Search the World - enter sentence or part of word
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite]

Switzerland Travel Wiki

[tp_search_shortcodes slug=”4f02989d” origin=”” destination=”EAP” hotel_city=”Basel, Switzerland, 248, 11534, city, Switzerland” type=”avia_hotel” subid=”cacgb”]

Easy travel guide
Find general travel information, guides and “good to know”. Find the cheapest flights and best hotels offers in one click multi search engine - just click a city and discover the best of the country.

Travel to Switzerland

Switzerland is more than just a land with snow-capped mountain peaks, lush green valleys, and chalets that hide alphorns – though you’ll find all of these things in abundance.

It is also a place that offers visitors a glimpse of rustic Europe, intermingled with some of the most modern resorts the world has to offer. Relax by a lake, take a stroll along a promenade, and make sure you reserve some time for skiing or snowboarding.

In Switzerland, Mother Nature Is At Her Best

Peaks like the Matterhorn often get the most attention during the planning of a Switzerland trip, but there is much more to see and explore in the outdoors here. There are 70+ waterfalls in just one valley alone, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, to experience. Don’t miss Trümelbach Falls, which are literally inside of a mountain. Many of the waterfalls can even be visited at night for a unique experience.

Enjoy Something a Little Different

Precision has made Swiss-manufactured products famous the world over. That same focus on precision has been applied to the nation’s growing agrotourism opportunities, allowing visitors the chance to see what life is like on an authentic Swiss farm. Brown Swiss cattle are coveted for the amount of fat they produce in their milk, which gets turned into several different varieties of cheese. It’s literally serenity at your fingertips.

Don’t Forget About the Sunshine

If snowy mountains leave you shivering and cold, then consider a stay in Ticino instead. With a bit of Italian flair thrown in for good measure, you’ll be able to enjoy lakeside beaches, Michelin-star rated dining, and several cultural opportunities that will spark your interests. Switzerland, in fact, offers different cultural activities in every community thanks to its landlocked status against four separate nations.

Switzerland is more than a land famous for its neutrality. It’s also a place where you can relax, explore, and rejuvenate in your preferred way. Plan your trip today and you will have the holiday of a lifetime.

Best of Switzerland

Switzerland offers visitors access to soaring mountain peaks. You can lose yourself in the rolling green hills or the Medieval quarters in its landmark cities. It is a country that revels in its abundant contrasts, from landscapes to culture, to create an identity it calls its own.

Here is the best of what you can expect with a visit to Switzerland.

#1. Appenzell

If you want to experience Swiss culture, then this picturesque village should be your first stop. With its narrow streets and colorful murals, you’ll find that life embraced a different pace here. When the country began to industrialize, the lack of railroad and roadway access left this region to stay focused on its regional crafts instead. Lace and cheese helps life to stay true.

#2. Vorderrhein Gorge

This heavily forested area works with the Rhine River to create a stunning landscape. As the Rhine Glacier retreated, it caused numerous landslides that blocked the river. When the river could eventually break through the natural dam, the force of the action created a massive canyon. Try taking a tour down the turquoise waters to see the white cliffs personally.

#3. Engadine Valley

There is a 67,000-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the valley, which is protected by its national park status. The Alpine landscapes loom overhead majestically. You can visit Tarasp Castle during your stay as well. Only one road runs through the park and the impact of visitors is carefully monitored. Visit during the summer to see the wildflowers or come in Autumn to see the ibex.

#4. Brienz

Located just east of Interlaken, you’ll find this small community is famous for its woodcarving. You’ll also get the chance to see the beautiful Giessbach Falls. Almost all the carved wood found in Switzerland originated from this region.  Take the Rothorn Bahn, a 3-hour train ride using an old steam locomotive, to see the stunning views from the summit.

#5. St. Moritz

This community has long been a winter resort. The traditions began in 1864 when a hotel honor told travelers they could stay as long as they wished at his expense if they liked the region. Despite its reputation as a winter playground, this community sees over 300 days of sunshine each year. Try to catch a Skikjoring race during your stay if you can.

#6. Lugano

Located in the south, in the Canton Ticino, this city feels very Italian. The Old Town is pedestrian-only, which makes it the perfect place to take a walking tour. You’ll see palm trees here, flower gardens are frequent, and the waters of the lake are beautiful and calm. Try renting a bicycle to see even more of the city and surrounding region.

The best of Switzerland offers visitors more than alphorns and cow bells. You’ll find that even as cities have modernized and embraced new traditions, there is still a focus on the way life has always been here. That is why an adventure through the landscapes of Switzerland makes for such an exciting holiday opportunity.

City Guides

Click on a city for more information about the city, maps, tourist information, tours and what to see and do in the city.

Aarau

Aarau Travel Wiki Travel to Aarau Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Aarau Switzerland is a nation of rolling hills, stunning lakes, and wonderful opportunities to explore. Aarau is an excellent example of what to expect when exploring Swiss heritage and opportunities. Within the city, you’ll find several sites that are listed as being nationally significant. This includes the Cantonal Library, the old school, and three churches. Three parks and...

