travel tips | switzerland (eng.)
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SWITZERLAND
OVERVIEW ATTRACTIONS TRANSPORTATION SHOPPING WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO STAY
TRAVEL TIPS
OVERVIEW
Worldly known by its delicious chocolates,
high quality watches and the beautiful
Alps, Switzerland, in central Europe, is one
the countries with the lowest crime rates
in the world and better quality of life in
the world.
Visiting Switzerland is learning about
a country with charming streets and
houses, advanced public transportation
system and infrastructure, besides
admirable natural beauties. Huge snow
peak covered mountains and dazzling
millennium architecture make tourists fell
like in a movie set.
In spite of being a small country, with little
more than 41 thousand km2 (slightly small-
er than the State of Rio de Janeiro) Switzer-
land has 26 Cantons (federative members
of the Federal State with broad autonomy),
which until half the XVIII century were
sovereign states, each of them maintaining
its cultural roots and identities. The country
borders are France to the West; Germany to
the North, Austria and Lichtenstein Princi-
pality to the East and Italy to the South.
Switzerland unites the tranquility and
beauty of the mountains, glaciers
and lakes to the modernity of the
cosmopolitan life of larger cities. Tourists
will be charmed by the historical streets
of the capital Bern or the charming
Lucerne, and can go in an adventure on the
mountains of Interlaken, visit the countless
museums in Basel or have fun in Zürich,
the country’s most populated city.
With rich cultural diversity, every region in
Switzerland has a mostly spoken language.
The main four are: German (spoken by
63.5% of the population), French (22.5%),
Italian (8.15%) and Romansh (1%), a
dialect spoken in Graubünden Canton.
Romansh is a linguistic relic derived from
Latin, which survived in the rocky valleys
isolation and was acknowledged as national
language. In case the tourist is not fluent in
any of the languages, there is no need to
worry. English is widely spoken across the
country.
In Switzerland, the seasons are well de-
fined. The best time for visiting depends
on the kind of activities you want to enjoy.
Therefore, planning is fundamental. De-
pending on the time of the year, it may be
necessary to bring warm coats, comfortable
shoes or sunglasses and sunblock.
Winter (from January to February) is the
best time for those who wants to go ski-
ing, due to the intense snow on the lower
mountains. There are several ski resorts.
However, be prepared to face cold tempera-
tures ranging from -2º C to 7º C. Going out
on the street may be freezing.
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Those who are not used with cold weathers
and prefers to enjoy milder temperatures
should travel on springtime (from March
to May). During this season, the fields are
deep green and flowers blossom in the
streets, inviting for a stroll. There is snow
on the highest regions of the Alps, but it is
not the best season for skiing.
During Fall (from September to November),
the leaves change their color, painting a
beautiful landscape. Temperatures range
between 8º and 15º C just like Spring.
Lots of tourists visit Switzerland during
Summer (from June to August) crowds
the cities. Daytime temperatures my vary
between 18º and 28º C reaching staggering
30º C on hotter days.
PASSPORT AND VISAThe visa is only necessary for tourists stay-
ing for more than three months in a row. All
travelers must have a passport valid for at
least 90 days after leaving the country.
For more information on visas, permanent
residency as well as work authorizations
and business matters, the traveler must
contact the nearest Swiss Consulate.
ATTRACTIONS
Visiting Switzerland is certainly on of the
most incredible experiences a traveler may
get. You will be mesmerized by its charming
rivers, bridges and museums, and admire
one of the most beautiful landscapes in the
world, with lakes and mountains showing
a wide shade of forest greens and snow
whites, depending on the season. Have fun
at the bars and restaurants of the larger
cities or practicing radical sports by the
countryside.
ZÜRICH The most populated town in Switzerland
is a great example of what the tourist can
expect in his visit. Counting with operas,
theaters, musicals, art exhibits, a sizzling
nightlife, over 50 museums and 100 art gal-
leries, having few entertainment options is
not an issue. Featuring historical buildings,
Old Town Zürich transports the visitors to
Medieval Times.
Other attraction is Zürich Lake, which counts
on walking options either on summer or
on winter. The Bürkliterrasse is a gather-
ing spot where the Alps can be admired
on cleared sky days. Rapperswil charms
visitors with many attractions: the castle,
the historical wooden bridge, the zoo and
Alpamare water park, ideal for family time.
BERNThe country capital is another city that de-
serves. Walking through the streets is trav-
eling back in the time to the medieval age.
The historical center, known as Old Town, is
part of UNESCO World Heritage. In addition
to its unique architecture, the city portrays
the longest cover shopping sidewalks in
Europe stretching for about 6km.
