Switzerland Doesn’t Boil Their Water—Because They Don’t Have To

One thing that surprises people when they come to Switzerland is that you can drink the water. But that is just the tip of the iceberg (ok we have glaciers not icebergs, but you get my point).

Switzerland’s tap water isn’t just drinkable, it’s world‑class.

Over 80 % comes from clean groundwater, with the rest from lakes or alpine springs. All of it is rigorously monitored to meet strict national and international standards. Just like everything in Switzerland! Clockwork.

Advanced wastewater treatments, including activated charcoal filtration for micro‑pollutants, transformed our lakes and rivers into what many now call “blue gold”( according to The Guardian).

It’s safe and refreshing and based on pure Swiss know‑how.

(BTW I am not Swiss, so I have no horse in this race – the water is simply that good).

Yes, You Can Drink from Any Unsigned Faucet

Here’s the best part about the water here: unless there’s a “non‑potable” sign (or the equivalent), you can drink water from any tap

This means you can drink from

• your hotel bathroom
• apartment kitchen
• fountains in the streets
• fountains in the mountains (just avoid the ones that look like cow watering bathtubs and the like)

Interestingly, it’s actually illegal to leave unsafe water unsigned. So, you can be sure any water you find is safe.

We locals refill our bottles/tumblers from public fountains without a second thought. It’s a way of life.

So bring along a sturdy bottle or tumbler—you’ll save money, reduce plastic waste, and always have great water on hand.

Eating Out? Tap Water Isn’t Usually/Often Free!

All travelers should know that bottled water is the default in most restaurants, not tap water.

Importantly, bottled water can cost as much as soda or even beer! In Zurich, a 500ml bottle of Perrier can cost around 8-9 CHF. So watch out.

That means it pays to ask: “Could I have tap water?” (In German, “Hahnwasser bitte.”)

You might even get a funny look (as restaurants make most of their profits on drinks), but they’ll oblige, especially if you’re also ordering food. But, if you don’t want water, remember beer and Coke will cost you the same, so enjoy those instead!

Restaurant policy varies widely, though, so it’s not a given. In Ticino, for example, there’s even a law that mandates serving a free glass of tap water with a meal.

However, elsewhere, whether it’s free or available at all depends on the venue. Bigger cities, like Zurich, often charge a lot more.

Final Tips

• Bring a refillable bottle or tumbler—you’ll stay hydrated sustainably and cheaply.
• Refill anywhere (unless it says NOT), from public fountains to hotel taps.
• Ask for tap water in restaurants—you might get it free or at a tiny price.
• Avoid bottled water unless necessary—it can cost as much as your drink order.

Plan Your Trip to Switzerland

Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more

Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums.

Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland.

Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland.

Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland.

Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring!