Switzerland Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are January and February good months to visit Switzerland?
January
Off
season
February
Off
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Switzerland is 15.9 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 136 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Berne (CH) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4100 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Berne click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Switzerland on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 1 • Exercise normal safety precautions.
Update: 13 Oct 2024Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Switzerland
| Miles | Zurich | Berne | Geneva | Basel | Lausanne | Lugano | Lucerne | St. Moritz |
| Zurich | - | 59 | 139 | 46 | 107 | 96 | 25 | 86 |
| Berne | 59 | - | 80 | 43 | 49 | 97 | 41 | 118 |
| Geneva | 139 | 80 | - | 116 | 32 | 135 | 118 | 177 |
| Basel | 46 | 43 | 116 | - | 85 | 125 | 48 | 129 |
| Lausanne | 107 | 49 | 32 | 85 | - | 116 | 87 | 153 |
| Lugano | 96 | 97 | 135 | 125 | 116 | - | 79 | 54 |
| Lucerne | 25 | 41 | 118 | 48 | 87 | 79 | - | 82 |
| St. Moritz | 86 | 118 | 177 | 129 | 153 | 54 | 82 | - |
Best Ways to Experience Switzerland
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreSwiss Franc (CHF)
- CHF
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- CHF
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
| = |
Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Switzerland.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Switzerland for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Switzerland the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, J sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type JFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 101 / 231 Ranking | 8 654 622 German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1% |
Area | 136 / 230 Ranking | 15.9 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 8 / 196 Ranking | 83 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 80.7women 85.5 |
Median age | 138 / 157 Ranking | 42.7 Average age of population expressed in years.men 41.7women 43.7 |
Population growth | 110 / 172 Ranking | 0.65% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 6 / 194 Ranking | 71 761 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Italy