Vacation Rentals in Switzerland
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Travel destination Switzerland.
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Destination
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(188)
Adelboden (2), Aeschi (4), Beatenberg (15), Boltigen (6), Brienz (9), Brienzwiler (3), Bönigen (2), Erlenbach (1), Frutigen (2), Gadmen (2), Goldswil (1), Grindelwald (73), Gstaad (1), Guttannen (1), Habkern (1), Innertkirchen (2), Interlaken (8), Kandersteg (7), Lauterbrunnen (6), Lenk (8), Meiringen (1), Mürren (1), Nessenthal (1), Niederried (5), Oberried (1), Oberwil (1), Ringgenberg (5), Saanenmöser (1), Sankt Stephan (8), Schwanden (1), Schönried (3), Wengen (2), Zweilütschinen (1), Zweisimmen (3)
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(544)
Alvaneu (2), Arosa (36), Bivio (3), Carrera (1), Curaglia (2), Davos (112), Disentis (119), Flims (13), Laax (11), Langwies (1), Lenzerheide (9), Maloja (11), Müstair (3), Obersaxen (1), Paspels (1), Pontresina (10), Poschiavo (1), Ruschein (2), Samnaun (11), San Bernardino (1), Sankt Moritz (35), Sankt Peter (2), Schmitten (7), Scuol (5), Sedrun (1), Silvaplana (115), Surava (3), Tschiertschen (1), Valendas (1), Vulpera (13), Zuoz (10)
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(1215)
Albinen (6), Arolla (3), Belalp (11), Bellwald (14), Bern (1), Betten (2), Blatten (11), Blitzingen (5), Bourg-Saint-Pierre (4), Bruson (2), Bürchen (18), Champéry (3), Champex (10), Crans Montana (112), Eischoll (1), Ernen (20), EvolÈne (6), Fiesch (9), Grengiols (6), Grimentz (9), Grimisuat (1), Grächen (44), Herbriggen (1), La Forclaz (1), Lax (1), Les Agettes (1), Les Haudères (2), Leukerbad (30), Montana (2), Morgins (1), Mörel (3), Nendaz (232), Ovronnaz (119), Randa (2), Randogne (1), Saas-Almagel (8), Saas-Balen (23), Saas-Fee (112), Saas-Grund (65), Sankt Niklaus (6), Stalden (5), Troistorrents (1), Tschuggen (5), Täsch (34), Unterbäch (9), Val d'Illiez (3), Verbier (55), Vercorin (3), Veysonnaz (55), Zermatt (136), Zinal (1)
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Overview of Switzerland
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| Size |
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41,285 sq km (15,940 sq mi) |
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| Population |
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7,489,370 |
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| Language |
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Official languages are German, French, Italian and Romansch |
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| Time Zone |
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1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1) |
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| Electricity |
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230 V, 50 Hz |
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| Clothing |
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Loose, light clothing will help you to get along with heat in the summer and warm clothing
is essential in the winter months. Thermal wear, sun protection cream/lotion, sunglasses, cap
that covers your ears. |
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| Religion |
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Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 4.3%. |
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| Currency |
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Swiss Franc (CHF)
Currency Converter |
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Location of Switzerland
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Switzerland is situated in Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy and hosts about 20%
of the Alps. Approximately 100 peaks are close to or higher than 4000 m (13125 ft) above
sea level. Many mountain areas are developed, there are trains, cog railways, aerial cable cars
and other means of transportation. Swiss mountains are famous for climbing, skiing, snowboarding,
biking, hiking and other recreational activities. Switzerland's largest lakes—Geneva, Constance
(Bodensee), and Maggiore—straddle the French, German-Austrian, and Italian borders, respectively.
The Rhine, navigable from Basel to the North Sea, is the principal inland waterway. There are also
many dammed-up lakes, mainly to drive water turbines of power plants. There are more than 3000 km²
of glaciers and firn in Switzerland. Most of the glaciers are decreasing. Bern is the capital city
and the seat of the Federal Government and situated on the Swiss plains. Zurich, Basel and Geneva
are the main centres of business and industry. Luzern, Lugano and Lausanne are other important
centres of culture and tourism. Switzerland is split into 26 Cantons, or small states each of which
have their own constitution and elected regional assembly, similar to the United States of America.
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Climate in Switzerland
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From a climate point of view, Switzerland is located in a transition zone. In the west, there
is a strong influence of the Atlantic ocean. Winds bring a lot of moisture into Switzerland and
cause rainfall. On the hills and lower valleys of Switzerland a moderate climate exists, with an
average yearly temperature of about 10°C (50°F). The temperature decreases about 2°C (35°F) for every additional
300 m of elevation. Rain also varies considerably according to elevation. Rain on the hills and
in the lower valleys is about 910 mm annually; the higher regions generally receive more rain.
