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Introducing Switzerland

Get to the heart of Switzerland.
Switzerland is all about quintessential Alpine scenery, perfectly preserved medieval towns, and international cities that run on a famously precise schedule. This central European nation is small but surprisingly diverse—shared borders with France, Italy, and Germany have produced distinct regional cultures. One unifying factor is the Alps: the mountain range takes up a whopping 65% of Switzerland’s total area, making this an ideal destination for active fun (and iconic views) all year. 

When is the best time to visit?
Snowy Switzerland is a skier's paradise, and it's no surprise that January and February are peak tourist months. This goes for the Alps of course, but applies to the cities too—Bern, for example, looks great under a layer of winter white, and its Christmas markets are a must-visit (for the delectable Swiss chocolates alone).

The country is also idyllic in summer, as travelers trade ski lifts for hiking boots and hit the Alpine trails. You can enjoy great outdoor excursions during the slower spring and fall seasons, too—September is a particularly great “off” month to visit, as the summer crowds are gone yet the weather is still pleasant, and the scenery ever-wonderful.

Where should you go?
Certainly, you’ll want to visit Switzerland’s picture-perfect capital of Bern, whose medieval Old Town is home to the towering Zytglogge clock tower. And of course, you’ll want to experience the Alps. There are many hiking trails in these world-famous mountains, all signposted and easy to follow. Head to St. Moritz and Zermatt for some of the best skiing in Europe.

Zurich is a beautifully kept city, and this is where serious shoppers will want to spend time. It's also a nice stop on your way to or from Germany by train. See much of the Swiss countryside in a short time on the GoldenPass railway line from Montreux to Lucerne and takes about 5.5 hours (switching trains at Interlaken). It runs through three mountain passes with spectacular views of lakes, waterfalls, and Swiss chalets. 

How many days do you need?
If you simply want to travel through the Swiss countryside and visit a few postcard-worthy cities and towns, you can do so in well under a week. To properly take advantage of Switzerland’s winter sports and excursions, two weeks is ideal. In this timeframe, you could embark on a number of great day-long or even multi-day hikes—or ski at multiple resorts—with time to relax at a few chalets along the way.

Switzerland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lauterbrunnen valley
Map of Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days
Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days

Hike from hut to hut under the snowy facades of some of the most famous peaks in the Swiss Alps with this five-day itinerary. As you hike past the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, you'll make your way through Alpine pastures, glacial lakes, and rushing waterfalls, with stops on mountaintop tramways and charming villages in between.

Lauterbrunnental
Map of Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days
Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days

Take a classic Swiss hut-to-hut hike through the Bernese Oberland mountains on this week-long trek. You'll go from scenic valley to scenic valley as you traverse past the bases of some of the best-known mountains in the Alps, such as Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, making your way through waterfalls, cliff faces, and dairy pastures.

Vineyards of the Lavaux region by Lake Geneva
Map of Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days
Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days

Sample some of the world's best wines as you circle around Mont Blanc from Switzerland to Italy to France. Visit vineyards nestled in the idyllic countryside in the foothills of the Alps, where ancient grape varieties still produce rare and high-quality wines. Taste local wines in the terraced hills of Lavaux, Switzerland, and toast to the breathtaking views from Pointe Helbronner in France with a glass of Cuvée des Guides — moments and wines to be remembered!

Lac de Moiry
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 10 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 10 Days

Visit traditional Swiss villages, explore high-elevation alpine lakes, and cross high rocky passes as you trek through the Alps on this 10-day itinerary from Chamonix to Zermatt. Head east across the mountain range as you traverse mountainsides, hike along glacier foothills and look for wildlife (like ibex and marmots). Spend your nights in lakeside mountain huts and cozy towns, falling asleep to the sound of the wind and water. 

Lake Moiry as seen from Corne de Sorebois
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 7 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 7 Days

Hike through thick pine forests, visit traditional Swiss villages, and look for wildlife (like ibex and marmots) on this 7-day trekking itinerary through the Swiss Alps. Cross the high-elevation Col de Riedmatten Pass, traverse mountainside, and hike along glacier foothills as you make your way east towards Zermatt, which sits at the base of the Matterhorn. At night, cozy up in huts and small villages that retain an authentic alpine feel.

Crossing Col de Balme
Map of Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 12 Days
Chamonix to Zermatt Walker's Haute Route - 12 Days

You'll explore high alpine passes, pass through thick pine forests, hike along the base of glaciated peaks, and much more on this 12-day trekking itinerary. Start your trip in Chamonix—the French 'Capital of Alpinism'—then head east into Switzerland, arriving 10 days later in Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn. As you hike through the Alps, you'll spend your time looking for wildlife, breathing in the fresh alpine air, and taking in the views, ending each day with comfortable stays in villages and mountain huts.

Switzerland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
The spectacular Landwasser Viaduct (photo courtesy of Scaliger
Switzerland's Best Train Rides

Switzerland's rail network is one of the world's best, defying steep mountain gradients, threading through dramatic valleys and around beautiful lakes to showcase the country's...

Our Latest Switzerland Content

Luxury alpine resort town of St. Moritz
Switzerland in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Snow starts to fall in earnest in Switzerland in December, and with it are the tourists that flock to the mountain ski resorts. There are also charming markets held in various cities in the lead-up to Christmas. Whether you're interested in outdoor or city attractions, December's a great time to visit Switzerland. Read on to learn more.

Zürich city center with Fraumunster and Grossmunster Churches and River Limmat
Switzerland in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the final month of fall in Switzerland, and temperatures are generally cold. Conditions are not yet ripe for skiing, but this month is still an excellent time to visit Switzerland's cities for cultural attractions and to make the most of their proximity to the mountains if the weather's fine. Find out more about where to go and what to do in Switzerland in November.

Admire the changing leaves in the Swiss capital of Bern
Switzerland in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is fall in Switzerland and the low season for travel, between the peaks of summer and winter. The weather may be pleasant and sunny or damp and dull, so it makes sense to base yourself in one of Switzerland's beautiful cities if you're visiting in October. Read on for more about traveling to Switzerland in October.

Switzerland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Switzerland map: Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days
Best of Bernese Oberland - 5 days
View article
Switzerland map: Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days
Bernese Oberland Traverse - 7 Days
View article
Switzerland map: Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days
Exploring the Wine Regions of Mont Blanc - 6 Days
View article

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Trip Reviews for Switzerland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Planning and booking our Switzerland trip on kimkim was the best experience!
Switzerland | May 9 - May 16, 2023

V
Vanessa D.
Santa Monica, CA | Reviewed on May 19, 2023

Planning and booking our trip on kimkim was seamless. I had never used, or even heard of the platform before, but I will forever now use kimkim when planning our vacations. Our Switzerland expert, Valentine, was amazing and put together the perfect trip for my mother and me. Valentine was thoughtful to tailoring our trip to our needs and was always responsive to my many questions. :) In addition, the final itinerary we received was extremely organized which made things very easy once we... read more

Planning and booking our trip on kimkim was seamless. I had never used, or even heard of the platform before, but I will forever now use kimkim when planning our vacations. Our Switzerland expert, Valentine, was amazing and put together the perfect trip for my mother and me. Valentine was thoughtful to tailoring our trip to our needs and was always responsive to my many questions. :) In addition, the final itinerary we received was extremely organized which made things very easy once we got to Switzerland. I would highly recommend Valentine and kimkim to anyone that is looking to travel abroad, and specifically, to Switzerland.

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hotel National Luzern
Luzern

Amazing hotel right on the water. Gorgeous rooms and amenities. Would highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage
Interlaken

lovely hotel, great location at the beginning of the main strip. Very close to the train station which was ideal for us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
Montreux

Loved this hotel and it's views of the lake. Right in the middle of town and again, very close to the train station which was ideal for us. The hotel restaurant was lovely and the daily continental breakfast was divine.

Authenticity & Character
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Staff
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Boutique Hotel Helmhaus
Zürich

This was a charming small boutique hotel. The rooms did not have any views, and it was a bit tucked away from the road, but the location was perfect for what we were looking to do -- be in the center of zurich close to the shops. We were only in Zurich for one night and this was a nice well-priced option for our one night,

Authenticity & Character
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Local specialist: Valentine Julien
Valentine
Valentine Julien
Local specialist in Villefranche sur Saône | Replied on May 20, 2023

Hello Vanessa,
Thank you so much for your review! We are always happy to read your feedbacks, and your comments help us to improve our future services.
We hope that you came back home with a lot of memories in mind!
See you soon in Switzerland or maybe France or Germany,
Valentine

Fuss free trip
Switzerland | Jan 29 - Feb 9, 2023

N
Norica N.
Singapore | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2023

I want to say a big thanks to Tomaz's time and effort in planning my Switzerland trip. The trip was what we wanted and you made it possible while we work and not able to plan an itinerary. Tomaz has made very good recommendations to my hotel and activities. He attended to all my requests and patient with my constant adjustment to the itinerary. Thank you once again! read more

I want to say a big thanks to Tomaz's time and effort in planning my Switzerland trip. The trip was what we wanted and you made it possible while we work and not able to plan an itinerary. Tomaz has made very good recommendations to my hotel and activities. He attended to all my requests and patient with my constant adjustment to the itinerary. Thank you once again!

Activity Review
Paragliding
Switzerland

The staff were early for the appointment and extremely thoughtful. They knew we were not dressed warm enough for the activity and readily loan us shoe and bottom. This was the highlight of my entire trip! Highly recommended!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Replied on Feb 20, 2023

Hi Norica, thank you for your nice words! I look forward to seeing you travelling with us on your next travel adventure. Kind regards, Tomaz

Excellent, had a very merry Swiss Christmas!
Switzerland | Dec 20 - Dec 27, 2022

A
Anne A.
Shively, KY | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2022

We had a really good time in Switzerland.
It was a wonderful experience!
Interlaken and Zermatt were absolutely memorable! We loved all the Christmas markets as well which was incorporated into the visit. Basel Christmas market was especially amazing!

Excellent communication and quick response from the local tour specialists, when we needed questions answered while in 🇨🇭
Very good sense of responsibility demonstrated by the local tour guide/team, which is much appreciated. We... read more

We had a really good time in Switzerland.
It was a wonderful experience!
Interlaken and Zermatt were absolutely memorable! We loved all the Christmas markets as well which was incorporated into the visit. Basel Christmas market was especially amazing!

Excellent communication and quick response from the local tour specialists, when we needed questions answered while in 🇨🇭
Very good sense of responsibility demonstrated by the local tour guide/team, which is much appreciated. We predominately worked with Tomaz & Zala. Melita & Ester helped too.
The hotels arranged for us were pretty good too with excellent customer service.

Overall, it was a lovely experience and great Christmas spent in Switzerland this year.
So THANK YOU for making it happen.

Hotel Reviews
Boutique Hotel Wellenberg
Zurich

Excellent customer service

Authenticity & Character
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Staff
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Hotel Interlaken
3800
Authenticity & Character
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Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Edelweiss
Geneva
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Basel Christmas Market
Switzerland

Amazing cheese fondue!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Replied on Dec 29, 2022

Hi Anne,

thank you for your kind words. I look forward to seeing you travelling with us again. Tomaz