Must-knows about Swiss vacation homes

  • The standard minimum rental period for Swiss homes and apartments is one week: from Saturday to Saturday. There are many exceptions though.
  • The availability of rental properties varies a lot by region and town. 
  • I recommend booking early and checking the local Swiss agency Interhome.com first.

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Swiss apartments and chalets: the advantages

Self-catering can be a cheaper alternative to a hotel. You’ll be more flexible without fixed times for breakfast and dinner. There’s more space than in a hotel room. Renting an apartment, home or chalet is very common in Switzerland.

Varying availability

The number of available properties varies by location. Some Swiss towns primarily offer hotels, while others have a huge amount of rental apartments as well. An example: in my experience, there’s a larger offer in the Bernese Oberland and in the Valais than in the Lake Lucerne area.

Booking early is recommended, especially for towns and regions with a limited number of rentals.

Practical tips about Swiss rentals

  • The standard renting period is Saturday to Saturday, although many properties allow exceptions. Sometimes it’s possible to rent by the day, but often a minimum of 3 or more nights applies. Keep that in mind while searching for properties. Searching for short stays may yield fewer results.
  • Catering is not included, although there are exceptions to this rule. This is where you save most, as you can cook your own meals instead of going out for dinner.
  • You are expected to do your own laundry. In Swiss apartment buildings, there’s often a shared washing machine in the basement. You usually need to register for the date and time you want to use it. Instructions are in your apartment or chalet.
  • You’re expected to separate waste, more so than in a hotel. This helps to save energy and protect the Alps.
  • There’s usually a charge for a final cleaning, regardless of how long you’ve stayed in the property. So short stays are relatively more expensive.

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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.