The practical must-knows for your holidays

Switzerland season calendar

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you plan to do. Learn about the limitations and opportunities of …
The Swiss franc in notes and coins

Swiss franc and payment

The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland. The euro is often accepted as well, but it’s an …
The panorama terrace at Cimetta above Locarno

Weather

Switzerland has a mild climate. Weather varies a lot by region, altitude and time of the day. Learn what to …
Pink piggy bank with Swiss flag

Budget

A budget stay is possible in Switzerland. Learn how to save money on traveling, day trips, accommodation, food and drinks, …
Hiking boots in snow at Rochers-de-Naye

Clothing and gear

How to dress and what to pack for your Swiss holidays, with tips for all sorts of activities: from summer …
Mobile internet in a Swiss train

Mobile internet

About the SIM cards and WiFi hotspot we use ourselves to make sure we’re online in Switzerland.
Rain clouds with evening sun over eastern Lake Geneva

Seasons

Switzerland has 4 seaons: winter, summer, spring, and fall. Most tourists visit either in winter (for snow fun) or summer …
Swiss and cantonal flags in the Rue de l'Hotel de Ville in Geneva

Visa and entry documents

All travelers must be able to present their passport or other official ID in Switzerland. Tourists from some countries require …
Swiss cheese platter served on tree trunk disk

Food

What is typical Swiss food like rösti, geschnetzeltes, cheese fondue, and raclette? What to expect in Swiss supermarkets and restaurants?
Morning sun rising behind the Eiger at Kleine Scheidegg

Time in Switzerland

Switzerland is in the CET time zone, which is UTC + 1 hour. Sunrise and sunset times vary, with long …
Swiss 3-pin power socket with light switch

Power outlets and electricity

Voltage in Switzerland is 230 V. In most cases you need an adapter to plug your equipment in Swiss outlets.
Rhaeto-Romanic verb "to greet" with translations

Language

Switzerland has four official languages. Swiss German is the most widely spoken. As a tourist, you’ll mostly (but not always) …
Hand with Swiss flag

Coronavirus

Limitations and opportunities for a Switzerland holiday during the corona pandemic.
Tourists at Peak Walk platform, Grindelwald-First

Planning

Save time on your Switzerland holiday planning: use our step-by-step guide, our sample itineraries, and our town and region finder. …

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.