Snow peaks, glassy lakes and trains that run to the minute.
Switzerland is a small country of towering Alps, deep lakes and neat old towns. The Matterhorn rises above car-free Zermatt, the Jungfrau region around Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen is all waterfalls and cliffs, and Lucerne sits on a lake ringed by mountains. French-speaking Geneva and Montreux line Lake Geneva, while Lugano adds an Italian flavour in the south.
Getting around is a pleasure: trains, postbuses, boats and cable cars connect seamlessly, and routes like the Glacier Express are sights in themselves. Expect fondue, raclette, rösti and very good chocolate, and budget carefully, as it is an expensive country. June to September is best for hiking and lakes, December to March for skiing, and April, May and November are between seasons.
Best time to visit Switzerland
January, February, June, July, August, September.
Places to visit in Switzerland
Zermatt: A car-free alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn, with year-round skiing, glaciers and superb hiking.
Jungfrau Region: A spectacular corner of the Bernese Oberland, with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, cogwheel trains and waterfall valleys.
Lucerne: A picture-perfect lakeside city with a medieval covered bridge and the peaks of Pilatus and Rigi nearby.
Zurich: Switzerland's largest city, a polished financial centre with an old town, a lake for swimming and a strong art scene.
Geneva: An international city on the shores of Lake Geneva, home to the UN in Europe and the Red Cross.
Bern: Switzerland's compact capital, with medieval arcaded streets, a famous clock tower and a bend of the Aare river.
Lugano: An Italian-speaking lakeside city in Ticino, with palm-lined promenades, piazzas and mountain views.
Montreux: A graceful resort on Lake Geneva, known for the Château de Chillon, its jazz festival and vineyard terraces.
St. Moritz: A high-altitude Engadin resort on a lake, famous for luxury, winter sports and dependable sunshine.
Essentials
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Language: German, French or Italian by region; English widely spoken
Plugs: Type C / J, 230 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+1
Tipping: Service is included; round up for good service
Getting around: Integrated trains, buses and boats; a Swiss Travel Pass covers most of them
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking