Do I need a visa to travel to Switzerland?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Travellers from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other visitors may need to get a Schengen Visa. Check with the Swiss information portal for the latest visa regulations for Switzerland travel.

When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

You can travel to Switzerland all year-round. Visit in winter (December–March) for skiing and snow sports, spring (April–June) for wildflowers and milder weather, summer (July–September) for hiking and lake activities, and autumn (October–November) for stunning foliage and fewer crowds.

What is the weather like in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with snowfall in the Alps, while summers are warm with temperatures around 18–30°C (64–86°F).

What currency does Switzerland use?

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Some places accept euros, but expect change in CHF. Credit cards are widely accepted but it’s good to carry some cash for small purchases - especially in the countryside.

What adaptor do I need for Switzerland?

Switzerland uses Type J power outlets with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. EU plugs work in Switzerland, but most travellers from other regions will need an adaptor for their devices, including those coming from the US. Find more information on Switzerland's utilities here.

Do you tip in Switzerland?

Tipping is not mandatory on your Switzerland trip, as service charges are included in the bill. However, rounding up to the nearest CHF 1–5 or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated.

What is ATM access like in Switzerland?

ATMs are widely available throughout Switzerland in cities, airports, and towns. Major credit and debit cards are accepted, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.

Can you drink tap water in Switzerland?

Yes! Switzerland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, sourced directly from nearby glaciers and mountain springs. You can safely drink tap water everywhere.

What should I pack for a trip to Switzerland?

On a tour through Switzerland, pack according to the season. In winter, you'll want warm clothing, hats, gloves, and thick socks. Cover your extremities. In summer, waterproof jackets and breathable clothes. For the seasons in between, bring layers so you can adapt depending on the day. At any time of year you should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun will burn you at high-altitude - even in the winter.

How many days should I spend in Switzerland?

A minimum of 5–7 days allows you to explore major cities and the Alps. If you want to experience multiple regions, consider 10–14 days for a comprehensive Switzerland trip.

What languages do they speak in Switzerland?

Winter in Greece calls for warmer clothing such as a warm coat or down jacket, jumpers, cardigans, scarves, gloves and a warm hat are winter clothing essentials. For rainy conditions, pack an umbrella, waterproof boots, a raincoat, and thermal socks for optimal comfort.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for a Trafalgar tour to Switzerland?

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the My Trafalgar portal.Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.

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Switzerland tours & holidays

Name: Best of Switzerland
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 2696 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (990 reviews)

Travel guide

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Consume smooth milk chocolate in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Ride a horse and carriage through alpine forests, and spend hours adrift on idyllic lakes. These are just some of the moments we will share with you in the breathtaking country of Switzerland. Here you will connect with the heart and history of the country on its oldest mountain railway, have an encounter with Charlie Chaplin in his final home and take a trip to the 15th-century vineyards of Cave Champ de Clos. This country is a blend of everything that is wonderful about Europe, drawing fragments of influence from its borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Between the contemporary museums we visit and the secluded towns we admire, you will appreciate the cultural heritage behind a cheese fondue. Perhaps more than once. The wealthy country of Switzerland will leave you belly-full and emotionally rich, hooked on life in the Alps.

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A cruise with a Swiss flag on Lake Lucerne

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4.6

Best of Switzerland

9 Days

1 Country

11 Locations

9-Day Switzerland Tour of Zürich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne

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£2,995

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4.6

Contrasts of Switzerland

8 Days

1 Country

6 Locations

8-Day Switzerland Rail Tour to Zürich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne

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£3,195

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£3,550

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4.6

Switzerland and Austria

13 Days

3 Countries

13 Locations

13-Day Tour to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zermatt and Zurich

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£3,015

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£3,350

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A scenic view of Salzburg, Austria in the wintertime

4.5

Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

8 Days

4 Countries

8 Locations

8-Day Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

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£1,866

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£2,195

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Unedited Switzerland tour reviews

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"Every day was more exciting than the one before"

“What a glorious trip! The mountains, the lakes & the valleys make it one of the most beautiful places on earth. From boat cruises on the lakes to the breathtaking Matterhorn Glacier cable car trip to glimpse the famous mountain up close, every day was more exciting than the one before.”

