There is a wide range of apps you should have on your phone when you come to Switzerland.
So, if you want to navigate like a local, find hidden gems, and make the most of my time here, then you should start downloading these apps as soon as you have finished reading this post!
They’ve helped me with everything from catching trains on time to discovering off-the-beaten-path attractions.
So, based on my experiences traveling around Switzerland, here’s my list of must-have apps that I think every visitor should consider downloading:
1. SBB Mobile App – Trains
The SBB Mobile App is the key to smooth, easy train travel in Switzerland!
It allows you to
- plan your journeys
- know when to change trains
- buy tickets
And a whole lot more. Even if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or other local pass, you will find this app invaluable for getting from A-B, even if it is just on a bus or a short train ride from Interlaken to Grindelwald.
2. Google Maps – Navigation (Walking, Driving, Trains)
I know you probably have Google Maps on your phone already. However, I just want you to know that it is the key to navigating your way around Switzerland.
Whether you are:
- walking around a city or town
- figuring out how to get back to your hotel
- finding the nearest bus stop
- or planning your journey across Switzerland
it is an absolute must.
I use it in combination with the SBB Mobile App to figure out my journeys, as it often gives you the same information just in map form.
On top of this, it helps me find train stations, bus stops, shops, restaurants, local attractions and more.
3. Meteo Swiss (Weather)
Figuring out the upcoming weather is crucial to your trip, and the best local weather app is Meteo Swiss.
It can give you general weather forecasts, local forecasts, rain radar, and more.
4. Google Translate
Another handy app to have on hand in foreign countries like Switzerland is Google Translate. In fact, if you don’t speak the local lingo, it’s a lifesaver!
I use it all over the world for the following scenarios:
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- Point your camera at a sign or menu and have it translate it
- Talk to foreigners – either talk into the phone and have it speak German, or hold it up to a German speaker and it will tell you the English version
- Translate simple words or phrases
5. Easy Park (Parking)
If you want to make your life easier while parking in various towns and cities n Switzerland then download EasyPark and set up your vehicle and credit card so you can park and go in under a minute!
6. Too Good To Go (Cheap Food & Groceries)
Those on a budget and cooking in an apartment or Airbnb will love Too Good To Go. It’s all about reducing food waste and still getting quality produce from local restaurants, takeaway shops, bakeries and supermarkets.
Many of my friends use it and save lots of money, and save on the horrible waste of food that gets thrown out after lunch/dinner or end of day. Highly recommended.
7. Switzerland Mobility (Hiking, Walking)
If you are planning on doing any hikes, even short ones around your local area or on top of a mountain, download this app for easy navigation.
It also comes with a whole range of preloaded popular hikes, stats, information and more.
And if you are here in winter, you can also activate the winter view and see snowshoeing trails and winter walks.
You can also use it online for easier planning if you like. But get the mobile version for on the go!
** For the even more hardcore hiker you can also download SwissTopo, which I use to plan my hikes as you can handmake your own tours on the make and see distances, altitude changes and more. Awesome!
8. All Trails (Hiking)
A lot of user generated hikes and trails are on All Trails. So, if you find a lot of them online and need to use them on your phone then you may have no choice but to get the All Trails App. I have used it extensively overseas, but in Switzerland I usually use the two I mentioned above.
Of course, I am a local and very used to the trails, names, navigation, and more, so I don’t find the need for it. However, for first-time visitors who are not so confident, give it a shot. It’s a great app!
9. Swiss 3D or PeakFinder (Mountain Identification)
This last one is not a must, but if you are curious about mountains, naming the peaks you see around you or just love a little geography on the go then it’s super fun to use.
There is a local one you can try called Swiss 3D, or you can download the more premium paid app PeakFinder.
