Switzerland has been the world’s most favourite holiday destination for decades now and the reason can be seen as soon as you get off the plane! Switzerland is home to simple breathtaking scenery with the landscape being dotted with towering peaks, shimmering lakes and countless waterfalls.
Switzerland has entertained tourists for a very long time and this means that here, you will be able to get tailored experiences like nowhere else. You can be a part of fascinating train journeys through pristine landscapes, walk on suspension bridges that seem to float between two mountains offering panoramic views, walk behind waterfalls and through frozen glaciers.
Having said that, Switzerland tourism involves a lot more than your days out into the wild! Swiss people also have a distinct culture with age-old civilizations still living in their traditional chalet-style homes. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot the locals in their traditional attire, playing their huge alphorns in the marketplace.
You can also visit the remote villages you get a taste of true Swiss culture! The Swiss countryside is dotted with numerous castles, forts and their ruins with fascinating histories. You can visit several scenic landmarks that sit alongside its numerous lakes and walk through centuries old vineyards that follow age-old techniques.
Apart from the quintessential villages and towns, you can also enjoy the more cosmopolitan and modern side of the Swiss country through its cities and metropolises. You can visit Geneva and experience first-hand some of the world’s most sophisticated machinery at CERN.
Or, you can go to Zurich to witness some of the most contemporary and eclectic architecture in the world! Also, you can visit Basel which is considered an arts capital of the world with its modern installations of Art Basel which showcase the best in the world of contemporary art.
Entry is allowed for leisure travel to citizens from Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Canada, Morocco, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Tunisia, Thailand, Uruguay, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican. Rescue flights are operational from Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and 10+ other destinations.
Travellers entering Switzerland from high risk countries have to go under a 10-day quarantine. A negative test result does not shorten this time period. See a list of countries here
Rescue flights are available from Greece, US, Singapore, Germany, Denmark, Austria and 10+ more destinations to Zurich Airport
All local transport including buses, trains, and taxis are running. Wearing masks is mandatory for all passengers.
Most destinations, hotels and tourist attractions in Switzerland are following all safety measures to keep travellers safe. Thrillophilia recommends you to follow the safety measures and guidelines issued by the government and practice personal hygiene to stay safe.
A study by the Deep Knowledge Group (DKV), a consortium of commercial and non-profit organisations active in many fronts in the realm of DeepTech and Frontier Technologies, listing the safest countries in the post-Corona world has placed Switzerland as the ‘Safest Country to Travel’ in the world. Read more.
Indian citizens' immigration into Switzerland will currently only be possible if you possess one of the following residence permits/visas (as per directive of the State Secretariat for Migration in Berne)
More than 3000 hotels in Switzerland have reopened for tourists with enhanced sanitization and cleanliness protocols and social distancing enablers in place to keep the travellers safe
Zermatt, one of the best skiing and snow sports destination in Switzerland has been reopened for tourists on June 6
Citizens of Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Canada, Morocco, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Tunisia, Thailand, Uruguay, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican are now allowed entry into Switzerland.
The recommended safe distance between people has been reduced from 2 m to 1.5 m in Switzerland
Zoos, botanical gardens, swimming pools, theaters, cinemas, mountain transport services, educational institutions, restaurants and bars have been reopened in Switzerland from June 6
1. Jungfraujoch: Jungfrau is the tallest peak not only in Switzerland but also in the entire continent of Europe. Standing at a height of 4,182 metres, it is known as the top of Europe and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks of Monch and Eiger.
You can take a cable car to the top and spend a fun day at the summit visiting the Sphinx Observatory or walking through pathways made inside a glacier! The place offers the best of Switzerland tourism, with its restaurants and eateries offering panoramic views and playgrounds where you can leave your children as you enjoy your meal.
