Swiss
Cargando experiencia inmersiva...
General Travel Guide: The Top of Europe
Switzerland is a country that seems designed to perfection. It is a land of astonishing dualities where the wildest and greatest nature coexists in harmony with impeccable cities and exemplary infrastructure. Here, snow-capped peaks are reflected in impossibly blue lakes, and red trains wind through breathtaking landscapes. From the adrenaline of the Alps to the tranquility of a boat ride, to the pleasure of tasting the best chocolate in the world, Switzerland offers a travel experience of exceptional quality. Get ready to discover a country where beauty is a standard, efficiency is an art and every view seems like a perfect postcard.
Capital
Bern
Population
8.849.733
Langue
Alemán, Francés, Italiano
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
13
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Swiss
Expériences uniques
Take a Trip on a Panoramic Train
Crossing the Swiss Alps aboard trains such as the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express is an unforgettable experience. With their carriages with large windows, these trains traverse spectacular viaducts, daring tunnels and landscapes of glaciers and deep valleys. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to get to know the grandeur of the country.
Climb the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Taking the rack railway to the highest station in Europe, at 3,454 meters, is an adventure in itself. Once at the top, the views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps, and a sea of snow-capped peaks are breathtaking. Inside the complex, you will find an ice palace and several exhibitions.
Immerse yourself in the Cheese Culture in Gruyères
Visiting the medieval village of Gruyères is like entering a story. The experience is completed with a visit to 'La Maison du Gruyère', the local cheese factory, where you can see the production of the famous cheese first hand. Don't leave without trying an authentic fondue or raclette in one of its traditional restaurants.
Visit a Chocolate Factory
Switzerland is the homeland of chocolate and visiting a factory is a pleasure for the senses. Places like the Maison Cailler in Broc or the Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zurich offer interactive tours that explain the process from cocoa bean to bar, culminating, of course, with delicious tastings.
Sailing on an Alpine Lake
Taking a cruise on a historic steamship on Lake Lucerne or Lake Geneva offers a completely different perspective on Swiss beauty. Surrounded by mountains and passing picturesque villages and castles, it is a tranquil and majestic way to absorb the landscape.
Walk through the Old Town of Bern
The capital of Switzerland, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a medieval gem. Walking under its six kilometers of arcades ('Lauben'), admiring its Renaissance fountains, visiting the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) and contemplating the city from the Rose Garden is a charming experience.
Flavors of the Alps
Swiss cuisine is rich and comforting, with clear influences from its German, French and Italian neighbors. However, it has developed its own identity based on the exceptional quality of its local products, especially its cheeses and dairy products. Each region has its specialties, but there are iconic dishes that have crossed all borders.
Swiss cuisine is rich and comforting, with clear influences from its German, French and Italian neighbors. However, it has developed its own identity based on the exceptional quality of its local products, especially its cheeses and dairy products. Each region has its specialties, but there are iconic dishes that have crossed all borders.
The Kingdom of Cheese
Cheese is the cornerstone of Swiss cuisine. With more than 450 varieties, it is used in iconic dishes such as fondue and raclette, which are more than meals: they are social events to share with friends and family.
Regional Cuisine
The cultural diversity of the country is reflected at the table. In the German-speaking area, strong dishes such as Rösti dominate. In the French part, sausages such as 'saucisson' are popular, and in the Italian part, polenta and risotto are the protagonists.
Plats Iconiques
Cheese Fondue
The national dish par excellence. It consists of a mixture of Swiss cheeses (such as Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois) melted with white wine and Kirsch (cherry brandy) in a ceramic pot called 'caquelon'. It is eaten by dipping pieces of bread.
Raclette
Another social dish focused on cheese. Raclette cheese is melted and shaved over cooked potatoes, accompanied by pickles, pickled scallions and other pickles.
Rösti
A type of omelette or cake made of grated potatoes and fried in butter until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It can be served as a main dish (often with a fried egg and sausage) or as a side dish.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
A typical Zurich dish. They are thin strips of beef cooked in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce. Traditionally, it is served with Rösti.
Älplermagronen
Known as Alpine Shepherds' Macaroni, it is the Swiss version of macaroni and cheese. It is a gratin of pasta, potatoes, cheese, cream and onion, which is traditionally served with applesauce.
Bündnerfleisch
A dried meat cured in the air, typical of the canton of Graubünden. It is cut into very thin slices and served as an appetizer or on a charcuterie board. Its flavor is intense and delicate.
Boissons typiques
Swiss Wine
Switzerland produces excellent wines, especially whites, which are rarely exported. Don't miss a Chasselas from the terraced vineyards of Lavaux (UNESCO Heritage Site) on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Rivella
Considered the national drink of Switzerland, it is a carbonated soft drink made from whey, herbs and fruits. It has a unique flavor and is very popular throughout the country.