Much of the rain occurs during the winter in the form of snow; the peaks of most mountains about 2,700 m
or higher are snow-covered throughout the year. Large glaciers exist especially in the Alps. The bise,
a cold, northerly wind, occurs in the winter, and the foehn, a warm, dry southeasterly wind, occurs
during the rest of the year. In the city of Zurich the average temperature ranges from 0.6°C (33°F)
in January to 18°C (64°F) in July.
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Best Time to Travel to Switzernad
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If you just want to do sight-seeing in Switzerland without any activities like snow activities
(skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, ice-skating), summer activities (swimming in mountain lakes,
hiking in the Swiss Alps, rodel tobogganing), or if seeing snow is not your priority, then anytime
of the year is good. Early spring (approx. from mid-March) is a time when the snow in the lower
valleys melts and early spring flowers begin to grow. Often in April, mother nature waters her
gardens in this part of the earth to ensure that they produce lovely spring flowers in later spring
which is in May and early June. Strawberry-picking is possible. If you like picnics, barbeques or
swimming, summer is an ideal time to come experience what it is like to do these things in Switzerland,
in the heart of the Alps! Greenery reigns at this time of the year as meadows and forests help mother
nature paint the picturesque Swiss sceneries with their rich colours. Summer flowers bloom to contribute
to the scenic landscape. This is also the blueberry- and raspberry-picking season. Hiking is popular.
Grottos are open for dinner. More adventurous travellers might want to try out rodel tobogganing on
the world's longest toboggan run on rails recognised by the Guiness World Record. Mother nature
repaints her gardens and changes some of her greenery to red, yellow or orange to add a variety
of colours to the landscapes. Hiking is ideal as the view from the mountain peaks is splendid,
enabling your eyes to roll a few hundred kilometers on a good day. The air is cooler. A unique
activity to witness at this time of the year is to see how approximately eighty goats walk from
their stalls to their grazing grounds, with the older ones leading the younger ones across the
highway to get to the other side of the road. If you want to see snow and/or experience falling snow,
experience a white Christmas ora white Christmas season, go to a Christmas market, or if you are the
active or sporty sort, then winter (end of Dec to beginning of March) with its accompanying activities
like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, ice-skating etc. would definitely be the time for you. Beautiful
winter sceneries - snow-covered roofs and pine trees decorated with snow is a common sight. If you like
water activities, then taking dips in various outdoor and indoor thermal pools with fresh mountain
spring water would be an experience if you have not tried them before.
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Attractions in Switzerland
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Due to its small size in the center of Europe, the main attractions of Switzerland are concentrated
within short distances of each other. Traveling by train in Switzerland offers absolute freedom and
flexibility. Wake up, have breakfast and then take a quick train ride to another city for lunch or
shopping and be back in time for dinner! The center stage of Switzerland is occupied by the Alps.
North of the Alps a lowland area called the "Mittelland", hosts many beautiful lakes and most of the
major cities before a smaller mountain range, the Jura, sets the division to the city of Basel
and the river Rhein.
The Matterhorn in Zermatt is certainly the most famous of all mountain peaks and is a must for
every visitor of Switzerland. Upon spotting the Matterhorn, which is part of the loftiest Alps in the
Valais, you will be overwhelmingly excited by its impressive beauty. Experience the breathtaking scenery
in this charming, traffic-free mountain resort.
The Bernese Oberland invites you with a great variety of attractions. An appealing countryside is
speckled by enchanting lakes and flanked by impressive mountains, most importantly the Jungfraujoch,
near Interlaken. Other Alpine and mountain resorts in the area include Gstaad, Grindelwald, Wengen
and Murren. The fame of Lucerne as a tourist resort is legendary and it is often considered
to be the true "Swiss" capital. This charming and attractive town straddles the Reuss River on the
western edge of Lake Lucerne and makes an excellent base for excursions with its proximity to lakes
and mountains as well as a base for venturing south towards the Alps and the Ticino. A good way to
see Lucerne and Central Switzerland is from the Pilatus: a towering monument of a mountain with a
view like a vision.
