Switzerland

About Place

"A land where every view is a postcard."
"Heaven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts."
"Where urban sophistication meets alpine charm."

Reasons to Visit

Stunning Natural Landscapes : Switzerland boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, including the majestic Swiss Alps, serene lakes like Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, and picturesque valleys. This natural beauty offers endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors.
Cultural Diversity and Heritage : Despite its small size, Switzerland is incredibly diverse culturally, with four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) and a rich history that includes influences from neighboring countries. This cultural diversity is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals, making it a fascinating place to explore.
High Quality of Life : Known for its high standard of living, Switzerland offers excellent public services, a well-functioning infrastructure, and a clean and safe environment. Cities like Zurich and Geneva consistently rank among the best places to live globally, thanks to their quality healthcare, education, and overall lifestyle.

Visa

EU/EEA Citizens : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea : No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
Other Countries : Check specific requirements; typically, a Schengen visa is needed. Always verify with the nearest Swiss consulate or embassy.

Travel Expenses

1. Travel to & from destination :

Flights : Round trip flights for two from New York to Zurich: $1,200 per person x 2 = $2,400

2. Hotel cost :

Zurich (2 nights) : $250/night x 2 nights = $500
Lucerne (1 night) : $200/night x 1 night = $200
Interlaken (2 nights) : $250/night x 2 nights = $500
Zermatt (2 nights) : $300/night x 2 nights = $600
Total Hotel Cost : $1,800

3. Food cost :

Lunch & Dinner : $50 per meal x 2 meals per day x 7 days = $700
Total Food Cost : $700

4. Activity cost :

Zurich Art Museum : $25 x 2 = $50
Lucerne Boat Cruise : $30 x 2 = $60
Jungfraujoch : $150 x 2 = $300
Gornergrat Railway : $90 x 2 = $180
Total Activity Cost : $590

5. Near destination travel cost :

Train Pass (Swiss Travel Pass) : $400 per person x 2 = $800
Total Near Destination Travel Cost : $800

Total Travel Expenses : $2,400 (flights) + $1,800 (hotels) + $700 (food) + $590 (activities) + $800 (travel) = $6,290

Best Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Zurich Arrive in Zurich in the morning and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city's old town (Altstadt), with its charming medieval buildings and the famous Bahnhofstrasse for shopping. Have lunch at Zeughauskeller, known for its traditional Swiss cuisine. In the evening, visit the Kunsthaus Zurich, an art museum with an impressive collection. Enjoy dinner at Kronenhalle, a historic restaurant famous for its gourmet dishes and art-filled interior.

Day 2 : Zurich to Lucerne Take a morning train to Lucerne, a picturesque city surrounded by mountains and lakes. Begin with a walk across the Chapel Bridge, followed by a visit to the Swiss Transport Museum. Have lunch at Wirtshaus Taube, offering delicious Swiss specialties. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. For dinner, dine at Restaurant Balances, which has a beautiful lakeside terrace.

Day 3 : Lucerne to Interlaken Depart for Interlaken, the gateway to the Jungfrau region. Check into your hotel and spend the day exploring the town and its surroundings. Visit Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the region. Lunch at Restaurant Schuh, known for its Swiss dishes and homemade chocolates. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Aare River and have dinner at Restaurant Laterne, featuring traditional Swiss food.

Day 4 : Jungfrau Region Spend the day in the Jungfrau region, taking the train to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe." Enjoy stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks. Have lunch at the Jungfraujoch restaurant. After returning to Interlaken, explore the town or visit nearby villages like Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. Dinner at Restaurant Taverne, offering hearty Swiss cuisine.

Day 5 : Interlaken to Zermatt Travel to Zermatt, home of the iconic Matterhorn. Check into your hotel and explore this charming car-free village. Take the Gornergrat Railway for spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. Lunch at Findlerhof, a cozy mountain restaurant. In the evening, stroll through the village and enjoy dinner at Restaurant Chez Vrony, known for its excellent alpine dishes.