Basel

Basel Travel Wiki Travel to Basel Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Basel Basel is one of the most unique cities in the world because it sits at the confluence of three distinct borders. On one hand, you've got some French influences, on the other some German influences, and right in the heart of the city you have the Swiss culture on display. Basel is also unique as it...

Bellinzona

Bellinzona Travel Wiki Travel to Bellinzona Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Bellinzona Bellinzona brings the history of Ticino and Switzerland to you with a marvelous spectacle. The city is famous because of its three castles, named Castlegrande, Sasso Corbaro, and Montebello. Since 2000, these three castles have been listed as a world heritage site. Fortifications in Bellinzona have existed since the 1st century BC. You’ll find extensive ramparts...
video

Bern, capital of Switzerland

Bern Travel Wiki Travel to Bern Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Bern Bern is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best cities. Visiting the historic old town, surrounded on three sides by the Aare, allows you to enjoy an area that has essentially remained unchanged since the 15thcentury. It is an excellent example of Medieval character while supporting a modern way of life. Within the old city, you’ll...

Biel

Biel Travel Wiki Travel to Biel Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Biel The town of Biel is known as the “metropolis of watchmaking. You’ll find it at the eastern end of Lake Biel, right at the foot of the Jura. It offers visitors the chance to explore an intact old town while providing outdoor opportunities at the peripheral Jura lakes. It is a town where life moves at...

Chur

Chur Travel Wiki Travel to Chur Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Chur If you wish to visit the stunning summits and beautiful vineyards of the Grisonian Rhine Valley, then a stay in Chur is your best opportunity. It is arguably the oldest town in Switzerland and hosts several heritage sites. There are four archives, four museums, and three churches that are all listed as being nationally significant and...

Davos

Davos Travel Wiki Travel to Davos Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Davos Davos provides the epitome of what one expects during an adventure through Switzerland. Located on the Landwasser, within the Rhaetian Alps, it is located at 1,560m. That gives it the nickname of the “highest town in the Alps.” One of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland is located in Davos, as is the World Economic Forum. During...

Geneva

Geneva Travel Wiki Travel to Geneva Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Geneva Geneva, or Geneve if you prefer, is perhaps the most famous city in Switzerland. It is home to the Geneva Conventions, a series of treaties and protocols that defines the rights of soldiers during a time of war, provides protections for those injured, and provides additional protections for civilians around a war zone. The first treaty...

Gstaad

Gstaad Travel Wiki Travel to Gstaad Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Gstaad Located in the canton of Bern, Gstaad is a small village which offers the classic Swiss winter experience. You’ll find tall mountain peaks, beautiful skin runs, and plenty of opportunities to plan an outdoor adventure. More than 220km of ski runs are available to explore. Skiing has always been a way of life in Gstaad. The first...

Interlaken

Interlaken Travel Wiki Travel to Interlaken Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Interlaken Located within the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is part of a wonderous destination experience. Surrounded by triple mountain peaks and situated between dual lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this village is the ideal starting point for all of your adventures in Switzerland. Although the actual mountain summits can only be accessed by mountaineers, you can get...

Lausanne

Lausanne Travel Wiki Travel to Lausanne Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Lausanne Lausanne can be found in Romandy, which is in the part of Switzerland that primarily speaks French. It sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and the Alps stand majestically in the background, giving visitors the perfect vista to enjoy every morning when they wake up. It has come a long way from its initial days...

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen Travel Wiki Travel to Lauterbrunnen Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Lauterbrunnen Lauterbrunnen is a village in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. The skiing is the best attraction, but the Talschaft Local Museum is worth the visit. The Trummelback Falls is a beautiful sight to see. The falls seem to go on forever and the area around the falls in worth a day exploring. The other waterfalls,...

Locarno

Locarno Travel Wiki Travel to Locarno Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Locarno If you've ever wanted to visit Switzerland and experience its culture in an authentic way, then you must consider a stay in Locarno. It's in the Ticino canton, right at the tip of Lake Maggiore, but also near the Alps that guard this small community. With historical roots in the Roman Empire, here are a few...

Lucerne

Lucerne Travel Wiki Travel to Lucerne Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Lucerne Lucerne, which is located in Central Switzerland, has long been one of the most popular destinations to see while visiting this beautiful country. The city, which is located along a lake with the same name, has the backdrop of Mount Pilatus and the Swiss Alps in the background. It's also the central hub of Switzerland's transportation network,...

Lugano

Lugano Travel Wiki Travel to Lugano Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Lugano Lugano is a lakeside community in southern Switzerland that is nestled along the border of Italy. It's one of the largest cities in Switzerland and is the largest city with an Italian speaking majority outside of Italy. Lake Lugano is the primary highlight to enjoy with any trip here as it is surrounded by the Lugano...

Montreux

Montreux Travel Wiki Travel to Montreux Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Montreux How does a steaming warm cup of your favorite beverage in the early morning sound to you? There isn't a sound to be heard except for the gentle lapping of a lake's waves up against the dock where you're standing. Perhaps there's a blanket over your shoulders or perhaps you enjoy the slight chill of the...

Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel Travel Wiki Travel to Neuchâtel Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Neuchâtel Neuchatel has seen civilizations come and go, from the Holy Roman Empire to the Prussians, but it’s beauty continues to shine bright. The entire old city is listed as part of the inventory of Swiss heritage sites, while Paleolithic influences can still be seen at the settlement at Monruz. You’ll find almost 140 street fountains to see...

St. Gallen

St. Gallen Travel Wiki Travel to St Gallen Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in St Gallen Evolving from a hermitage in the 7th century, it is difficult to find a better skyline than what St. Gallen offers to the visitor. With rolling green hills in the background, homes stretching upward to touch the sky, and the beautiful twin towers of the Abbey Cathedral all present, it is a genuine...

St. Moritz

St. Moritz Travel Wiki Travel to St. Moritz Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in St. Moritz St. Moritz is one of the world’s most famous holiday resorts. Not only is it a component of a world heritage site, but it has also been an Olympic host city.  Located in the high Alps, winter sport vacations may be a popular reason to visit this resort community, but there are events...

Winterthur

Winterthur Travel Wiki Travel to Winterthur Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Winterthur Winterthur is a leader in the high-tech industries within Switzerland. It also serves as an extension of Zurich, as it takes just over 20 minutes by train to commute. The chamber orchestra based in this village is the oldest in Switzerland. It also plays frequently at the Zurich opera. You’ll want to explore the Stadthaus during...

Travel resources

Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country

Weather Online

Bern
broken clouds
11.9 ° C
15.4 °
7.4 °
49 %
1kmh
75 %
Fri
16 °
Sat
18 °
Sun
15 °
Mon
13 °
Tue
12 °

Biggest City Switzerland

Facts about Switzerland, Biggest city What are the name of the biggest city Switzerland, and how big are city by population. Easy overview of the informations in the sortable table below. Please note that the informations comes from various sources,if you are using the informations professional you should get confirmation that the figures are actual. Last update august 2017
video

Look at Switzerland from above

Switzerland from above Switzerland seen in birds eye view, have a flight from Romont, the Chartreuse de la Valsainte (ancient monastery), Lake Geneva, Montreaux (of Jazz Festival fame), Verbier (famous ski resort), Valais (mountains), brief flight over Italy, then Locarno and Ascona on the shores of Lake Maggiore. See this very nice video, video is narrated. We find the best drone and HD footages of the country, have a look and be inspired. You can see and write comments, and recommend...

Money Switzerland, Local Currency, Swiss franc

Money in Switzerland (notes and coins) Switzerlands legal tender is called Franc (CHF). 1 Franc = 100 centimes. Coins in circulation: 5, 10 and 20 Rappen ​coin 0,5, 1, 2 and 5 Franc coin Notes in circulation: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 Franc notes. Swiss National Bank
video

National Tourist Information Switzerland

Traveladvisor in Switzerland: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation. Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best. Switzerland Tourism Authority WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER YOUTUBE FLICKR INSTAGRAM GOOGLE+ PINTEREST VIMEO About Switzerland The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country. Switzerland is...

Switzerland Holidays

Switzerland Public Holidays See the calendars for national Switzerland holidays year by year. Find and just click on the year you for which you need more information about Switzerland holidays, and the calendar for the year will open. When is the non working days for the year. Public / national days, see the calendar for the country here.

Official holidays

When are holidays and no working days in the country ?

DateEnglishCantons
1 JanuaryNew Year's Day26
2 JanuaryBerchtold's Day14
6 JanuaryEpiphany 5
1 MarchRepublic Day1
19 MarchSt Joseph's Day8
3 AprilNäfelser Fahrt1
VariableGood Friday24
VariableEaster Monday25
1 MayLabour Day11
VariableAscension26
VariableWhit Monday25
VariableCorpus Christi14
23 JuneIndependence Day1
29 JuneSaints Peter and Paul1
1 AugustSwiss National Day26
15 AugustAssumption13
VariableJeûne genevois1
VariableLundi du Jeûne1
25 SeptemberSaint Nicholas of Flüe Day1
1 NovemberAll Saints Day15
8 DecemberImmaculate Conception13
25 DecemberChristmas Day26
26 DecemberSt Stephen's Day21
31 DecemberRestoration Day1
Switzerland consists of 26 Cantons, Above you can see in how many of these cantons the specified day is a holiday.

Which are the largest cities ?

Listing of the most important and largest cities in the country

NamePop.State
Zürich396.027Zurich
Genève197.376Geneva
Basel175.566Basel-Stadt
Lausanne133.897Vaud
Bern130.015Bern
Winterthur108.044Zurich
Luzern81.057Lucerne
St. Gallen75.310St. Gallen
Lugano63.668Ticino
Biel53.667Bern
Thun43.303Bern
Köniz39.998Bern
La Chaux-de-Fonds39.027Neuchatel
Fribourg38.288Fribourg
Schaffhausen35.927Schaffhausen
Chur34.547Graubunden
Neuchâtel33.815Neuchatel
Vernier35.164Geneva
Uster33.853Zurich
Sion33.296Valais