Switzerland Travel Guide
Traveling to Switzerland. Here, I’m going to write a comprehensive guide to make your travel wonderful. This guide will help you to make your trip a lasting memory of a lifetime. No trip is ever perfect in all ways, You might miss something very important. But I can assure you that, at the end of this post you will definitely find the best way to plan your trip.
As we all know, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places on earth, It has been one of the most popular destinations for many years. Traveling to Switzerland is not cheaper. It is one of the most expensive countries in Europe.
When I was planning to visit Switzerland in the budget. I found myself constantly to find ways to make my travel within budget. So that I can save some money.
Let’s start with some quick facts about Switzerland.
About Switzerland – Quick Facts
Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world and also known for the highest standards of living.
Switzerland is known for its mountains. Two famous mountains are Alps and Jura. It also has a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes.
Switzerland is a country situated in Central Europe. It is a member of a sovereign state. Switzerland is also a member of the Schengen Agreement.
Schengen visa is required for traveling to Switzerland.
Capital – Bern
Bordered by – North – Germany, South – Italy, West – France, East – Austria, and Liechtenstein
Languages – German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Currency – Swiss franc (CHF)
Best time to visit Switzerland
Any time is a good time to visit Switzerland but the Best time to travel to Switzerland totally depends on your plan and what you want to do there.
Any doubts about your plans? Feel free to ask for advice in the comment section or you can join our community on Facebook.
Climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold, or humidity in Switzerland. However, weather depends on altitude and the most significant Swiss lands are covered with mountains. Choose your clothes wisely. (See packing guidelines below).
Best time – June to September
However, I have summarised activities in seasons/months, which will help you to plan your trip accordingly.
June to August (Summer)
Most visitors come in the summer season. This is the best time to go sightseeing. Weather is also mild and mountain passes are open. You can experience the scenic beauty of Switzerland. This is peak time, you will face a little crowd so be ready for that.
December to February (Winter)
These months are known as the high winter season in Switzerland. It is best for winter sports and those who are looking to explore the Alps in snowfall. Hiking is only possible in lower elevations these days. The temperature will vary between 2°C to 6°C.
March to May (Spring)
March is early spring. Trees blossom and meadows turn green. Snow starts to melt. The weather is usually clear. Hiking is possible in high elevation. It’s still pretty chilly in some regions and lots of snow. Also warmer in some areas around the lakes. The temperature will vary between 11°C to 20°C. In this season you will cheaper accommodation than other seasons. Crowded will also less.
September to November (Autumn)
In this season, fruit ripens and leaves of deciduous trees change color.
How to Stay Safe in Switzerland
Be Vigilant
Switzerland is safe to travel and it has one of the lowest crime rates among all countries. The most common type of crime is pickpocketing in crowded areas. It is always wise to keep an eye on your wallets and valuable things.
Make Copies of Documents
Keep copies of your personal and travel documents, including your passport and Identity card.
Purchase Travel Insurance
One important thing that you should always purchase good travel insurance. This is optional if you are a budget traveler but is it is recommended. Travel insurance will protect you if anything goes wrong. Your personal travel insurance must include the coverage of personal accidents, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects, and cancellation charges.
What to Pack for Switzerland
If you are heading to Switzerland keep in mind that a significant portion of Switzerland is covered by mountains that’s why altitude affects weather. Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary. It is highly recommended for visitors to pack their clothes and other accessories to protect them from excessive heat or cold.
Here are my suggestions, you will get some ideas during packing.
Pack your clothes according to trip initiatory plan but must include these items:-
- A sweater or jacket
- Good walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A compact umbrella and/or a light raincoat
- One pair of shorts
- Swimming costume
- Good hiking boots
- one pair of flip-flops
- Water bottle
- Universal charger/adapters
- Makeup kit (for female)
- Lock for safety (Key or combination lock)
Cuts and minor injuries are never fun, but they’re part of everyday life, so it’s best to be prepared. First-aid is very essentials and you should always carry these small medical kit with you while traveling.
- Small Medical Kit – Safety First
- Hand sanitizer
- Ear Plugs
- Band-Aids
- Antibacterial cream
- Any antibiotics prescribed by your doctor
How to travel to Switzerland
By Air : These are the 4 major airports in Switzerland
- ZURICH AIRPORT
- GENEVA AIRPORT
- BERN AIRPORT
- BASEL AIRPORT
Take direct flights to any of the Swiss airport. If you don’t find direct flight it is advisable to fly into Paris or Milan than take a flight to any Swiss cities.
Zurich is the first place in Switzerland where visitors arrive because of its closest distance to the Swiss Alps and its mountainous scenery.
Zurich is located in the heart of Europe. It is the center of education and economic life in Switzerland. Zurich attracts many visitors every year and is the largest city in Switzerland.
Zurich Airport to City
By Train: Zurich Airport has its own train station. You can directly transfer onto the train from the plane. Hardly it takes 10 min to reach the city center from the airport via train.
By Tram: Tram, also called streetcar in Switzerland. It takes approximately 35 to 40 min to reach the city centre. If you want to see the city views you must choose to travel by tram.
By Shuttle Bus: Minibus runs at least once in every hour. Almost all hotels in Zurich central region and western region are served by Shuttle Bus. You can purchase tickets online or from hotel reception too.
By Taxi: If you want to cover your ride comfortably so you can choose to travel by taxi. So many taxi firms are available at arrivals for Zurich as well as surrounding areas.
Getting Around in Zurich
Day Pass
Zurich Card – Your City Travel Pass
Zurich Card is a perfect alternative of the day pass and is valid in the Zones 110, 111, 112, 121, 140, 150, and 154. There are two options, You can buy this card either for 24 hr or 72 hr. The Zurich CARD gives you free travel with public transportation throughout the entire city of Zurich.
Public Transport in Zurich
In Zurich City, you will find a bus stop or tram stop every 300 meters. And at all stop you will able to see the timetable and zone map. You can also purchase tickets for 1 hour or a Day pass for various zones. Zurich City is part of Zone 110, the Airport is part of Zone 121.
Zurich Transport Network (ZVV) – The ZVV is the largest local public transport network.
Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) – SBB is Switzerland’s biggest travel and transport company.
Swiss Travel Pass
Zurich can be discovered on foot in a few hours. All sights are within walking distance from Central station.
Zurich Budget Tips
Start with a tourist information center, which is located on the ground floor of Zurich main train station. Here you can stock up on various brochures and city maps, gift vouchers, and coupons. You can also purchase tickets for public transportation and museum. Check office timings for regular days as well as special days.
Visit Zurich’s tourism board site for information.