airport by train.

Interlaken & The Bernese Oberland

Interlaken is not only the backpacking hub of Switzerland but is also the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and the Bernese Alps. 

Situated in the heart of Switzerland between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Aare River flowing through it, it couldn’t be more beautiful. Getting there takes just 2 hours by train from Zurich and 2.75 hours from Geneva. 

Being a backpacking hub, accommodation here is about 50% more affordable compared to other cities and it is a great place for some adventurous activities. Paragliding, canyoning, white-water rafting, skydiving, and more are all offered here. 

The town is also home to great restaurants, a nice vibe, fun lake activities, and lots more. 

One of the best things about Interlaken is that you can base yourself there, using the more affordable accommodation, and explore the Bernese Oberland on day trips. 

The Bernese Oberland is one of the most stunning alpine regions of Switzerland. It is home to the Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 waterfalls that simply must be hiked around to believe. 

From Lauterbrunnen, you can also visit the Aletsch Glacier, Jungfraujoch, and the car-free ski resorts of Murren and Wengen. It takes just 30 minutes on a direct train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen.  

You can also access Grindelwald on a day trip from Interlaken in just 35 minutes on the train. This is also an adventure seekers town and it provides you with access to the peak of Schiltorn, views of the Eiger Wall,  as well as views of the three highest peaks in the area, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. 

There is a lot more to explore in the Bernese Oberland and basing yourself in Interlaken makes seeing the best it has to offer very easy, and more affordable. 

Zermatt

When visiting Switzerland it would almost be a crime to miss out on Zermatt. Sitting in the southern Valais canton, it is a town in the heart of the Swiss Alps lying at 1,600 meters above sea level. 

What makes Zermatt such a famous ski town is that it sits under one of the most iconic mountain peaks on the planet, the Matterhorn. 

You can see the Matterhorn from the town and its pyramid shape is quite mesmerizing – it is said the shape of Toblerone Swiss chocolate was based on the peak. 

Zermatt is home to a fun shopping, restaurant, and nightlife scene. It also gives you access to some of the most beautiful parts of the Alps. 

You can get cable cars to surrounding peaks such as Gornergrat for views across mountain peaks, glaciers, and better views of the Matterhorn, go skiing, hike, visit lakes, go ice skating, and lots more. 

Zermatt is not a very affordable town to backpack around though and you should expect accommodation to be quite expensive. But, there is a campsite which will help your budget a lot! 

Geneva

Geneva, Lake Geneva, and the towns surrounding the lake are absolutely beautiful. Sitting on the western border of Switzerland next to France, it is in the French-speaking part of the country. 

The city is beautiful as are the views that stretch out across the lake and into the alps. It is home to the United Nations Museum, Red Cross Museum, and countless other international organization headquarters, and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) is just down the road in Lausanne. 

While in Geneva you will have access to countless museums, art galleries, chocolate shops, and cultural sights. You can also spend your time on the lake in the summer, sunbathing, swimming, and more, or take to the nearby slopes for a ski in winter. 

A boat ride across the lake is a must, as is a visit to the town of Montreux and the Chillon Castle. You should also hike around the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and try some of the delicious Swiss wine available.  

Being one of the major cities in Switzerland, Geneva is also an excellent place to fly into, and access the Valais canton and the Swiss Alps. Also, the Jungfrau Mountains are just a day trip away too. 

The Swiss Alps

You can’t go to Switzerland without visiting the Swiss Alps. We have already mentioned them a few times in the destinations above. 

But, the Swiss Alps are huge and there is a lot to see from the southern reaches of the Ticino canton with its Italian architecture and amazing lakes like Lake Lugano to the wild eastern Alps home to the Engadine Valley and the Swiss National Park. 

You could easily spend a month hopping around the Swiss Alps from one village to the next and you won’t have seen it all. 

Best Things to Do in Switzerland

Hiking 

Switzerland is literally covered in hiking trails and there is no better way to see the amazing landscapes of this small country than hiking around it. 

Some of my favorite hikes are around the beautiful lakes, mountain peaks, meadows, rivers, and glaciers of the Valais Canton. It is also hard to beat hiking around the Lauterbrunnen Valley where you can see 72 waterfalls, including a subterranean one.

A hike around Mt Rigi and Mt Pilatus, just next to Lucerne is also hard to beat. The views across the lake and into the mountains are very hard to beat.   

Wherever you are in Switzerland, you will be able to find a point-to-point hike, loop hike, multi-day hike, and lots more. 

You should download the Switzerland Mobility App, which you can find here. It comes with maps of more than 60,000 km of hiking trails and lots more like GPS, Swiss Public Transport Information, and more. 

Hut To Hut Hiking

Hut-to-hut hikes are an amazing thing to do on a trip to Switzerland. Essentially, you hike up to a mountain hut in the alps and stay the night, and then hike back down or hike onto another mountain hut. 

There is no better way of enjoying the mountains than spending multiple days up there instead of going up and down. You get to see the sunset, and the sunrise, and get to see harder-to-reach parts of the mountains you wouldn’t be able to access on a day hike. 

