Switzerland

Introduction

Bern-Capital City in Capital Position

© snchall

Switzerland is a country as famous for its pocket knives as it is for its chocolate. But to travellers, Swiss fame is largely focused on its Alpine landscape. Beautiful and majestic, many visitors prefer to take in the scenery through activity, rather than mere sightseeing: skiing, hiking, hang-gliding and rafting are only a number of the outstanding opportunities the Alps award.

Swiss culture and history afford interesting cities and monumental castles, for those visitors able to tear themselves away from the mountains. Cities like Zürich, Bern and Lucerne all feature medieval streets and housing, giving travellers that pleasant sense of stepping back in time which so many great European cities offer. Modernity has also struck, as the nation has elevated its economic status to become one of the world's richest nations; but fortunately, developers have had the good sense to retain Switzerland's priceless historic heritage.

Brief History

The oldest traces of hominid existence in Switzerland date back about 150,000 years. Archeological evidence suggests that hunter-gatherers were already settled in the lowlands north of the Alps in the late Paleolithic period. By the Neolithic period, the area was relatively densely populated. The oldest known farming settlements in Switzerland, which were found at Gächlingen, have been dated to around 5300 BC. Remains of Bronze Age pile dwellings from as early as 3800 BC have been found in the shallow areas of many lakes. Around 1500 BC, Celtic tribes settled in the area. The Raetians lived in the eastern regions, while the west was occupied by the Helvetii.

In 1291, the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden conspired against the Habsburgs. Their union, the nucleus of the Old Swiss Confederacy, is recorded in the Federal Charter, a document probably written after the fact, in the early 14th century. At the battles of Morgarten in 1315 and Sempach 1386, the Swiss defeated the Habsburg army, allowing the confederacy to continue within the Holy Roman Empire. The Swiss victory in a war against the Swabian League in 1499 amounted to de facto independence from the Holy Roman Empire. In 1506, Pope Julius II engaged the Swiss Guard that continues to serve the papacy to the present day.

During the French Revolutionary Wars, the revolutionary armies boiled eastward, enveloping Switzerland in their battles against Austria. In 1798 Switzerland was completely overrun by the French and became the united Helvetic Republic, effectively abolishing the cantons. The Congress of Vienna of 1815 fully re-established Swiss independence and the European powers agreed to permanently recognise Swiss neutrality (Restoration). At this time, the territory of Switzerland was increased, by the new cantons of Valais, Neuchatel and Geneva.

As a consequence of the civil war, Switzerland adopted a federal constitution in 1848, amending it extensively in 1874 and establishing federal responsibility for defence, trade, and legal matters, leaving all other matters to the cantonal governments. From then, and over much of the 20th century, continuous political, economic, and social improvement has characterized Swiss history.
The major powers respected Switzerland's neutrality during World War I. During World War II, detailed invasion plans were drawn up by the Germans, but Switzerland was never attacked. Switzerland was able to remain independent through a combination of military deterrence, economic concessions to Germany, and good fortune as larger events during the war delayed an invasion.
In 1963, Switzerland joined the Council of Europe. Women were granted the right to vote only in 1971, and an equal rights amendment was ratified in 1981. Switzerland is not a member state of the EU, but has been (together with Liechtenstein) surrounded by EU territory since the joining of Austria in 1995. In 2005, Switzerland agreed to join the Schengen treaty.

Geography

Switzerland is a landlocked country, sharing borders with Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy and France. The country covers around 41,000 square kilometres and has around 8 million inhabitants, many of them living in the bigger cities. The more mountainous southern half of the country is far more sparsely populated than the northern half, and Graubünden is the least populated area, located in the mountainous southeast of the country. Switzerland lies between latitudes 45° and 48° N, and longitudes 5° and 11° E and consists of three regions: the Swiss Alps in the south, the Central Plateau in the center of the country, and the Jura mountains in the north. There are many glaciers to be found, totalling an area of 1,063 square kilometres. From these originate the headwaters of several major rivers, such as the Rhine, Inn, Ticino and Rhone, Large freshwater lakes include Lake Geneva, Lake Constance and Lake Maggiore. About a hundred of Switzerland's mountain peaks are close to or higher than 4,000 metres and at 4,634 metres the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa group, is the highest, although the Matterhorn (4,478 metres high) is the most famous. The Jungfrau (4,158 metres) and Eiger are two other fantastic mountains. The Central Plateau has greater open and hilly landscapes, partly forested, and with most of the bigger cities of the country.

