Switzerland Travel Guide

Switzerland captivates every traveller with a perfect blend of breathtaking nature and elegant cities. From the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps to crystal-clear lakes, from Zurich to Geneva, Bern to Lucerne, discover alpine villages, medieval towns, and breathtaking panoramas. Skiing, castles, architecture, and Swiss cheeses make it an unforgettable getaway.

Top cities to visit

  • Panoramic view of Zurich, Switzerland, featuring the Limmat River, red-tiled roofs, historic church towers, and green hills.

    Zurich

    Zurich stands out for its elegance and vibrancy. Explore Zurich Old Town around the Grossmünster and the main square, wander along Bahnhofstrasse, and enjoy panoramic views from the Uetliberg. With art, culture, and lakeside charm, Zurich showcases the very best of Switzerland.
  • Panoramic view of Geneva, Switzerland, along Lake Geneva, featuring the Jet d’Eau and the orange-tiled roofs of historic buildings.

    Geneva

    Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, this town offers the perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxation. Stroll through the Old Town and visit St. Pierre Cathedral, admire Geneva’s spectacular water fountain (Jet d’Eau), and wander through the Parc des Bastions. Walk along the quays and be amazed by breathtaking views of the Alps.
  • Lucerne, Switzerland, with the Reuss River, Kapellbrücke Bridge, colourful building façades, and St. Peter’s Church.

    Lucerne

    Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne enchants with its medieval streets, Chapel Bridge, and Water Tower. Between fascinating museums, lakeside strolls, and Alpine panoramas from Pilatus or Rigi, Lucerne captures the very essence of Switzerland.
  • Swiss Parliament building in Bern, with its impressive façade and dome, under a clear blue sky.

    Bern

    Bern captivates visitors with its UNESCO-listed medieval old town, cobblestone streets, medieval arcades, and numerous fountains. Stroll through the old town and along the banks of the Aare River, admire the Clock Tower, and visit the BearPark and Einstein House.
  • Aerial view of Lausanne, Switzerland, featuring the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its stone roof and prominent spire.

    Lausanne

    Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is known for its old town, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Olympic Museum. Stroll along the lakeside, explore Independence Park, and discover the city via funicular. Experience culture, nature, and breathtaking views in Lausanne—a destination you cannot miss.
  • Panoramic view of Zurich, Switzerland, featuring the Limmat River, red-tiled roofs, historic church towers, and green hills.

    Zurich

    Zurich stands out for its elegance and vibrancy. Explore Zurich Old Town around the Grossmünster and the main square, wander along Bahnhofstrasse, and enjoy panoramic views from the Uetliberg. With art, culture, and lakeside charm, Zurich showcases the very best of Switzerland.
  • Panoramic view of Geneva, Switzerland, along Lake Geneva, featuring the Jet d’Eau and the orange-tiled roofs of historic buildings.

    Geneva

    Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, this town offers the perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxation. Stroll through the Old Town and visit St. Pierre Cathedral, admire Geneva’s spectacular water fountain (Jet d’Eau), and wander through the Parc des Bastions. Walk along the quays and be amazed by breathtaking views of the Alps.
  • Lucerne, Switzerland, with the Reuss River, Kapellbrücke Bridge, colourful building façades, and St. Peter’s Church.

    Lucerne

    Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne enchants with its medieval streets, Chapel Bridge, and Water Tower. Between fascinating museums, lakeside strolls, and Alpine panoramas from Pilatus or Rigi, Lucerne captures the very essence of Switzerland.
  • Swiss Parliament building in Bern, with its impressive façade and dome, under a clear blue sky.

    Bern

    Bern captivates visitors with its UNESCO-listed medieval old town, cobblestone streets, medieval arcades, and numerous fountains. Stroll through the old town and along the banks of the Aare River, admire the Clock Tower, and visit the BearPark and Einstein House.
  • Aerial view of Lausanne, Switzerland, featuring the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its stone roof and prominent spire.

