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The must-knows before you create your Switzerland itinerary Copy link to clipboard

Practical tips to help you plan your Switzerland stay: the best time to travel, weather, the Swiss franc, mobile internet, budgeting, what to pack, and more essentials.

Train to Schynige Platte above the clouds at Breitlauenen
© H. Heij
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The easiest way to plan for Switzerland

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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 …
Snowy rolling plains and forests at Chalet au Gobet above Lausanne

Winter weather and best time to visit

Essential info about winter weather in Switzerland: which months are best for a winter holiday, how cold it gets, when …
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 …
Wifio device on Mount Rigi

Mobile internet

About the WiFi hotspot and eSIM I prefer on Swiss trains, in hotels and in the mountains.
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 …
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) …
Tourists at Peak Walk platform, Grindelwald-First

Planning

Get our help planning your Switzerland trip, or do it yourself with our sample itineraries, town and region tips, and …

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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.