There are lots of mountain huts in Switzerland, most of which you can find here on the Swiss Alpine Club website. They generally cost about CHF 70 per night and include dinner and breakfast.

The accommodation is basic, sleeping in a dorm but the views are stunning and there are showers too.

You can book them online, but it is worth calling to book as they don’t have good internet service if any. Also, bring cash to pay them as they do not accept cards. 

There are some great hut-to-hut hikes to do such as the short version of Via Alpina which takes 2 days, or the Four Source Trail which takes 5 days. 

I would also recommend becoming a member of the Swiss Alpine Club. It costs $80 but it comes with a mountain rescue service and gives you a 40-50% discount on the price of the mountain huts.  

Staying in mountain huts is an excellent way to reduce your daily budget, as it is some of the cheapest accommodations in the most expensive country in the world. 

Go Canyoning 

If you don’t know what canyoning is, then you are about to hear about one of the most fun activities around. Canyoning is climbing up to the top of a small stream and then jumping and sliding down all the waterfalls that take you back down the mountain. 

You will be geared up in a wetsuit and helmet and guided down these stunning mountain streams. Just imagine sliding down a 20 ft waterfall into a plunge pool that runs through a cave. It is epic and an awesome combination of hiking, waterfalls, and adrenaline. 

One of the best places in Switzerland to go canyoning is in the Interlaken canyon but Ticino Canyons, Chili Schlieren Canyon, La Salanfe Canyon, and Geneva Canyons are all excellent too. 

Paragliding

Switzerland is a paraglider’s paradise and there is no better way of seeing this beautiful country than by floating in the sky, looking down on it. 

Paragliding is essentially running off the side of a mountain with a parachute behind you. You will do it in tandem with a professional and once you have taken off, you will soar up above the lakes, mountain peaks, forests, and more. The best view in Switzerland is probably from a paraglider. 

One of the best spots to go paragliding in Switzerland is Interlaken as you get views across the lakes and the alps. But, you can pretty much do it anywhere from Zurich to Geneva and more, so you are always close to a paragliding operator in Switzerland.  

White-Water Rafting 

White-water rafting is a great activity to do in Switzerland, especially as a family. There is nothing quite like flying down a river surrounded by mountains working as a team and getting splashed with fresh, clean alpine water. 

There are some excellent spots for white-water rafting in Switzerland and these include the river Lütschine from Interlaken and the river Rhine from Ilanz. Other great rafting rivers are the Rhone, Inn, Saane, Arve, Landquart, Vispa, and Simme. 

Visiting Museums 

Swiss cities are filled with museums like most major cities in the world. But, you will also find a museum in a small mountain village too.

Whether you want to learn about the history of Switzerland and art at ​​Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva, or about Picasso at the Sammlung Rosengart Museum in Lucerne, Switzerland kind of has it all to offer but don’t forget to look at the small traditional museums in a small village. 

Other famous museums in Switzerland include the Red Cross Museum, FIFA Museum, Olympic Museum, the Swiss Transport Museum, and the Cern Museum. Whether it is history, art, traditions, culture, sports, or transport, there is a museum to match in Switzerland.

Skiing

The ski season in Switzerland runs from November to April and going skiing is something you should at least try while visiting Switzerland in the winter. 

There are lots of different ski resorts to choose from including the high-end famous resorts like St Moritz and Zermatt or the lower-end, lower-altitude resorts that are more affordable.

You can do a lot more than ski in Switzerland too. Snowboarding, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to enjoying the snow in Switzerland.  

Best Time to Go Backpacking In Switzerland

Switzerland is expensive and by traveling at the right time you can find the best deals on accommodation and flights. 

You have three choices when it comes to visiting Switzerland and these are either Christmas for the markets, during Ski Season, the summer for awesome hiking and water sports, or fall for stunning colors and great hiking too. 

The Lead Up To Christmas

Switzerland comes alive at Christmas. The towns are filled with markets and decorated with festive lights, trees, and lots more in the first three weeks of December. Flights are affordable, as is accommodation, and it is beautiful 

The lead-up to Christmas is also a great time to go skiing as prices are lower and there is a good chance of excellent snow at the higher-altitude resorts. 

March For Skiing 

The last 3 weeks of March are when the ski season in Switzerland slows down. This is when prices are more affordable and you have good snowfall too. 

May & June 

The months of May and June are amazing for hiking and enjoying the lakes. Summer is beginning to set in, it is sunny most days, and most hiking trails are open. You can also swim in the lakes, 

This is also a more affordable time for flights and accommodation as it is outside of school holidays, and there will be fewer tourists in the country too. 

September & October 

If hiking amongst autumn colors is something you love doing, then being there in September and October are the best months for you. Again, this is outside school holidays, flights are more affordable and accommodation is too.

The weather in October may not be so predictable but that is the price you pay for enjoying autumn colors. You will still get bright and sunny days that make it as stunning as it can be. 

Getting Around Switzerland

Public Transport

Transportation in Switzerland is one of the most efficient in the world. You will find a train station in most remote villages, if not a bus will pick you up 2 minutes after the train stops to take you efficiently to your destination. 

Train rides in Switzerland are also stunning as they take you into some of the most breathtaking scenery you can see from a train in the world. But, train tickets can be expensive which makes train travel a large part of your daily budget. 