Schnaps/Kirsch
Fruit spirits, known as 'Schnaps', are popular digestives. The most famous is 'Kirsch', a cherry distillate that is also used to flavor fondue and desserts such as Zug cherry pie.
Apple Juice (Apfelsaft)
It is often served in its cloudy, natural version ('naturtrüb') or mixed with sparkling water ('Shorley' or 'Gespritzter Apfelsaft'). It is a refreshing and widely consumed drink.
Desserts traditionnels
Swiss Chocolate
More than a dessert, it is a national treasure. The quality of Swiss chocolate is recognized worldwide thanks to inventions such as milk chocolate or the conching process. It is a souvenir and a mandatory pleasure.
Bündner Nusstorte
Also known as Engadine walnut tart, it is a dense pastry with a shortcrust pastry filled with caramelized walnuts and cream. A hearty and delicious sweet, perfect for replenishing energy.
Meringues with Gruyère Cream
A specialty of the Gruyère region. Crispy, light meringues served with an incredibly thick and delicious double cream from the region. A simple but heavenly combination.
Zuger Kirschtorte
A cake from the city of Zug. It consists of layers of hazelnut meringue and sponge cake soaked in 'Kirsch' (cherry brandy), held together by a buttercream. It is an elegant dessert with a distinctive flavor.
Que voir par thème
Switzerland's wealth lies in its incredible variety, combining stunning nature with urban sophistication. Here we suggest you explore the country through different topics.
Alpine Majesty and Glaciers
Switzerland is synonymous with the Alps. The iconic Matterhorn silhouette from Zermatt is a must-see. The Jungfrau region, accessible from Interlaken, offers a trio of legendary peaks (Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) and access to the impressive Aletsch Glacier. It is a paradise for mountaineering, skiing and simply marveling at nature.
Cities with Charm and History
Swiss cities perfectly combine history and modernity. Lucerne is the perfect postcard with its lake and mountains. Bern, the capital, boasts an impeccably preserved medieval old town. Zurich is the dynamic financial and cultural center, while Geneva, on the shores of its lake, is an epicenter of international diplomacy.
Dream Lakes and Vineyards
Swiss lakes are the heart of summer. Lake Geneva is home to cities such as Montreux and the spectacular terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Lucerne offers unforgettable cruises with alpine views. And the lakes of Thun and Brienz, with their turquoise waters, are the gateway to the Bernese Alps.
World Famous Train Routes
The Swiss public transport system is an attraction in itself. The Great Swiss Train Route connects the most spectacular points of the country. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, which crosses the Alps to Italy, or the Glacier Express, the 'world's slowest express', linking Zermatt to St. Moritz.
Culture, Art and Museums
Switzerland has a world-class cultural and arts scene. Basel is known as the cultural capital, with almost 40 museums. The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, is a fascinating visit. The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne is ideal for families, and the Kunsthaus Zurich houses an impressive art collection.
Traditions and Rural Life
For a more authentic experience, explore rural areas. Visit Appenzell, with its painted houses and living traditions. Attend a 'desalpe' (Désalpe), the traditional descent of cattle from the mountains in autumn, a festival full of color. Or discover Schwingen, Swiss wrestling, a popular sport at summer festivals.
Conseils de voyage
Swiss Travel Pass
Seriously consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass. It offers unlimited travel on the country's train, bus and boat network, as well as public transportation in more than 90 cities and free entry to more than 500 museums. It is often cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Cost of living
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. To save, consider buying food at supermarkets such as Coop or Migros, which offer good quality products and takeaway options. Drinking tap water is safe and public fountains usually have potable water.
Language
Switzerland has four official languages. Depending on the region, you will hear Swiss, French, Italian or Romansh German spoken. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and in the transportation system, so communication is not usually a problem.
Tips
The service is included by law in all restaurant and hotel bills. A tip is not expected, but it is common to round the bill to the nearest franc or leave 5-10% if the service has been exceptional. It is usually delivered directly to the waiter.
This guide is just the beginning of your Swiss adventure. Each canton and each valley has its own personality, its own landscapes and its own secrets. We invite you to use the efficient Swiss trains to explore without limits, from the highest peaks to the most vibrant cities. Gute Reise, bon voyage, buon viaggio!
Loading quiz...
Explorez les régions de Swiss
Découvrez les plus belles régions et planifiez votre voyage parfait
card.noResults.title
card.noResults.message
TripPlanner
Créez votre itinéraire parfait
Chargement...
Votre profil de voyageur
Découvrez votre style de voyage
Chargement...