Regions

Switzerland is divided into 26 so-called cantons, which can be grouped into the following geographical regions.

Cities and Town

• Basel - in the northwest along the border with France and Germany;
• Bern - the country's capital;
• Brig - small town in the Rhone Valley;
• Chur - in the southeast;
• Davos - along with St. Moritz, one of the most popular ski resorts;
• Fribourg - in the northwest;
• Geneva - set on beautiful Lake Geneva;
• Interlaken - famous gateway to the Jungfrau region;
• Lausanne - along the northern shore of Lake Geneva;
• Lauterbrunnen - central Switzerland near Interlaken;
• Locarno - Italian influenced city in Ticino, southern Switzerland;
• Lucerne - beautiful city in the centre of the country;
• Lugano - another Italian influenced city, not far from Locarno;
• Montreux - famous for its film festival, along Lake Geneva;
• Saas-Fee - popular with both skiers (winters) and hikers (summer);
• Sion - the capital of the canton of Valais;
• St. Moritz - popular posh ski resort;
• Winterthur - northeast of Zürich;
• Zermatt - village at 1,600 metres high in the south of the country;
• Zürich is the country's largest city and its economic centre.

Sights and Activities

Bern

The old historical city of Bern, apart from being the capital, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its fine examples of building styles of different periods.

Glacier Express

Glacier Express

© jenniesue

The Glacier Express is one of the best trainrides in Europe and in fact anywhere on this planet. The route runs between St. Moritz in the southeast of the country and Zermatt more to the southwest of Switzerland. There are several stops on the way, including Davos, Chur, Brig and Visp. The total trip takes you through 91 tunnels, across 291 tunnels and over the 2,033-metre-high Oberalp Pass. It's a narrow gauge railway and is often considered to be one of the slowest express trains in the world, as the total trip takes around 7.5 hours for less than 300 kilometres in total. You can travel either 1st or 2nd class and there are several panorama cars and a restaurant car. The trip is very beautiful in winter, which, together with the summer high season, is a popular time. It's just as nice though in spring and fall, so if you want it to be a bit quieter, go during that time. There is just one daily train in winter and up to 4 in summer, one of which runs directly to Davos.

Hiking and trekking

Hiking and trekking are very popular leisure activities in Switzerland. Lots of hiking tips with descriptions, maps, webcams, some with GPS are available online free of charge:

• Myswitzerland - Hiking and walking tips from Swiss tourist office.
• Wandersite - Private hiking and trekking website in German, some information in English.
• GPS-tracks - Cycling and hiking tracks with GPS.

Areas to go hiking are abundant but both Valais (or Wallis in German) and Ticino (Tessin) offer the most spectacular mountain sceneries of them all. The are around Interlaken and Graubünden are almost equally as good though and for beginners there is the less high and less spectacular but still rewarding Jura region.

Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn

Fiesch - Glacier ALesch

© skteddy

The Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region is a magnificent area with high mountain ranges, glaciers and is actually the most glaciated part of the European Alps. Visiting this area can be done relatively easy by car and if you want to go up, by train up to 3,400 metres above sea level, the highest train ride in Europe, the Jungfrau Railway is very impressive (and expensive!). The area is on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its unique and wide range of flora and fauna and geological importance regarding the creating of the High Alps. It is located in the Bernese Oberland Alps and for exploring this stunning mountain area your best bet is to base yourself in the adrenaline capital of the country: Interlaken.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is one of the bigger lakes in Western Europe and is located in the west of the country. Cities along the lakes shores to be visited are Geneva and Lausanne, among many other smaller ones. Geneva is the international capital of the country with hundreds of companies, banks and governmental organisations located here. Although a trendy place for the rich and famous it also has a small but fine historical centre.

