The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Switzerland

Switzerland is a small but mighty country located in the heart of Europe, known for its picturesque alpine scenery, rich culture, and delicious chocolate and cheese. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, an adventurer, or a foodie, Switzerland has something to offer. 

From skiing in the Swiss Alps to hiking in the Jungfrau region, from exploring medieval castles to enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Zurich, Switzerland is a destination that promises to impress and is somewhere you should certainly visit whilst you are stationed in Europe. 

The Top Ten Swiss Hotspots

1. Zurich: Known for its picturesque old town, lively nightlife, and shopping options, Zurich is a great place to visit for those looking for a mix of culture and entertainment. The best place to stay in Zurich is in the Niederdorf neighborhood, which is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions.
2. Lucerne: This charming town is located at the base of Mount Pilatus and is famous for its medieval architecture and beautiful lakeside setting. 
3. Interlaken: This charming mountain town is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is known for its stunning alpine scenery and outdoor activities.
4. Grindelwald: This charming mountain village is located at the base of the Eiger and is popular for its fantastic skiing routes and hiking trails. The village is somewhat of a time capsule so aside from one or two modern establishments, be prepared to step back in time.
5. St. Moritz: This luxurious mountain resort is known for its skiing, hiking and outdoor activities. Dress smart, you may end up rubbing shoulders with the world’s wealthy and famous. 
6. Zermatt: This charming mountain village is located at the base of the Matterhorn and boasts fantastic skiing and hiking opportunities, not to mention some very high-end shopping. You may recognise the near perfect pyramid shape of the Matterhorn peak which is the inspiration behind Toblerone chocolate. Zermatt is a car-free town so you’ll leave your vehicle outside the city and travel in by train.
7. Geneva: Enjoy Geneva for its beautiful lakeside setting, historical old town, and international organizations. Geneva is a great place to visit for those interested in culture, politics, and diplomacy. Geneva’s international airport is an ideal hub if you are planning to have friends and family join you from the USA.
8. Lausanne: This charming lakeside town is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is known for its beautiful setting, cultural heritage and outdoor activities. 
9. Bern: Known for its medieval architecture and well-preserved old town, Bern is a great place to visit for those interested in history and culture.
10. Lugano: This charming lakeside town is located on the shores of Lake Lugano and is known for its beautiful setting, cultural heritage and outdoor activities.

Skiing in Switzerland

There is nothing comparable to skiing in Europe so you should take full advantage of the opportunity to enjoy it while you are here. Switzerland is known for its excellent skiing and there are many places to choose from, depending on your preferences and skill level. Some of the best ski resorts in Switzerland include:

1. Zermatt: Known for its world-class skiing and stunning views of the Matterhorn, Zermatt offers a wide variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Pedestrians can take a ride on the Gornergrat cogwheel train which takes you up from the village to 3,100 metres above sea level with a constant view of the Matterhorn. The panoramic view at the top offers mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see.
2. St. Moritz: This luxurious ski resort is known for its exclusive atmosphere, high-end amenities, excellent skiing and celebrity spotting.
3. Verbier: This large ski resort is known for its challenging terrain, off-piste skiing and après-ski scene.
4. Grindelwald: This charming mountain village is located at the base of the Eiger and offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
5. Davos Klosters: This large ski resort offers a wide variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and is known for its extensive snowmaking capabilities. It’s also the home of the annual world economic forum each year, which takes place conveniently in the height of the ski season.
6. Engelberg: This small ski resort is known for its challenging terrain and off-piste skiing opportunities.
7. Adelboden-Lenk: This ski resort is popular for its challenging terrain and off-piste skiing opportunities as well as the charming traditional Swiss village.

Be prepared! Skiing in Switzerland is expensive, especially at the more popular and luxurious ski resorts. Prices for lift tickets, ski rental, and accommodations can add up quickly. A daily lift ticket at a popular resort can cost between 70-150 CHF (Swiss francs) per day, depending on the resort and the time of year. Ski rental equipment can cost between 30-70 CHF per day. Accommodations can range from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious 5-star hotels, with prices to match.

If you’re looking to save money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when prices are generally lower, or staying in a more budget-friendly accommodation. Packages with lift tickets and rental included can also be a good way to save money.

It’s also worth looking for deals and promotions, and to book in advance, in order to get the best prices. Consider buying a ski pass that covers multiple ski resorts or multiple days, this can end up being cheaper.

Hiking in Switzerland

If hiking is your thing then Switzerland is a destination for you! It is known for its beautiful alpine scenery and hiking trails, many of which offer spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. Some of the most famous hiking trails in Switzerland include:

1. The Eiger Trail: This challenging trail takes hikers through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Switzerland, with views of the famous Eiger mountain.
2. The Haute Route: This classic trek takes hikers from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, passing through some of the most beautiful alpine scenery in the world.
3. The Jungfraujoch: This trail leads to the highest railway station in Europe, and it offers the most spectacular view of the Jungfrau mountain and the surrounding alps.
4. The Gornergrat: This trail leads to the Gornergrat, which offers a panoramic view of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and other peaks, this is a family-friendly hike.
5. The Aletsch Glacier: This is the longest glacier in the Alps, and it offers a great hike, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the glacier itself.
6. The Five Lakes Hike: This hike takes you through the beautiful alpine landscape of the Engelberg valley, passing by five picturesque mountain lakes.
7. The Pilatus: This trail leads to the summit of the Pilatus, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the city of Lucerne.
8. The Grindelwald-First: This hike takes you through alpine meadows and forests, and offers great views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains.
9. The Senda Sursilvana: This hike takes you through the Sursilvan region, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the valley. It’s a great way to explore the region.

