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Traveling to Switzerland with EF Ultimate Break
Switzerland is peak...everything.
A destination that delivers: From glacier walks and Alpine peaks to lakeside cities and medieval villages, every moment feels like a core memory and every photo looks AI generated.
Bucket-list mountain moments: Whether you’re hiking in the Swiss Alps or riding a cable car above the clouds toward Jungfrau, the views are genuinely hard to believe.
Equal parts culture and charm: Cities like Lucerne, Montreux, and Zermatt each bring their own vibe, from lakeside promenades and jazz festivals to vineyards and car-free cobblestone streets.
A foodie’s dream: Raclette, fondue, rösti, Swiss chocolate—the food here is hearty, delicious, and deeply tied to the culture. You’ll never want to stop eating.
Three languages, one country: Switzerland is home to four official languages, making it one of the most culturally layered destinations in all of Europe.
Group travel at its best: Switzerland is tailor-made for group adventures—shared cable car rides, group dinners with mountain views, and experiences that turn strangers into lifelong friends.
Language
Switzerland has four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—and which one you hear depends on where you are. In Lausanne and Montreux, it’s French. In Lucerne and Zermatt, it’s German. English is widely spoken in tourist areas across the country, so you’ll rarely feel lost. That said, a few words in the local language go a long way.
Currency & tipping culture
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro—so even if you’ve been traveling elsewhere in Europe, you’ll need to swap your currency when you arrive. Is Switzerland expensive? It can be—but knowing the basics helps you plan smarter and spend better. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for smaller purchases, markets, and mountain huts. ATMs are easy to find in cities and most towns.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Banknotes: CHF 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000. Coins: 5 centimes to CHF 5.
Credit cards are widely accepted but carry cash for smaller purchases.
ATMs are common—check with your bank about international withdrawal fees before you go.
Tipping tips:
Restaurants & cafes: Tipping isn’t expected but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for great service is always appreciated.
Bars: Rounding up to the nearest franc is a nice gesture.
Taxis: Not required, but rounding up is common.
Hotels: CHF 1–2 per bag for porters; CHF 2–5 per day for housekeeping is a kind touch.
Tour guides: CHF 5–10 per person for a guided experience is a thoughtful way to say thanks.
Transportation
Switzerland has one of the best public transportation systems in the world—the Swiss train system runs like clockwork, buses connect even the most remote villages, and the whole network is remarkably easy to navigate.
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network is fast, efficient, and super scenic. The trains are a destination in themselves—the Glacier Express train winds through the Alps and the Bernina Express crosses dramatic mountain passes between Switzerland and Italy.
One of the highest open-air railways in Europe, the Gornergrat railway climbs from Zermatt up to 10,135 feet with jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn the whole way up. It’s not just transportation—it’s an experience.
Many of Switzerland’s best experiences—especially in Zermatt and Lucerne—are best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
PostBus Switzerland fills in the gaps where trains don’t reach, connecting mountain villages and smaller towns with reliable service.
In the Alps, cable cars are the main way to get up—and the views on the way up are half the experience. Glacier 3000, Zermatt, Titlis, and Pilatus all have their own cable car systems.
If you’re renting a car, you’ll need a vignette (highway sticker) to use Swiss motorways. Roads are well-maintained with great views, but in mountain areas, conditions can change quickly in winter.
Long-distance buses are cheap and connect major cities. VIP buses offer air conditioning and reclining seats.
Quick and affordable for longer distances like Bangkok to Phuket or Chiang Mai.
Switzerland’s iconic destinations
You can’t throw a Swiss France without hitting a snow-capped mountain, pristine lake, or adorable villages.
Can’t-miss Swiss experiences
Explore the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches 18 miles along the shore of Lake Geneva, with terraced vineyards that have been producing wine since the 11th century.
Walk across a glacier at Glacier 3000
A cable car whisks you up to the peak of Scex Rouge, where you’ll cross the only suspension bridge in the world connecting two mountain peaks—then take a leisurely stroll across an actual glacier at 10,000 feet.
Ride a cable car to the Matterhorn viewpoint
Zermatt is car-free, charming, and completely dominated by the iconic pyramid-shaped Matterhorn. Hop a cable car up to a viewpoint, but don’t be surprised if the Matterhorn is feeling a bit shy.
Slow down in Lucerne
Cross the famous Chapel Bridge Lucerne, stroll along the Reuss River, and wander through a medieval old town that somehow looks even better in person than in photos.
Do the holidays Swiss style
If your trip falls in late November or December, you’re in for a treat. Switzerland’s Christmas markets—lit with fairy lights, scented with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine—are the stuff of winter wonderland dreams.
Dive into Lake Geneva
Switzerland’s fourth-largest city sits right on the edge of Lake Geneva, with views across the water to the France and the French Alps. It’s also amazingly clean, so feel free to take a dip.
What’s the weather like in Switzerland?
June–August
The best time to visit the Swiss Alps for hiking and outdoor adventures, but it’s busy! Long days, warm temps, and all the mountain activities you could want. Cable cars are running, hiking trails are open, and the lakes are begging you to jump in.
April–May & September–October
Mild weather, thinner crowds, and lower prices make spring and early fall a great time to visit. The Alps are still stunning, wildflowers blanket the hillsides in spring, and fall brings golden foliage and a quieter, more local feel to the cities.
November–March
The best time for skiing in Switzerland, full stop. Snow-dusted villages, cozy mountain lodges, and—if your timing is right—the glow of Christmas markets. Switzerland in winter has a magic to it that’s hard to put into words.
When is the cheapest time to visit Switzerland?
Switzerland is always on the pricier side, but there are still savings to be had depending on when you visit.
What to eat in Switzerland?
Beyond the chocolate and the cheese (though, yes, absolutely the chocolate and the cheese) here are some Swiss foods you need to try.
Safety in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and well-maintained infrastructure. Violent crime is rare, though petty theft—especially pickpocketing—can happen in crowded places like train stations, Christmas markets, and popular attractions. Keep and eye on your stuff, stay aware of your surroundings, and you’ll be fine.
Your safety is our top priority
Traveling with EF Ultimate Break means you’re not exploring Switzerland alone—you’ve got a full support system making sure you feel comfortable, informed, and protected every step of the way.
Traveler photos from Switzerland
Switzerland travel reviews
Our travelers love visiting Switzerland, and they aren’t afraid to tell us.
