What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like The Matterhorn. Check weather patterns for Europe before booking.

What currency does Switzerland use?

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (Fr.). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Switzerland?

Fondue Moitié-Moitié is one of Switzerland's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and Raclette. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Switzerland visa-free?

93 countries can enter Switzerland without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Switzerland safe for tourists?

Switzerland is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Switzerland

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the…

Capital

Bern

Language

French, Swiss German

Currency

Swiss franc (Fr.)

Population

9.1M

Timezone

UTC+01:00

Visa-free access

93 countries

Travelling to Switzerland

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the intersection of Central, Western, and Southern Europe. It is bordered.

Switzerland is located in Western Europe, Europe. The capital is Bern, and the official languages are French and Swiss German and Italian and Romansh. The local currency is the Swiss franc (Fr.). With a population of 9.1M, Switzerland is a smaller country in Europe.

Switzerland offers visa-free entry to 93 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. The remaining 105 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in Switzerland

The Matterhorn

The pyramid of the Alps rises to 4478 metres as a jagged; lopsided tooth of gneiss and marble; its North Face remains one of the great challenges of alpinism since the tragic first ascent in 1865; stand at the shores of Stellisee at 5:30 am when the sun first strikes the peak; turning the granite into a glowing copper needle reflected in the mirrored glacial water.

Old City of Bern

A UNESCO-listed medieval peninsula where six kilometres of sandstone arcades shelter 16th-century fountains and the 13th-century Zytglogge clock tower; the limestone walls of the Aare River loop provide a natural fortress boundary; walk the Gerechtigkeitsgasse at dusk when the yellow streetlamps highlight the weathered heraldic emblems; the sound of the river provides a constant; low-frequency hum against the cobblestones.

Château de Chillon

An island fortress on Lake Geneva featuring an 11th-century keep and vaulted Gothic dungeons carved directly into the rock; the castle controlled the strategic road to the Great St. Bernard Pass for centuries; enter the subterranean vaults at midday when the sun reflects off the water through the narrow slits; casting flickering; aqua-tinted light across the moss-slicked stone pillars where Lord Byron once carved his name.

Chapel Bridge

The world oldest covered wooden bridge spans the Reuss River at an angle; its 14th-century interior adorned with 17th-century triangular paintings depicting local history; the adjacent octagonal Water Tower was once a medieval torture chamber; walk the creaking spruce planks at sunrise before the commuters arrive; the smell of damp wood and river silt is sharp while the first light hits the hand-painted ceiling panels.

Kunstmuseum Basel

Switzerland largest and oldest public art collection housed in a 1936 limestone monolith; the museum bridges the transition from Holbein the Younger to mid-century American Expressionism; the inner courtyard features a stark; minimalist geometric rhythm; visit the upper galleries at 3 pm; the grey northern light through the clerestory windows renders the textures of the early 15th-century altarpieces with clinical; absolute precision.

Engadin Valley

A high-alpine plateau at 1800 metres where the 'Maloja Snake' cloud formation slithers through larch forests and frozen lakes; the air here is famously dry; described as 'champagne climate' since the 19th century; ski the Diavolezza glacier at 10 am; the silence is so profound you can hear the ice contracting beneath the crystalline snow; the sky remains a deep; saturated navy even in mid-winter.

See all 20 places in Switzerland →

What to eat in Switzerland

Fondue Moitié-Moitié

traditional

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Explore all Switzerland dishes →

Switzerland visa requirements

Visa-free

105

Visa required

Countries that can visit Switzerland visa-free

93 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Oceania

Before you go to Switzerland

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Switzerland immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: Swiss franc

The local currency is Fr.. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: French

French is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Switzerland's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Switzerland

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Switzerland 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Switzerland

20 places, 6 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Switzerland

Switzerland — your questions

It depends on your passport. 93 countries can enter Switzerland visa-free. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.