- Location: Jungfrau, 3984 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
- Timings: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM & 2:15 PM - 7:00 PM
- Price: Return tickets from Interlaken start from CHF 184 or Rs. 13,500
2. The Rhine Falls: One of the most stunning sights to see when in Switzerland are the Rhine Falls. These can be found in the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. These are the largest falls in entire Central Europe and if you really want to witness their strength, you must visit during the summer months of July and August when the ice from the glaciers melts, making the falls swell in size. The Jurassic limestone landscape offers a Stark contrast, making these a sight to behold! You can view them from the viewing platforms or from a cruise on the river.
- Location: Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Price: Free
3. St. Pierre Cathedral: St. Pierre Cathedral was originally built (around 1160) as a Roman Catholic Church but later became a significant symbol of the Protestant movement. Between 1536 to 1564 it was the home church of John Calvin, a prominent leader of the Protestant Reformation. His seat can still be found in the north aisle of the cathedral. St. Pierre’s combines the elements of Gothic with Neoclassical architecture to form a stunning building.
The north tower can be reached by climbing a total of 96 steps and offers a clearer picture of the architectural genius of the place. Another sixty steps take you to the south tower which offers panoramic vistas of the city along with a close look at the ancient tolling bells.
- Location: Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
- Price: CHF 8 or Rs. 590 for adults
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
4. Oberhofen Castle: Sitting at the edge of Lake Thun, the Oberhofen Castle has been a part of the scenery since the 13th century. This old castle with its English-inspired gardens and Bernese-Baroque style architecture along with Prussian styled library and smoking room make it an interesting place to visit and photograph.
It also has an age-old church with interesting architecture that adds more character to the space. It is definitely one of the top places to visit if you are looking for romantic places to visit in Interlaken.
- Location: Schloss 4, 3653 Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland
- Price: CHF 10 or Rs 733 for adults.
5. The Ruinaulta: If you are a bird-watcher, a hiker or a nature enthusiast in general, Ruinaulta is the place for you! Popularly known as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' this is a deep gorge surrounded by breathtaking meadows and forested cliffs.
If you are here during the summer months, you can spend your days white river rafting in the rapids of the Rhine River. If you are looking for a relaxed holiday, you can also go canoeing or kayaking on the quieter parts of the river and soak in the views of this 10,000-year-old landscape.
- Location: 7104, Versam, Switzerland
6. Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe and is actually shared between the two countries; Switzerland and France. The lake has long been a major landmark not only on Switzerland tourism’s map but also on the world map.
When at the lake, you can spend your time kayaking, canoeing and even water skiing! The waters of the lake are reasonably clean to allow swimming during the summer months. Alternatively, you can also cycle or hike around the lake.
- Location: Lake Geneva, Switzerland
7. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux: If you want a glimpse of the royal history of this European country, then you must visit this architecturally stunning complex which has inspired writers and painters for generations. Everyone from Lord Byron, Victor Hugo to Jean Jacques Rousseau has tried to capture the beauty of this castle.
It is a vast complex of interconnected buildings that have been clustered around three well-maintained courtyards. Apart from its stunning lakeside location, the lake has many impressive features including Gothic-styled underground rooms, Camera Domini, decorated with beautiful murals and an old Chapel adorned with paintings.
- Location: Avenue de Chillon 21, 1820 Veytaux, Switzerland.
- Timings: Daily; 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Price: CHF 12.50 or Rs. 915 for adults.
8. Lauterbrunnen: Lauterbrunnen is a quaint village town in Switzerland and one to visit if you truly want to immerse yourself in Swiss culture without breaking your bank balance. This town is mostly known for its 72 waterfalls, two of which can be found in the middle of the town.
You can follow a trail to see the rest 70 of those and experience some of the most magnificent views offered by the Alps. When here, you can take a cable car to Jungfrau, visit the fierce 10-level Trummelbach Falls and visit the Honesty Store. Lauterbrunnen offers a more affordable side of the otherwise expensive Switzerland tourism.
