Switzerland and Swiss people in general are subject to a whole range of stereotypes. From being rich and punctual to only eating cheese and chocolate, some are true, while others are somewhat debated.
Find out which Swiss stereotypes are the most true of Swiss people today, and which are a whole lot of garbage.
Table of Contents
Chocolate & Cheese
Yes, Switzerland is full of both chocolate and cheese. However, that does not mean that it is the only thing that Swiss people eat!
Cheese does play a large role in Swiss life, and there is certainly a lot of choices at the local supermarket. And cheese is something that will certainly be in every Swiss fridge. However, that does not mean that it is a huge part of Swiss daily life.
In my experience, cheese is far more of a winter thing, when things like Raclette and Fondue are seen everywhere. In the mountains, in Christmas markets and even in local dining rooms.
Chocolate is also something the Swiss people are very proud of. After many a debate about which is better – Belgian or Swiss chocolate, I have started to understand they are passionate about it.
But do they eat more than any other country? It seems on average they certainly do eat a lot of chocolate per capita. However, it is on the decline more recently. A new 40 year low apparently!
Mountains & Outdoor Activities
Switzerland and the people who live here are very much a mountainous folk. And who would dispute that given the country is covered by nearly 60% Alps.
The Swiss spend a lot of time in the mountains too. Every winter you will find most people skiing or snowboarding at least once a year, if not far more. And in the summer, hiking is a huge pastime, as it taking a trip to the top of mountain peaks for a meal in a chalet or Swiss hut.
And then there are the mountain huts. Scattered everywhere around the country, allowing for comfortable hiking overnight stays complete with hot meals and a warm bed. Not something you will find in many countries, and very much a summertime treat for the Swiss.
Clean & Pristine
Switzerland also has a name for itself as being extremely clean and even pristine. And as a foreigner who has lived here for decades, I also find that to be very true.
There is very little trash to be found on the streets in Switzerland. Even after huge street parties or festivals, the streets are cleaned up very quickly and efficiently afterward.
And given that every community has its own rubbish collection system, there is almost guaranteed cleanliness and recycling too. And this is despite the fact that the Swiss people actually produce an awful lot of rubbish per person too.
Punctuality, Efficiency & Rule Driven
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If you have to meet a Swiss person, please be on time. Or, better yet, a few minutes early!
Swiss people are very punctual. And they value others not wasting their time or making them wait. Maybe it has something to do with Switzerland’s watchmaking tradition? Or the fact that 60% of the country is of Germanic origins? Either way, punctuality is very important.
This is strongly followed by efficiency and rule following. Trains are always on time and run very well. People almost always stick to the letter of the law.
No noise after 10 pm. No washing or lawn mowing on a Sunday. No shopping on a Sunday. The list goes on and one. And the vast majority of Swiss people stick to them all.
The only time I have seen a deviation from this was during Covid when it was more about “liberty” or “freedom” and less about “not annoying your neighbors. Swiss were not very big on being told to wear a mask or get a vaccination. Which I found a little hypocritical when you can’t do your laundry on a Sunday!
Polite & Friendly?
There is a strange phenomenon in Switzerland where everyone will greet you on a hike, or in an elevator or sports changing room. However, you will always find it tough to make new friends.
The Swiss are polite and friendly in public spaces, especially in smaller villages. However, as a foreigner in Switzerland, you will find it tough to crack the nut of the Swiss people and get invited over to dinner.
It is not that the Swiss people are unfriendly. Although it may seem that way. They are just reserved and do not make new friends easily. If you are from a more open culture, as I am, it can be confusing and difficult, but it is something you get used to.
Everybody is Rich
Everyone in Switzerland is rich! Or are they?
Well, far more than in most countries, that is for sure. There are disproportionately more overly rich people in Switzerland than in other countries.
The rich may be here because of the tax laws, and not just because they earned it here. Some cantons in Switzerland like Schwyz and Zug have very favorable laws that attract the rich.
But let’s talk more about the average person. Well, in Switzerland the average wealth per person is higher than almost anywhere in the world. That can’t be disputed.
However, there are certainly enough people living on the border of poverty in Switzerland too. After all, it is also quite expensive to live here. The latest figures show that 1 in 5 is living in poverty in Switzerland too. So, it is not all sunshine and lollipops!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Swiss characteristics?
The Swiss tend to value such characteristics as orderliness, cleanliness, punctuality, and hard.
Are Swiss People introverted?
The Swiss people tend to be more introverted than many of their neighbors and other Europeans. They are difficult to get to know, however, once you have a Swiss friend, they will always stand by you.
How do the Swiss feel about foreigners?
In general, the Swiss are open to foreigners and immigrants in the country. However, there are a minority of the population that are not so welcoming to certain foreigners in the country.
