Switzerland Travel Guide
The Ultimate Switzerland Travel Guide
Looking to hike some of the world’s most beautiful mountain landscapes, stroll through colorful old towns, and dine on some fondue? Then Switzerland is the perfect place for you! Visit the Bernese Oberland, a hikers paradise filled with towering mountains, alpine meadows, historic cogwheel trains, and quaint villages. Or, relax at Switzerland’s gorgeous cities and stock up on some famous Swiss chocolate.Switzerland Stats
Official Languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Population: 9 million
Capital City: Bern
Currency: Swiss franc
Power Outlet: Types C and J
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15 Great Hikes to Do in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
20 Amazing Things to Do in Zermatt, Switzerland
One Day in the Jungfrau Region: Jungfraujoch & the Eiger Trail
Switzerland Itinerary
Switzerland by Region
Bernese Oberland
15 Great Hikes to Do in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
20 Amazing Things to Do in the Jungfrau Region of the Bernese Oberland
Bernese Oberland Travel Guide: Focus on the Jungfrau Region
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Schilthorn and Birg
How to Hike the Eiger Trail: A Step-By-Step Trail Guide
Jungfrau Itinerary: 1 to 7 Days in Murren, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch & Interlaken
Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn: Which One Should You Visit?
Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe | How to Visit & Is It Worth It?
One Day in the Jungfrau Region: Jungfraujoch & the Eiger Trail
Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First Hike: Step-By-Step Trail Guide
The Mürren Via Ferrata: One of Switzerland’s Most Thrilling Experiences
Walking from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg on the Panorama Trail
Walking the Northface Trail in Mürren, Switzerland
Where to Stay in Jungfrau, Switzerland: Best Towns & Hotels
Lucerne & Zürich
How to Visit Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus in One Perfect Day
One Perfect Day in Zürich, Switzerland: (+ Walking Tour & Map)
Zermatt & the Valais
12 Epic Day Hikes in Zermatt (+ Trail Stats, Photos & Map)
20 Amazing Things to Do in Zermatt, Switzerland
Complete Guide to the Hörnlihütte Hike (Map, Trail Stats & Photos)
How to Climb the Breithorn: Photos, Trail Stats & What to Expect
How to Hike from Furi to the Gorner Gorge to Zermatt
How to Visit Gornergrat and Hike to Riffelsee & Riffelberg
How to Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise …and is It Worth It?
How to Visit Sunnegga, Blauherd, and Rothorn (Best One Day Itinerary)
Matterhorn Glacier Trail: Ultimate Trail Guide (+ Map, Photos & HELPFUL Tips)
The Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) in Zermatt…Is it Worth It?
The Ultimate Zermatt Itinerary for 1 to 4 Days
The Walker's Haute Route
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 1: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Argentière
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 2: Argentière to Col de Balme to Trient
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 3: Trient to Fenêtre d’Arpette to Champex-Lac
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 4: Champex-Lac to Le Châble
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 5: Le Châble to Cabane du Mont Fort
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 6: Cabane du Mont Fort to Cabane de Prafleuri
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 7: Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 8: Arolla to Les Haudères
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 9: Les Haudères to Lac de Moiry
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 10: Lac de Moiry to Col de Sorebois to Zinal
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 11: Zinal to Forcletta to Gruben
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 12: Gruben to Augstbordpass to St. Niklaus
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 13: St. Niklaus to the Europahütte
Walker’s Haute Route Stage 14: Europahütte to Zermatt
Walker’s Haute Route Stages: An Overview of All 14 Stages
Walker’s Haute Route: 21 Important Things to Know & FAQ
How To Book Your Walker’s Haute Route Accommodations
How To Plan Your Walker’s Haute Route Experience
Lake Geneva & Fribourg
Top Ten Things to do in Lausanne, Switzerland
Hiking the Gastlosen Tour, Switzerland: Stats, Map, & Photos
Day Trip to Château de Chillon, Montreux, & Vevey, Switzerland
10 Wonderful Things to do in Gruyères, Switzerland
10 Best Day Trips from Lausanne, Switzerland
Lugano & the Ticino Canton
10 Best Day Trips from Lugano, Switzerland
How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan or Lugano
How to Visit Ponte dei Salti, Verzasca Valley, Switzerland
Lugano, Switzerland: What to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay
Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info
Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?
In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe.
10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip
12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe
30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)
7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe
Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Top Experiences in Switzerland
Bernese Oberland. For many visitors, the Bernese Oberland is the highlight of a trip to Switzerland. Towering mountains, alpine meadows, soaring cable cars, historic cogwheel trains, scenic walking trails, quaint villages and hamlets…this is what most people think of, when they think of Switzerland.
