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Switzerland Travel Guide: What You Need to Know

Rabbie
Posted on 22 Jul 2024

Switzerland is one of the most striking countries in Europe, which is why we think it should be added to your travel bucket list. Our ultimate travel guide to Switzerland fills you in on everything you need to know about the country, the best places to visit, the things you need to do, and our top choice for small-group tours to get the most of your trip. Let us lead the way.

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Switzerland Fact File

Thinking of touring in Switzerland? Brush up on your knowledge of this incredible country with our ultimate Switzerland fact file guide. Having the basic knowledge of this country could help with your first planning steps, especially deciding what currency you need.

Location: Switzerland sits in the middle of Europe and is landlocked with France, Italy, Austria and Germany bordering it
Capital City: Bern
Official Languages: Romansh, French, German and Italian
Currency: Swiss Franc
Population: 8.776 million
Climate: The climate in Switzerland depends on the time of year and area of the country you're in. However, they don't have any extreme weather. Summer sees temperatures from 18 to 28°C, whilst winter tends to see temperatures between -2 to 7°C
Most Famous For: It’s snowy mountains and skiing, alongside chocolate and fondues

Swiss Regions - Which Are the Best?

For those planning their European tour of Switzerland, you may be wondering which regions are the best to visit. While we love the country as a whole, we also understand that you may be limited for time and have to prioritise regions to focus on. These are our top regions to visit according to our Switzerland travel guide:

Bernese Highlands - With more than 800 lakes surrounded by dramatic mountains, including the famous Matterhorn, the Bernese Highlands is a fabulous place to visit in Switzerland. This is the perfect region for those who love an outdoor holiday as it offers plenty of hiking, skiing, and biking.
Jungfrau Region - The highest point in Europe that can be reached by train resides in the Jungfrau region. It’s also home to some of the most magical places in Switzerland including Gridelwald and Launterbrunnen.
Lake Geneva Region - From the lake to the international city of Geneva, there’s lots to explore in this location. From museums and galleries, to lake boating and swimming - there’s something for every kind of traveller.
Central Switzerland - Take in the history of this magnificent country in the central region of Switzerland, home to Lucerne city which has a beautifully preserved old town to experience.

How to Travel Around Switzerland

Now that you know all about Switzerland and what it has to offer, it’s time to start planning that trip. For those wanting to fit in as much as possible whilst learning about the rich history of this country, our small-group tours of Switzerland are the perfect choice for you.

6-Day Exploring the Landscapes of Switzerland Tour - New for 2025, breathe in the Swiss landscapes, from the rocky mountains to the yawning lakes which feel straight out of a fantasy novel. You’ll visit Chur, Grindelwald, and experience the iconic Bernina Express.
6-Day Swiss Alps & Italian Lakes Tour - For a shorter tour opt for our 6-day exploration of the Swiss alps visiting Lake Maggiore, Lauterbrunnen, Gruyères, and Chillon Castle.
13-Day The Highlights of Switzerland & Italy Tour - Our highlights tour visits Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Chillon Castle, Lake Maggiore, and Gruyères.
13-Day Vistas of Switzerland & Italy Tour - Take in the peaks and valleys of Switzerland on this 13-day tour that visits Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, and Chillon Castle.

Top 5 Attractions to See When Travelling to Switzerland

Looking for the best things to do in Switzerland? We’ve narrowed it down to just 5 in this Switzerland travel guide to make trip planning easy for you:

Visit Grindelwald - Wanting to hike in Switzerland? Head straight to the area of Grindelwald which has some stunning mountainous viewpoints. If you’re looking for a truly remarkable spot, include Martinsloch (Martin’s Hole) on your list of must-sees. Located on the easternmost end of the Eiger, this viewpoint captures the sun beaming through the hole, but only at certain points of the day and year. Time your trip wisly to spot it.
Take a Dip in Lake Maggiore - Located by the Alps, relax by the side of Lake Maggiore or take a zipline across the lake itself. As Switzerland’s largest lake in the southern region, it’s a must-see, as when you arrive on its shores it almost calls for you to dip your toes into its refreshing waters.
Visit the Matterhorn - A trip to Switzerland would not be complete without seeing the Matterhorn. As arguably the most famous mountain in Switzerland, a photo opportunity is a must. Plus, it’s so famous, the chocolate brand Toblerone uses its outline on their packaging logo.
Take in Waterfalls at Lauterbrunnen - Switzerland is home to some magnificent waterfalls, in particular the area of Lauterbrunnen has plenty to enjoy. Named the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland, Staubbachfall’s beauty cascades down 297 metres and even has a poem written about it by world-famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Step into a Fairytale at Chillon Castle - This magical mediaeval castle is waiting for you to live out your fairytale dreams. Featured in Henry James’s novel Daisy Miller, and became the inspiration for the iconic Disney’s The Little Mermaid’s castle, this historic site truly contains all the fairydust for an memorable day out in Switzerland.

Travel Advice Before You Go to Switzerland

Before travelling to Switzerland there are a few key things to do and prepare for in order to make sure you enjoy your time there. Whether touring as a solo traveller, or part of a larger group, here are the ultimate things to consider with our Switzerland travel guide:

Pack for the weather & your activities - Depending on the time of year you visit Switzerland the weather may be different to where you’re travelling from, so make sure you check the forecast and pack appropriately. If you’re travelling to go skiing in the snowy mountains make sure you’ve got plenty of warm layers!
Learn some key phrases - Different areas of Switzerland speak different languages. Check which is predominant in the area you are going and learn how to say hello, please, thank you, and how to order food to ensure you’re being polite to locals.
Exchange some cash ahead of time - Not everywhere accepts cards so make sure you get a good exchange rate by changing some money at home. You’ll want Swiss Francs.
Tipping culture - Tipping culture is different in every country. In Switzerland it’s not expected, but waiters will appreciate it if you round the bill up or leave some change as a small tip.

Let Rabbie’s Lead the Way

Make lifelong memories with friends and family visiting the stunning country of Switzerland. To make your trip around the Swiss landscape easier, jump on board one of our small-group tours. Led by knowledgeable drivers and guides, in comfortable vehicles, see the landscapes in all its glory. Ensure you’re signed up to our newsletter and never miss out on knowing our new destinations or tour dates.