    Lausanne

    Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is known for its old town, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Olympic Museum. Stroll along the lakeside, explore Independence Park, and discover the city via funicular. Experience culture, nature, and breathtaking views in Lausanne—a destination you cannot miss.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Aerial view of Lausanne, Switzerland, featuring the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its stone roof and prominent spire.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 7h20 to 8h depending on the arrival city
Connecting flight: 9h30 to 15 hours (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Switzerland time zone: UTC +1
6h ahead of Quebec (EST)
5h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF) 
Credit cards are widely accepted in Switzerland, whether in shops, restaurants, hotels, or public transport. However, it is recommended to carry some cash for rural areas, small businesses, local markets, ski resorts, or for tipping.

Tips

In Switzerland, tipping is not mandatory, as service charges are often included in the bill. However, tips are always appreciated for excellent service. For taxis, it is recommended to leave 5–10% of the total fare.

Safety

Switzerland is a very safe country for tourists, but as anywhere, it is best to stay vigilant in crowded areas. During outdoor activities, it is important to always follow local guidelines. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Switzerland Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Hike in the Swiss Alps in Zermatt

  • Travel aboard the Glacier Express panoramic train

  • Enjoy a cheese fondue in Gruyeres

  • Take a cruise on Lake Brienz or Lake Geneva

  • Admire the Rhine Falls

Hidden gems to discover

  • Appenzell Village

    Appenzell immerses you in a picturesque Swiss setting with traditional houses and an authentic atmosphere. Surrounded by the Appenzell Alps, it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Discover the local culture, taste Appenzell cheese, and visit the museum.

  • Soglio Village

    Soglio is a true hidden gem of Switzerland. Its stone houses and cobblestone streets preserve the charm of its history. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking panoramas, making it the perfect destination for lovers of nature, history, and local cuisine.

  • Creux du Van

    A gem of the canton of Neuchâtel, the Creux du Van is an impressive natural amphitheatre, 1,400 m wide and 160 m high. Its cliffs offer breathtaking views over Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. Hiking, dramatic landscapes, and wildlife make it a must-visit site to experience Switzerland.

  • Lake Oeschinen

    Located in the Bernese Oberland, Lake Oeschinen is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous for its striking turquoise waters and waterfalls surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. It offers an enchanting setting for hiking and swimming.

  • Appenzell Village

    Appenzell immerses you in a picturesque Swiss setting with traditional houses and an authentic atmosphere. Surrounded by the Appenzell Alps, it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Discover the local culture, taste Appenzell cheese, and visit the museum.

  • Soglio Village

    Soglio is a true hidden gem of Switzerland. Its stone houses and cobblestone streets preserve the charm of its history. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking panoramas, making it the perfect destination for lovers of nature, history, and local cuisine.

  • Creux du Van

    A gem of the canton of Neuchâtel, the Creux du Van is an impressive natural amphitheatre, 1,400 m wide and 160 m high. Its cliffs offer breathtaking views over Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. Hiking, dramatic landscapes, and wildlife make it a must-visit site to experience Switzerland.

  • Lake Oeschinen

    Located in the Bernese Oberland, Lake Oeschinen is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous for its striking turquoise waters and waterfalls surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. It offers an enchanting setting for hiking and swimming.

Highlights

  • Majestic landscapes of the Alps
  • Tranquility of the countryside
  • World-famous cheese and chocolate
  • Exceptional transport network

Keep in mind

  • The cost of living is very high: accommodation, dining, and activities are among the most expensive in Europe.

Local food and gastronomy

  • Swiss Cheese Fondue

    Cheese fondue is a cozy and social dish. It is made with melted cheeses, often Gruyère, Vacherin, or Appenzeller, flavoured with garlic and white wine. The creamy mixture is served in a heated pot, and long forks are used to dip pieces of bread and potato into the molten cheese.

  • Rösti

    Röstis are delicious, grated potato pancakes, pan-fried until golden. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are served as a side dish or as a main course topped with cheese, sausage, or a fried egg. Each region has its own version to discover.

  • Bündnerfleisch

    Bündnerfleisch is a specialty of the Swiss Alps. Made from salted and spiced beef, air-dried in the pure mountain air, it is sliced very thinly to bring out its full flavour. Served as a starter or on a gourmet platter, it embodies the tradition and craftsmanship of the canton of Graubünden.

