With its stunning Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming cities, Switzerland is a dream destination for many travelers.
However, planning a trip to this beautiful country can raise many confusing and complex questions.
Whether you’re wondering about the best time to visit, how to navigate the efficient public transportation system, or what local delicacies to try, I’ve got you covered.
Below are twenty of the most common questions I get from clients and my Facebook Group!
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1. What’s the best time of year to visit Switzerland?
Summer (July/August) is the ideal time to visit Switzerland for the best weather. However, it is also the most expensive and busiest time.
My favorite time is after summer, in September, or even early October. The weather is still decent, the snow has melted (so you can hike almost anywhere), the prices are slightly cheaper, and things are less crowded.
The same applies to late May/June, however the weather can be less stable and there can still be snow on some hiking trails.
You can read more about seasons and the best time to travel here.
2. What are the must-see attractions in Switzerland?
The most popular attractions in Switzerland include the Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Lucerne and Zermatt. And if you want to cover all of those in around 5-10 days, then you should check out my quick and affordable 7 day itinerary guide.
3. What should I pack for a trip to Switzerland?
Figuring out what to pack for a trip to the mountains in Switzerland can be confusing.
You should ideally bring lots of different layers (underlayer, T-shirt/shirt, sweater, puffy jacket, rain jacket) because even when it is hot down in the valley or city, it can be super-cold on top of a mountain.
This can happen in summer, and it is especially the case in the shoulder seasons (June, September). It is even more challenging in winter.
Check out my full packing list post for more detailed information.
4. Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth purchasing?
In general, the Swiss Travel Pass is great for people who want maximum convenience while traveling in Switzerland.
It covers all ground transport (trains, boats, buses, trams) and allows you to hop on/off any transport you like, except for the mountains—gondolas, mountain trains, etc. It is not always the cheapest option, but it makes train travel in Switzerland an absolute pleasure!
You can read more about it here.
If you want to know what other kinds of passes you should consider, check out this post.
5. How do I use the Swiss public transportation system?
You can choose to buy a train pass for using public transport in Switzerland, or you can buy tickets as you go. Of course, there are a lot of other things to think about such as :
- Finding your train/platform/carriage
- Connecting to other trains/buses/boats
- Storing your luggage, charging your phone/laptop, buying food
So, if you want all of those kinds of questions answered in one single spot, check out my Swiss Train Travel Made Easy guide.
6. What currency is used in Switzerland?
Switzerland uses its own currency called the Swiss Franc (and cents are called “Rappen”).
Euros are not widely accepted, so don’t assume you can travel with just one currency if you are heading outside of Switzerland.
7. Are credit cards widely accepted, or should I carry cash?
Credit cards are extremely common and “tap to pay” is widely accepted in Switzerland. In fact, I often don’t have cash in my pocket for months at a time.
I would have at least 20 CHF when you come and change it at a supermarket or store as soon as you can to get some coins.
Read more about cash here.
8. How expensive is Switzerland compared to other European countries?
Switzerland is, unfortunately, one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the world.
I have found that over the years, the inflation in the rest of the world has reduced the difference. However, be prepared to spend a lot of money, especially on food and mountain transport.
9. How can I experience Switzerland on a budget?
Don’t be put off by Switzerland being expensive though. There are lots of ways to save money and budget while in Switzerland.
In fact, I have written an extensive guide on it just for you with 50 ways to save!
10. Is English widely spoken in tourist areas?
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Yes, Switzerland does have four different official languages and none of them are English (see the map above).
However, English is indeed widely spoken, especially in the cities and tourist areas of Switzerland. You will find that the majority of people you meet can speak some English to help you with directions, ordering, finding your hotel and changing trains.
11. Are there any specific cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?
Every country has its unusual cultural etiquette, however most of them won’t affect you while traveling in Switzerland. However, here are a few common things you may notice and take into account while traveling around
- Swiss and their trains are (almost) always on time – so if you have an appointment (guide, trip etc) be on time or a few minutes early
- Swiss people like to greet strangers in all sorts of situations (“Greutzi” or “Bonjour” they will say). Be polite and greet them back, using the German or French words if you can
- Swiss tend to be quite quiet people, especially in trains after 10 pm and in general they do not shout or make themselves stand out, so try to adapt and don’t make a lot of noise in your hotel or airbnb especially late at night
12. What are the tipping customs in Switzerland?
Tipping is a whole other topic, and Swiss generally don’t expect tips. You can round up your bill or drink price at a bar or tip your concierge at a hotel if you like.
Here are some more tips on tipping!
13. What are the best hiking trails for beginners in Switzerland?
Each region has a range of hiking trails that are more like walks and well suited to newcomers to Switzerland. I have lots of different posts on it, and here are some you should check out:
14. What type of electrical outlets does Switzerland use?
Switzerland has what is called a J Socket, which is different to almost any other country in the world (including Europe).
You will need an adapter for your travels to Switzerland, and if you use a world adapter, you should be good to go here and in Europe, too.
TIP: Check out this worldwide adapter with USB ports from Amazon
Read more about adapters and voltage in the EU and Switzerland.
15. How punctual are Swiss trains and public transportation?
Swiss trains are some of the most punctual in the world and are on time 92.5% of the time.
Also, most of the ones that come late are commuter trains during rush hour.
Of course, there are exceptions, and some of your trains may be late. So, if you want to learn what to do in this case and all other train-related tips (30 pages), you should check out my train travel guide.
16. Is it safe to drink tap water in Switzerland?
Switzerland’s water is some of the cleanest in the world and you should definitely bring your own drinking bottle to save on water costs and also help reduce waste (the environment will love you).
You can
- Drink water from the tap/faucet in your room
- Drink water from fountains in towns and cities (unless it says otherwise)
- Ask for tap water in restaurants (as bottled water is $$$)
17. What are some traditional Swiss foods I should try?
Each region in Switzerland has its own unique food, however in general, there are some foods you should try while in Switzerland, such as:
- Rösti (like hash browns but with all sorts of things on top like bacon, egg, and cheese)
- Cheese fondue (Moitié-Moitié is my favorite style)
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in a creamy sauce)
- Swiss Meringue (comes from Meirginen near Interlaken)
- Swiss Cheese (even from the supermarket)
- Swiss Chocolate (from the supermarket or Läderach store)
18. Are there any free activities or attractions in Switzerland?
Not everything in Switzerland has to cost a fortune. Sure, you can do the crazy activities at First Mountain or go on a mountain coaster, but sometimes the views and short hikes are the way to go.
Most mountain tops and valleys have hikes you can do free of charge, and you can also visit some museums in cities on specific days of the week for free (500 museums are free with the Swiss Travel Pass). Here is a list of free things posts I have written in the past:
19. Do I need a visa to enter Switzerland?
Whether you need a visa or not for Switzerland depends on where you live.
If you are from the EU or hold a Schengen visa already (if you arrive in another EU country first) you are free to enter Switzerland. Many of you from the USA, Canada, UK, Australian or New Zealand are only required to present a valid travel document to enter the country.
If you are unsure, you can read my post on visa requirements here OR check the country requirements list here.
20. Are there any scenic cable car rides I shouldn’t miss?
Of all the things you can see and do in Switzerland, there are a few must-see attractions that most people do, such as:
- Jungfraujoch
- Schilthorn
- First Mountain
- Männlichen
- Brienzer Rothorn
- Pilatus (near Lucerne)
Many of these attractions are covered in my Interlaken Regional guide, or my easy 7-day itinerary guide (if you are unsure where to go).
