Travel in Switzerland

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAFFIC RULES IN SWITZERLAND

Speed limits:

50 km/h in cities

80 km/h outside cities

120 km/h on the motorway

Lights required even during the day

Driving licence: A European driving licence is valid
Motorway vignette: mandatory for motorway use (can be purchased at the border or online, currently at a cost of CHF 40.00 per year (2025)
Winter tyres recommended (mandatory in some conditions)
Parking: Watch out for parking disc zones (blue parking discs), paid areas
 

CANTONS AND MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT
 

Canton of Valais (Valais)

Zermatt and the Matterhorn – hiking and skiing destination
Saas-Fee – car-free alpine village
Aletsch Arena – the largest glacier in the Alps


Canton of Bern

Bern – UNESCO World Heritage City
Interlaken – between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, perfect for extreme sports
Jungfrau Region – panoramic trains (Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe)


Canton of Ticino

Lugano, Locarno, Ascona – Italian culture, Mediterranean climate
Verzasca Valley – emerald green waters, Ponte dei Salti
Monte Brè, Monte San Salvatore


Canton of Graubünden

St. Moritz, Davos – winter sports and spas
Bernina Express Trail – breathtaking views
Bregaglia Valley – Italo-Romanic culture


Canton of Geneva

Geneva – UN headquarters, Jet d’Eau, Red Cross Museum
International atmosphere, elegant architecture


Canton of Lucerne

Lucerne – Chapel Bridge, lake, and Mount Pilatus
Ideal for boat and cable car excursions


Canton Zurich

Zurich – economic capital, modern art, nightlife, shopping
Proximity to Lake Zurich and the Alps
 

TYPICAL SWISS FOOD

Traditional dishes:

Fondue: melted cheese served with bread (typical of French-speaking areas)
Raclette: melted cheese with potatoes and gherkins
Rösti: grated and fried potatoes (similar to a potato omelette)
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: veal stew with cream and mushrooms
Capuns (Graubünden): chard rolls with pasta and meat

Desserts:

Engadin walnut cake
Swiss chocolate (Lindt, Toblerone, Läderach)
Biberli: spiced biscuit with marzipan (Appenzell)

Drinks:

Rivella (typical soft drink)
Valais and Ticino wines
Local craft beers

CUSTOMS AND CUSTOMS

Punctuality: extremely important in social and work settings
Cleanliness and respect for the environment: fundamental
Silence: respected especially on trains, in apartment buildings, and in the evening
Multiculturalism: respect for different linguistic cultures
Tipping: not mandatory but appreciated (rounding up)

PRACTICAL TIPS

Swiss Travel Pass: travel pass for trains, buses, boats, and museums
Cash and cards: both accepted, but many places only accept cards
Internet: excellent coverage; roaming active for the EU
Tap water: always drinkable
Emergencies: 112 (general), 117 (police), 118 (fire brigade), 144 (ambulance)

RECOMMENDED ITINERARIES (examples)

Classic tour (7 days)

Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt → Geneva

Italian Switzerland and Grisons (5-6 days)

Lugano → Bellinzona → Verzasca Valley → St. Moritz → Bernina Express

Green Switzerland (Hiking and Nature)

Appenzell → Arosa → Andermatt → Lauterbrunnen → Grindelwald

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