What to See in Switzerland When You Travel by Car for the First Time

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My get-go trip to Switzerland was a long time coming- information technology was a place I'd dreamed about visiting for many years before I finally went. I'd spent hours admiring photos, building Switzerland up in my mind then much that I arrived expecting near perfection.

Luckily, information technology was even better than I'd imagined and all the peachy things I'd heard nearly travelling in Switzerland were true. The landscapes were gorgeous, the towns were cute, and information technology was easy to navigate past public transportation.

travelyesplease.com | Travelling in Switzerland for the First Time- What to Expect — Bernina Express and the Brusio spiral viaduct

Fifty-fifty though Switzerland lived up to my expectations, in that location were a few pleasant discoveries along the way that helped make my start trip to Switzerland interesting and unforgettable.

travelyesplease.com | What to Expect on Your First Trip to Switzerland: A First Time Visitor's Guide — Brienz

What to Await on Your Get-go Trip to Switzerland

Subsequently my start trip to Switzerland, I can tell you to look a state that's stunningly beautiful the whole way through. From unbelievably bluish lakes, dramatic alpine valleys, and mannerly architecture, the beauty of Switzerland is sure to impress.

Switzerland is also far more diverse in terms of language, mural, and culture than you might await. From glaciers to palm copse, and cultural influences from surrounding countries, diverseness is definitely the spice of life in Switzerland. During my two weeks in Switzerland I felt like a visited many different countries in ane!

Information technology's really hard to sum upwards Switzerland because there are and so many regional differences, but one affair that'due south always consistent is accessibility to nature. There'south no incertitude that Switzerland is a cracking selection for agile travellers and those who dearest the outdoors.

Even though Switzerland isn't drastically unlike from other countries in Europe, there are a few things to know that volition assist make your outset trip to Switzerland a smooth i. I hope this guide, based on my personal experience and observations, answers any questions you may have about travelling to Switzerland for the first time.

Linguistic communication

Switzerland has four official languages- German, French, Italian, and Romansh- and numerous regional dialects.
The near widely spoken linguistic communication is Swiss German. French is primarily spoken in western Switzerland, and Italian is mainly spoken in the canton of Ticino and some southern areas of Graubünden county. Romansh is spoken by just 0.5% of the population.
Most people working in tourism and service industries spoke English language, either fluently or well enough that there were no misunderstandings.

Public Transportation in Switzerland

Getting around Switzerland was like shooting fish in a barrel and stress free because the country has an extensive, well-coordinated network of trains, buses, and boats. Even mountaintops were easily accessible because of the numerous funiculars, cable cars, and cog railways. I never felt similar I was missing out by not renting a automobile.
The SBB Mobile app fabricated it convenient to view timetables and plan my route using all modes of public transportation. No thing which method of send I chose, the service was frequent, comfortable, and prophylactic, with well-timed connections.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is a straightforward, all encompassing pass that can be used for free travel on trains, boats, and buses in Switzerland. It also includes some mount excursions (with a 50% discount on many mountain railways that aren't covered), trips on premium panoramic trains, public transportation in 90 urban areas, and admission to over 500 museums. I loved how comprehensive it was and never having to worry about buying individual tickets. For more information, read my Swiss Travel Laissez passer Guide and review.
You can choose a Swiss Travel Pass that is valid for three, 4, eight, or 15 consecutive days.
The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online from various websites or at a service desk in Swiss rail stations. To salve fourth dimension, I recommend ownership a laissez passer in advance. Here is a trusted, leading retailer where you lot can buy a Swiss Travel Pass and take it sent to you set to use.

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Travelling by Train in Switzerland

There are many railway companies in Switzerland but they piece of work together to grade Switzerland's rail network. The main company is Swiss Federal Railways, referred to by its initials SBB in German, CFF in French, and FFS in Italian.
Announcements in stations and on board trains are made in the local linguistic communication. Long-distance trains at major stations in popular tourist areas also take announcements in English.
The trains were always clean, just non as timely every bit I was expecting. On more than a few occasions, trains were 5-x minutes late arriving to the station. Ane fourth dimension a train I was on was late enough to make me miss my connection. I even had a railroad train cancelled completely for track maintenance. Luckily trains are frequent and then disruptions to my travel schedule were minimal.

Tickets and Reservations

Train tickets can be purchased at machines or ticket counters in railway stations, online, or in the SBB Mobile app. Runway passes can be purchased online or at Swiss railway stations.
It's non necessary to make reservations for near trains in Switzerland. Simply board the railroad train with your track pass or ticket and choose an open seat. Exceptions are international trains and scenic trains, like the Glacier Limited and Bernina Express, which require seat reservations for an extra fee.

Seat Types- First and 2nd Class

Trains in Switzerland have kickoff and second form cars. Beginning class cars are marked with a 1 and yellow stripe on the outside of the car. Signs above the station platform point which sector the cars volition stop at (starting time class were usually at the front end and dorsum of the train). Sometimes kickoff class seats are in the aforementioned automobile every bit second grade, simply in their own section.
Most people travel in second class, so those cars were noticeably more crowded and noisy. First course seats are a bit roomier. Apart from that, there wasn't much difference in comfort between showtime and second class. I travelled with a get-go class Swiss Travel Pass and loved having space to spread out and keep my luggage close.

On-Lath Services

InterCity and EuroCity trains have a restaurant serving snacks, meals, and drinks. Some other trains take a mini bar/catering cart that comes around selling snacks and drinks.
Some trains accept electrical outlets, simply not all.

Using Buses in Switzerland

Depending on what urban center you're in, sometimes you lot can buy tickets from a car on board, sometimes from a machine at the bus stop.

Currency, Credit Cards, ATMs

Currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Credit cards are widely accepted in Switzerland.
ATMs are common in Switzerland. Even though I didn't accept to use one, I noticed that not all were continued to the Plus System (interbank network).

Costs in Switzerland

I thought Switzerland was an expensive land to visit, in comparison to other places I've travelled to in Europe. The costs of food, transportation, accommodations, and activities tin can arrive hard to stretch your upkeep.
Dining out in Switzerland is quite pricey. Master courses usually cost between 20 and l francs. On average, I was spending between 30 and 40 francs (roughly $40-$50 CAD) for a meal of just a main course and non-alcoholic drinkable.
Like anywhere, adaptation prices in Switzerland depend on the destination and time of year. In general, you can find a proficient selection of iii and 4 star hotels for $150-300 CAD/night, but in that location are also many that run over $300 CAD/night.

Accommodations

I stayed in 3 and four star hotels and they were always clean, comfortable, and included WiFi and a delicious breakfast.
The sizes of the hotel rooms were similar to what you go far North America.
Some hotels provided modest washcloths, some did non. I e'er bring my own when travelling to Europe, but in case.

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Restaurants and Nutrient

I idea the food was very good in Switzerland and as a picky eater, I had no trouble finding meals I could savour.
Traditional cuisine varies between regions and dishes are influenced by neighbouring countries (Italian restaurants are enough). Some of my favourite traditional Swiss dishes were the capuns I tried in the canton of Graubünden, and the cheese fondue and rösti I ate in Zermatt (canton of Valais).
Equally is common in Europe, you have to pay for water in restaurants and accept a choice between still or sparkling bottled water. Even if y'all ask for tap water, you may still have to pay for it.
You don't need to tip in Switzerland, every bit service is included in the meal price. However, if y'all would like to prove appreciation for exceptional service, round upwardly the bill to the nearest whole number.
Lunch is usually served from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and dinner from 6:00 pm- ix:thirty pm. It'due south easier to find places that serve hot meals all day long (xi:00 am- 10:00 pm) in cities than in smaller towns.

Electricity

The voltage in Switzerland is 230 Five.
I came across a variety of electric sockets in Switzerland, sometimes even in one hotel room! Type J (iii-pin) sockets (both recessed and apartment) were most common, but I also saw types C and F (ii-pin).
I had to buy a type J adapter in Switzerland considering my 2-pivot ane with the rectangular casing wouldn't fit into most of the 3-pivot sockets, since they were hexagonal and recessed into the wall. Some bad advice on the Internet said these 2-pin plugs would work in Switzerland, simply they don't fit into the sunken outlets.
I was able to borrow an adapter for Swiss sockets from my hotel until I constitute one to buy at the post office, of all places.

Weather condition

Overall, Switzerland has a balmy climate, but it varies a lot between regions. In September, I experienced snowfall and 0 °C high in the mountains, so saw palm trees and 25 °C in Ticino. I fabricated use of all the clothing layers I brought!
Switzerland has four distinct seasons. In the winter, temperatures tin can range from -ii to 7 °C. Spring and autumn temperatures are unremarkably eight to 15 °C. Summer sees temperatures of 18 to 28 °C, but information technology can get hotter than that.

Safety

I always felt safe travelling in Switzerland, even as a female person solo traveller. Switzerland has one of the lowest criminal offence rates of industrialized countries, but thefts can still occur so don't leave your holding unattended.

Public Restrooms

I saw a mixture of paid public toilets and free ones.

Walking and Hiking in Switzerland

There are many well-maintained foot paths in Switzerland. They are waymarked with yellowish signs, oft with an estimated time to the next destination.
Hiking routes on mountain paths are indicated past a red stripe on a white background. The waymark is usually included on the yellowish signs, but I also saw it painted on rocks, trees, and buildings.

Cycling and Mountain Biking in Switzerland

Bike routes in Switzerland are marked with crimson signposts telling the distance to the next destination. National routes accept a single digit number, regional routes have a double digit number, and local routes have triple digits.
Cycling routes are often on paved paths or roads, only sometimes take sections that aren't paved. Mountain bike routes have more natural surface and single tracks.
Bicycles (standard, mountain, and e-bikes) can be rented at many railway stations or from rental shops. I used Rent-a-Bicycle because they accept near 200 locations, eighty which are at railway stations. The amount of rental points meant I could often (not always) option upwardly a cycle in one boondocks and return it in another. The bikes were very proficient quality and well maintained.
Bicycles can be taken on well-nigh SBB trains, private railways, and PostBuses as long as y'all buy a split bike ticket or Mean solar day Wheel Pass. They can even exist taken on some boats. Train cars that y'all can bring bikes on are marked with a bicycle on the door. Infinite for bikes is limited on PostBuses and some routes require a reservation. As an alternative, you can besides take your bike shipped as luggage from the train station. It will go far 2 days later.

Other Tips and Observations on my First Trip to Switzerland

The public h2o fountains in boondocks squares have safe drinking water. Bring a reusable h2o bottle and make full up at the fountains to salve coin and avoid waste material.
Some destinations issue a guest card to anyone spending a dark (or two) in the metropolis/region. These cards give free apply of local public transportation and often discounts on attractions.
There are many helpful apps for travelling in Switzerland. My favourites were SBB Mobile for transportation planning, Switzerland Mobility for hiking and biking routes, and Swiss Travel Guide for attraction highlights.

Concluding Thoughts About my Get-go Trip to Switzerland

I can sum up my first trip to Switzerland by proverb I promise it won't be my final.

Also it being one of the virtually beautiful countries I've e'er visited, there are many reasons why I'd go back to Switzerland. For ane, I felt 100% comfortable travelling at that place. Secondly, I loved the convenient admission to nature and outdoor activities. Switzerland is definitely a leader in this department! And of form, there are so many more hikes, bike trips, and mount excursions I'd love to do!

What to Run across on Your First Trip to Switzerland

Information technology can exist hard to decide where to go and what to practice on your first trip to Switzerland considering there are so many fantastic options. For some suggestions and a sample itinerary, read my post 2 Weeks in Switzerland- An Itinerary for Agile Travellers.

Accommodations in Switzerland

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Switzerland. Please consider booking your Switzerland accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps back up this website. Thank you!

Tours in Switzerland

Here is a trusted site that has a big pick of tours and tickets for activities in Switzerland. You can volume everything from 24-hour interval trips, city walking tours, mountain excursions, boat cruises, and more.

I was hosted by Switzerland Tourism in order to bring you this story. As always, I speak simply the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles.

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