LUCERNEConsidered by many as the most beautiful
town in the country, it lives up to its
reputation. With breathtaking landscapes,
one of the most enchanting is the “cherry
street”, just out of town, offering the
tourist a beautiful sight of the cherry trees.
The trip to the Pilatus or Rigi mountains
and the steamship tour on the waters
of Lake Lucerne with its curves and
embranchments, are also noteworthy.
GENEVALocated on the French Canton, it is another
important city, which welcomes its visitors
from around the globe. Due to its human-
itarian traditions and cosmopolitan envi-
ronment it the European capital of the UN,
the the Red Cross headquarters, and is also
known as the “capital of peace”.
BASELLocated in northwest Switzerland, near the
French and German border, it is the oldest
town in the country. It is a must-go for the
culture, art, and design lovers, boasting on its
40 museums. The highlight is the Art Muse-
um, which has approximately 200 sculptures
and art works from outstanding artists such
as Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, among others.
The medieval style squares, several modern
art fairs, the Münster Cathedral and Reno
River are other attractions. The city also
have the country’s larger zoo, surpassing 600
species. Also in Basel is Dufry’s headquarters,
which was founded in 1865.
MATTERHORN MOUNTAINConsidered on of the country’s main sym-
bols, the mountain in the city of Zermatt
is a must-see attraction. Immortalized on
Toblerone chocolates wrappings, it is one
of the most photographed mountains in the
world. Climbing the Motterhorn is extremely
challenging and recommended to expert
mountaineers. For the non-mountaineers, is
possible to use the Zermatt Lift Chair to the
highest station of the Alps, 3,820 meters
above sea level. The view is stunning.
INTERLAKENIt is one of the most sought after destina-
tions by tourists, especially those who enjoy
adventures. Located between the Thun and
Brienz lakes, the site offers a beautiful view
of the enormous Eiger, Mönch and Jung-
frau . Internationally famous, it is the start-
ing point for many excursions throughout
Switzerland. With more than 45 railroads
taking you to an amazing tour through the
mountains, in addition to several ski lifts,
ski slopes and ice skating and several
hiking tracks.
Still in Interlaken, a mandatory visit is the
St. Beatus Caves, a limestone cave with
about 1 km large and gorgeous waterfalls.
It is accessible by boat, car, bus or hiking.
Another unforgettable tour is the Top
of Europe, train ride up to Jungfraujoch
Mountain, the highest peak of the conti-
nent, where you can get to by train (nearly
3,500m of altitude).
TRANSPORTATION
Switzerland has one of the largest public
transport networks in the world, with
around 26 thousand kilometers, and fully
interconnected system. It is also why the
country is considered one of the best ones
to live on. Tourists have the convenience of
being able to use only one type of “all-in-
one” fare, which works for train travel, boat
or bus across Switzerland. The trains are
extremely comfortable and departures have
regular times, every half-hour or 1 hour,
depending on the place of destination.
SWISS TRAVEL PASS Is a fair way to save money for those who
want to visit several cities using public
transport. It offers a series of advantages:
free and unlimited travel (by train, intermu-
nicipal bus or boat); free and unlimited trav-
el in municipal transportation for 75 towns
and cities; 50% off in the main cable car
rides and free admission in more than 490
museums. The fare amount varies according
to the number of days you want to use it
(3, 4, 8 or 15 days).
SWISS TRAVEL PASS FLEXIn this fare modality, in addition to all the
advantages of the Swiss Travel Pass, you
can choose the dates and destinations. The
fare is valid for a given number of days
within the selected month. Days can be
selected individually and do not need to be
consecutive.
SWISS TRANSFER Indicated for travelers who want to stay in
only one city. The fare includes transporta-
tion to and from the airport train station to
your destination and is valid for one month.
It also has all the advantages of the Swiss
Travel Pass.
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SWISS FAMILY CARD If the visitor takes a family trip and uses
one of the fares listed above, a free Swiss
Family Card may be requested with no
charge. Children under 16 years old travel
with no charge when accompanied by at
least one of the parents. If they want to
travel unaccompanied, they are entitled to a
50% discount on any one of the fares. Chil-
dren under 6 years old travel for free, even
without the Swiss Family Card.
SWISS YOUTH PASSPurposed for passengers under 26 years old
who wants to travel through Switzerland
by train, bus or boat. They are entitled to
a 15% discount on the regular Travel Pass
Swiss value.
SWISS HALF FARE CARDIndicated for those who want to spend
many days in Switzerland. Valid for 1
month, the ticket offers a 50% discount
on the purchase of train tickets and urban
transport fares. There are no discounts for
attractions and sightseeing.