- Location: Lauterbrunnen, Canton of Bern
9. Bern: The capital city of Switzerland, Bern has been sitting around a crook in the River Aare with the oldest part of the town dating back to the 12th century. The old part of Bern is known by the name of Altstadt and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Some of the most popular attractions include Zytglogge,a 13th century tower with a 15th century astronomical clock which is also the town's oldest monument. You can also visit the art museum which is known for its eclectic design and spend your time enjoying a meal by the riverside.
- Location: Bern, Switzerland
10. Lake Thun: Lake Thun is situated in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland region. It is a vast lake with dancing blue waters and unparalleled views of the Alps. You can spend your time kayaking on the lake or ride a paddle steamer cruise to the town of Interlaken.
There are several trails that run along the lake and lead to sleepy villages and quaint grasslands. You can also choose to stay at one of the many luxury resorts located on the edge of the lake and enjoy the brilliant views throughout the day.
- Location: Lake Thun, Switzerland
1. Walk on the Chapel Bridge: This is a historic bridge that carries great architectural and cultural importance. Standing on the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne, this bridge was built in the year 1333 to protect the city from outside attacks. Stretching over a length of 670 feet, this is a covered bridge, making it the oldest covered bridge in the entire continent.
Inside the bridge, you will find several 17th-century paintings depicting major events from Lucerne's history. Although several of the buildings were destroyed during a fire, the bridge still remains one of the top tourist attractions in the country.
- Location: Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
2. Go Wine Tasting: If vineyard or wine interests you, then you have to visit the Lavaux Vineyards that stretch for 30 kilometres between Château de Chillon and Lausanne, along the shore of a lake! The vineyards are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to their rich history that dates back to the Roman times.
This hidden spot on the Switzerland tourism map allows some of the best experiences where you can choose to tour the vineyards and taste the best Swiss wine here. If you happen to be here around the spring season, you can try the wine at discounted rates and sample as many as you like.
- Timings: Daily; 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
3. Ride the Albula/Bernina Railway Line: The Albula/Bernina railway line has found its place in the very short list of train lines on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. This train has wide glass windows that run almost the entire length of the sides of the train to offer breathtaking views of the train's route.
It passes through some unspoilt Alpine landscape, iconic viaducts and tunnels that last for several kilometres on end! The entire route extends for 122 kilometres and passes over more than 200 scenic bridges! Different seasons offer varied but equally beautiful scenery from the train.
- Location: Chur to Tirano
- Price: CHF 148 or Rs. 10,600 for a return journey
4. Visit the Palais Des Nations: When in Geneva, you can actually visit the home of the United Nations. The building which was built to house the League of Nations functioned as the headquarters for the same prior to the formation of the UN.
The grey monument might seem like a regular structure but has been covered with heat-resistant titanium which was donated by the USSR. The place organizes several tours on a daily basis which allow access into not only the building but also to it's 46-hectare park! The park has centuries-old trees and several peacocks that roam around freely.
- Location: 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Price: CHF 15 or Rs. 1,104 for adults
- Timings: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
5. Spend time at CERN: The European Organization for Nuclear Research was founded in the year 1954 and has been a world-famous name ever since the Large Hadron Collider came into existence. You can go and view the world's largest machine at work as it creates new matter through proton acceleration.
The 27 kilometre-long tube can be viewed on any given day but tours must be booked in advance. This favourite destination of Switzerland tourism is sometimes fully booked months in advance! The place also has dedicated displays for children and a souvenir shop, making it a place where you can bring your family for some learning and fun.
- Location: Espl. des Particules 1, 1211 Meyrin, Switzerland
- Price: Free
- Timings: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
6. Go Skydiving in Interlaken: Interlaken is a prominent town situated in the heart of Switzerland and its location is what makes it the perfect skydiving destination. You can dive from an airplane at a height of 14,000 feet and take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes and chalet-adorned towns.
