Switzerland
Europe · Bern · CH
Switzerland occupies a landlocked position at the intersection of the Alps and the Jura mountains, a country where four national languages, pristine natural landscapes, and meticulous infrastructure combine to create an experience of unusual order and beauty. The Alps cover roughly sixty percent of the territory, their peaks and valleys providing year-round outdoor activity that ranges from serious mountaineering to scenic train journeys through landscapes of almost theatrical grandeur. Swiss precision extends beyond watchmaking into railway timetables, cheese production, and the maintenance of mountain hiking trails that follow marked routes with a consistency visitors from less organized countries find almost uncanny. The lakes, including Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich, occupy glacier-carved basins of remarkable clarity, their surfaces reflecting snowcapped summits in compositions that postcards rarely improve upon. Switzerland's neutrality has preserved its villages and cities from the destruction visited on neighboring nations, leaving architectural heritage intact across a country that feels simultaneously ancient and hyper-modern, particularly in cities like Zurich where medieval guild houses sit beside contemporary banking towers.
Overview
Switzerland is a country in Europe. Its capital is Bern and the international dialling code is +41. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include German, French and Italian. Local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Our guide covers 2 airports, including Geneva Airport, Zurich Airport. We also list 3 cities in Switzerland: Bern, Geneva and Zurich.
Getting around Switzerland
Switzerland's rail system is legendary: the Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses and most mountain railways, with the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and the panoramic routes to Zermatt, Interlaken and Lucerne among the world's most scenic. The punctuality is famous — "Swiss precision" is real.
In the cities, trams, funiculars and buses in Zürich, Basel, Bern and Geneva integrate seamlessly with the network. Driving is on the right, the motorways require a vignette (annual €40 sticker or electronic), and parking is expensive in the centres. Mountain passes close in winter, so check conditions when crossing the Alps by car.
When to visit Switzerland
Summer (June–September) opens the mountain trails and high passes, with hiking seasons in the Bernese Oberland and the Graubünden valleys. The Alps' villages are delightful in July-August but busy; late June and September are excellent quieter alternatives. Autumn colours around the lakes and the wine-region "Fête des Vendanges" are memorable.
Winter (December–March) is world-class for skiing and snowboarding: Zermatt, St. Moritz, Verbier and Grindelwald, plus cozy Christmas markets (Lucerne, Zürich). The country's mountain villages are busy in both peaks, so book ahead. For the northern lights you'd need the far north — the aurora does not reach Switzerland.
Eating and drinking
Swiss food is generous and Alpine: cheese fondue and raclette, the hearty "Zürcher Geschnetzeltes" (veal in cream sauce), "Rösti" (crispy potato cake), and the chocolate-and-bakery heritage from Lindt to the small patisseries of Zürich and Geneva. Every canton has its cheese and bakers — the Swiss make roughly 480 varieties of cheese.
Wine is local and excellent (Valais, Vaud, Ticino), and the café culture with a long, unhurried coffee is a tradition. Water from the taps is famously drinkable. Service charges are included in bills; rounding up or leaving 5% for excellent service is kind but not expected.
Money and local customs
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro. Cards and contactless (including the "Twint" app) work everywhere; keep a small amount of cash for the mountain huts and village grocery stores, which sometimes prefer coins.
Swiss society values punctuality, order and privacy. Greet with "Grüezi" (German), "Bonjour" (French) or "Buongiorno" (Italian) — all are common in the respective regions. Recycle conscientiously, sort rubbish correctly (fines apply for misuse), and enjoy the quiet calm of the public spaces — silence is comfortable, not awkward.
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- Capital
- Bern
- Currency
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Languages
- German, French, Italian
- Calling code
- +41
- Internet TLD
- ch
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Switzerland.
Which nationalities can enter Switzerland?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (2)
All airports →Cities (3)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Switzerland visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Switzerland?
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Switzerland?
You pay with Swiss Franc (CHF) in Switzerland. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Switzerland?
The languages we list for Switzerland are German, French and Italian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Switzerland?
The dialling code for Switzerland is +41 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Switzerland?
We cover 2 airports for Switzerland, including Geneva Airport (GVA), Zurich Airport (ZRH).
Which cities in Switzerland do you cover?
Our guide lists 3 cities for Switzerland: Bern (capital), Geneva and Zurich.