All tickets may be purchased at the coun-
try’s official site (http://www.myswitzer-
land.com/en-us/transport-travel/trans-
port-travel-passes/swiss-travel-pass.html)
or Swiss railway stations.
SHOPPING
Going to Switzerland and not buying at
least one piece of cheese or chocolate is
such a waste! However, those are not the
only popular items among tourists. The
Swiss clocks, knives and pocketknives are
renowned worldwide and are among the
most sought after by travellers utensils.
One of the more traditional clock and jew-
elry stores is the Bucherer, in Lucerne.
Famous for having the most complete
selection of Rolex watches, it has a huge
diversity of models and other brands. In ad-
dition, the jewels of its own creation, such
as natural color diamonds, uniquely colored
stones and Tahiti pearls are also a hit.
For those seeking Swiss pocketknives, the
best option is Victorinox. With several units
throughout the country, it is also possible
to find knives, watches, suitcases, clothes,
perfumes and various traveling articles. It
is a great place to buy souvenirs for friends
and relatives. It is worth knowing the Vic-
torinox Brand Store, in Brunnen, which
houses a museum that shows the story of
the Swiss army knife. If this visit is not part
of the script, the good news that is that
Dufry shops sell Victorinox accessories in
the main airports of the world. Therefore,
save a space in your bag to ensure the best
products fit in there; and better yet: with
special discounts.
We also recommend that you save space in
your bag for the irresistible Swiss delicacies.
And one of them, without a shadow of a
doubt, is the famous and traditional cheese.
One of the must-see activities is visiting
the Switzerland Cheese Marketing, in
Bern, with about 450 types of cheese. The
most famous are the spicy Appenzeller and
Sbrinz AOP, the extremely soft Vacherin Mont
d’Or AOP, and the aromatic Le Gruyère AOP
. The cheese bombs, known as Malakoffs,
are also delicious and ideal for savoring in
slices.
The famous Swiss chocolates could be
left out of the list, right? Sold throughout
the country, Frey chocolates melt in your
mouth. In addition to the irresistible flavor
and diversity of flavors, their price is more
accessible. Also worth a visit is the beautiful
Cailler chocolate factory in the city of Bulle,
near Lake Geneva. In addition to knowing
the entire manufacturing process, it is
possible to experience all products and
choose your favorite. And last, but not least,
the authentic Lindt chocolates, which are
worldly famous and can be found on the
main markets.
Another great place to buy traveling
souvenirs is in the Bahnhof Street, in
Zürich. Considered the main shopping
area of the city, has several fashion and
department stores, boutiques and souvenir
shops. Another tip is to know the Freitag, a
shop specialized in ecological bags, made of
recycled materials, with stunning designs. A
great option for a gift.
Bern is also a great city for shopping,
boasting the longest shopping promenade
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in Europe. There are 6 km of arcades
(covered shopping sidewalks) where it is
possible to find clocks, chocolates, clothes,
pocket knifes and high quality perfumes.
LOCAL CURRENCY AND TAXThe currency is the Swiss Franc, represent-
ed by the acronym CHF. Although Switzer-
land is not part of the European Union, it
is common to find products being sold in
Euros, for it receives many visitors from all
over the continent. However, it is likely that
the returned change is in Swiss Francs.
The Swiss franc has 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents
and 1, 2 and 5 franc coins. The bills are 10,
20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 CHF.
In addition to the official exchange houses,
it is possible to exchange money in banks,
airports, in the main railway stations
(Western Union) and in big hotels . Usually,
the banks offer the best rates. The hotels
and some exchange houses may charge an
extra fee for this service.
Foreign tourists are eligible for a refund in
case of purchases over CHF 300 (including
value added tax) in case the goods leave
the country within 30 days. The tax on the
value added in Switzerland is 8 % on pur-
chased products.
When paying for the purchase, the tourist
can request a Refund Check to the seller.
When leaving the country, it is necessary
to show the goods purchased, invoices and
the passport at the customs authorities so
theRefund Check is stamped. At the nearest
Refund Office, just show the stamped Re-
fund Check, your passport and credit card
to request an immediate credit card Refund.
Reimbursement can also be done in cash.
WHERE TO EAT
As the habits and traditions that have been pre-
served over the years, Switzerland has a huge
wealth and culinary diversity. World famous for
its cheese and chocolate, Swiss dishes go way
beyond that and are delicious. In rural areas,
there are a number of festivals and foodie
exhibitions, in which local chefs present their
typically Swiss irresistible creations.
