Ultimate Guide to Visiting Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country located in the heart of Europe. It is known for its scenic mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque villages. Despite its small size, Switzerland is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Let this guide to visiting Switzerland help you know what to expect.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Switzerland
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful country, there are a few things you should know before you go.
First, Switzerland is a very diverse country.
While it is often associated with Alpine landscapes, Switzerland actually has a wide range of geography, from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the rolling hills of the Jura Mountains.
This diversity means that there is something for everyone in Switzerland. whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or simply want to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Find Out Whether you Need an ETIAS Travel Authorization
The rules of travel to Europe have changed.
Starting six months after EES, most people will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most European countries even for a short-term stay.
There are also countries that aren’t part of the EU but participate in the Schengen Agreement. This includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
While it is possible that you could be exempt, more than likely you will need to make sure that you have this done prior to visiting.
This visa-waiver form costs around €7 ($7.25) and can be paid online.
What Language is Spoken in Switzerland?
The official language of Switzerland is German, but Swiss German is also spoken in some regions.
French and Italian are also widely spoken. English is not as commonly spoken as in other European countries, but you should be able to get by with English in most tourist areas.
What Currency Does Switzerland Use?
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc. The Swiss franc is divided into 100 cents.
There are coins of 5, 10 and 20 cents circulating, as well as 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 francs.
Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 francs.
What is Traditional Swiss Food?
Traditional Swiss food is heavy on dairy, specifically cheese. Cheese is such an important part of the Swiss diet that there are over 450 types of cheese made in the country.
It is often eaten as a snack, added to cooked dishes, or melted into fondue.
One of the most popular traditional Swiss dishes is raclette, which is melted cheese served with potatoes and pickled vegetables.
Other popular dishes include rosti (potato pancakes), Älplermagronen (a type of macaroni and cheese), and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce).
While cheese may be the star of Swiss cuisine, there are also many delicious desserts, such as chocolate mousse, Swiss rolls, and Basler Läckerli (a type of gingerbread).
Should You Purchase the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass is a great option if you are traveling to more than one destination in Switzerland.
It gives visitors unlimited access to public trains, buses, and boats to over 90 cities and towns.
Pass holders also get free entrance to 500+ museums, discounted city tours, and access to private and scenic trains with a pre-requisite seat reservation.
There are two types of Swiss Travel Pass: Continuous and Flexi, with an option to choose from 3, 4, 8, and 15 days.
Adapters for Europe
European outlets come in different types, including Type C, E, F, and L. Switzerland uses a J which is different than most.
Swiss outlets typically take two round prongs with a grounding pin whereas American plugs have two flat prongs.
In order to get your device to charge or work, you will need the right converter.
While Switzerland uses both C & J, you will probably use a C for most items.
If you are someone who travels with your hair dryer or straightener, you will need a separate voltage converter that can handle the wattage that it takes for heated appliances.
We usually purchase at least one universal adapter that has ability to work for multiple countries outlets. That is because if you have a layover and need to charge your device, you will want to have one you can use in any airport.
We hope this guide to visiting Switzerland helps you understand a little more about traveling to this incredible destination.
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