Matterhorn

Matterhorn Sunrise 2

© tracebc

Although it is not the highest mountain in the Alps, the Matterhorn is considered to be one of the landmarks on this mountain range. The distinct pyramid-like summit is its claim to fame. It is part of the Pennine Alps and it overlooks the towns of Zermatt (in Switzerland) and Cervinia (in Italy). However, it is the image from the north side that is most well-known to the world.

The Matterhorn is one of the hardest mountains to climb in the Alps because of its steep ascent and the weather conditions. In the last 150 years, over 500 climbers have lost their lives on this mountain. For tourists, it is probably better to enjoy the view from the top of the Gornergrat Railway that leads up to a height of 3,089 metres, or from the top of the Klein Matterhorn cable car lift at 3,820 metres. The cable car is the highest in Europe.

Monte Rosa

Along the Swiss Italian frontier between Zermatt and Alagna Valsesia lies a group of ice clad peaks containing the highest mountain in Switzerland and Europe's highest mountain hut. In fact the next 4 highest peaks in the Alps - after Mont Blanc - are situated here. The massif is known collectively as Monte Rosa though on some maps that name is given to the central peak of Signalkuppe - the 3rd highest of the group at 4,554 metres. The highest point is Dufourspitze at 4,634 metres which lies just to the North. The main features of Monte Rosa are the vast Gorner Glacier which sweeps down from the northern ice fields towards Zermatt and the 2,000 metres high East Face - the so called Mirror Wall - which towers above the Italian Macugnaga valley and is the highest mountain face in the Alps. Ascents of the Monte Rosa peaks can be made from both the Swiss and Italian sides with the easiest routes being uncomplicated for a mountain of this size, though all involve glacier crossings so should be done with a guide. The route to Signalkuppe topped by the Margherita Hut - Europe's highest - is long and without dfficulty while Dufourspitze is slightly more technical on account of rock sections to climb in the latter stages.

Rhine Falls

Europe's biggest waterfall: Reinfalls

© JingJing

The Rhine Falls, near the town of Schaffhausen in Switzerland are among the most impressive plain falls in the world and are the largest plain waterfall in Europe. Not being very high (23 metres) they still are a major sight for travellers to the country and their width is very impressive: almost 150 metres. On both sides of the Rhine Falls there are viewing platforms, which can only be reached by climbing some steep steps. One can also get a view from the river, by getting on a boat making trips to the falls, which leave from Schloss Laufen, and Schlössli Wörth.

Skiing

In winter and even at some parts in summer, Switzerland is one of the finest countries in Europe to go skiing. Although it is more expensive than its alpine counterparts Austria, Italy and France, it offers great pistes, views, delicious food and the most beautifully located resorts. These include Zermatt (with the famous Matterhorn in the background), Davos and Sankt Moritz.

Events and Festivals

Basler Fastnacht

The Basler Fastnacht is one of the more memorable Carnival/Mardi Gras celebrations in the world. It has none of the timeless elegance of the Venice Carnival or the drunken and baudy cheer of the Cologne Carnival, instead it is rougher and the masks are more likely to give you nightmares. And unlike in the Carnival in Venice or Cologne there is a strict separation between participants and onlookers, only participants will wear masks and costumes. The Fastnacht is essentially pagan folk figures and practises for driving away the winter dressed with a tiny fig leaf of Christianity. The feast is held annually and lasts for about 3 days, exact dates vary according to the date of Easter. Basler Fastnacht is held about a week later than the Carnival in Venice and Cologne.

Ski World Cup Wengen

Switzerland is the premier snow sport destination in the world and every January, the top skiers head to Wengen to compete in the FIS Ski World Cup. Visitors can watch the races (slalom and downhill) before enjoying après ski parties.

White Turf

Both equestrian lovers and spectators will be amazed by the horse races that take place in St. Moritz every February. Running in snow and ice with the stunning Engadine mountains as the backdrop, visitors will be amazed by the Skikojoering race, where skiers are pulled by the horses at break neck speed!

Art Basel

Art Basel is the premier international art event in Switzerland. Taking place in June every year, the festival showcases select work from all over the world from both superstars and newcomers and includes performances, multimedia installations, videos, and more from international artists.

