Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was last updated December 8, 2020.
While most international trips are still out of reach, we do encourage you to go ahead and dream. And if it’s Switzerland you dream of, you’ll enjoy visions of sparking lakes, scenic hikes, world-class skiing and stunning snow-covered mountains like the Matterhorn. If you ready to start planning, we’re here to help you sort out all of the logistics and details so that you can get the most out of your Switzerland vacation, including these seven things you need to know before you pack up and go.
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1. Don’t stress the transportation

Travel is a breeze with a Swiss Rail Pass
Getting around in Switzerland is so easy, it’s almost like time travel. You probably don’t need to rent a car, unless you’re planning some way-off-the-beaten-path adventures. Taking trains is the norm in Switzerland. Ask your hotel concierge for tips, if you need ideas. One concierge gave me notes on how to get from the airport to my hotel; my journey started with an airplane, a train, then a boat and onto a funicular to arrive at my first stunning destination, Burgenstock.
Despite the different forms of transportation, the process was simple and smooth. Switzerland has made it easy to move around with only one single ticket: a Swiss Rail Pass. This ticket includes most trains and buses. You can also “check” your luggage at the beginning of your journey and get it at the end of your line. That means during the day, you can get on and off the train without lugging your suitcase around.
2. Head to the water

Since 1891 this giant water jet called Jet d’Eau has spouted water at Lake Geneva
Don’t think “landlocked” when you think of Switzerland; think luxurious bodies of water. Make sure you plan a stop at one of the lakes of Switzerland. I stayed on Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva in two luxury hotels: the Buergenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa and the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Most activity in Switzerland is centered around the lakes, both big and small. They’re where you want to be!
3. The Matterhorn is a must

Head to the Matterhorn and check off that bucket list
When in Switzerland, you’ll want to visit the Matterhorn, the famous mountain of the Alps. But to scale this mountain, you don’t need climbing gear. You don’t even need to break a sweat. You can take trains up to the top—at least two trains. Take the first one to Zermatt and the next one (which runs every 30 minutes) to the peak. It is absolutely worth the ride to score these jaw-dropping views, not to mention getting to check this off your bucket list.
4. Plan a wellness day (or two)

The Bürgenstock Hotel Alpine Spa is heaven in the sky for spa and wellness lovers
Switzerland has some of Europe’s (make that the world’s) greatest spas. Add them to your itinerary, and I promise you will be amazed. Not only will you enjoy the treat, but it will also help you recover from the jet lag so you can bounce back more quickly.
The most beautiful hydrotherapy circuit I have experienced is at the Burgenstock Resort’s Alpine Spa. Imagine a spa on a breathtaking cliff 500 metres above Lake Lucerne. This is definitely a wellness destination resort which offers a true Switzerland experience.
For a taste of city life, head to Montreux and treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace’s Willow Stream Spa on the water’s edge of Lake Geneva.
5. Fuel up

Most food in Switzerland is locally sourced
If you are an asparagus lover, you must try to visit Switzerland during white asparagus season. I found this bunch at a lakeside market in Lausanne. Switzerland’s asparagus soup is a staple on traditional menus.
You’ve heard of Swiss hot chocolate, but the coffee is amazing here. Coffee is just better in Europe. Also in Lausanne is the Nestle—Nespresso corporate offices perched on the side of a picture-perfect lake. You can take a free tour of the building and learn more about the warm beverage that gets you going every morning.
And last but not least, be sure to have a proper fondue while in this country—both savory and sweet!
6. Hit the slopes

Hotel Silberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland
It’s no Swiss mystery that come winter, much of the country is tucked under a blanket of snow. It’s also no mystery that Switzerland transforms into the ultimate European playground for ski junkies. Zermatt is most famous, of course, but there are 338 ski areas scattered across the country. Wengen, for example, is a charming Alpine ski village a stone’s throw from lakes Thunersee and Brienzersee, and famous for its Belle Époque architecture, Jungfraubahn Railway (leading to the highest elevated rail station in Europe) and proximity to glaciers and waterfalls. Stay at Hotel Silberhorn, a cozy chalet that is framed by snow-capped mountains. It also boasts accommodations designs to fit different family and group types, a bar (with fireplace, of course), restaurant and spa with views of the mountains and valley. (Learn more about this Roaming Gnome Top Pick!)
7. The language is diverse, as is the currency

Even the swans never tire of this view
If you think you speak the language where you’re staying, you might be surprised. The language that is spoken in Switzerland all depends on which direction you took the train. It could be French, Swiss German, Romansh or Italian. Switzerland is such a diverse country that it has four official languages. Their money, the Swiss franc is also diverse, but only in color. Pick up some at an exchange if only to see how beautiful it looks both in and out of the sun.
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An amazing place and the article says it all!
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much! It is a place I hope to spend a lot of time soon!
Wow! I never thought of Switzerland as a great place to visit! Time for me to save up.
It is definitely worth it. Check out the Travelocity App and see the best deals to get you on your way to Switzerland!
Thanks for the information. I was just researching and found this article.
What regions do you plan to visit?
What can you tell me about Montreax
I have only been to the airport in Switzerland. It’s been on my bucket list for such a long time, thank you for this post.
You need to visit! Let me know if you want more information and I know your trip will be amazing!
We are heading to Switzerland this month! Any tips? We want to get the hiking, kayaking…outdoor experiences. Wondering where to stay? etc
Definitely take the train. Train travel is so simple in Switzerland!
What about moving to Geneva wow please share expierence thanks
My time in Geneva was a lazy Sunday afternoon. The streets were full of vendors and families enjoying the water’s edge. Eat at an outside cafe for a true Geneva experience and get some espresso!
I will be visiting Switzerland from 17Mar to 29Mar to Interlaken, Seen at, Tasch and Geneva.
Please suggest places I should visit.
Thank you.
Take the train to Zermatt and you can easily ride up to view the Matterhorn. I consider this a must!
How’s the weather in switzerland in the month of april? My wife and i are planing to visit geneva, zurich, and interlaken this coming april.
How were you able to drop and pick up your luggage? You wrote “You can also “check” your luggage at the beginning of your journey and get it at the end of your line.” I would like to be able to do this.
Planning a visit to Geneva and Zurich this coming 26/07. Travelling along with three (3) kids. We a family of (5) members. Can you suggest places to visit ideally for kids. Any tips where and what to do? Thanks
I’m visiting Switzerland for the new year would certainly appreciate any tips RE clothing to take and places to vist
I’m going soon and was wondering what kind of clothes I should pack and how much money I should bring for a week and a half! It’s my first time so I’m worried but super excited!
I am a senior in high school and me and my boyfriend want to go to Switzerland and flights are so expensive and so are hotels and i’m trying to find cheaper activites to do in switzerland and i need help this is my first time overseas.
You wrote “When in Switzerland, you’ll want to visit the Matterhorn, the famous mountain of the Alps. But to scale this mountain, you don’t need climbing gear. You don’t even need to break a sweat. You can take trains up to the top—at least two trains. Take the first one to Zermatt and the next one (which runs every 30 minutes) to the peak.” This is simply not true. There are no trains to the top of the Matterhorn. Trains will only get you to areas near the Matterhorn. Why would you publish this blatantly false information?
What is the temps in august? Is their dress collared shirts or t-shirts? We are planning on lots of trains. Can’t wait…
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