The rush of the fall is followed by a calming feeling that you experience as you slowly descend towards the land on your parachute. This is when you get the time to enjoy the bird's eye view of the valleys and mountains. Also, there are skydiving options for people of every proficiency, you can try it tandem or on your own.
- Location: Interlaken, Switzerland
- Price: Starting from CHF 395 or Rs. 29,000
7. Enjoy the Spray of Jet d’Eau: The predecessor of the present Jet d’Eau was installed in the year 1886 as a safety valve for a nearby project and was moved to its current location only in the year 1891. The present Jet d’Eau is much more of an aesthetic addition and sprays 500 litres of water per second to an altitude of 140 metres.
It is so high that you can also spot it from an airplane upto the height of 10 kilometres! During sunny days, you can expect to spot a rainbow as the water turns into spray and drenches the people sitting around it! If you are lucky, you can also see it illuminated in different colours as it is done a few times every year for humanitarian causes.
- Location: Quai Gustave-Ador, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
8. Ride a Cable Car: Switzerland is a cable-car country and you will find hundreds of cable-car routes strewn all over the place, taking people to the summits of mountains within a matter of minutes! You can take a cable-car ride to the top of Europe, to Jungfraujoch or to the infamous Matterhorn.
The glass-windows of these cable cars allow breathtaking views of forests and waterfalls turning to rugged, snow-covered scenery. Interlaken has around 45 different cable-car routes that you can take from the town. You can also access ski destinations through a cable car when in Zermatt.
- Location: Multiple
9. Go Boating in the Rhine Falls: If viewing one of Europe’s most fierce waterfalls from a viewing platform is not enough for you, then we suggest you get on a boat and get in there! You can get up and close with the waterfalls as you ride a boat right upto the falls.
A rock jutting out of the water, bang in the middle of the walls, offers one of the best views you will experience anywhere on your map of Switzerland tourism. The views of thousands of gallons of water crashing at full speed are simply unforgettable.
- Location: Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland.
- Price: CHF 8 or Rs. 590 for a 20-minute boat ride.
1. Rent a tiny chalet in the mountains: There are several places in the Swiss mountains where you can rent a tiny cabin in faraway locations. There are tiny houses perched on mountain cliffs, in the middle of forests and on the shores of massive lakes. There is nothing more romantic than waking up next to your significant other with breathtaking scenery peeking in through your window.
2. Visit an old Swiss castle: There are several age-old castles like the Chillon Castle, the Habsburg Castle and Chateau de Tourbillon which sit on some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. You can visit these places lost in time and go through the pages of history, folklore and legend together.
3. Hike through tiny Swiss towns and villages: There are thousands of trails all across the country that would take you to remote villages and sleepy hamlets. Here, you can spend hours enjoying the slow pace of life, observing the locals and their way of life as you make memories.
4. Walk through glittering city streets at night: Switzerland has no dearth of gorgeous cities and you can choose to spend romantic evenings walking through the lit streets of Zurich, Geneva and Bern after the sun goes down. This is when you will be able to see the local night markets, pubs and street performances come to life.
5. Go for a swim together: Switzerland has some of the world’s most spectacular lakes strewn all across the country. This means that you are never too far away from a romantic swim with stunning mountain scenery in the background.
- It is illegal to consume drugs in Switzerland and can incur a heavy penalty.
- Sundays are taken sacrosanct and therefore, people don't do any chores on a Sunday. So, when in Switzerland, do not ask anyone to do your laundry.
- If you see something bad happening, call the police on 117. Not even trying to help can get you in trouble.
1. Cheese Fondue: Switzerland can easily be called the dairy capital of the world and this means that you won’t get such a wide selection of fresh cheese anywhere else in the world! You can make a whole meal out of dipping various food items in melted cheese and enjoying it at your own table.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Just like Swiss cheese, you simply can’t have enough of the Swiss milk chocolate. For dessert, you can enjoy fruits, pastries and cakes dipped in melted chocolate and enjoy them on the spot!