Lucerne Festival

This annual music event is split into three parts held throughout the year: Lucerne Festival (summer), Lucerne Festival at Easter and Lucerne Festival at the piano (November). Part of the festival dates back to 1938 and attracts top classical musicians from around the world. Very popular in Switzerland, tickets usually sell out very quickly and performances vary from year to year.

Montreux Jazz Festival

One of the premier jazz festivals in the world takes place in Montreux in July every year. The venue along the shores of Lake Geneva is simply stunning and was founded in 1967. Jazz lovers will be able to see and meet leading musicians from around the globe.

Locarno Film Festival (Festival del Film Locarno)

Considered one of the best film festivals in the world, movie stars, press and fans flock to Locarno in August to experience this Swiss event. The event is known for showcasing cutting-edge filmography and blockbusters and is a great place to rub elbows with the rich and famous.

L’Escalade

Taking place in December every year, this historic festival celebrates the 1602 defeat of the Savoyards, who were trying to attack Switzerland. Visitors will see military troops dressed in historic garb parading through the streets of Geneva’s old town.

Other Events and Festivals

• The Zürich Street Parade is one of the largest street parades in the world and a popular attraction for techno music fans.
• National Day takes place on August the 1st.
• The Zibelemärit (English: Onion Market) is held on the fourth Monday in November in Bern.
• Fete de Geneve - The festival 'Fete de Geneve' takes place along the lake in August every year with musics, bands, processions and fireworks etc. It is a week long festival which is attended by people from all over the world. It is difficult to find a place in hotel during this week.
• Downhill skiing with torches for children in Leukerbad - Kids are the big stars here. Accompanied by skiing instructors, the children ski downhill carrying battery-operated torches. Meeting point: Skiing school assembly point at Snowpark Sportarena (Erli). Free of charge. Registration required. Information concerning the realisation of the event and the exact time at the ski school office.
• Habout Festival in Bönigen b. Interlaken - The harbour area in Bönigen is transformed into a festival ground. A pleasant evening of entertainment to celebrate the Swiss National Day on 1st of August with folklore and live music. Enjoy refreshments, snacks and drinks at the bar.

Sport

Thanks to its mountainous landscape, skiing is very popular in Switzerland. In February, schools have special skiing holidays. Famous Swiss ski sport champions include Bernhard Russi, Pirmin Zurbriggen, Didier Cuche. Tennis is a pretty popular sport in Switzerland, especially since Roger Federer's rise to the top of men's tennis. Somewhat surprisingly, Switzerland also has a famous sailing team called Alinghi.

Weather

Switzerland generally has warm summers and cold winters, though much depends on the area of the country, because the moutains can get much colder and wetter. Summers last from June to September with between 20 °C and 25 °C degrees Celsius during the day, though 27 °C south of the Alps in Ticino, for example Locarno and Lugano. Winters are cold, though generally above zero in the lower parts. In the mountains, temperatures are below zero from December to March and there are sometimes huge amounts of snow, up to 4 or 5 metres a year. This is a popular place to go skiing. Precipitation is quite evenly distributed throughout the year, though somewhat higher in summer when heavy showers and thunderstorms can occur.

Getting There

By Plane

Swiss International Air Lines is the national airline of Switzerland, based at Zürich Airport (ZRH). International flights include Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Bucharest, Cairo, Copenhagen, Dar es Salaam, Delhi, Douala, Dubai, Dublin, Florence, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Hanover, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Jeddah, Johannesburg, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Malabo, Malaga, Miami, Milan, Montréal, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Muscat, Nairobi, New York-JFK, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Riyadh, Rome, Santiago de Chile, St. Petersburg, São Paulo, Singapore, Sofia, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Tokyo, Tripoli, Valencia, Vienna and Yaoundé.

Edelweiss Air AG and Belair use the airport for charters flights to and from sunny destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

Other international airports in the country are Geneva International Airport (GVA) and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL).

By Train

Switzerland is well connected by train to many countries in Europe, though most of the trains go to Italy, France and Germany, from where you have to connect to another train. Some trains though go direct to countries like the Netherlands and on some of them you are allowed to take your car. These trains are especially popular during the winter and summer high season.