You can buy a Swiss Travel Pass here. This gives you free public transport, free access to museums, and 50% off mountain railways and cable car tickets. 

It costs quite a lot though, 3 days costs 77 CHF per day, while 15 days costs 34 CHF per day. It is worth having it if you plan on traveling a lot. 

The other option is buying the Swiss Half Fare Card here, which costs just CHF 120 and gives you 50% off all trains, buses, boats, and trams.  

By Car 

Switzerland has excellent roads and traveling by car is a lovely way to see the country as you can access places that are off the tourist trail with ease. 

Car rental is also an option but it is expensive in Switzerland. You can be cheeky and rent a car in Germany though and drive across the border, as it is more affordable there. 

One thing I would say is that driving on mountain roads is not for the fainthearted and this is, even more, the case in winter. Also, some mountain passes can be closed in winter, making the train a more efficient option. 

The Cost Of Backpacking in Switzerland

Traveling around Switzerland doesn’t come without its expenses and most of your daily costs come from the accommodation, which averages $40 to $80 a night for a solo traveler. 

On average you should expect to spend around $130 to $180 per day for everything in Switzerland. This includes food, accommodation, transport, beers, and some activities too. 

But, there are some ways to bring this price down, which you will find in the tips section at the end. 

Budget Accommodation in Switzerland

Hostels 

Budget accommodation in Switzerland isn’t so budget. Youth hostels in most cities cost around $80 for a night and this is for a bed in a dorm, not even a private room. These are probably the most expensive hostels in the world. 

You can book a hostel in Interlaken, however, for $40 a night which saves you close to 50% on your daily budget for accommodation. This is why Interlaken is such a great place to base yourself from. 

Hostels are also great as they give you a free breakfast which would cost you $10 at a grocery store or $20 plus at a cafe. 

Camping 

There are designated campsites in most parts of Switzerland, from Zermatt to Interlaken. These are about as cheap as accommodation gets as they are just $20 a night. 

You will have to travel with a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping, plus breakfast is not included like it is at a hostel. But if you are driving from Germany, that shouldn’t be an issue, and you can fill up with cheap groceries before crossing into Switzerland. 

Couchsurfing & Airbnb

Couchsurfing is also an option. It is not very reliable but it is worth a try before booking your accommodation. Airbnb on the other hand can find you a place to stay for around $60 a night which is a great deal in Switzerland. 

Culture & Food in Switzerland

While you are backpacking in Switzerland, trying out some of the local cruising and getting to know the culture is a lovely thing to do. 

Traditional restaurants are easy to find and trying dishes such as fondue, rosti, and raclette should be high on your list. You should also try some Swiss chocolate, cheese, and wine as it is delicious. 

Swiss culture is a mixed one but a fair one. Made up of 3 major languages and cultures, the Swiss accept everyone for who they are, but they also expect a certain standard of behavior. Following the rules and being polite is important in Switzerland.

You should also try to attend some festivals in Switzerland where locals dress up in traditional alpine clothing. 

Safety in Switzerland

Switzerland is an incredibly safe country. The biggest safety issue is doing activities in the mountains. Weather changes, getting lost, and doing things outside of your experience levels should be your biggest concern. 

Always stay on marked hiking trails, take a guide with you if you are not confident, and don’t go for routes or activities that are outside your comfort zone. 

Other safety concerns include pickpockets around busy stations and tourist areas in larger cities. Keep your things close to you and don’t become a target. 

Best Backpacking Itineraries in Switzerland

The key to a great backpacking itinerary in Switzerland is not moving around too quickly. There is so much great stuff in one small town, spending one night there is never enough. Here are some great itineraries to follow. 

• 4 Days – Zurich & Lucerne

• 6 Days – Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken   

• 7 Days – Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, & Zermatt 

• 10 Days – Zurich, Lucerne, & Interlaken, & Bernese Oberland 

I would suggest doing at least the 7-day or 10-day itinerary as you will see a lot more of what the country has to offer. 

Tips For Backpacking Switzerland On A Budget

• Make your own meals and don’t eat out (use the cheap supermarkets)
• Bring a water bottle and fill it from the many free fountains 
• Mountain huts are an accommodation budget hack 
• Don’t drink while you are there, or only drink supermarket beers 
• Base yourself in Interlaken for cheaper accommodation 
• Use the Swiss Travel Pass or the Swiss Half Fare Card for cheaper transportation 
• Look for places to stay outside town, they are more affordable 
• Avoid adrenaline activities, hiking and swimming in lakes are free 
• Check Airbnb or Couchsurfing before you book a hotel or hostel 
• If you rent a car, do so in Germany or France and drive across the border
• Camping is an affordable option if you have the gear  

FAQ About Backpacking Switzerland

Is Switzerland good for backpacking?

Switzerland is awesome for backpacking when it comes to transportation, things to see, and nature to explore. It makes backpacking about as easy as it can be but it comes with a large price tag. 

Is hiking in Switzerland free? 

Hiking is 100% free in Switzerland but if you use a funicular or cable car to take shortcuts or get up the mountain, you will have to pay for those.