In addition to the above, in Zurich, for in-
stance, there are more than 1,700 restau-
rants and bars, where the tourist can enjoy
from the most traditional dishes to exotic
specialties. There are various types of fla-
vors for all tastes and budgets.
FOOD IN ALL PRICE RANGESThe most accessible meal usually is the
“Tagesmenü” (the today special), offered
by restaurants at lunchtime, which includes
an entry (soup or salad) and a main course.
During the evening, choose between dishes
a little less expensive than those offered
on the menu. The average price of a main
dish “à la carte” may vary from 20 to 50
Swiss francs. If the option is to pay less for
meals, the best choice are the snack bars
or restaurants in the department stores,
such as Migros, Coop and the Manor. Those
visitors who do not eat meat will also find
all kinds of options in vegetarian dishes and
restaurants.
Lunchtime is usually between 12 and 2pm.
However, in some restaurants, it can be
even sooner. Most of the times, dinner is
served between 6pm and 9:30pm. Many
restaurants, mainly in the cities, also offer
hot meals throughout the day, from 11am
to 10pm.
FOODIE TOURSA delicious activity is to visit the traditional
Klamby Bakery, in Trubschachen, Central
Switzerland. There, it is possible to see the
bakers in action, make your own cookies and
try over 100 types of Swiss biscuits. The best
option is to take the train. There are daily
departures, hourly, taking the BLS going from
Berne or Lucerne to Trubschachen.
Another place you can’t-miss is one of the
Swiss chocolate factories. The Chocosuisse
is an association of 18 manufacturers, large
and small, as Cailler, Aeschbach Alprose,
Chocolatier, Frey Chocolates, among others.
Visitors learn how chocolate is produced,
taste them and may buy chocolate directly in
the factory store.
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For those who enjoy wine, one must stop
is Vaud, one of the main wine regions of
Switzerland. Located on Lake Geneva, it has
an ideal landscape to appreciate one of its
48 special labels.
It is worth remembering that Switzerland
has more than 200 varieties of grapes, pro-
duces different noble wines and only 2% of
them are exported. The small vineyards and
steep slopes make it a difficult and limited
production. Therefore, the organization in-
vests in a smaller-sized production, but with
very high quality.
WHERE TO STAY
With unique quality hotels, Switzerland
hospitality is a world reference. Country
of cultural diversities, in Switzerland there
are different types of accommodations:
ski resorts, luxury hotels, accommodations
in which guests sleep on haystacks, stilts,
apartments, chalets and hostels.
RESORTS AND LUXURY HOTELSElected the best hotel in the world by
TripAdvisor in 2014, the Grand Hotel Kro-
nenhof in Pontresina, was founded in the
19th century and has luxurious rooms with
unique architecture. The Alpine region also
houses several options of luxury hotels and
resorts for anyone who wants to go skiing.
The majority of them has comfortable ac-
commodation with spa, jacuzzi, heated pool,
in addition to the incredible mountain view.
RURAL HOTELFor those who enjoy picturesque lodgings,
we recommend the Erlebnisbauernhof
Weid. Located in the Obwalden Canton, hosts
travelers in its farm wooden stable with an
area of 9 acres. In operation since 1914, on
the same access road to Melchsee-Frutt ski
station, the farm specializes in rural tourism
and welcomes guests with cheese, apple and
cherry juice: all locally produced.
PALAFITTE HOTELConsidered the only one in Europe that was
built on stilts, the accommodations in which
guests have exclusive access to the Lake
Neuchâtel, in western Switzerland. With
approximately 218 km² is considered the
biggest Swiss lake. In the summer the tem-
perature reaches 23º C; one can even swim.
APARTMENTS AND CHALETS: Those who want a little more privacy can
also choose to rent an apartment or chalet.
Available in all major regions, prices vary
between 400 CHF 700 CHF per week.
YOUTH HOSTELSAvailable in almost all regions, these hostels
are great options for those in search for
economy. Charming and cozy, it is possible
to find daily rates of up to 50 CHF. One of
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
41 COUNTRY CODE
POLICE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES
RESCUE
117118
144
1414
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
(41) 22-717-7111
(41) 43-816-2211
GENEVA AIRPORT
ZÜRICH AIRPORT
TOURIST INFORMATION
00800 100 200 29
the most sought is in Basel, famous by
design and architecture.
BED & BREAKFASTThis type of accommodation is another
option for those who want to make a trip
on budget. Search www.bnb.ch and you will
find different options and descriptions of
the accommodations. The Vivement jeudi
Bed & Breakfast in Couvert, a municipality
with less than 3 thousand inhabitants, of-
fers rooms in remodeled trailers for guests.
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