Jungfraujoch. A trip up to Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular things to do in the Bernese Oberland. Stand on one of the highest points in the Swiss Alps, walk through an ice cave, play in the snow, get panoramic views over the Alps, and hike out to Mönchsjochhütte.
Schilthorn. Schilthorn is one of the highest peaks in the Jungfrau region and it is one of the best places to go for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. While you are here, enjoy the view as you dine at Piz Gloria, learn a little James Bond history at Bond World, and add on the thrilling Cliff Walk in Birg.
Spend some time in Bern. Enjoy the humble and medieval city of Bern! With its pretty river views, quaint streets, and cozy shops, this city is a delight to wander. Enjoy Bern’s museums, see Einstein's home, and climb to the top of the 13th century Zytglogge tower to look out over the city.
Lucerne. Lucerne is a gorgeous Swiss city that sits at the foot of the Alps. The best things to do are to wander the old town, eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the views of the lake.
Mt. Pilatus. Mt. Pilatus is a jagged mountain that overlooks Lucerne. Cable cars and a cogwheel railway whisk visitors to the top, where you can go hiking, ride Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan, and take in the view from a handful of viewpoints.
Zürich. Zürich, with its colorful old town and handy public transportation network, is a great city to add on to your tour of Switzerland. Wander the picturesque old town, dine on fondue, go shopping, and take a boat tour of Lake Zürich.
Zermatt. Zermatt is an idyllic mountain village tucked away in the Swiss Alps. The mighty Matterhorn dominates the skyline, creating one of the most unique alpine landscapes in Europe. Explore the hiking trails, journey up higher into the mountains by cable car and train, stroll the scenic streets of Zermatt, and go skiing all year long.
Visit St. Moritz. This small resort city surrounded by large mountains and gorgeous lakes. Enjoy the city’s fine dining and exquisite shopping, paddle board on Lake St. Moritz, or look down on the city from the top of a mountain.
Lausanne. Sitting on the shore of Lake Geneva is Lausanne, a charming city that is located in French-speaking Switzerland. With a colorful old town and numerous world-class museums, this is a delightful city to add to your tour of Switzerland.
Gruyères. Located in the idyllic, rolling hills of French-speaking Switzerland sits Gruyères, a picture-perfect medieval town. Cheese, chocolate, and beautiful cobblestoned streets attract visitors all year round.
Geneva. Geneva is a common gateway into Switzerland for many travelers. It’s a large and bustling city, yet ancient architecture, old cathedrals, and cobblestone streets still remain. Explore the city’s old town, sail on Lake Geneva, and savor Swiss fondue at local restaurants.
Visit the Appenzell District. Visit the quaint and historical villages in the Appenzell District, set amongst green pastures and soaring mountains. Here, you will be able to experience traditional Switzerland, taste freshly-made Appenzell cheese, and admire remnants of the Middle Ages.
How Many Days Do You Need in Switzerland?
At minimum, plan on spending 7 days in Switzerland. This gives you just enough time to visit Lucerne, Bern, or Zürich and then spend a few days in the Swiss Alps.
With 10 days in Switzerland, you have enough time to tour Lucerne, Zürich, the Bernese Oberland, and Zermatt.
With even more time, you can add on Lugano, Lausanne, St. Moritz, or spend more time in the Swiss Alps.
If you only have a few days in Switzerland, we recommend visiting Lucerne and day tripping into the Jungfrau region from here.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
You can visit Switzerland all year round.
The best time to visit, in my opinion, is during the summer months, especially if you want to go hiking. Many of the hiking trails do not open until the end of May or early June, and then close in October, when the snow begins to fall. So, if you are a hiker, the best time to visit is during the summer months.
Summer is peak season, especially in the Bernese Oberland. It will be more crowded and expensive to visit at this time, so you will need to make your hotel reservations far in advance (ideally 4 to 6 months before your visit). But the weather is warm, the flowers are blooming, and the days are long.
If you want to hike the trails and have lower crowds, plan your visit for the end of September to early October.
But Switzerland certainly does not lose its charm during winter months! Swiss cities are filled with Christmas celebrations and markets, and Switzerland has some of the best snow sports in Europe. Meanwhile, the Bernese Oberland is a snow-covered wonderland. Ride the cable cars to Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch for spectacular views, go skiing, and spend the evenings in a cozy hotel with views of the snow-capped mountains.
Most of the trains and cable cars operate year round, although some will close for a short period of time for maintenance, either during the winter, spring, or fall months.