By Car

Switzerland shares borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. Well maintained highways connect Switzerland with these countries, but there are many other more scenic routes to take as well. To and from France and Italy you can choose to take the direct roads which include passing some tunnels to prevent taking high passes in the Alps. The more scenic routes usually go over these passes but some of them are not advised to take if you have never driven under these circumstances. Just check before you go.

By Bus

Eurolines operates buses to dozens of destinations throughout Europe. These include but are not limited to Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Spain. For longer routes it is advised to take trains though, which are usually faster and more comfortable, though more expensive if you don't have a European railpass.

By Boat

Germany
The Schweizerische Bodensee-Schiffahrtsgesellschaft car ferry travels across Lake Constance between Romanshorn in Switzerland and Friedrichshafen in Germany, taking around 40 minutes one way.
France
Up to 14 boats daily shuttle to and from Evian-les-Bains (France) in July and August (40 minutes), and to seven to nine boats during the rest of the year.

Getting Around

By Plane

There are domestic flights between Switzerland's major cities, operated by SWISS and Darwin Airline. The public transport options in Switzerland are so good though, that air-travel is not a frequent choice.

By Train

Trains in Switzerland are clean, frequent and reliable and operate on a network covering 5,000 kilometres. Some of the world's most spectacular train trips, including the famous Glacier Express, are an added incentive to hop aboard.

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS) is Switzerland's national railway company. If you plan to travel around the country at any length, it would be worth looking into one of their rail passes: ^[2]

• A Half-Fare Card will give you half price travel on the SBB network, as well as most private and mountain railways. The card costs CHF 150 for one year.
• Gleis 7 (English: Track 7) is a youth card (ages 16-25) that allows free travel on the network after 7:00pm. A Gleis 7 card for one year costs CHF 99. A combo Gleis 7 + Half-Fare Card costs CHF 249 for a year.
• If you plan to do some extended travelling, then the General Abonnement might just be the ticket. It will allow you unlimited travel on SBB's network, as well as numerous private railways. The pass also covers postbuses, lake and riverboats and trams and buses in most Swiss cities. Many mountain railways don't include unlimited travel, will give special discounts to General Abonnement holders. The ticket is CHF 350 for a second class individual card for one month. There are discounts for families, seniors and youths.

Reservations are not usually required on trains, but sometimes might be recommended. Dogs (on leashes) are allowed on trains for an extra fare. ^[3]. Bicycles accommodated for on most trains with special hooks and are also subject to an additional fare. ^[4]

By Car

Switzerland has an excellent paved network of highways and also the minor roads are generally in a very good condition. There are car rental companies at airports, railway station and cities and you need a national driver's licence to rent one. Note that there are hefty fines for speeding so take it easy and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Some mountain passes are impassable after heavy snow but most roads are open year round. You need chains and snow tyres in winter though.

By Bus

The Postbus will take you to almost any corner of the country, but most are local and regional buses and long distance services are almost absent.

By Boat

There are a number of lakes where at least a leisurely cruise is a great way of viewing Switzerland from the water surface. Lake Geneva, lakes around Neuchatel and Interlaken are probably the most popular spots. As a traveller, you won't take many regular passenger services in the country as other modes of transportation are better.
CGN has boats from Ouchy (near Lausanne) to destinations around Lake Geneva. From late May to late September there are frequent departures to most major tourist areas, including the French side. There are no car ferries though. There are less-frequent boats to places like Montreux (1½ hours) and Geneva (3½ hours).
Also check the schedules to see what the options are.

Red Tape

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone and issues Schengen visas.

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, however. Therefore, travellers entering Switzerland are subject to customs controls even if there are no immigration controls, and persons travelling elsewhere in the Schengen Area will also have to clear customs.

