Discover
everything you need for your Switzerland adventure - from visas and
transport to safety, culture, and local insights. This essential
Switzerland travel guide helps you plan every detail with confidence
and ease.
Country: Switzerland
Continent / Region: Europe / Central Europe
Capital City: Bern
Government Type: Federal Republic
Population: Approx. 8.8 million
Official Language(s): German, French, Italian, Romansh
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~45% (higher in cities)
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+1 (CET) / GMT+2 (CEST in summer)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type J – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 112 (General), 117 (Police), 118 (Fire), 144 (Ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 1.5–2 hours (direct)
Best Time/Months to Travel: June–September (summer) and December–March (ski season)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Part of the Schengen Area
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for short stays
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 90 days in 180-day period
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Switzerland):
Average Daily Costs: £100 / £200 / £350+
Tipping Culture: Service included; small tips appreciated
Public Transport Options: Trains, trams, buses, mountain cable cars
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: CHF 3–5 (city transport)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt
Main Climate Type: Temperate; alpine in mountain regions
Average Temperature: Winter −2°C to 7°C; Summer 18–28°C
Major Cities: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Bern, Lucerne
Natural Attractions: Swiss Alps, Jungfrau Region, Matterhorn, Lake Geneva, Rhine Falls
Popular Destinations: Zurich, Geneva, Zermatt, Interlaken, Lucerne, St. Moritz, Grindelwald
Main Religions: Christianity (Catholic & Protestant)
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Fondue, raclette, rösti, Swiss chocolate, rösti, bircher muesli
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Matterhorn, Chapel Bridge, CERN, Jet d’Eau, Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”
Overall Safety Rating: Extremely safe
Common Scams: Very rare; occasional tourist overpricing
Health Risks: Altitude sickness in high mountains
Recommended Clinics: Excellent medical facilities throughout major cities
Insurance Recommendation: Travel insurance recommended due to high medical costs
Internet Speed: Excellent 4G/5G nationwide
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn, Lucerne Old Town, Lake Geneva, Interlaken, Rhine Falls
Unique Experiences: Glacier Express train, alpine hiking, cheese-making tours, thermal spas, paragliding above Interlaken
Hidden Gems: Appenzell region, Aletsch Glacier, Lauterbrunnen’s 72 waterfalls, Gruyères village, Ticino’s lakes
Popular Areas to Stay: Zurich Old Town, Geneva lakeside, Lucerne centre, Interlaken, Zermatt village
Average Hotel Prices: £120 / £220 / £350+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Zurich Langstrasse, Geneva Paquis, Lausanne Flon district
Local Drinks: Swiss wines, craft beers, Rivella
Entertainment: Jazz clubs, lake cruises, mountain bars, cultural festivals
Car Rental: Available; excellent roads but parking is expensive
Domestic Flights: Limited; trains preferred
Trains: World-class network (SBB); scenic routes popular
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Taxis expensive; Uber available in major cities
Best Markets: Zurich Bürkliplatz Market, Geneva Plainpalais Market, Lucerne Old Town shops
Popular Souvenirs: Swiss watches, chocolate, cheese, cowbells, wooden crafts
Local SIM Card Providers: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Extremely safe (some of the cleanest in the world)
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Switzerland has four national languages and one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems.