★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€
Harder Kulm
Panoramic viewpoint above Interlaken offering dramatic views of lakes and alpine peaks.
⏱ 2 hours✦ Summer
Viewpoint
← All countries
CH
Switzerland
Mountain peaks, calm lakes, and perfect little towns
AdventureEco-FriendlyRomantic
Capital
Bern
Language
German, French, Italian
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Plug
Type J, 230V
Best time
April-June, September-October
Editor's note
Switzerland offers breathtaking mountain scenery, efficient trains threading through alpine passes, charming medieval towns, and world-class skiing. From the Matterhorn's peak to Lake Geneva's shores, from Zurich's banking district to Lucerne's covered bridges, experience Swiss precision and natural beauty.
Cities
Where to start in Switzerland
Interlaken
Adventure base between two lakes.
Natureoutdoor activities
Geneva
International city by the lake.
Culturediplomacy
Lucerne
Storybook city near mountains.
Scenic travel
Zurich
Financial hub with lakeside views.
City breaksshopping
Attractions
Must-see in Switzerland
Interlaken
Geneva
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Jet d’Eau
Iconic water fountain shooting high above Lake Geneva and visible from across the city.
⏱ 30 minutes✦ Spring, Summer
Landmark
Lucerne
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Chapel Bridge
Historic wooden bridge with painted interior panels crossing the Reuss River.
⏱ 30 to 45 minutes✦ Spring, Summer
Bridge
Zurich
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Lake Zurich Promenade
Scenic lakeside walk with mountain views and relaxed atmosphere close to the city center.
⏱ 1 to 2 hours✦ Summer
Lake
Culture & local tips
Travel like you've been before.
Punctuality
Trains leave on the second
Swiss trains depart exactly on time. If it's a 14:23 departure, be on the platform by 14:22 — doors close 30 seconds before.
Money
It uses CHF, not euros
Most places accept euros but give terrible exchange rates and change in CHF. Use a card or withdraw Swiss francs.
Tipping
Service is included
Rounding up is enough. Locals rarely tip more than 5 % even at fine dining.
Transport
Swiss Travel Pass pays off
Worth it if you're moving cities every 1–2 days. Covers nearly all trains, buses, boats and many museums.
Etiquette
Quiet hours are real
Most cantons forbid noise 22:00–07:00 and all day Sunday — no loud music, no washing machines, no drilling.
Water
Drink from the fountains
Public fountains in cities and on hikes are spring-fed and safe unless marked “kein Trinkwasser”. Carry a refillable bottle.
Culinary journey
Discover the authentic flavors of Switzerland
Main course
Rösti
Crispy grated potato dish often served with eggs or meat.
Main course
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Sliced veal in creamy mushroom sauce served with rösti.
Dessert
Swiss Chocolate
High quality milk or dark chocolate bars and pralines.
Main course
Fondue
Melted cheese served in a pot for dipping bread.
Speak the language
A little German, French, Italian goes a long way.
Sound local in Switzerland. Start a free lesson now.
Start a free lesson →Phrase starter
- GrüeziHello (Swiss German)
- Merci vielmalThank you very much
- BittePlease
- EntschuldigungExcuse me
- Bonjour / BuongiornoHello (French / Italian regions)
- Die Rechnung, bitteThe bill, please
Practical info
Before you go.
Visa & entry
Schengen visa required for some nationalities
Connectivity
Strong 4G/5G in cities; widely available WiFi
Keep exploring
