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The towering Alps, the mysterious lakes, the clear water and the fresh air constitute the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland.
Beyond our first impressions of Switzerland, we often know very little about it due to its vast distance. This guide takes you deep into Switzerland, offering a comprehensive analysis of its geography, administrative divisions, politics, economy, historic cities, and charming towns. It's truly the most comprehensive guide you can find in Switzerland, so save it for later!
It is located in the heart of Europe, bordering Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The entire country is mainly composed of plateaus and mountains, and is known as the "Roof of Europe".
Switzerland has an area of 41,284 square kilometers, while Hangzhou has an area of 16,800 square kilometers. As of June 2018, Switzerland's total population was 8.5089 million, while Hangzhou's population was approximately 9.8 million. Switzerland's land area is 2.5 times that of Hangzhou, but its population is smaller than that of Hangzhou itself. This is one of the reasons why they are so wealthy, with a small population and vast land area, and a relatively high per capita resource share.
Switzerland has 26 cantons, just like China has many provinces, and each region speaks a different language. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. However, not every Swiss knows all four. People use different languages depending on where they live. Generally speaking, Swiss people know at least two or three languages. Those near the French-speaking region speak French, those near the German border speak German, and those near Italy speak Italian.
So just like when we speak dialects, there are actually very different accents, but English is widely used in Switzerland, so you will see signs or road signs in many places in Switzerland marked in 3-5 different languages.
Another very important reason why Switzerland is so wealthy is its long-term political stability. Historically, Switzerland had a mercenary system, but later switched to armed neutrality.
The Congress of Vienna in 1815 confirmed Switzerland's permanent neutrality. Since then, Switzerland has never been involved in any form of war, remaining neutral during both World Wars. However, it also participates in international affairs, and many international organizations have their headquarters in Switzerland.
Speaking of Swiss history, we can talk about their Swiss mercenary system.
The Swiss mercenaries' reputation for loyalty came during the Battle of Rome on May 6, 1527. During this battle, the Swiss Guard, hired to protect the Pope, fought a desperate battle against an enemy force several times their size to cover his evacuation. 147 of the 189 soldiers died in action. The Vatican praised the Swiss mercenaries for their "absolute loyalty." This deeply moved the Pope, who decided to employ only loyal and brave Swiss youths to protect the Pope for generations. From then on, the Swiss mercenaries became the sole designated unit of the Vatican Army.
Switzerland is a highly developed capitalist country and one of the richest countries in the world with the highest living standards. Its per capita GDP has always been among the highest in the world.
Switzerland has numerous banks and a highly developed financial sector. Why is the Swiss financial sector so well-developed? Switzerland has a very strict banking secrecy system. The law stipulates that any depositor can choose the method they deem appropriate and secure to open a Swiss bank account and deposit money, and depositors are allowed to use pseudonyms, code names, or numbers in place of their real names.
Not only can you entrust an agent to handle the opening of an account and deposit, but when withdrawing or transferring money, the bank will also handle it in full accordance with the regulations agreed upon with the customer in advance, and the real owner of the property will never show up.
The law also requires banks to strictly adhere to the principle of confidentiality. Bank employees are prohibited from disclosing depositor secrets to third parties, whether private or official. Any violation of this law carries a prison sentence of between six months and five years, as well as a fine of up to CHF 50,000, for both the bank employee and the third party who induced them to disclose the information.
The confidentiality agreement is lifelong and does not expire due to employee resignation, retirement, or dismissal. Strict banking secrecy laws have attracted a large influx of foreign deposits, but have also exposed a lack of transparency, leading to Switzerland's long-standing reputation as a European tax haven. However, pressure from the United States is gradually crumbling Switzerland's banking secrecy.
Zurich is the largest city and financial center in Switzerland with a population of 400,000!
Notre Dame Cathedral
Founded in 853 by Ludwig der German Louis, grandson of Charlemagne, it is a Reformed church. The current Cathedral of Our Lady was rebuilt on the original site in the 12th century. The glass windows on the altar are a masterpiece of Marc Chagall in 1970.
As with visiting other religious sites, do not make loud noises after entering the church, especially when there are religious ceremonies and follow the instructions of the church staff to take a seat or leave.
Opening Hours:
November 1 to March 31, 10:00-16:00;
April 1st to October 31st, 10:00-18:00
(The church is free to enter, but some people say it costs 2 euros, so please pay attention to it)
town Hall
Zurich's Rathaus (Town Hall) is a magnificent Italian Renaissance-style building built between 1694 and 1698. It is located on the Limmat River embankment, overlooking the Limmat River and the Rathaus Bridge. Before 1798, it was the seat of government of the Republic of Zurich. After 1803, it became part of the Canton of Zurich, housing both the Cantonal Parliament and the City Council.
Zurich Cathedral
This abbey church, built around 1100, is renowned for its Romanesque twin towers and has become a landmark in Zurich. Located across the river from Fraumunster, the church played a pivotal role in the Swiss Reformation in the 16th century. It houses the Zurich University Theological Seminary and the Museum of the Reformation. The stained glass windows within the church are masterpieces by the Swiss modern artist Alberto Giacometti.
Opening Hours:
November 1 to February 28, 10:00-18:00;
March 1st to October 31st, 10:00-17:00
(Admission to the church is free); there is a fee to go up the tower!
Lucerne means "city of lights" in German. Legend has it that a lamplight angel guided the earliest settlers of Lucerne to choose the location of the church.
Lion Monument
This dying lion statue was carved by a Danish sculptor in 1821. The lion, with a head 10 meters long and more than 3 meters high, fell to the ground in pain with a broken spear stuck in its shoulder. Next to it is a shield with the Swiss national emblem.
To commemorate the 786 Swiss mercenaries who died on August 10, 1792, protecting the safety of Louis XVI's family in the Tuileries Palace in Paris.
Chapel Bridge
A 204-meter (670-foot) long wooden covered bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, spans the Reuss River near the mouth of Lake Lucerne. It is the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Europe and a landmark of Lucerne. Because of the St. Peters-Kirche (St. Peters-Kirche) on its north bank, it is also known as the Chapel Bridge.
Built in 1333 for Lucerne's defense, the Chapel Bridge is brown with a red roof. Inside the covered bridge are approximately 120 paintings depicting Lucerne's history, dating back to the 17th century.
Most of the bridge was destroyed in a fire caused by a shipwreck in 1993, but it was quickly rebuilt and restored to its original appearance. The bridge we see today dates back to the 1993 reconstruction.
In the middle of the bridge stands a 140-foot-tall octagonal brick water tower (Wasserturm). This tower originally served as a prison, torture chamber, observation tower, and vault.
Bern's Old Town, a World Heritage Site, is brimming with historical sites, preserving its medieval charm. The streets of Bern's Old Town are dotted with fountains, earning the city its nickname, "The City of Fountains." Most of these fountains were built in the 16th century, each adorned with a statue. Each sculpture tells a fascinating story, a fairy tale.
Stroll through the old town, where you'll find romantic medieval streets lined with eight kilometers of arcades, the longest covered shopping passage in the world.
[Einstein's Former Residence] The most famous house number in the arched corridor is Kramgasse 49, the former residence of Albert Einstein.
Bern Belfry: The Belfry is the symbol of Bern. Construction began in the 13th century and served as the city's western gate in the Middle Ages. In 1405, a massive astronomical clock, initially rung by humans, was installed atop the tower. The clockwork, constructed in 1530, is one of Switzerland's oldest mechanical clocks. This astronomical clock is truly a marvel, and its resonant chime can still be heard today.
The most famous of all Bern's fountains is the "Mochida Fountain," where tourists flock to take photos. It's said that the "Mochida" fountain was designed to scare children into behaving; if they disobey, they will be eaten.
The Geneva Jet d'Eau was first built in 1886. Its early spray height was 90 meters. After renovation in 1951, the average spray height was increased to 140 meters. It is a symbol of Geneva and the pride of the locals.
Molges is where Audrey spent almost half her life. It is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is relatively low-key compared to many famous Swiss towns.
Morges gives people a simple and beautiful feeling. It is a bit like Audrey Hepburn in her old age, elegant and calm, away from the hustle and bustle.
If you have time, you can find this quiet cemetery and give Hepburn a flower.
Audrey Hepburn is not the only superstar who chose to spend her twilight years in Switzerland. On the east shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, between Lausanne and Montreux, there is a beautiful town called Vevey.
In December 1952, Chaplin was denied entry into the United States by the US government and settled in Vevey, Switzerland, where he spent the last 25 years of his life. The small town of Vevey is also famous around the world for this great artist.
When you come to Vevey, a beautiful and exquisite town on the shores of Lake Leman in Switzerland, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that the shadow of Chaplin can be found in every corner of this city.
Besides Audrey Hepburn's Morges and Charlie Chaplin's Vevey, there are:
Whether it's being touted on Weibo or WeChat official accounts as "Europe's Most Beautiful Town" or "Switzerland's Most Beautiful Town," Longjiang definitely makes the list. Even its transliterated name is quite Chinese, a testament to the Chinese people's fondness for it.
Literary giants Goethe and Mark Twain once lived here, and Mark Twain even called it "the most beautiful place in the world."
The lake's hues, where vibrant colors meet blue, are Weggis's most captivating feature. Sitting on a yellow bench, green trees sway in the breeze on either side, playful children rock a red rocking horse behind the bench, and the flowers of the town behind you bloom in full bloom. People on the lake cruise boats watch you on the shore, and you count the boats on the lake. Waterfowl fly by, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
Every July, when roses are in full bloom, Weggis holds a Rose Festival. In addition to various celebrations, they also select their own "Rose Queen".
Grindelwald is a small town, so during the day, it's not crowded. Most people are drawn to the distant Jungfraujoch and the surrounding 300 kilometers of trails. From the town, you can see snow-capped mountains, lakes, cattle and sheep, or even a field of blueberries.
At night, the lights of Grindelwald come on, and warm light shines through the windows of the cabins. Although the lights are dim, they are enough to illuminate your dreams.
Lauterbrunnen, meaning "Waterfall Town," is home to 72 waterfalls in the valley where it lies, creating a constant symphony of waterfalls with a drop of over 300 meters. It was also the prototype of Rivendell, the elven city in The Lord of the Rings.
After getting a general understanding of Switzerland's overview and characteristic towns, we will learn about hiking in Switzerland.
Try not to go on regular bus tours or group tours, as that will cost a lot of money and the experience will be very bad. The best way to travel in Switzerland is on foot and by train.
Switzerland is a paradise for hiking. It has the longest and most dense hiking network in the world. The total length of hiking routes across the country is 65,000 kilometers, covering various difficulty levels, including both flat straight roads and Alpine routes.
The Swiss hiking network sets records in many areas:
Switzerland has the highest density of hiking trails in the world. Walking all of Switzerland's hiking trails is equivalent to circling the Earth 1.5 times.
In addition to these hiking routes, there are approximately 50,000 signposts and road signs to provide reference for hikers.
The average annual cost of maintaining one kilometer of hiking trails is 800 Swiss francs, equivalent to 5,600 yuan per kilometer.
80% of Swiss people have hiked
The average Swiss resident takes a hike 20 times a year, with each hike lasting around three hours.
The Swiss spend 160 million hours hiking every year, and almost half of the Swiss population hikes regularly.
The oldest long-distance hiking trail in Switzerland is the Nura Peak 5, which was built in 1905.
The altitude difference of the Swiss hiking route network ranges from 200 meters to 3,400 meters, of which 36% of the routes have an altitude difference between 500 meters and 1,000 meters, 55% of the routes have an altitude difference below 1,000 meters, and only 8% of the routes have an altitude difference above 2,000 meters. Therefore, hiking in Switzerland is not difficult for most people.
About 63% of the routes are ordinary hiking routes
Ordinary hiking trails place no special demands on users, only normal care and caution.
Signs: Yellow signs with diamond-shaped signs and arrows
About 36% of the routes are mountain hiking
Mountain hiking routes require users to be steady on their feet, in good health, not afraid of heights, and have a clear understanding of the dangers of mountainous areas.
Signage: Yellow sign with white-red-white arrow and white-red-white road markings
Less than 1% of alpine hiking routes
Alpine hiking trails are for experienced hikers only and may require a compass, rope, ice axe, and crampons
Signage: Blue sign with white-blue-white arrow and white-blue-white road sign pair
The Schynige Platte-First Trail is one of the most beautiful high-altitude hiking routes in Switzerland, and we will choose to experience a section of it.
Recommended hiking duration: 3-4 hours
Hiking distance: about 10 kilometers
Hiking difficulty: ★
Hiking altitude: about 2000m
The entire journey is about 10-12 kilometers
Tips:
Other notes:
There is a restaurant on the mountain
l Take photos to scan the panoramic view for a spectacular view
l Train tickets are for fixed times, don’t be late!
If you have special circumstances, go to Bern first. Note that the church closes at 5 o'clock.
The name Jungfrau literally means "Virgin Peak." Locals share two stories about its origins: one is that the mountain is often covered in clouds, so the "shy" maiden refused to be seen, hence the name. The other is that the nearby Eiger fell in love with the "virgin," but the intervening Mönch peak prevented them from meeting.
The Jungfrau is located 20 to 30 kilometers south of Interlaken, Switzerland, with an altitude of 4,158 meters. It is known as the "Queen" of the Alps and is one of the highest peaks in the Alps, but not the highest peak in Europe.
Jungfrau Railway
The train to the Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest railway, having opened 100 years ago in 1912. Building a railway so high up in the mountains was a significant feat. And yet, the line has remained remarkably functional for over a century, despite the challenging tunnels and caves involved. Riding the train is a journey of commemorating and honoring the people who have made it here.
Tips:
There are restaurants on Jungfraujoch, but you might not have enough time to go. There might be queues at some points, and it's like a maze inside, sometimes you have to go through an ice cave.
There is a stamping service in the Jungfrau Hall, and you can get a stamp on the red book given to you.
After coming down the mountain, we had some free time in the town of Interlaken. There were shopping shops on the main street, and behind the street was a river connecting Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, which was very beautiful.
You need to make a reservation to go paragliding.
Hiking plan: We will hike to the mountains opposite the Matterhorn and come face to face with it: the sound of footsteps, breathing, wind, and the Matterhorn will quietly accompany you. The Matterhorn is a true glacial paradise, awe-inspiring.
Recommended hiking duration: 3-4 hours (if the weather is good, it can be extended to 6-7 hours depending on the actual situation to enjoy the Matterhorn hike)
Hiking distance: about 10 kilometers
Hiking difficulty: ★★★
Hiking altitude: 2500m-3000m
To hike on the Matterhorn, arrive in Tasch in the morning, take the train from Tasch to Zermatt, and then to the Matterhorn.
The recommended way to reach the Matterhorn is to walk from the top station to Riffelberg Station, passing Riffelsee Lake, where you can take a photo of the Matterhorn in the reflection. From here, take the train back, which takes about 5 hours (including time for photos).
“Smart people travel by train.” This classic Swiss Federal Railways advertising slogan hits the mark no matter how you listen to it.
As we all know, Switzerland has the most dense public transportation network in the world. Train travel is considered to be the most healing way of life. On the sliding rack rails of the train, you can easily travel through the beautiful scenery of Switzerland's lakes and mountains.
However, as a "smart" choice, Swiss trains have other advantages besides the stunning natural scenery, and one of them is that they cater to the needs of "lazy people." Taking a Swiss train means no luggage worries at all, and the ease of travel is another kind of relaxation that Swiss trains offer.
Thanks to Switzerland's innovative and efficient public transport network, international tourists can have their luggage transported directly to their holiday destination by train immediately after arriving at Zurich Airport, without having to waste time waiting to collect their luggage.
Even when traveling within Switzerland, luggage transportation services between different destinations are very convenient. Especially in tour programs such as the Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train, this convenient luggage check-in is even more popular with tourists.
Tips:
Baggage check-in prices
CHF 12/22 (per piece of luggage)
Door-to-door express
CHF 70 (flat rate for services)
The Swiss train system offers a wide range of options for door-to-door luggage transport. Whether you're travelling from home to Switzerland or switching destinations during your trip, Swiss trains offer the comfort and convenience of luggage-free travel.
The Golden Pass Express connects Switzerland's most scenic lakes, including Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lucerne. Two languages, three worlds, six lakes, one route, panoramic sunroofs, luxurious carriages—the trains and scenery that the Swiss are so proud of—are all here.
But it is not just one train, but a relay of three sightseeing trains: the Bunin Express from Lucerne to Interlaken, the Blue Train from Interlaken to Zweisimmen, and the Crystal Express from Zweisimmen to Montreux.
The starting point of the Bunin Scenic Express is Lucerne, and the train station is built on the shore of Lake Lucerne.
The second leg of the Blue Express starts in Interlaken.
The town is located between Lake Thun, also known as the "Eye of God," and Lake Brienz, known for its crystal-clear waters as "the clearest lake in Switzerland."
The third leg of the journey - the Crystal Express starts from Zweisimmen and ends in Montreux.
Zweisimmen is relatively plain, while Montreux is built along Lake Geneva.
The Swiss "Glacier Express" is one of the world's top ten luxury trains, connecting Switzerland's two major ski resorts - Zermatt and St. Moritz, and is the world's most popular panoramic train.
This slowest scenic train in the world has a bright red body. Like a hot knife, it cuts a lane in the glacier of the "Roof of Europe", allowing the glaciers, forests and canyons deep in the glacier to be clearly displayed before your eyes.
The Glacier Express covers a total length of approximately 300 kilometers, starting from St. Moritz in the east and ending in Zermatt in the west. Its main purpose is to view glaciers, with the section between Andermatt and Chur being the most spectacular.
From the Oberalppass at an altitude of 2,033 meters to Chur at an altitude of 585 meters, the mountain is a veritable roller coaster, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels.
Arriving at Brig Station, the train will reveal the Aletsch Glacier, a World Heritage Site. Covering over 120 square kilometers, it's the largest glacier in the Alps. Next to the glacier lies the Aletsch Forest, Switzerland's oldest pine forest.
Passing Chur Station, passengers can admire the Rhine Canyon (Rheinschlucht) on the upper reaches of the Rhine. The turquoise waters flow slowly beside the track, just as leisurely as the train itself, and the wind blowing through the canyon seems to slow down even a bit.
The Glacier Express has double L-shaped panoramic windows that extend to the roof. Although the sun can be a bit glaring, the view is wide. Headphones are also provided on the train with Chinese commentary.
The Bernina Express crosses the Alps into Italy, starting in Chur (or St. Moritz) in Switzerland and ending in Tirano, Italy. It makes 25 stops along the way. To fully experience this thrilling, winding, and scenic train journey, you absolutely must complete the entire journey.
Since its inception in 1973, the Bernina Railway has consistently been ranked among Europe's most beautiful train routes. The route offers breathtaking views of the Alps and UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a dramatic elevation difference of approximately 1,828 meters between the mountain passes and the destination.
The red carriages cross the 213-foot-high viaduct in the Alps. Amidst the vast expanse of snow, the train looks like a ball of fire, melting the icy beauty around it. Those who have ridden this train likely never imagined such an unforgettable experience. They say, "The bright red of the train carriages really stands out against the crisp snow and azure sky."
The train passes through the 55 tunnel and crosses the 196 bridge. Looking out from the train, the broken lake gives people a sense of tranquility. Fortunately, it is not a perfect scenery, I am still in reality!
The train's interior is also immaculate, with double-layered windows that prevent fogging, so you won't have to clean the windows to spoil your trip. The interior is also upscale, and couples can sit on this train, quietly gazing out the window, and perhaps feel like they've already lived their whole lives.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 76 miles (122 km) of track
Maximum elevation: 7,392 feet
Features: 55 tunnels; 196 bridges and viaducts
price:
Bernina Express Observation Car:
Winter (December 11, 2015 - May 12, 2017): 10 Swiss Francs (CHF)
Summer (May 13, 2017 - October 29, 2017): 14 Swiss Francs (CHF)
The unified currency is the Swiss franc, though most places also accept the euro. Large shopping malls and supermarkets also accept euros, and you'll receive change in Swiss francs, though you'll likely lose a bit of money on the exchange rate. US dollars aren't accepted, so be sure to exchange them for Swiss francs!
In addition, it is inconvenient to tip Swiss francs with denominations that are too large. Please remind group members to exchange Swiss francs with denominations of 200 or less.