Day 6 : Zermatt Spend a full day hiking or skiing in Zermatt, depending on the season. Explore trails that offer incredible views of the Matterhorn or hit the slopes for some world-class skiing. Lunch at Bergrestaurant Blatten, a traditional mountain hut. In the evening, relax at a spa or take a scenic walk through the village. Dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube, famous for its fondue and raclette.

Day 7 : Return to Zurich and Departure Return to Zurich in the morning. Spend your final day visiting any attractions you missed on your first day, such as the Swiss National Museum or a stroll by Lake Zurich. Have lunch at Haus Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant. In the evening, head to the airport for your flight home, reflecting on your memorable Swiss adventure.

Safety Tips

Keep your passport and important documents secure.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
Use official taxis or rideshare apps.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use cards where possible.
Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
Follow local news and updates.
Respect local laws and customs.
Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the weather.
Be cautious of altitude sickness in high-altitude areas.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

Flights

United Airlines : Non-stop from New York to Zurich, 8 hours, approximately $1,200 round trip.
Swiss International Air Lines : Non-stop from New York to Zurich, 8 hours, approximately $1,200 round trip.

Hotels

Zurich : Hotel Storchen, Baur au Lac, Hotel Schweizerhof, Hotel Glockenhof, 25hours Hotel Langstrasse.
Lucerne : Hotel des Balances, Art Deco Hotel Montana, Radisson Blu Hotel, Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, Hotel Continental Park.
Interlaken : Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Hotel Interlaken, Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage, Hotel Royal St. Georges, Hotel Bellevue.
Zermatt : Mont Cervin Palace, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Hotel Firefly, The Omnia, Hotel Matthiol.

Contacts

Indian Embassy in Bern : +41 31 350 11 30
Police : 117
Ambulance : 144
Firefighters : 118

Closet Airport

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Nearest City

Zurich

Heritage Sites

Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn
Old City of Bern

Airlines

Swiss International Air Lines
United Airlines, Lufthansa
British Airways
Air France

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF)

Languages Spoken

German
French
Italian
Romansh

Real Story

One of the most significant historical events in Switzerland is the Battle of Morgarten, which took place on November 15, 1315. This battle was a pivotal moment in Swiss history, marking the first major victory for the Swiss Confederacy against the Habsburgs.

The conflict arose as the Swiss sought to maintain their independence from the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled over much of the region. The Habsburgs aimed to assert control over the strategically important region of central Switzerland, particularly the territories of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden.

The Swiss, however, were determined to defend their autonomy. On the fateful day, a small Swiss force, consisting primarily of peasants and farmers, positioned themselves in the narrow pass of Morgarten. They used the natural terrain to their advantage, ambushing the much larger and heavily armored Habsburg army.

The Swiss fighters, armed with simple weapons like halberds and clubs, managed to surprise and overwhelm the Habsburg troops. The steep and rugged terrain proved to be a significant obstacle for the Habsburg cavalry, which struggled to maneuver effectively. The Swiss inflicted heavy casualties on the Habsburg forces, ultimately driving them into retreat.

The victory at Morgarten was not just a military triumph; it was a symbol of Swiss unity and resilience. It reinforced the bonds between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, leading to the formation of a more cohesive and determined Swiss Confederacy.

The battle also had lasting political implications. It demonstrated the effectiveness of the Swiss militia and their ability to defend their homeland against powerful adversaries. This success paved the way for further expansion of the Swiss Confederacy and the eventual recognition of Swiss independence by the Habsburgs and other European powers.

Today, the Battle of Morgarten is celebrated as a defining moment in Swiss history, embodying the spirit of freedom and self-determination that continues to characterize Switzerland.

Cuisine

Swiss cuisine is a delightful blend of German, French, and Italian influences, with regional variations adding to its diversity. Traditional dishes include fondue, a melted cheese dish served with bread, and raclette, where cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes and pickles. Rösti, a crispy potato dish, is a popular breakfast item. Swiss chocolate and pastries, such as Luxemburgerli, are also world-renowned.

Fondue : Fondue is one of Switzerland's most iconic dishes, particularly popular during the winter months. It involves melting a pot of cheese (traditionally a mix of Gruyère and Emmental) with white wine and a touch of garlic. Diners use long forks to dip chunks of bread into the creamy mixture, enjoying a communal and cozy meal that epitomizes Swiss hospitality.