  • Swiss Chocolate

    No trip to Switzerland is complete without a taste of its world-famous chocolate. Smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it comes in bars, pralines, and artisanal truffles. Brands like Toblerone, Cailler, Lindt, and Sprüngli have been keeping this gourmet tradition alive for over a century—experience their craftsmanship for yourself.

  • Bircher Muesli

    Bircher Muesli is a classic Swiss breakfast. Simple, healthy, and delicious, it is made with rolled oats soaked in milk—often overnight—until the mixture becomes tender, rich, and creamy. It is then topped with yogurt, nuts, and fresh apple slices.

  • Swiss Cheese Fondue

    Cheese fondue is a cozy and social dish. It is made with melted cheeses, often Gruyère, Vacherin, or Appenzeller, flavoured with garlic and white wine. The creamy mixture is served in a heated pot, and long forks are used to dip pieces of bread and potato into the molten cheese.

  • Rösti

    Röstis are delicious, grated potato pancakes, pan-fried until golden. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are served as a side dish or as a main course topped with cheese, sausage, or a fried egg. Each region has its own version to discover.

  • Bündnerfleisch

    Bündnerfleisch is a specialty of the Swiss Alps. Made from salted and spiced beef, air-dried in the pure mountain air, it is sliced very thinly to bring out its full flavour. Served as a starter or on a gourmet platter, it embodies the tradition and craftsmanship of the canton of Graubünden.

  • Swiss Chocolate

    No trip to Switzerland is complete without a taste of its world-famous chocolate. Smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it comes in bars, pralines, and artisanal truffles. Brands like Toblerone, Cailler, Lindt, and Sprüngli have been keeping this gourmet tradition alive for over a century—experience their craftsmanship for yourself.

  • Bircher Muesli

    Bircher Muesli is a classic Swiss breakfast. Simple, healthy, and delicious, it is made with rolled oats soaked in milk—often overnight—until the mixture becomes tender, rich, and creamy. It is then topped with yogurt, nuts, and fresh apple slices.

Apple Brandy Infused Cheese Fondue with Roasted Vegetables

Let yourself be swept away by the enchanting aroma of apple brandy at the heart of this creamy fondue. With every bite of melted cheese, let your mind escape to the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland. (Video in French only)

Good to know

  • Most hotels provide a public transport card.
  • Despite its small size, Switzerland has four national languages: French, German, Italian, and Romansh. German is the most widely spoken, French is used in the west, Italian in Ticino, and Romansh in Graubünden. Each region has its own distinct cultural identity.

What to bring back?

  • Alpine Cow Bell

  • Cuckoo Clock

  • Swiss Chocolate Bars

  • Swiss multi-tool knife

  • Small Wooden Cow Figurine

Frequently asked questions

Switzerland can be visited year-round, so the best time to go depends on the activities you want to enjoy. Summer is ideal for mountain hiking and exploring cities, but it is peak season: prices are higher, and popular sites can be crowded. Winter offers perfect conditions for skiing and winter sports, along with the magical atmosphere of Christmas markets. Spring and autumn, quieter and more affordable, showcase breathtaking blooming landscapes with vibrant colours.

The best way to get around Switzerland is to get a Swiss Travel Pass, which provides access to the entire public transport network—one of the most efficient in the world. It includes panoramic trains, buses, and boats connecting cities, villages, and Alpine regions. Renting a car is also a good option but requires purchasing a motorway vignette.

8 to 12 days 

This duration allows you to explore historic cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Bern; Alpine landscapes around Interlaken or Zermatt; and iconic lakes like Lake Geneva, Lake Neuchâtel, and Lake Lucerne.

  • Basel Carnival (Basler Fasnacht), February or March, in Basel. Three days of costumed parades, marching bands, and illuminated lanterns create a unique atmosphere, recognized for its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Montreux Jazz Festival, July, in Montreux. One of the world’s most renowned music festivals is set in a spectacular lakeside location on Lake Geneva.
  • Swiss National Day, August 1, across the country. Fireworks, concerts, and celebrations bring cities and villages to life in a friendly and patriotic atmosphere.
  • Christmas Markets in Basel, Zurich, and Montreux, late November to late December. Illuminated chalets, mulled wine, local crafts, and magical decorations turn city centres into winter postcard scenes.

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Getting ready for your trip

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The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Switzerland, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.