It’s worth noting that some of these trails are considered challenging and may require proper preparation and equipment, such as good hiking boots and climbing gear, so make sure to check the trail’s difficulty and if you have the right level of fitness before attempting them. It is also advisable to get a guide or join a guided group where possible.

Swiss Culinary Delights

Switzerland has a rich culinary tradition, with a variety of delicious dishes to sample. Some of the most popular and traditional Swiss foods include:

1. Fondue: A classic Swiss dish, fondue is a melted cheese sauce typically served with bread or potatoes for dipping. It is usually made with a combination of Gruyere and Emmental cheese, and it’s a must-try when in Switzerland.
2. Raclette: Similar to fondue, raclette is a traditional Swiss dish made from melting a wheel of cheese and scraping it onto potatoes and other accompaniments.
3. Rösti: A traditional Swiss dish made from grated potatoes, fried until crispy and golden. It’s often served as a side dish or as a base for other dishes.
4. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Thin slices of veal or pork in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over rösti. This is a traditional dish from the city of Zurich.
5. Birchermüesli: This is a traditional Swiss breakfast dish, made from rolled oats that are soaked over night, yogurt, and fruit. It’s a great way to start the day and it’s healthy too.
6. Chocolates: Switzerland is renowned for its chocolate, which is considered some of the best in the world. Be sure to sample some of the local chocolate while you’re there.
7. Cheese: Switzerland is home to a wide variety of delicious cheeses, including Gruyere, Emmental and Appenzeller. Be sure to sample some of the local cheeses while you’re there.
8. Rostbratwurst: a traditional sausage made of pork, usually served with rosti and sauerkraut.
9. Wine: Switzerland is not a well-known wine-producing country, but it actually has a wide variety of delicious white wines, especially from the region of Valais.

Keep in mind that many regions in Switzerland have their own traditional specialties, so ask for the local dish wherever you are so that you can be sure to sample the best on offer!

Switzerland’s Famous Scenic Train Rides

Switzerland is known for its scenic train rides, which offer visitors the opportunity to experience the country’s beautiful alpine scenery and picturesque towns. Some of the most famous and scenic train rides in Switzerland include:

1. The Glacier Express: This train ride takes you through the Swiss Alps, passing through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. The journey takes around 8 hours, and it’s considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
2. The Bernina Express: This train ride takes you through the Swiss Alps, passing through the beautiful Engadin valley, and across the famous Bernina pass, at an altitude of 2,253 meters. The journey takes around 4 hours.
3. The GoldenPass Line: This train ride takes you through the Swiss Alps, passing through picturesque towns such as Lucerne, Interlaken, and Gstaad, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes. The journey takes around 4 hours.
4. The Gotthard Panorama Express: This train ride takes you through the beautiful Ticino region, passing through the Gotthard tunnel, at an altitude of 1,151 meters. The journey takes around 3.5 hours.
5. The Jungfrau Railway: This train ride takes you to the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, at an altitude of 3,454 meters. The journey takes around 2 hours.
6. The Zermatt-St. Moritz Express: This train ride takes you through the beautiful Valais region, passing through the Matterhorn and the Gornergrat, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. The journey takes around 4 hours.
7. The Montreux Oberland Bernois: This train ride takes you through the beautiful towns of Montreux, Gstaad and Grindelwald, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes. The journey takes around 3 hours.

TLDR: The Highlights of Switzerland

If you have a limited amount of time and can only visit Switzerland once or twice whilst stationed in Europe, then allow us to to suggest that you put these destinations on your agenda:

1. The Rhine Falls: The largest waterfall in Europe, located in the northern part of Switzerland, near the town of Schaffhausen. Visitors can take boat rides to the base of the falls and even walk behind the curtain of water for a truly unique experience.
2. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Located at the highest altitude of any cableway in the Alps, this destination offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.
3. The Aletsch Glacier: The longest glacier in the Alps, located in the southern part of Switzerland. Visitors can take guided tours on the glacier or hike around the nearby valleys for a unique alpine experience.
4. The Château de Chillon: A medieval castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, it’s one of the most visited castles in Switzerland.
5. The Jungfraujoch: The highest railway station in Europe, located at an altitude of 3,454 meters. Visitors can take a train up the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
6. The Gruyère region: Known for its cheese and chocolate, the Gruyère region is home to many traditional villages and medieval castles. Visitors can explore the region on foot or by bicycle for a unique cultural experience.

Switzerland offers an unrivaled combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure. If you’re looking for a destination that offers the best of everything, put Switzerland on your travel bucket list, you will not regret it.