- Judith, Best of Switzerland

"Trip of a lifetime!"

“This was a trip of a lifetime! I am convinced that it would have been impossible for us to have seen and done everything without Trafalgar and our exceptional tour guide! All the details were taken care of and he was very knowledgeable and helpful! Looking forward to another Trafalgar trip in the future!”

- Shellie, European Dream

"Very well organized and impeccably executed!"

“The itinerary for this tour was absolutely awesome! Very well organized and impeccably executed! The countries and scenery were amazing, with lots of history attached to them. The hotels were nice and clean, the beds very comfortable, and the breakfasts were super delicious! It was wonderful visiting all these different countries, taking lots of pictures, and creating precious memories that we’ll never forget. The itinerary gave us a lot more than we planned for or could ever imagine! Thank you! We loved it a lot and everyone else on the tour loved it a lot too. Everyone was grateful and happy to be on this tour.”

- Peggy, European Traveller

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Switzerland experiences with Trafalgar

With Trafalgar, you’ll journey into the heart of each destination. Be My Guest invites you to connect with locals, while MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences let you positively impact communities. Plus, on many tours, you’ll overnight at Stays with Stories accommodations with tales as rich as the places you explore. Here are just a few of these unforgettable experiences on a Trafalgar Switzerland tour.

Be My Guest

Welcome to Domaine Croix Duplex, Switzerland

Feel the warmth of Swiss hospitality as you visit Domaine Croix Duplex, a local vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva. Here, your host invites you to taste exquisite local wines paired with artisan cheeses and fresh breads. As you soak in the stunning views, you’ll hear stories of Swiss winemaking traditions and the passion behind each bottle. Experience on Best of Switzerland and Swiss Delight.

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Iconic Experience

Travel on the Bernina Express, Switzerland

Board the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway for an unforgettable journey over the Bernina Pass. You’ll travel through breathtaking alpine landscapes on your way to the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, soaking in the beauty of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery along the way. Experience on Best of Switzerland, Contrasts of Switzerland, Swiss Delight.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Zurich walking tour with a local changemaker

Meet Diana and her team of local guides for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Zürich. Explore the old town on a fun walking tour with an inspiring organisation tackling social issues like food insecurity and supporting local changemakers. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 12: Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production. Experience on Best of Switzerland, and Switzerland and Austria.

Experience the Magic of the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express

Relax in comfort as you zip through the heart of the Swiss Alps, on the world-famous Glacier Express. Enjoy lunch onboard as you journey past lakes and glaciers to Zermatt, at the foothills of Matterhorn Mountain. Along the way, you’ll discover why this is one of Switzerland’s most iconic train journeys. Experience on Contrasts of Switzerland.

Photo of Matterhorn Mountain shared by our guest Ashlinn on Best of Switzerland.

The Eiserner Steg Iron Bridge Frankfurt Hessen Germany

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Switzerland at a glance

Sample smooth milk chocolate in the Swiss Alps, sail on idyllic lakes, ride horses through alpine forests, see Charlie Chaplin's final home and explore 15th-century vineyards - these are just some of the moments your expert Trafalgar Travel Director will share with you in the breathtaking country of Switzerland.

Currency

Swiss franc

Capital City

Bern

Winter avg

2°C

Language

French, German, Italian

Summer avg

20°C

Good morning

Bonjour

Time Zone

GMT+1

Good evening

Bonsoir

"Switzerland is a country that has to be seen to be believed and it's always a special moment to watch our guests lay eyes on the Swiss Alps for the first time."

Travel Director

Weather in Switzerland

Discover the weather, temperatures, and seasonal trends across Scotland to plan your trip.

Our top 5 things to do in Switzerland

We'll take you through the pristine natural beauty of this country, with a trip that's filled with moments of awe. Lakes, grapevines and alpine forests prove it's not just the hills that are alive in Switzerland.

