Switzerland is a unique country in the heart of Europe. Easily accessible from many neighbouring countries including Germany, France and Italy. Although well known for iconic skiing in the winter, Switzerland is a great destination to visit all year round. Distances are short, train travel is very good and there is an abundance of fabulous nature and cities to explore. It certainly can also be an expensive destination for almost all goods and services.
Community Tips For Switzerland
Most hotels offer free travel passes for their respective cities. This can provide a good saving which you should try to take advantage of.
Schweizer Deutsch is very different to normal German. French is spoken in most of the Western part with Swiss German in the rest and a pocket of Italian. English is generally widely spoken but making an attempt to speak the local language goes a long way.
For us countrycatchers, Liechtenstein is on the Eastern side and easily visited on a day trip from Zurich. If you go by train, you can go far as far as Sargans, with a short bus drive from there.
Everywhere accepts card but some smaller places won’t accept card under 10 CHF so carry some cash for these instances.
The tram network is first class and almost always on time. Use them to get around as they are very extensive throughout.
Trains are great too but don’t sit in first class if you don’t have the relevant ticket, as you will be fined by the fierce inspectors! You generally don’t need to book the train in advance.
Many museums are included on the swisspass for free, so don’t get caught out paying twice if you go down this route.
Easy and short train journey from the airport into Cornavin main station.
Very walkable city with most of the main sites near to the main stations and hotels.
Some of the local neighbourhoods are less hectic and well worth visiting. One such example is Versoix, which has great views over the lake but much less hectic.
Try to avoid driving into the downtown area. Much better and quicker to take the public transportation.
Zurich
FIFA museum is located downtown and well worth a visit. Visit takes about 1.5 hours but the shop is very expensive!
During the summer, some of the areas around the lake have beaches and areas where you can swim.
Staying slightly out of the main town can be much more cost effective. The Crowne Plaza is a good option for this and includes a fantastic gym (Alex.)
There are some good eating options in the Hauptbahnhoff. Not glamarous but much more affordable than elsewhere.
Lausanne
Use the tram network especially when going away from the lake or main station as it can be very hilly.
Olympic museum is very grand but also very beautiful. Not open on Mondays.
It is a small city so many good options to relax around the lake. If going from the main Olympic area in port d’Auchy, try going west (away from the Olympic museum) as this is more extensive and less crowded. Great for running too (Harry!)
Lausanne is marginally cheaper than the bigger cities and eating out here is generally equivalent to major European cities.
Interlaken
Interlaken means between the lakes and sits therefore at a junction of Brienz and Thuner lakes.
Neither are that near the main stations, so if arriving by train you must factor in a bus or car to get there.
There are two stations, with Ost being nearer to Brienz. But they are both quite close and both have direct connections to Bern.
Brienz is stunning and not generally very touristy. You can easily find a quite spot to settle for the day and/or park your vehicle.
There are many outdoor activities in Interlaken such as para gliding. You generally need some time to organise this so best planned somewhat in advance.
