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What to expect

Famous for its landscapes, food and clocks, Switzerland is a small European country with a huge amount to offer.

Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe and is most well-known for its distinctive mountain ranges: the Alps in the south and the Jura mountains in the north. Switzerland also has four official languages – French, German, Italian and Romansh – creating a unique blend of cultures and customs across its 8 million+ residents.

Alongside rural villages and Alpine towns, Switzerland's glitzy, cosmopolitan cities bring out a different side of this special destination. Zürich, the largest city in Switzerland, is a beautiful waterside city that combines art, culture, food and nature. Meanwhile, destinations like Geneva and Bern, the capital, also draw visitors from the US and beyond with their Swiss charm.

The best time to visit

Switzerland is a destination that has plenty to enjoy year-round.

The most popular time to visit Switzerland is June to August. During these summer months, the weather is bright and warm, reaching into the low 70s but not getting too hot. This is the perfect time to explore the wonderful mountain scenery on a hike or escape to Switzerland's lakes to cool off in the clear waters.

Winter is also a popular time for US visitors, with lots of snow sports and skiing on offer. Resorts will be busy, but the powder and conditions are worth it. If you're visiting in November or December, we recommend spending a few days in the cities and towns as well to enjoy the magical Christmas markets.

Whenever you want to travel, check our flight deals page for the best airfare to Switzerland.

Cultural highlights

From scenic chateaux and castles to top-quality museums and UNESCO World Heritage sights, there's an endless list of things to see and do throughout Switzerland.

You'll be spoilt for choice in Zürich. Take in one of the city's fascinating museums, like Landesmuseum which traces the country's history, or wander through Zürich West and explore its trendy shops, restaurants and bars.

If you're staying in the capital, Bern has lots of attractions to spend a day or two exploring. Why not start your morning wandering through the Aldstadt – Bern's medieval old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since the '90s – and then ducking into a local café to enjoy Swiss coffee culture?

In Geneva, you can take a break from the buzz of the city and visit the nearby Lake Geneva for stunning views and relaxing boat tours.

Natural highlights

Speaking of escaping the city, no trip to Switzerland would be complete without time to enjoy the country's spectacular natural landscapes.

If you're staying in Zürich, nature is right on your doorstep, with the impressive Rhine Falls just an hour's train ride away.

Further afield, the Alps draw thousands of visitors each season with their pristine powder, atmospheric forests and cozy Alpine towns. Choose from ski resorts including Saint Moritz and Zermatt, home of the renowned Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland. And while you're in the mountains, you can also enjoy other winter sports like snowboarding, winter hiking and tobogganing.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer across Switzerland's mountains and lakes. Head out with the locals to enjoy wild swimming, hiking and camping.

Shopping in Switzerland

Zürich is a great location for a shopping spree, with everything from polished department stores to authentic vintage shops. Bahnhofstrasse is the destination to go for high-end shopping, with stores and boutiques selling luxury goods. Geneva also offers plenty of luxury shopping options with top brands lining the Rue du Rhône and Rue du Marché.

If you're looking for something more unique, across Switzerland's towns and cities you'll find weekly flea markets where you can browse books, clothes, furniture and more. Just make sure to leave room in your suitcase for a quirky keepsake or two!

For a typically Swiss souvenir, chocolates and cheese are firm favorites and you're bound to find local shops selling these popular foods wherever you're staying.

Traditional Swiss cuisine

Swiss cuisine is an intriguing blend of French, German and Italian inspiration and depending on where you're staying, you can enjoy a range of local delicacies. Whether you're looking for fine dining or want more rustic meals, the cities and mountain towns all offer their own take on Swiss food.

One of the most popular foods in Switzerland is undoubtedly cheese. Famous for mild, nutty cheeses, each region has their own recipe, creating unique flavors and textures. Enjoy this delicacy the Swiss way as either fondue or raclette, two types of melted cheese served with bread or potatoes.

Chocolate is another typically Swiss treat to add to your list. As one of the first countries to start making chocolate, Swiss chocolatiers have refined their technique, creating delicious, high-quality chocolates that everyone enjoys.

Getting around Switzerland

Whether you need to get around a city or want to explore the countryside, Switzerland has a fantastic public transport system, making it easy to explore.

Trains are the fastest way to get around, with plenty of InterCity routes connecting major cities and hubs and suburban, or S-Bahn, lines which run within the cities and towns themselves. You'll also find regular buses throughout urban and more rural areas. Up in the mountains, funiculars and cable cars make the peaks accessible without having to take a long hike.

If you're planning on renting a car, most roads in Switzerland are well maintained, but driving in the Alps and other mountain ranges can be difficult due to the terrain and icy conditions in the winter. It's best to take extra precautions and only drive if you feel confident with the routes.

Transport from the airport

Switzerland has several airports, with Zürich and Geneva being the largest.

Zürich Airport (ZRH) is just 6 miles (10 km) from the city, with trains running every 10 minutes or so to the city center. The journey takes 10 minutes and a one-way adult ticket costs around $7 (CHF 6.80).

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is around 2.5 miles (4km) from the city and the train journey to the center only takes 6 minutes. A one-way adult ticket costs around $3.25 (CHF 3). If you've got an early flight home, you can also take the aérobus, the only form of public transport which runs to the airport before 6am.

If you're staying elsewhere, both airports offer connections outside of Zürich and Geneva, with trains to major cities and buses running to more regional areas and ski resorts.