Raclette : Raclette is both a type of cheese and a dish. The cheese is heated until it melts, then scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, onions, and sometimes charcuterie. This dish originates from the Valais region and is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for cold days.

Rösti : Rösti is a Swiss potato dish similar to hash browns, made by frying grated potatoes until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, often accompanied by eggs, cheese, or bacon. Rösti is particularly associated with the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes : This dish hails from Zurich and features sliced veal cooked in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, typically served with Rösti. It's a sophisticated and flavorful dish that showcases Swiss culinary expertise.

Swiss Chocolate : Switzerland is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, with famous brands like Lindt, Toblerone, and Cailler. Swiss chocolatiers are known for their meticulous craftsmanship, and chocolate shops can be found throughout the country. Swiss chocolate is characterized by its smooth texture and rich flavor, often enjoyed as a sweet treat or souvenir.

Älplermagronen : Often referred to as the Swiss version of macaroni and cheese, this dish combines pasta, potatoes, cream, cheese, and onions, and is traditionally served with a side of applesauce. It's a filling and comforting meal that reflects the hearty cuisine of the alpine regions.

Culture and History

Switzerland is a melting pot of European cultures, boasting a unique blend of German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences. The country is known for its neutrality and diplomacy, with Geneva hosting many international organizations, including the United Nations. Swiss culture values precision, punctuality, and quality, which is evident in its world-renowned watches, banking system, and infrastructure.

The Swiss are also famous for their culinary traditions, including cheese (such as fondue and raclette) and chocolate, which have become integral parts of their cultural identity. Festivals are an essential part of Swiss life, with events like the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Locarno Film Festival, and Fasnacht (Carnival) showcasing the country's diverse cultural heritage.

Switzerland's landscape is dominated by the Alps, which not only shape its geography but also its cultural practices. Alpine traditions such as yodeling, alphorn playing, and the art of making intricate lace are still cherished. The country is also home to numerous historic castles, fortresses, and museums that narrate its rich past.

Historical Highlights :

Formation of the Swiss Confederation : The foundation of the Swiss Confederation dates back to August 1, 1291, when three cantons (Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden) formed an alliance to protect their interests against external threats. This pact laid the groundwork for modern Switzerland and is celebrated annually as Swiss National Day.
The Reformation : The Protestant Reformation had a significant impact on Switzerland in the 16th century, with key figures like Huldrych Zwingli in Zurich and John Calvin in Geneva leading the movement. The Reformation led to religious conflicts but also contributed to the development of Swiss federalism and the separation of church and state.
Swiss Neutrality and the Napoleonic Era : Switzerland's neutrality was formally recognized during the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Despite being invaded by French revolutionary forces in the late 18th century, Switzerland re-emerged as a neutral nation post-Napoleonic Wars, establishing a policy of non-involvement in international conflicts.

Art and Architecture : Switzerland has a rich tradition of art and architecture. Renowned architects like Le Corbusier and Mario Botta have left their mark with innovative designs. Swiss cities are home to world-class museums and galleries, such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, the Fondation Beyeler in Basel, and the Paul Klee Center in Bern, showcasing works from classical to contemporary art.

Education and Innovation : Switzerland places a high value on education and innovation. The country is home to prestigious universities like ETH Zurich and EPFL in Lausanne, known for their contributions to science, engineering, and technology. Switzerland’s emphasis on research and development has made it a leader in fields such as pharmaceuticals, finance, and precision engineering.

Folklore and Literature : Swiss folklore includes tales of legendary figures like William Tell, a folk hero who symbolizes resistance against tyranny. Swiss literature is rich and varied, with contributions from writers such as Johanna Spyri, author of "Heidi," and Hermann Hesse, who lived in Switzerland for much of his life.

Modern Swiss Society : Today, Switzerland is known for its direct democracy, where citizens have a significant say in political decisions through referenda and initiatives. The country’s political system is characterized by stability, federalism, and a strong emphasis on local governance. Switzerland consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices, attributed to its excellent healthcare, education, and public services.