Switzerland holidays: a guide to the Alps and beyond
Snow-capped peaks, glassy lakes and trains that run like clockwork. Here is how to plan a trip to Switzerland, in winter or summer.
The Matterhorn above Zermatt
The mountains around Zermatt are spectacular, and the iconic Matterhorn is the king of them all.
Why Switzerland is made for holidays
Few countries pack so much scenery into such a small space. Switzerland holidays can mean skiing beneath the Matterhorn, swimming in a mountain lake, hiking between alpine huts or riding a panoramic train through snowy passes, often all within a couple of hours of each other.
The country sits at the heart of the Alps, bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy, and it is easy to reach from the UK, with direct flights to Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Explore more of the continent in our guide to Europe.
High altitude
Swiss lifts take you high into the Alps, where you will find everything from narrow black runs to family-friendly blue slopes.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
For many visitors, the Matterhorn is Switzerland. The pyramid-shaped peak towers over Zermatt, a car-free mountain village in the canton of Valais. In winter it is one of the great ski resorts of the world, with slopes that connect over the border to Cervinia in Italy, and in summer it becomes a base for hiking and high-altitude glacier skiing.
Zermatt is also famous for its mountain restaurants. Read why we think it may be the world's most spectacular ski destination.
Things to do in Switzerland
Ride a scenic train. The Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz and the Bernina Express over the Alps into Italy are among the most famous rail journeys in Europe.
Visit the lakes. Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne and Lake Zurich are framed by mountains, with paddle steamers, lakeside promenades and swimming spots in summer.
Go up a mountain. Cable cars and cog railways take you to viewpoints such as the Jungfraujoch, Pilatus and the Gornergrat without any climbing at all.
Explore the cities. Lucerne has its covered wooden Chapel Bridge, Bern a medieval old town listed by UNESCO, and Zurich and Geneva are lively, international cities on the water.
Hike in summer. Well-marked trails crisscross the country, from easy lakeside walks to multi-day routes between mountain huts.
Relax in a spa. Thermal resorts such as Bad Ragaz combine mountain air with warm mineral water.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Switzerland has a long tradition of spa holidays, and Bad Ragaz in eastern Switzerland is one of its best-known thermal resorts.
Skiing in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of Europe's classic ski destinations. Alongside Zermatt, resorts such as Verbier, St. Moritz, Davos, Wengen and Grindelwald offer everything from glamorous après-ski to quiet, traditional villages. Many are reached by train, so you can travel from the airport to the slopes without a car.
Swiss resorts are known for well-prepared slopes, efficient lifts and excellent mountain restaurants. Avalanche risk is taken seriously: follow the signs, check the daily warnings and hire a guide if you want to ski off-piste.
Getting around Switzerland
Public transport in Switzerland is superb. Trains, buses, boats and mountain railways are timed to connect, and even small villages are well served. A rail pass such as the Swiss Travel Pass can be good value if you plan to move around a lot.
Driving is easy on well-kept roads, but you need a motorway vignette, and some resorts, including Zermatt, are car-free.
Mountain food
Zermatt has some of the best Alpine restaurants in the world. Book a table well ahead if you want lunch on the slopes.
Food, money and practical tips
Swiss food is hearty mountain cooking at its best: cheese fondue and raclette, rösti, air-dried meats and, of course, chocolate. The top resorts also have a strong fine-dining scene.
Switzerland is not in the EU and uses the Swiss franc, although many places accept euros and cards are widely used. It is, however, part of the Schengen area. The country is expensive, so budget for higher prices for food, transport and hotels than in most of Europe.
Four national languages are spoken: German, French, Italian and Romansh, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.
When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do. For skiing, the season usually runs from December to April, with the most reliable snow from January to March. For hiking, lakes and scenic trains, June to September is ideal, when mountain passes and high trails are open.
Spring and autumn are quieter and often cheaper, but some mountain lifts and hotels close between seasons, so check before you book.
Frequently asked questions about Switzerland
What language is spoken in Switzerland?
Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. German is spoken by the majority, mainly in the centre, north and east, French in the west around Geneva and Lausanne, and Italian in the southern canton of Ticino. English is widely spoken in hotels, resorts and cities.
Is Switzerland in the EU?
No, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen area and has close agreements with the EU. For UK travellers, this means border rules are similar to other Schengen countries. Entry requirements can change, so check the latest official travel advice before you go.
Is Switzerland expensive?
Yes, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, particularly for hotels, eating out and mountain railways. You can save money by travelling outside peak season, buying a rail pass, staying in apartments and picnicking with supermarket food. The quality of service and transport makes the cost easier to accept.
What currency does Switzerland use?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro. Many shops, hotels and ticket offices accept euros, but change is usually given in francs and the exchange rate may not be in your favour. Contactless card payments are widely accepted, even for small amounts.