Discover Tailor-Made Switzerland Vacations

Cold and snowy, winter in Switzerland is a paradise for skiers, snowboarders, and lovers of Alpine landscapes, with the country’s famous ski slopes and resort towns ready to indulge. During the Christmas season, the country’s towns and cities also play host to traditional Christmas markets, full of lights, unique crafts, warming foods, and lots of cider.

Destination Specialist Samantha Buckley details that "Winter and Summer are the best time to visit. Winter provides arguably the best scenic pictures, world-class skiing, and unique winter experiences. Summer provides some of the best hiking, and comfortable summer temperatures for touring"

During the spring and fall, the forests and mountains come alive with colour, making these so-called shoulder seasons an ideal time for hiking, biking, and nature-based vacations. With fewer crowds and lower prices, they are also a more comfortable and budget-friendly time to visit.

Summer in Switzerland sees an influx of tourists looking to take advantage of the warmer weather and such seasonal activities as windsurfing on the country’s many lakes or cycling tours of wine country. It is also the priciest time of year to visit.

Whatever the season, though, Switzerland’s charm, beauty, and attractions never disappoint. Learn more about the best time to visit the country and tailor your trip to match your tastes.

Multilingualism is a hallmark of the country, with French, Italian, and German among its quartet of official languages. The fourth is Romansch, a Romance language spoken primarily in the Swiss canton of the Grisons.

Culturally, the Swiss are well-known for their precision and attention to detail. Their train system is among the most accurate in the world, and they’re famous for their watch and clock industries.

When visiting Switzerland, keep in mind the Swiss penchant for neutrality and order. Being punctual is a value ingrained in Swiss culture, as is politeness. Socially, Swiss people may initially come across as reserved, but will warm up and express themselves more as acquaintanceships develop.

When walking through Swiss villages or hiking in rural areas, it is common to make eye contact and exchange a polite greeting with passersby. However, extended chats with strangers aren’t common in Switzerland, so don’t expect locals to freely engage with visitors—at least not right away.

Especially popular are rosti (a fried potato cake), fondue and raclette (communal Alpine dishes involving melted cheese), and beef, pork and poultry in the form of sausages and cutlets.

Locally made wine may be Switzerland's best-kept secret, as most of it is consumed by the Swiss themselves and only one percent is exported. Top wine-producing regions include Valais and Vaud. Beer is also popular with the Swiss, especially in the German-speaking regions, with numerous breweries dotting the country.

Perhaps the greatest contribution by Switzerland to global cuisine is its world-class chocolatemakers, such as Lindt, Maison Cailler, and Maestrani, all of which operate facilities featuring tastings and exhibits.

Visit Goway’s Food and Drink page for more on the country’s wide-ranging food and drink scene.

Whether by train, cable car, boat or road, the Swiss have perfected public transit, making getting around the country a breeze. Most rail tickets can be purchased at stations on the day of travel or via the official Swiss Railway website. Be sure to download the SBB Mobile app, through which you can also buy train tickets as well as check all rail schedules and even see which platform your train will depart from.

At the same time, many of the most popular sightseeing trains, as well as cablecars, funiculars, and boats, can fill up in the tourist season, so booking early is wise.

Switzerland is known for its variable weather, especially in the Swiss Alps, where it can switch from warm and sunny to cold and windy very quickly. In addition to packing for a typical trip, packing layers including a waterproof shell and a packable down jacket is consequently important. Bringing sturdy hiking shoes with a treaded sole and up-to-date maps is also essential.

As a society in which ecology and sustainability are highly valued, Switzerland widely supports eco-tourism, such as bicycle tours and wildlife experiences, with measures aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and saving its natural beauty. While there, visitors are encouraged to recycle waste, conserve energy and use electric or public transportation whenever possible. The extensive railway network, which weaves across the country and to all neighbouring nations, makes doing the latter easy.

For more information on visiting Switzerland, consult Goway’s Things to Know Before You Go.