Switzerland

Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge.

Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages, and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like the capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world-renowned.

Switzerland has the second-highest life expectancy of all the countries in the world (after Japan), with an average age of 83 years. Swiss women live even longer, with an average lifespan of 85 years. Switzerland also has one of the oldest populations in Europe, with the highest number of people aged over 100.

GEOGRAPHY

The topography of Switzerland is varied but it is mainly mountainous with the Alps in the south and the Jura Mountains in the northwest. There is also a central plateau with rolling hills and plains, and there are many large lakes throughout the country. Dufourspitze at 15,203 feet (4,634 m) is Switzerland's highest point but there are many other peaks that are at very high elevations as well—the Matterhorn near the town of Zermatt in Valais is the most famous.

CLIMATE

The climate of Switzerland is temperate but it varies with altitude. Most of the country has cold and rainy to snowy winters and cool to warm and sometimes humid summers. Bern, Switzerland's capital, has an average

From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° - 82° F) and From January to February the range is -2 to 7 °C (28° - 45° F). In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° - 59° F).

SEASONS

The seasons are clearly distinguishable. In autumn (September to November), the fruit ripens and the leaves of deciduous trees change color.

The winters were formerly generally cold and snowy, but now freezing temperatures and snow are no longer the rule, especially in the lowlands. Nowadays, many ski resorts could hardly survive without artificial snow.

In spring (March to May) the trees blossom and the meadows turn green. Sometimes in April, the winter returns for a short period, and sometimes there are summer conditions as early as May.

Summer temperatures rise to 25 to 30°C, with temperatures exceeding the 30°C mark during hot summers.

Depending on the altitude the temperature range may vary. It is highly recommended to visitors pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a compact umbrella, and/or a light raincoat.

CULTURE & HERITAGE

The Swiss culture is distinguished by its diversity, as the country lies at the crossroads of several outstanding European cultures. Switzerland is also a multilingual country, as its national languages include German, French, Italian, and Romansh. In addition, there are numerous dialects spoken in every region. Each canton has its unique cultural features. The culture, customs, and traditions differ in different regions of the country, as each canton and municipality have cultural autonomy.

HOLIDAYS, TRADITIONS & CUISINE

The best time to visit Switzerland is in the spring/early summer and in the early fall, April through June or September and October. This is when you're unlikely to battle thick tourist crowds and enjoy some of the most pleasant weather.

The most important of all holidays in Switzerland is the Swiss National Day, which falls on 1 August every year and is technically the only official federal holiday.

Many of them reflect the course of the agricultural year, such as the ringing in of the vineyard workers in spring, the Alpine ascent and descent during the summer months, and the wine festivals, the Chästeilet cheese sharing, and the Älplerchilbi carnivals in autumn.

Swiss cuisine is an ensemble of national, regional, and local dishes, consisting of the ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques developed in Switzerland or assimilated from other cultures, particularly neighboring countries.

TOURISM

Switzerland’s tourism is thriving now more than ever thanks to its temperate climate, stunning locales, good food, and progressive economy. Switzerland Tourism includes must-see spots like the Alps and Rhone, delicious cheeses and chocolates and so much more.

Like almost every other destination, Switzerland's tourism sector has been in recovery mode in 2022-23. But unlike other parts of Europe and the U.S., many visitors come here during the colder months, drawn by its waterscapes and unparalleled skiing and snowboarding.

Tourism is an important pillar of the Swiss economy. In 2016, around 165,675 people (full-time equivalents) worked in the tourism industry, corresponding to 4.1% of total employment. Tourism contributed 2.6% to the Swiss GDP in 2016. There was a total of 10.4 million inbound overnight visitors in 2016.

TOP 10 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SWITZERLAND

With the plethora of beautiful lakes, mountains, and rivers that dot Switzerland, it´s unsurprising that so many of its cities lie amidst such spectacular scenery. Castles and churches rise imperiously above the red rooftops of the buildings, while the ancient cobbled streets lead you on to yet more magnificent sights.

Perfectly mixing the old with the new, museums and galleries, bars and restaurants make the best cities in Switzerland lively places to visit.

1. MATTERHORN

The famous Matterhorn is an iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps. The mountain derives its name from the German words Matte, meaning meadow, and Horn, which means peak. With its 4,478 meters (14,692 ft) high summit, lying on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it is one of the highest peaks in the Alps. It is also one of the deadliest peaks in the Alps. From the first time it was climbed in 1865 to 1995, 500 alpinists have died on it. The Matterhorn’s faces are steep, and only small patches of snow and ice cling to them while regular avalanches send the snow down to accumulate on the glaciers at the base of each face.

2. CHATEAU DE CHILLON

Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) is located on the shores of Lake Geneva. For over four centuries, the water castle was the main fortress that monitored water freight on the lake and guarded the land route to St Bernhard Pass. The castle boasts art from the 14th century, subterranean vaults, 25 separate buildings with three courtyards, and two circular walls. Hundreds of thousands of guests each year tour the castle. For those who dream of the ultimate big fairy tale wedding, the castle can be privately rented for personal events.

3. JUNGFRAUJOCH

The Jungfraujoch is a col in the Bernese Alps accessible by railway, ending at Europe's highest mountain station. Highlights include views of spectacular mountain summits like the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, and views of the large Eiger Glacier that nestles below them. The Sphinx observatory, one of the highest astronomical sighting stations in the world, is located here as well. Views are endless and pristine, though amenities are small. There is no place to stay overnight, and just a handful of restaurants. The train trip to visit for a day and the experience are, however, unforgettable. 

4. CHAPEL BRIDGE

The Chapel Bridge is a 204-meter (670-foot) long bridge crossing the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, and one of the main tourist attractions in Switzerland. The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge are a series of paintings from the 17th century, depicting events from Luzerne's history. Much of the bridge, and the majority of these paintings, were destroyed in a 1993 fire, though it was quickly rebuilt.

5. BERNINA EXPRESS

The Bernina Express is a brightly colored scarlet train that crosses the Alps beginning in the town of Chur and ending in Tirano, just across the border in northern Italy. In arguably the most scenic Swiss train ride, the route takes about 4 hours and goes over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels. Views of glaciers and mountain peaks and towns, bridges spanning across 60-meter (200-foot) drops and many more breathtaking sights are speeding by outside of the train, while porters bring snacks and drinks directly to your seat. This is not a trip to miss.

6. ZYTGLOGGE

The clock tower gate in Bern is the oldest city gate in town and is a great historical site. The gate was built in the 1100s, and the clock that graces the tower is one of the most spectacular and oldest clocks that can be visited anywhere in the world. Built-in 1530, this clock was the city's master clock for centuries. The Baroque style with gold accents is a beautiful picture for both amateur and professional photographers. The tower boasts an astronomical clock, figurines, hour chimes, and two tower clocks that are all driven by a single central mechanism. This is one of the items that has secured Switzerland as one of the premiere clockmaking regions in the world.

7. RHINE FALLS

Rhine falls, near Schaffhausen, is Europe’s largest waterfall. This amazing sight can be reached via a boat tour, which will also show visitors to Switzerland the lovely basin, riverside castles, and spectacular boulder perched in the middle of the river at the top of the falls. There are viewing platforms that reach out over the falls and allow guests to feel like they’re hovering directly above. A children’s playground, historical museum region, and adventure trail make the visitor’s center a wonderful way to cap off the trip.

8. GRINDELWALD

The mountain town of Grindelwald is the largest ski resort town in the Jungfrau region. This lovely alpine town is both a summer and winter activity region. Tourists who visit in the summer can enjoy spectacular hiking trails and some of Europe’s most loved rock climbing locations. Winter tourists can ski or even try the local toboggan run. A number of locally accessible mountain peaks and passes make this a beautiful choice for photographers and nature lovers alike. Festival lovers will love the ice sculptures at the world snow festival.

9. JET D'EAU

This giant water fountain is one of Geneva's most famous landmarks. Shooting 140 meters (460 feet) into the air, the Jet d'Eau sits where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River and is so large that it can be seen from miles away. At any one time, 7 tons of water is in the air, much of which sprays spectators on the pier beneath. Two or three times a year it is illuminated pink, blue, or another color to mark a humanitarian occasion. The local swimming area, known as the Bains de Paquis, is one of the best areas to view the fountain.

10. MOUNT PILATUS

Mount Pilatus in the Lake Lucerne region is full of legends. The name of the mountain comes from a rumor that the famous biblical Roman governor Pontius Pilate may have been buried there. Medieval Europeans believed that the mountain formed as a dragon rock falling from the sky. The 2,100 meters (7000 foot) peak offers views of the Swiss and French Alps, as well as Lake Lucerne below. The winter boasts a high-altitude Christmas market, and the summer offers hiking opportunities galore. This region can be reached with the steepest railway in the world, boasting grades over 48%.