How to Plan a Trip to Switzerland: Frequently Asked Questions

We have worked alongside our Switzerland travel specialists to provide you with recommendations for any length of trip. A custom Zicasso tour designs your trip around your goals and needs to make every tour unique, but the following suggestions act as fantastic guidelines.

• Step into local history on the 14th-century wooden bridge decorated with more than 100 images of saints and historical figures.
• Witness the unique history of Lucerne and Switzerland at the Lion Monument, which is dedicated to the Swiss Guards who were hired to protect King Louis XVI of France.
• Explore the Neoclassical architecture and stunning galleries of Lucerne’s grand museum, which is known for displaying works by artists like Klee, Renoir, and Kandinsky.
• Discover the prestige of the 13th-century cathedral, with 105 stained-glass panels and an organ with 6,000 pipes, that has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
• The contemporary museum of fine arts features the works of marvelous Swiss and foreign artists, as well as a collection of artifacts that date back to Ancient Egypt.
• Wander through the heart of Old Town to view the stunning 9th-century medieval market square, where you will find the lavish Town Hall and Fontaine de la Justice.
• Witness captivating views from a funicular ride that reaches 13,123 feet above sea level for a stunning panorama over the lush valley.
• Wander the galleries of the Landesmuseum in Zurich, where the arc of Swiss history dates back to prehistoric artifacts, in addition to a collection of Swiss clocks and armor.
• The Kunstmuseum in Bern is the country’s oldest fine art museum and hosts work that dates back to the Middle Ages, including Swiss artists from the 15th century.
• Traverse the nearly six-mile trail from Grindelwald to Faulhorn’s observation deck for an exceptional view of the famous Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains.
• Glimpse Alpine ibexes and steep rugged cliffs when hiking from Wildhaus to Santis.
• Zigzag through meadows and mountainscapes in view of small chalets around Saint-Luc on the Balcony Trail.
• The near-perfect weather conditions, shimmering lakes, and snow-capped peaks make Interlaken one of the most popular destinations for paragliding.

Ten days is the ideal amount of time to see Switzerland and its highlights because travel is easy. A 10-day Switzerland trip allows you to travel at your own pace, while uncovering the best scenery and culture. Many travelers on a longer trip combine Switzerland and neighboring countries, such as Germany, Austria, or Italy.

The best time to visit Switzerland is between mid-May to the end of September. These months offer the best weather because spring, summer, and autumn have mild temperatures.

The climate may vary across Switzerland due to the distinctive topography of the valleys, foothills, and famous Alpine peaks. However, the country is a year-round destination, with activities for everyone, no matter the season and weather. January and February are great for winter sports, such as snowshoeing and dog sledding. You can also glacier ski in San Moritz or summer ski in Zermatt.

You should plan your Switzerland trip between three to five months in advance. Switzerland generally has a consistent number of visitors throughout the year.

The high season takes place between May and September due to the weather, but around Christmas and New Year is the peak season, making it difficult to reserve hotels or activities. If traveling during high or peak season, you should plan at least six months in advance due to limited hotel and tour availability. Popular experiences and destinations that can fill quickly include dog sledding and hotels in Grindelwald.

Switzerland is very safe for travelers, especially in towns and villages. As with any large city, you should remain cognizant of your belongings as petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in train stations near the French border.

Outside large cities, you should be aware of weather conditions, especially when hiking or traversing the countryside. Weather changes can occur swiftly and may result in dangerous circumstances. You should also be aware of possible snowfall and harsh winds in December.

The best airport to fly in and out of when visiting Switzerland is Zurich International Airport (ZRH). The second-most common airport to fly in and out of is Geneva’s International Airport (GVA).

These airports not only act as international hubs from which the majority of flights arrive or depart, but they also serve as regional hubs through which many European flights will layover before continuing to their final destinations. The busiest airports in Switzerland are:

1. Zurich International Airport (ZRH)
2. Geneva International Airport (GVA)
3. Basel-Mulhouse Freiburg Airport (BSL)

Zicasso Flights is an international air-ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation. By employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso, our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

Switzerland balances the beauty of the past with contemporary lifestyle, its chocolate-making tradition, storybook towns, and alpine views. All woven into a tapestry of the culture, it’s the point at which four languages meet. From the Matterhorn to lush fields, strong cheeses to avant-garde galleries, our Switzerland Tours & Vacations has sample itineraries that can inspire any kind of traveler. You can speak with a Switzerland travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.