Switzerland's southernmost canton, Italian-speaking Ticino, can seem a world apart from the
rest of the country, especially the lakeside resorts of Lugano and Locarno, with their Mediterranean
Riviera like atmosphere. The romance that surrounds the southern part of Switzerland is well worth the
visit. The isolated mountain valleys of Graubunden, in the eastern corner of the country, provide the
setting for winter resorts like St. Moritz and Davos. For the traveler this is no doubt the
part of Switzerland where he can enjoy the most spectacular mountain landscapes. The Engadin lets you
experience lovely panoramas of great, deep valleys, fiercely blue mountain lakes and endless rows of
white mountains, all blessed by the sun. Zurich, the most populous city of Switzerland, is
famous for its financial institutions and shops on "Bahnhofstrasse" as well as for its superb art
galleries - all coexisting happily side by side. Lake Zurich offers endless opportunities for swimming,
sunbathing and pick nicking. In the west, the cities lining the northern shore of Lake Geneva -
Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne - are surrounded by rolling hills covered with woods and vineyards
which shelter them from the north and east winds. This area makes up the bulk of French-speaking
Switzerland. Geneva is unquestionably one of Switzerland's most privileged cities on account of its
exceptional location. Visitors will be delighted by opulent mansions, the harbor and its fountain,
and the shimmering shores of the lake, set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and wooded mountains.
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Society in Switzerland
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The Swiss are proud of the beauty of their country. There is a lot of untouched nature and in general
people are careful with it and set great store by protecting the environment. As a result, Switzerland
is far advanced in recycling waste material. Chemicals, paper, carton, glass, plastic, cans, textile,
oil and cooking fat are all collected separately. The way this is done differs per town. The Swiss
population is said to have a “rural” mentality, rural being understood as a certain love of the land,
nature and traditions—characteristics considered to be rural, even though sixty percent of the
population works in the service industry and the majority are purely urban. In Switzerland there are
several rituals destined to keep the evil spirits out of the valley, to make the land fruitful, to
keep light alive in winter ... and rituals which are tokens of gratitude for a good harvest. They
have grown out of passing days and changing seasons and reflect the variety in culture, religion,
and climate of the various regions. These customs not only arouse the visitors' curiosity but also
show him how changing seasons, life and death, and the enigmas beyond our grasp are universal; how
every area of the world has created some ritual in the face of the incomprehensible and has brought
some light to bear upon it.
The tourists can expect a 15% service charge levied in addition to the food charges at most of the
hotels, restaurant and bars. The taxi fares in Zurich also include the service charges. Tips are
voluntary and can be given for an extraordinary service.
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Food in Switzerland
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Switzerland is commonly associated with chocolate and cheese Fondues, but has a rich and varied
culinary tradition in part drawing from French, German and Italian cultures with some uniquely
Swiss additions. Traditional Swiss Fondues are a blend of Emmental and Gruyere cheeses, nutmeg,
garlic, cornflour and kirsch (Swiss Schnapps) all melted in a ceramic Fondue Pot into which diners
dip small cubes of bread, and served with pickled gherkins and onions. With all the lakes and rivers
of Switzerland, there are many traditional freshwater fish dishes, including dace, trout, perch,
char, pike and freshwater salmon. Regional specialities in Switzerland includes viande sechée from
Valais. This particular dish is also popular in Grisons where it is called Bündnerfleisch. It is
made from dried beef or pork meat which is cut wafer thin and served with pickled spring onions
and gherkins. Papet vaudoir is yet another swiss delicacy made from leeks and potatoes.
Pieds de porc is a delicious Geneva speciality made from trotters. Pork sausages or salami is
very popular in Switzerland and comes in a variety of swiss recipes including Beinwurst, Engadinerwurst,
Kalbsleberwurst (calf's liver pâté), Knackerli, Landjäger and Leberwurst (pâté). Swiss delicacies
such as rösti made from shredded fried potatoes and Fondue Bourguignonne made from cubed meat
with various sauces should not be missed.
Swizerland is famous for its cakes and pastries. Especially wonderful is Leckerli. A Basle speciality,
Leckerli is spiced honey cake topped with icing sugar or white sugar bear; Fasnachtküchli
is a sugar-dusted pastry eaten during Carnival; Also popular are Gugelhopf, a type of sponge cake
with a hollow centre and Schaffhausen tasty which are cream-filled cakes.
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are the most common beverages, although tea tends to be drunk with a
slice of lemon rather than milk. Lager beers such as Hurliman are drunk more in the German Cantons,
with wine being drunk in the Italian and French Cantons. Switzerland produces many fine wines,
mainly in the French Cantons of Valais on the south facing hills of Lake Geneva, Neuchatel and Sion,
which are rarely found outside of the country. Kirsch, Pflumli and Grappa, all fiery spirits similar
to Schnapps are drunk after meals and used in Fondues.
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Visa for Switzerland
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Visas may not be required of citizens of the following countries, for stays up to 90 days - nationals
of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US; nationals of countries in South and Central America
(except nationals of Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru who do need a visa); nationals of Caribbean
island states (except nationals of Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti who do need a visa); nationals of
Andorra, Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Korea
(Rep. Of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, San Marino,
Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tuvalu and Vatican City; nationals of
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey and Serbia & Montenegro provided they
are resident in Canada, Iceland, Norway, USA or EU countries. Nationals of countries not appearing above,
or those staying longer than 90 days may require a visa.
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