Cruise Lake Geneva

On a sunny day, there’s no better way to tour Switzerland than by water. Gaze at the country from its largest lake and learn something new about its shores, choosing a historic paddle boat, passenger ferry or cocktail-sipping sunset cruise.

Discover the 15th-century vineyards of Cave Champ de Clos

The Conne family have been producing wine for centuries in the heart of the UNESCO heritage region of Lavaux. Be hypnotised by rows of terraced vineyards then retire to the stone cellar to taste the vintages they have produced.

Take a horse carriage ride through the Alps and Rosegg Valley

The alps are home to an endlessly romantic trail that can be taken on horse carriage ride. Rug up in blankets for this fairytale experience through alpine forests, arriving at a destination of snow capped mountains and an impressive glacier. The kind of views imagined when dreaming up a Switzerland trip.

Ride up to Stans by Switzerland's oldest mountain railway

Start in Lucerne and travel along tracks from the 1890s, watching villages and views pass by in the window. With wildflower meadows in the summer and snow dusted trees in winter, you will unwind as you wind around the mountains for 30 minutes before reaching the top.

Travel to the heart of Switzerland, Interlaken

The unassuming town of Interlaken is the perfect base to connect with the soul of Switzerland. Explore over 700 hikes which roam into the mountains from your doorstep, with charming isolated villages found sitting between them.

Best museums in Switzerland

There's more to this landlocked country than army knives and chocolate. With Trafalgar, you will gain a deeper understanding of Switzerland through these must-visit museums.

Zürich

Swiss National Museum

There is a reason this is Switzerland's most frequently visited museum of cultural history. Inside, you will immerse in the past and present through some 840,000 objects. From bronze Age bowls to silver knight’s armour, nowhere else will deliver such a rich and comprehensive insight into the Swiss.

Lake Geneva

Charlie Chaplin museum

The property where Charlie Chaplin spent his last years provides an intimate glimpse into the iconic entertainer's life and work. Be moved by a walk through the vast estate, where you will marvel at his original bowler hat and boots, hear tales from friends and touch painstakingly replicated movie sets.

Bern

Zentrum Paul Klee

The namesake of this museum is one of the 20th century's most important artists. Step into the space to quietly take in his artworks, you might find yourself lost in the famous cubism inspired 'Insula dulcamara' or colourful jigsaw that the German-Swiss genius was most famous for.

Best food in Switzerland

Baked potato, melted cheese and genuine chocolate. The culinary delights of Switzerland were designed with only the pleasure of taste in mind, and it's an indulgence Trafalgar is only too happy to share with you.

Rösti

Once a farmers’ breakfast, Rösti is now a plate popular amongst the Swiss. One bite into this crisp baked potato and you will be hooked. Luckily, the country's many regions boast their own versions, offering an excuse to sample many during your tour of Switzerland.

Fondue

There is more to this classic fare than dipping bread into a pot of melted cheese. It’s a sacred pastime. To the Swiss, fresh bread and bubbling creamy Gruyere is incomplete without one vital ingredient: good company. Indulge in authentic fondue in Switzerland in the company of new friends.

Swiss chocolate

Chocolate aficionados will find no shortage of pleasure in the smooth chocolate of Switzerland. The birthplace of Lindt, Toblerone, Mövenpick and more, a banquet of cocoa will be enjoyed here in the name of culture.

What to pack for a tour in Switzerland

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

A man standing and packing suitcase next to a woman sitting on a bed

Layers

Even in summer, layers are vital in Switzerland. Temperatures differ throughout through the country and can get particularly crisp in the higher mountains.

Swiss Francs

Switzerland may be at the core of Europe, but this country abandoned the Euro many years ago. Though you can still use them in some larger establishments, but it's better to arm yourself with plenty of Francs so you're never caught short.

Walking shoes

If your trip is likely to see you traversing the dynamic landscapes of Switzerland, a pair of sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots should be on the packing list.

Phrasebook

A phrasebook with the national languages of German, French and Italian is essential on a tour of Switzerland. If you really can’t spare the space, download them to your Google Translate app offline.