As a tourist: Personal goods worth a total of more than 5,000 Fr. and cash and all cash equivalents in excess of 10,000 Fr. have to be declared. Also some amounts of foodstuffs, alcohol and tobacco. The importation of animal products coming from countries other than EU states and Norway is prohibited. When you enter Switzerland, personal effects, travelling provisions and fuel in the tank of your vehicle are tax and duty-free. For other goods being carried, VAT and duty will be levied depending on their total value (over Fr. 300) and according to the quantity. Also take care if you want to travel with your pets. And generally comply with bans, restrictions and authorisations regarding protected species, plants, cash, foreign currency, securities, weapons, pyrotechnic articles (fireworks), narcotics and drugs, transfer of cultural property, product piracy, counterfeits, medicines (medicinal products) and doping, radar warning devices, and citizens' band radio (CB radio).

Unaccompanied minors (travellers under the age of 18 years) are strongly advised to have a note of consent from their parents/guardian, as well as a copy of the parents' or guardian's valid passport or ID card.

Money

See also: Money Matters

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). One franc is divided into 100 centimes (French) (German: Rappen). Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 francs. Coins come as 5, 10 and 20 centimes and 1/2, 1, 2 and 5 francs. Switzerland also accepts the Euro (€) as currency but the balance amount will be returned in CHF only. Tourists are advised to keep this in mind while paying by cash.

Creditcards

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The safest and easiest form of money are traveler's checks and credit cards. The cards most used are American Express, MasterCard and Visa.
Many banks in Switzerland have equipped their ATM machines with the CIRRUS or MAESTRO system. Many other Swiss banks offer ATM machines for cash advances with your credit card. It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in Switzerland for immediate expenses, i.e. taxies, city transportation etc.

Changing Money

You can change money at any Swiss bank, the airport, main railway stations (western union), major hotels etc. Swiss banks offer the best exchange rates for your traveler's checks or cash for foreign currencies (only bank notes). Official exchange offices and hotels may charge a fee for their services. Many banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) that accept overseas bank cards. Please check with your local bank before leaving if your bank card is valid in Switzerland.

Prices

Although living in a Swiss city is fairly expensive, the quality of life is also correspondingly high. What do things cost? (average prices)

• 1 cup of coffee = 4 CHF
• 1 ticket for public transport = from 2.50 CHF
• 1 night in a double room with breakfast = from 120 CHF (low)
• Three-course menu = from 35 CHF
• Cinema ticket = 18 CHF
• 1 litre of petrol (unleaded 95) = 1.70 CHF

Tax Free Shopping

The VAT you pay on purchased goods in Switzerland is 8%. You may ask at the shops for your Tax Free Form and reclaim the VAT. Your total purchases in a shop must amount to more than CHF 300 (including VAT). You must be a resident outside Switzerland and the goods must be exported within 30 days. More information at Premiertaxfree.com and global-blue.com. Three easy steps to claiming your refund in Switzerland:

• Step 1: Tax Free Form (Refund Cheque) - Ask the shop staff for a Tax Free Form (Refund Cheque) when paying for your purchases.
• Step 2: Customs Stamp - When leaving Switzerland (before check-in), present your Tax Free form and the original receipt to Customs; they will export validate it. Have your passport, purchased goods and valid flight ticket ready for inspection; make sure the goods are sealed and unused. Customs is well signposted at all airports, land borders and ports. At the airport, please allow enough time for the export validation process before your flight departs.
• Step 3: Refund Office - Show the stamped Tax Free Form (Refund Cheque), passport and credit card at a nearby Refund Office and ask for an Immediate Refund on your credit card. Alternatively, the refund can be paid in cash.

Tipping

You never have to worry about tipping in Switzerland, as tips are included in the price. You can, however, add a smile to the face of someone who has provided good service by rounding up to the nearest franc or round figure.

Work

If you want to work in Switzerland, be aware that you generally need to obtain a work permit. Switzerland signed an agreement with the European Union that allows citizens of the old EU-15 states to work and search jobs at arms length with Swiss citizens. In these cases you only need a valid passport and have to register with the local administration. The same system applies in general to citizens of the new EU-10 states (Eastern European states in general) plus Bulgaria and Romania but there are limitations on the number of permits. For all other countries in the world the best way is to check with your embassy if there are, for example, exchange programs.

