SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS | 50+ Things To Know Before You Visit Switzerland for the First Time

If you’re coming to Switzerland for the first time, there are quite a few things you NEED to know, and a whole lot more that will make your Swiss vacation even smoother! Whether this is your 1st trip to Switzerland or your 10th, here are 50+ things to know!

Find the LINKS we mentioned + bonus ACTION STEPS on our blog:
*All of the sources we used in this video are also linked in our blog*

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00:00 Location & Money
05:14 Practical Tips
14:46 When and Where to Visit
19:37 Transportation
22:51 Sightseeing
26:45 Lodging
29:11 Food

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// ABOUT THIS VIDEO //

After spending YEARS traveling Switzerland, we’ve discovered what you *really* need to know before you visit the land of Swiss cheese and chocolate.

In reality, we made our fair share of mistakes and learned every step of the way. Don’t follow our mistakes — learn from our Switzerland travel tips instead!

LOCATION + MONEY
Where is Switzerland?
How big is Switzerland?
What is Switzerland’s currency?
Can I travel Switzerland on a budget?

PRACTICAL INFO
What’s Switzerland weather like?
What language(s) do they speak in Switzerland?
What is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland? (Hint: It’s not Romansh!)
Can I drink the water in Switzerland?
What are the must-have apps for my Swiss vacation? (Hint: Google Maps, of course!)
Is Switzerland safe?
Are Swiss people friendly?

TRIP PLANNING LOGISTICS
How long should I spend in Switzerland?
How many places should I visit?
Where should I go in Switzerland? (Geneva? Zurich? Bern? Lucerne? Lake Lugano? The Swiss Alps?)

TRANSPORTATION
What are the main airports in Switzerland?
Can I travel Switzerland by train, or do I need a rental car?
You keep mentioning Swiss train passes…do I need one?

SIGHTSEEING
Should I ride one of the famous scenic trains in Switzerland?
Is Switzerland known for adventure activities?
Do I need to make seat reservations or bookings in advance?
What do I need to know about hiking in Switzerland?
Can I get discounts on tourist attractions in Switzerland?

LODGING
What’s better in Switzerland: an Airbnb or a Hotel?
What is tourist tax and how much does it cost?
Will I always get a Guest Card or Visitor Card?

FOOD
What are the most popular grocery stores in Switzerland?
What are the most typical Swiss foods to try?
What should I know about Swiss chocolate?
Do I need to make reservations in restaurants?

MORE TIPS
That’s only the tip of the iceberg! Read even more tips, find these links, and learn about more action steps on our blog:

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// SWISS TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES //

Traveling to Switzerland soon? 👉Buy a done-for-you SWISS TRAVEL GUIDE
Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, Lucerne, and more!

Need more personalized support? 👉Book a 1-on-1 SWISS VACATION CONSULTATION with Jana + Brett

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// GET TO KNOW US //

If you love traveling Switzerland, getting off-the-beaten-path, or having foodie experiences, then you're in the right place!

🙋🏻‍♀️🙋‍♂️We're Jana and Brett — Aplins in the Alps.

We help you TRAVEL SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭WITH CONFIDENCE to maximize your experiences while minimizing your budget and planning time.

Oh, and we live in Switzerland too!

▶️ Get to know us better by watching our channel from episode 1!

➡️ SWISS TRAVEL GUIDES & SWITZERLAND ITINERARIES

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#switzerlandtravel #switzerlandtraveltips #switzerlandvacations #traveltips #swisstravel #switzerlandtrip

[BC-gegz]

As a resident in switzerland I have to say this video is amazing! You covered practically all the important points when planning a trip here. As a local I wouldn‘t have thought of some of the points as they are “normal“ to me. But I feel like with this video, about 90% of research is done. One important thing I want to stress though is the driving in Switzerland. Don‘t do it if you can avoid. Free parking is practically non existent in cities and parkings are very expensive. Another point, gas is expensive and so are fines. Expect laser/radars every other mile which fine you for going a little over the limit and the fines start at 40 swiss franks and have no end. Some infractions are even dealt under criminal law and could end in a lawsuit or prison (but of course only if you were going drastically over the speed limit). Running a red light will usually be automatically recorded by a radar and be very expensive. But usually youll have fines of 80-120 swiss franks for entering where youre not allowed or speeding, but as I said, there is no upper limit. So just use public transport or minimize driving.

[raullopez]

When I was a little kid maybe 9 years old my uncle he was a Sargent from the army and he came on vacation to see me all he talked to me was how beautiful was Switzerland there was stuff that he couldn't tell me but he told me if I ever get to chance to travel Switzerland to try it ♥️💯😍

[Rishanhooda]

Hello Sir,

From last few days, we are watching your YouTube channel and getting valuable knowledge regarding travelling to Switzerland.