1 Swiss Franc = 6.9535 RMB; 1 Euro = 7.7603 RMB (June 2019)
Compared to other European countries, Switzerland has a very high cost of living! The cheapest restaurant meal is fast food, which is around CHF15. Even a meal at a restaurant for CHF20 per person is considered quite affordable.
Special note: If you spend normally, one person should bring about 50 Swiss francs a day.
Most shops and supermarkets accept credit and debit cards. Credit cards are generally accepted (Mastercard, Visa, American Express).
Almost 100% of ATMs in the country accept UnionPay cards, and the screens have the UnionPay logo, allowing you to withdraw local currency.
Because Swiss waiters generally have high salaries, there is no need to tip, and there is no such thing as tipping. This is an exception in high-end restaurants.
Tips:
It opens at 9:00 am, is open until around 18:30 from Monday to Thursday, until around 20:00 on Friday, and closes around 17:00 on Saturday.
Most shopping malls and supermarkets in Switzerland are closed on Sundays and holidays.
Shops at train stations are generally open 7 days a week until 22:00, although opening hours may vary slightly between cities.
Except in winter, Switzerland experiences significant temperature swings between day and night, and between mountain and urban areas. Even in summer, it can still be a bit chilly after sunset. During midday, when the sun is strong, the perceived temperature is quite high. This is especially true in southern Swiss cities (Lausanne and Zurich), where temperatures can be quite high and the sun can be quite intense.
It is recommended to choose a multi-layer dressing method, that is, T-shirt + shirt + jacket (jacket).
Switzerland is a beginner's hike, so the equipment requirements aren't as specialized. However, footwear is still very important. We recommend that you bring a pair of outdoor hiking shoes; if you don't have them, sneakers are fine. A professional jacket and pants are preferred, but casual or athletic attire is also acceptable.
Trekking poles, knee pads, etc., depending on personal circumstances, are not necessary.
German standard socket
Hotel supplies:
Most European hotels do not provide slippers and toiletries, so please bring your own.
Kettle:
Those who are used to drinking hot water can bring a kettle.
Tips:
Tap water in Switzerland is drinkable, and many places offer outdoor drinking fountains. However, there are also decorative fountains, which are not potable, so please pay attention to the drinking water signs. Mineral water is available in both carbonated and uncarbonated varieties at supermarkets; please choose according to your preference.
Sun protection products: sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
You need to wear a swimsuit when taking a hot spring bath.
Although several major Swiss cities are listed as safe cities in the world, Switzerland's public security has gradually deteriorated since joining the Schengen Agreement. Some safety details should still be paid attention to:
On the train, pay attention to the luggage on the luggage rack;
If you hang clothes on the coat rack near the car window, do not put too much cash, documents or other important items in your pockets;
Try to avoid walking alone late at night;
Make a copy of your passport for your records, keep money separately, do not leave handbags in the car, etc.
Be wary of fake police officers who steal and rob under the guise of inspection. Swiss police generally do not check tourists' documents on the streets or at tourist attractions.
In case of emergency, such as ambulance, police, fire, air and sea distress, as well as requesting the forest patrol team or asking for a priest, the emergency number is 112. This emergency number provides English-speaking service.
117 - Police
118 - Fire
140 - Vehicle breakdown
144 - Ambulance
145 - First Aid for Poisoning
112 - Other
Medical services in Switzerland require tourists to pay in advance after receiving treatment, and then the insurance company will refund the money as compensation. Please communicate with medical staff and insurance companies in a timely manner before seeing a doctor.
Switzerland is a multilingual country with German, French and Italian being the official languages.
Grüezi -- Hello (honorific title)
Hoi -- Hello (between friends or young people)
Wie gaahts -- How are you?
Guete Morge -- Good morning
en Guete -- Bon appetit
Schönes Wochenende -- Have a nice weekend
Merci / Danke -- Thank you
Merci viella / Vielen Dank -- Thank you very much
Bitte -- You're welcome
Wiedersehen / Au revoir -- Goodbye (honorific title)
Tschüss / Ciao -- Goodbye (between friends or young people)
Entschuldigung -- Excuse me
Gleis: Track (meaning platform, same as the French "Voil")