Study

Switzerland has some universites of world renown, like ETH in Zurich, IHEID in Geneva, University of Lausanne or the University of St. Gallen (also known as the HSG). Keep in mind, it's much better to speak the local language, so if you can't speak either French, German or Italian, better go for a language course first.

Language

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. German is mostly spoken in the central and northern parts though if people speak the Swiss German you might not be able to follow it properly. French is spoken in the west and Italian in the south (mainly Tessin). Romansh, an ancient language related to Latin, is mostly spoken in some small parts in Graubünden and in the (south)eastern parts of the country.

Eat

Switzerland is famous for several products that are widely available anywhere in the world, but are made to perfection here: cheese and chocolate.

Sleep

Hotel rates in Switzerland can get quite expensive, especially in popular ski resort areas. As in most European countries, Switzerland offers a wide range of accommodation possibilities. These go from 5-star hotels to campgrounds, youth hostels or sleeping in the hey. Compared to other European countries, accommodations in Switzerland are in general amongst the more expensive. The prices of Swiss Youth Hostels are on the usual European level.

Drink

The drinking age for beer, wine and alcoholic cider is 16 (but not in all cantons, so make sure to ask before buying) while the age for any other alcohol (liquor etc.) is 18.

Health

See also: Travel Health

There are no great health risks travelling to Switzerland. The water is safe and dining out is hygienic, thanks to strict controls. No immunizations are required, unless you have been in an infected area within the previous 14 days.

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Switzerland. It is recommended to have a vaccination against tick borne encephalitis when you go hiking and/or camping for 4 weeks or more in the period of March to November.

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Reasonable precautions should always be taken; keep your wallet in a safe spot and keep a close eye on your luggage when in busy places.

In mountain areas, be sure to inquire about weather conditions at the tourist information office or local train station as you head out in the morning. They should be well informed about severe weather conditions and will advise you about possible avalanche areas.

Keep Connected

Internet

Switzerland has a high rate of people with their own internet connection and computers, so internet cafes are not as common compared to other countries and compared to the past. But still you will be able to find a computer in the main cities and tourist areas, also at libraries, video rental shops, train stations or tourist information places. Wifi is widely available, though sometimes at a cost. A growing number of hotels, restaurants, coffee bars and fastfood joints now offer free wifi.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Switzerland's country code is 41 and the emergency phone numbers are 117 (police), 118 (fire department) and 144 (emergency rescue service/ambulance). Swiss phone numbers consist of the area code and a local phone number. The area code has three digits and starts with a zero, such as 022 for Geneva. The local phone number has usually 7 digits, but there are numbers with only 5 or 6 digits.

If you stay for some time, it may be advisable to buy a pre-paid cell phone card that you can use in any phone that supports the GSM standard on the 900/1800 MHz bands - they usually cost around 10-40 CHF and are obtainable in the shops of the mobile service providers Swisscom, Orange or Sunrise in most cities. Mobile network coverage is close to 100% by area, even in the mountainous, non-populated areas. There are also a lot of cheap prepaid cards for local calls from other providers. The prepaid cards of the big supermarket chains Migros and Coop for example cost around 20 CHF and include already 15 CHF airtime. The cheapest prepaid card for calls within Switzerland is Aldi Mobile. The cheapest prepaid card for international communication is Yallo. The prepaid cards can be bought online (30 CHF with 30 CHF airtime inclusive), in most post offices (29 CHF with 20 CHF airtime inclusive) or Sunrise shops (20 CHF with 20 CHF airtime inclusive).

Post

Swiss Post is the national postal service of Switzerland and has fast and reliable services. For more information about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically as well as internationally, they have a very useful Price Calculator. Domestically, there is priority mail (arriving the following day) and economy mail which takes 2-3 days to be send within Switzerland. Stamps can be bought at the post offices or from shops and kiosks that also sell postcards. In general, post offices are open from 8:00am to noon and 2:00pm to 5:00 or 6:00pm, with a lunchbreak in between. Opening times on Saturdays are usually only during mornings. Larger cities and central post offices might keep longer hours and skp the lunchbreak. If you want to send packages internationally, you might also consider international courier companies like TNT, DHL or UPS.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Information Portal
• Official Tourism Website