3. Muesli: Since this cereal was invented in Switzerland, you cannot get a more authentic Muesli than in Switzerland.
4. Rosti: Rosti can be best described as a Swiss casserole made with potatoes. It is largely eaten for breakfast and is most popular in the capital city of Bern.
1. Skiing: Switzerland is a major winter sports destination and its beautiful peaks offer some of the world’s best skiing opportunities. From Zermatt to Interlaken, you can easily access slopes covered in fine, white snow throughout the winter months, allowing people of every age to enjoy the rush of skiing down mountains.
2. Mountain Climbing: When in Switzerland, there is no dearth of mountain climbing opportunities, from Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau to one of the fiercest in the world, Matterhorn. Depending on your expertise and experience, you can choose a mountain to climb.
Even if you are new to the field, you will also find instructor-led groups through which you can get first-hand experience of climbing some of the world’s most beautiful mountains.
3. Skydiving: When in Switzerland, especially in the town of Interlaken, you can experience skydiving from a height of 4,000 metres above the ground! It is a truly thrilling experience and if you have no prior experience, you can also choose to go tandem! It is an excellent way of devouring the beautiful Swiss landscape from a bird’s eye view.
4. Canyoning: Switzerland is home to some of the most beautiful canyons in the world, complete with rivers, ravines, streams and waterfalls. This means that you can go and have a fun experience complete with diving from cliff faces, swimming through waters and having an adventure-packed time.
1. Kaufleuten, Zurich: If clubbing is what you are after, then it doesn’t get any better than Kaufleuten. The night club has welcomed personalities like Madonna, Prince and Robbie Williams in the past and continues to be a favourite Swiss haunt of celebrities even to this day.
2. Bejart Ballet, Lausanne: When in Lausanne, you must experience the Bejart Ballet at least once! The performances are truly world-class and if you are there around the time of their yearly event, you can experience a rich ensemble of some of the world’s top ballerinas.
3. Pub Crawl in Zermatt: There is nothing better than gulping down a mug of hot wine on a cold Swiss evening. The Papperla Pub in Zermatt offers a truly local experience where you can sit down and enjoy mulled wine as live performances brighten up the small space.
4. Late-night Casino at Bern: When in Bern, you can casino through the night at the Grand Casino in Bern that is open till 5:00 AM in the morning. The place has two bars, a smoking lounge, roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines which will keep you occupied till the sun rises. It is an excellent place to spend your time if you have a late night train or bus to catch!
1. Rhine Falls: Situated a 45-minute long drive north of Zurich, the Rhine Falls are not only the largest falls in the country but also in the entire continent. The most stunning feature about the falls is a gigantic rock that sits right in the middle of the falls. You can take a boat tour that drops you off at the rock so that you can enjoy the thundering of the water flowing all around you.
2. Trummelbach: These are European’s largest subterranean waterfalls and carry around 20,000 litres of water per second! The water comes from the glaciers of Jungfrau transforming into a ten-tiered waterfall that runs through the mountain. You can make your way around the falls through walkways and stairs that take you to the different viewing platforms.
3. Murrenbach Falls: These are Switzerland’s highest waterfalls with the water crashing down from a height of 417 metres, after going through five cascades! These visually stunning waterfalls are situated a little outside of the town of Lauterbrunnen and can be seen from the road itself. You can also choose to take a cable car that goes right along the face of these majestic waterfalls.
4. Tine Conflens: If you do not mind a bit of a trek through breathtaking mountain scenery, then Tine Conflens falls right at the confluence of the Veyron and the Venoge rivers are an idyllic place to go. The rushing water has carved its way through stone, forming gorges and canyons that add to the beauty of the place. If you start from the village of Ferreyres, you can get here in around forty minutes by walking.
