Switzerland

This chapter provides general information for first time visitors to Switzerland.

Are you planning to travel by train or mountain lifts? Be sure to read all about the Swiss Pass.

Where is Switzerland located?

Switzerland is situated on a European border of culture and climate between Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.

Switzerland is located in central Europe. Click on the map for an overview of Europe.

Where does the name Switzerland come from?

The official name of Switzerland is Confoederatio Helvetica. The abbreviation CH, used for the country indication on cars and in internet addresses of Swiss websites, comes from this name. The name Helvetica is derived from the Roman province of Helvetia, that was founded in the region in 15 BC. The Romans in turn derived the name from the Celtic tribe of the Helvetii, that left Southern Germany for current Switzerland in the 1st century BC. The English equivalent for Confoederatio Helvetica is Swiss Confederation or in short: Switzerland.

The Swiss call their country Die Schweiz (German), La Suisse (French) or Svizzera (Italian). The name Die Schweiz is derived from the canton of Schwyz, that joined the cantons of Unterwalden and Uri to form the Swiss Confederation (in German: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft) in 1291. This became the basis of the current Switzerland.

Map of Switzerland

A map of Switzerland showing the most important cities, lakes and rivers.

Going on holiday

Picture:  Alpin Photo.

Switzerland has a lot to offer, even to the demanding tourist. Those who love snow will certainly enjoy Swiss winters. Many kilometers of ski-runs are available for skiing and snowboarding. Or what about a downhill sledge-ride, for example between Preda and Bergün in the canton of Graubünden?

Switzerland is also a perfect place for those who seek peace and quiet. There are virtually no limits to the hiking possibilities. In spite of the fact that hiking is very popular, also among the Swiss, there are lots of quiet trails and restful places to recover one's breath and enjoy the scenery. Indulge yourself and enjoy the good things in life in one of the spa baths or beauty centers. Health resorts offering wellness packages (for example Zermatt, Arosa and Scuol-Tarasp) are sometimes car free and therefore very clean.

Picture:  Alpin Photo.

Of course there are many sports that can be practiced, mainly during the summer. Mountain climbing, ice climbing, glacier tours, abseiling, canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking and bungee jumping from a bridge or from the car of a cable lift: if you like (extreme) sports you can push back your limits in Switzerland. Do you like sailing or surfing? Then you should visit one of the many lakes in this country.

If you like to travel, you can consider a tour across Switzerland. A magnificent network of railways is available to let you discover Switzerland in a safe and comfortable way. A Swiss Pass allows you unlimited traveling on all Swiss railroads. In summer, a tour by car is possible so that you can explore beautiful pass roads.

You might wonder: what does Switzerland not offer? If you are seeking a holiday on the beach, you are better off elsewhere. There are many lakes but there's no sea. There is sun, and a lot of it in summer, but the weather can break rather quickly. Certain regions like Tessin and the Rhône valley have plenty of sun shine and high temperatures. If you like to have a night out, you must realize that the number of cinemas and discotheques is limited. Some typical tourist centres and large cities are an exception to this rule, but in general villages are adjusted to tourists who visit Switzerland for its nature.

All Swiss banknotes

Switzerland is quite expensive compared to most other European countries. However, you can expect quality in return. It is a clean country with good roads and excellent public transportation. Hotels and holiday homes generally offer good quality as well. Please take into account that the national currency is the Swiss franc, and not the euro. The euro, however, is sometimes accepted and will probably be accepted more often in the future.

Many stores open early in the morning but are closed during lunch. The following table provides an indication of the opening hours. Extended opening hours may apply in larger cities and tourist centres. Stores may be closed more often in small villages, for example on Saturday afternoon. Most shops are closed on Swiss national holidays and may close early on days prior to national holidays.

A Swiss plug-socket.

© Steve Kropla.

Swiss plug-sockets supply the European standard voltage of 230 V AC - 50 Hz. The plug-sockets are shaped rather unusual, as you can see in the picture on the right. An electrical plug adapter might come in handy if you intend to use your own equipment.

A rescue helicopter at Diavolezza in Graubünden.

© Robert Bösch.

The international country code to call Switzerland is 41. Some important telephone numbers can be found in the following table.