What is tourist tax?

Anyone staying a night in Switzerland is required to pay a tax. The amount varies from about CHF 2 to 7 per person per night.

What’s tourist tax used for?

The tourist tax is used to pay for tourist infrastructure such as transportation, information services, cultural performances, et cetera. Swiss citizens staying in a town where they don’t have permanent residence pay the tax too.

Why do the tax amounts vary?

The tourist tax needs to be paid per person and night, and the amount is different per town. Only a few towns in Switzerland don’t charge tourist tax. The amount can be different per type of accommodation as well: campsites and dormitories are cheaper than hotels and holiday homes. The amount is determined by the local authorities, not by the accommodation owner.

How to pay tourist tax

Quotes for accommodation usually do not include the tourist tax; it is specified as a separate amount.

The tax can be included in the final bill, which is common for hotels. The tax can also be paid for separately, which is common for holiday homes. In the latter case, you’ll pay the tax to the landlord or the local tourist agency. Details will be supplied on arrival.

Promotions Copy link to clipboard

Switzerland Travel Centre travel packages promotion
5% discount on customizable Swiss travel packages

Scenic rail journeys (with guaranteed seat reservations), self-drive holidays, journeys to famous mountain peaks, and more. Choose your preferred hotels, number of nights, and excursions in each town. Apply the promo code AFFMYSWISSALPS for a 5% discount.

Klook promo code
Promo Code for hotels in Switzerland
This promotion ends 31 March 2024

Apply promo code MYSWISSALPS5OFF for a 5% discount on all hotels in Switzerland.

  • Exclusive offer to residents of the EU and UK.
  • The code also works for hotels with discounts for Klook members.
  • Only works for your first booking with Klook.
  • The minimum booking value is GBP 80, or its equivalent in your local currency.
  • The maximum discount is GBP 8, or its equivalent in your local currency.
Members-only

Members-only promotion

Members-only promotion

This promotion is available to members only. Check out all the benefits members have access to.

These promotions are offered by our trusted partners.
Find other promotions

Other websites of interest

  • bwo.admin.ch: official Swiss tourist tax regulations (in German)

More practical info to plan your Switzerland stay Copy link to clipboard

Hotel at Engstligenalp near Adelboden

Accommodation

Find your accommodation in Switzerland. Including budget options, hotels close to rail stations and airports, accommodation on mountain tops, and …
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 …
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, …

Other blog posts you may like Copy link to clipboard

Leisee at Sunnegga in Matter valley

Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Sunnegga-Rothorn

Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Sunnegga-Rothorn: three beautiful mountain excursions from Zermatt. This is how to choose, or how to …
Local train between Täsch and Zermatt

Hike Täsch-Zermatt

Walk along the railroad in the Matter Valley to the famous mountain resort Zermatt.
Bench with view of Schreckhorn and Grindelwald, between First and Grosse Scheidegg

Hike First-Grosse Scheidegg

Easy walk across alpine meadows with great views of the Jungfrau massif. You can continue by bus or on foot …

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 10600 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.

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.