Overview

Switzerland is a dream come true for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps to the tranquil lakeside villages, this country is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Whether you’re skiing on world-renowned slopes, cruising on pristine lakes, or simply soaking in the charm of its picturesque towns, Switzerland offers a blend of natural beauty and rich culture that will leave you wanting more. Ready to explore a place where every view takes your breath away?

• Capital: Bern

• Visa Requirement: Schengen Sticker Visa, 15 working days

• Best Time to Visit/Weather: December to February (winter sports); June to August (summer activities)

• Currency & INR Equivalent: Swiss Franc (CHF); 1 CHF ≈ 90 INR (check for latest exchange rates) 

• Time Difference from India: Switzerland is 4.5 hours behind India

• Language Spoken: English, German, French, Italian, Romansh

• Flights from India: Direct Flight – Swiss Air, Air India ; One Stop Flight – Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airline, Indigo Airline ; 

• Major Tourist Cities: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreaux, St Moritz

Zurich

• City Famous For: Financial hub, Old Town, vibrant arts scene

• Best Locations to Stay: Old Town (Altstadt), Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse

• Top Attractions: Lake Zurich, Old Town (Altstadt), Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum), Walking through medieval streets, visiting art galleries, enjoying the lakefront

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Lindenhof Hill, Uetliberg Mountain, Zürich West

Interlaken

• City Famous For: Adventure sports, the gateway to the Swiss Alps

• Best Locations to Stay: West End, Aare River, Harder Kulm

• Top Attractions: Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, Lake Thun, Paragliding, hiking in the Alps, exploring the stunning lakes

• Ideal Nights Required: 3-4 nights

• Hidden Gems: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Trummelbach Falls, Grindelwald

Lucerne

• City Famous For: Picturesque lakeside views, medieval architecture

• Best Locations to Stay: Old Town, Lake Lucerne, Pilatus

• Top Attractions: Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, Boating on Lake Lucerne, hiking Pilatus, exploring the historic Old Town

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Richard Wagner Museum, Glacier Garden, Rigi Mountain

Montreux

• City Famous For: Scenic lakefront views, Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Swiss Riviera charm

• Best Locations to Stay: Near Lake Geneva, Montreux Old Town

• Top Attractions: Cruise on Lake Geneva, Explore Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO site), Attend the Montreux Christmas Market (Winter)

• Ideal Nights Required: 3-4 nights

• Hidden Gems: Freddie Mercury Statue, Chaplin’s World, and quaint cafes in Montreux Old Town

St. Moritz

• City Famous For: Luxury alpine resorts, skiing, and winter sports capital of Switzerland

• Best Locations to Stay: St. Moritz Dorf (main village), St. Moritz Bad (lakeside & quieter area)

• Top Attractions: Skiing and snowboarding on world-class slopes, Ride the Glacier Express (most scenic train journey), Indulge in gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, Lake St. Moritz, Diavolezza Ski Area, Segantini Museum

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-4 nights

• Hidden Gems: Hahnensee Trail (peaceful skiing trail) and Lej da Staz (secluded alpine lake)

Insider Tips

•  Travel Passes: Use the Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions—book seats on the Glacier Express or Bernina Express for stunning alpine views.

• Drinkable Water: Refill bottles from public fountains to save money.

• Best Time to Visit: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds; winter for skiing, summer for hiking.

Most Instagram-able Spots

• Lake Geneva: A peaceful lake with scenic views of the Alps

• The Matterhorn (Zermatt): The iconic, pyramid-shaped peak

• Lake Thun: Stunning lakeside views surrounded by mountains

• Rhine valley: A beautiful waterfall