1. Lake Thun: Lake Thun is a massive lake that sits in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland and offers some stunning Alpine scenery. There are medieval castles, Swiss chalets and centuries-old wineries based around the lake.
2. Lake Brienz: Lake Brienz is another scenic lake that lies at an accessible distance from the town of Interlaken, other than Lake Thun. Here, you can enjoy a plethora of activities from kayaking, swimming, water skiing to boating.
3. Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva has seen tourists pouring into the country for several centuries! It is one of the most famous spots on Switzerland’s maps and the waters have been made accessible to the tourists unlike any other place. Here, you can try your hand at boating, try hiking in the area, go for a swim, cycle around or take part in winter sports.
4. Lake Lucerne: The most distinctive feature of Lake Lucerne is its interesting topographical location. Thanks to its irregular shape, the lake appears to be in four different cantons, and valleys, at the same time. Some of Switzerland’s oldest communities are also settled around this lake.
5. Lake Constance: This 63 km-long lake shares its borders between three European cities of Switzerland, Germany and Austria. It is surrounded by resort towns and is considered Switzerland’s quintessential summer holiday destination. Here, you can spend your time sailing, windsurfing and swimming!
1. The Eiger Trail: The Eiger Trail is a world-famous hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Lauberhorn, Klein Scheidegg and Grindelwald valleys. On this trail, you get to walk past wild streams, waterfalls and steep pastures. During the summer months, you will always find a team of hikers, all roped to the mountain face, trying to make their way to the summit.
2. Hornweg: The Hornweg trail is an 8.9 kilometres long trail, located near the Swiss town of Zermatt. The trail is nestled at the base of the notoriously hard-to-climb peak, the Matterhorn. This is a hard to follow trail and you do require a little bit of expertise.
3. Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail: With this trail, you get to hike alongside stunningly beautiful glacial scenery. The glacier runs for over 23 kilometres in length, is 900 metres deep and curves around the back of the Jungfraujoch peak. The trail itself stretches for 12.4 kilometres and covers the lower end of the glacier, offering panoramic views of the ice.
4. Burgenstock Felsenweg: If you are in Lucerne, you can definitely make a day trip out of this easy yet beautiful trail. The Burgenstock is a small mountain that sits in the Lake Lucerne. The hike includes a cliff walk where you walk a well-protected path with the lake on one side and mountains on the other. You end the hike with a glass elevator ride that takes you up to the hotel.
Dos:
1. Keep enough CHF with you to last your whole trip as CHF is the only currency accepted in Switzerland.
2. It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate, so when you are dining in Switzerland, try to finish up.
3. Keep both your hands on the table as you eat but keep your elbows off.
4. Be quiet and respectful as Swiss people do not make or appreciate loud behaviour in public.
5. Do ask for tax-free shopping and reclaim your VAT before you exit the country.
6. Tipping is not mandatory.
7. Do not hike or trek in difficult terrain if you do not have proper experience.
8. Do check the weather forecast before you head out for a hike into a remote area.
9. Do take your shoes off before entering someone’s house.
10. The local grocery stores are an excellent place for finding cheap vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free food
Don’ts:
1. Don’t be late for an appointment.
2. Don’t make loud noises as it is considered rude and disrespectful.
3. Don’t ask people to do laundry on a Sunday
4. When travelling on public transport, take care of other people’s personal space.
5. Don’t just cover the postcard locations, get off the beaten track as well.
1. Use a card or Swiss Francs while making payments as Euros, American Dollars or any other form of currency is not accepted.
2. Go to the local supermarkets and get raw ingredients to prepare your own food.
3. The bigger cities like Zurich and Geneva are great but Switzerland has a lot more to offer.
4. Spend at least three days in Switzerland.
5. Hiking is the most fun and cost-effective way of discovering Switzerland.
6. Hitchhiking is very common in Switzerland and can save you a lot of money and sometimes also time.
7. The train connectivity in Switzerland is excellent and offers some spectacular views of the country.
