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Looking for Flights to Switzerland?
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Looking for Great Accommodation Options in Switzerland?
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Vacation in Switzerland: Relaxation in the Land of Lakes and Mountains
Switzerland's breathtaking beauty has long captivated travelers, dating back to 1863 when the stunning mountains first drew tourists to Valais and the iconic Matterhorn. Today, Switzerland remains a top European travel destination, perfect for wellness retreats, relaxation getaways, and adventure-filled vacations. Beyond its majestic mountain landscapes, Switzerland boasts charming castles, picturesque mountain farms, and enchanting medieval towns. Additionally, Switzerland's Mediterranean lake scenery offers unparalleled variety for travelers. Whether you seek serene wellness experiences or thrilling outdoor activities, Switzerland promises an unforgettable vacation. Plan your dream trip to Switzerland and explore its diverse wonders today!
Arrival in Switzerland
Switzerland is served by several international airports, with Zurich Airport (ZRH) being the primary gateway for US travelers. Other major airports include Geneva Airport (GVA) and Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL). You can easily find great-value flights from many US departures to Switzerland for even in the $300s round trip range. Many airport carriers such as, SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), TAP Air Portugal, and Swiss Air fly here.
Entry Requirements for Switzerland
US citizens can enter Switzerland for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.
The Best Time to Travel for Your Switzerland Vacation
Switzerland is a worthwhile travel destination all year round. In winter, for example, Davos in Graubünden transforms from a hiking destination into a ski resort for a fantastic ski vacation. The same applies to Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Samnaun. In general, the summer months are more suitable for hiking, while in winter, skiing and wellness are popular.
Where to Go on Vacation in Switzerland? The Most Beautiful Destinations
City Trips in Switzerland
Basel, Zurich, Bern, and Geneva are each worth a city trip in their own right. Many people are drawn to Swiss cities not only because of the cultural offerings, but also because of the shopping. After all, all kinds of exclusive brands are represented there with their own shops and outlets.
The Bernese Oberland
The cities are also ideal as a starting point for exploring nature: medieval Lucerne lies on Lake Lucerne and in the middle of high mountain ranges. From Bern, it is a stone's throw to Lake Thun and the meadows and pastures of the Bernese Oberland.
The Valais
Geneva, in turn, is the springboard to the Valais and to the most spectacular peak in Switzerland: the Matterhorn. But you don't have to climb any peaks; the Valais High Trail offers hikers magical mountain panoramas.
Ticino
The landscape in Ticino is gentler and the climate milder. The lakes are beautifully embedded in the mountain landscape, and palm trees line the lakeside promenades. Ticino is particularly popular with leisurely hikers and sun-seekers.
The Most Important Sights in Switzerland
There are numerous highlights in Switzerland. We only mention the most important ones here for inspiration.
The old town of Bern has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983. The medieval city structure has been preserved to this day.
At 14,692 feet, the Matterhorn is not only one of the highest mountains in the Alps, but also one of the most striking and is considered a landmark of Switzerland.
The Eiger North Face is no less impressive – with the subtle difference that you can get up there using public transport: the Jungfrau Railway stops in the middle of the face and offers a fabulous view towards Grindelwald.
The south begins with the foothills of the Alps and it is hard to imagine a more idyllic lake than Lake Maggiore!
Vacation at the Lake in Switzerland
If you only think of winter vacations and skiing when you think of a vacation in Switzerland, you should think again, because Switzerland has around 1,500 lakes. These are our favorite lakes in Switzerland:
Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Europe
Oeschinensee in the Bernese Oberland, directly at the most famous peak of the Oberland, the Blüemlisalp
Lac de Champex, the lake near Champex is also called "Switzerland's little Canada"
Lake Brienz is situated in an impressive mountain setting between the Emmental and Bernese Alps in the Swiss canton of Bern
Lake Lucerne, the beach paradise of Lucerne
Lake Staz near St. Moritz, the only Engadin lake suitable for swimming
Schönenbodensee, as the name suggests in German, the lake is beautiful...maybe even more beautiful than Lake Constance? You can find the beautiful lake in the upper Toggenburg near Wildhaus in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen
Accommodations in Switzerland
Switzerland is literally plastered with accommodation options. These range from traditional grand hotels to modern boutique hotels and individual vacation homes to smaller guesthouses and serviced alpine huts. You can find cheap hotels using our hotel search.
Our pirate tip: A Swiss speciality are the Alpine chalets, which are often located in the middle of nature or on high pastures and offer perfect starting points for skiing and hiking tours. Ideal for families and larger groups!
Swiss National Culture
What is special about Switzerland is its multilingualism and the cultural influence of Italy in the south and France in the west. This can be seen not only in the respective building traditions, but also in the gastronomic offerings.