Sir, we are planning to visit in June for 4-5 days and likely to visit jungfrau, interlaken and train visits of Bernia Express. We are staying at Zurich.

Can you please suggest which travel pass we prefer like “Half Pay Card “ or “Swiss Travel Pass”.

Thank You in advance 🙏🙏

[GabrielleSeunagal]

I'm going to Switzerland 🇨🇭 for 4 weeks in April. Thank you for this video!

[JaimeM-jlbz]

Love all of your videos! Great useful info presented in a fun way. Do you have recommendations for a Swiss tour guide for an 8 day itinerary?

[staceycolsch]

We will be first-time visitors in early September. Thank you for so much valuable information!

[heugumper]

you guys are quite advanced experts of my home country 🙂

[russracing]

Skiing the Swiss alps was always on my bucket list. I discovered Alpins in the Alps only after we got home. You told us about Grindelwald and surrounding region, which made us return again for more skiing. Then you mentioned the great hiking areas in the spring-autumn season. So even if we're planning a trip to Japan in a few weeks, I'm already thinking about returning during early October. Maybe even muster up some courage to try the via ferrata in Murren. Of course, I never got to ski from Glacial Paradise to Italy. Or staying in Murren and Vengan. Looks like Switzerland will NEVER be off my bucket list. Thank you!!

[annatamparow]

No way am I going to use Gruezi, or the flipping Swiz numbers! 😂 It’s just annoying that both Italian speakers and French speakers do not have a local dialect, as the German speakers do!

[earlpearlgearl]

I am trying to find the 'self-test' page you referenced for hiking fitness. I found the right website, but the languages are only in French, German and Italian. Is that a recent change, or can you post the correct website?

[TaiwanisMoving]

Thank you so much for the video, the are really a godsend! Question: We're looking at spending most of our week-long vacation in Lauterbrunnen and then taking day trips on the train to Montreaux, Lucerne, and Zermatt, as well as just some chill days in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. You said to slow down--is that too much, do you think?

[sonalirnahar_rohan]

Hi !
Loved your vlog ! Very helpful. We are planning a travel in November for 5 N 6 D trip . Can u guide us with planning our itinerary?
We are family of 4, ages, 45 -45-18-14 respectively.
Regards!

[drdre]

Thank you for this video. I’m planning a solo birthday trip to Zurich in two weeks. Only there for 9 days but I want to do at least 2-3 day trips which I haven’t decided where and focus manly on Zurich. So still trying to figure out what’s the best train pass since I’m only leaving Zurich on those day trips.

[subratadutta]

I am planning to visit Switzerland in 2nd week of October for 11days, please let me know if it is good time to visit

[mountainlover]

Wow. Wow. And wow. As usual you two are so practical and on point. This video covers everything! As an experienced traveler in this country I can attest that every point you make is spot on (though there are times that Swiss Travel Pass pays for itself ;) )The only things I would add is that for those “special” scenic train rides you can take a regular train that goes along the same route (they use the same tracks) without the extra cost, and you can break up that beautiful Glacier Express route by stopping overnight, perhaps in Andermatt. As hard as it is, the best advice unless you’re fortunate enough to stay there for an extended visit is to limit to three areas and linger. I took a group of friends for a first time 15 day visit and limited the experience to 4 places as it is so hard to narrow it down. They loved their time there but said they could have been happy with three places but disagreed as to which three it would be 😂 My favorite tips? Get those Apps; though I have fond ties to Basel, Luzern is hands down THE Swiss city to experience; and buy your chocolate at the grocery store.

[chankinwah]

Hi, what a wonderful video. Just want to ask, when did u buy the swiss pass? I was told that u have to buy it at least 6 months before arriving in Switzerland?. Doesnt make sense. Can i buy it say a month before departure from my home country? Also can i buy 3 swiss passes for my family using only one email and one handphone or do they require 3 emails and 3 handphones to buy 3 swiss passes. tqvm in advance for ur help.

[anahata]

Your hyper- delivery is a real hyper-turnoff,

[travelkingdom]

May I ask for the Swiss toilet in the cafe there free or do u need to pay? Is there any free toilet outside ?

[allisonknapp]

I followed many videos you posted and they were so helpful. I would add that all train stations (or most) have lockers for $5 or $7 a day to store back packs and large luggage. You can get off the train, store your large items, and visit a town with ease. The lockers are supremely easy to use and safe. I did this in Lauterbrunnen and Lucerne .

[aerialimagery]

Great video, you guys covered so much information, thank you!