SWITZERLAND

TRAVEL GUIDE
Explore the Map for Google Maps
 WELCOME TO THE
BASIC TRAVEL E-BOOK

Hey! I am Sven Rieder, the creator of the travel guide. I have lived in
Switzerland all my life and have been exploring the beautiful nature and
culture of Switzerland for many years. In this free guide you will find all the
most important information about Switzerland that you need for your stay. To
find new places in Switzerland, I bought and tested all the travel guides and
found that none of them fully met my needs. This motivated me to create a
travel guide myself.

The Travel Guide is characterized by the fact that it is fully integrated into
Google Maps and is therefore always at hand without you having to search for
the PDF guide you once bought. In the map you will find detailed descriptions
and photos of the locations so that you can better select and plan the spots. I
have also made it my goal to show as many people as possible the countless
hidden treasures and beautiful places that unfortunately only very few people
know about.

With this map I am able to achieve this goal and bring you closer to the beauty
of Switzerland in a sustainable and user-friendly way.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland, a country famous for its breathtaking nature,
political stability, Swiss watches and chocolate, impresses with
a diversity of cultural influences and an abundance of natural
beauty. In Switzerland, four languages ​are spoken in different
regions: Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh, which
reflects the diversity and tolerance of this country.

The Swiss Confederation is synonymous with precision and

craftsmanship, which is evident not only in its famous watches
but also in many other areas. The Swiss are known for their
penchant for excellence and care, be it in the production of
jewelry, chocolate or in their hospitality. Switzerland is no less
impressive for its neutrality, which has enabled it to evade
global conflicts and create a place of peace in the midst of
turbulence.

Switzerland's landscapes are a true treasure for nature lovers

and adventurers. The majestic Alps attract winter sports
enthusiasts from all over the world, with renowned ski resorts
such as Zermatt and St. Moritz offering world-class slopes and
breathtaking views. But Switzerland not only has mountains to
offer, but also crystal clear lakes and majestic glaciers.

The chocolate tradition is known and loved worldwide, with a

wide range of delicious pralines and chocolate products to
tantalize the senses. The famous cheese fondue and raclette
and the diverse varieties of Alpine cheese are other culinary
highlights that Switzerland has to offer.

Switzerland is a country of fascinating diversity that combines

nature, culture and tradition. From the majestic Alps to the
charming towns and villages with hidden waterfalls, from the
precision of its clocks to the delicacy of its chocolate and
cheese, Switzerland is undoubtedly a place worth exploring.
 CULTURE
Switzerland's culture is as diverse as the landscapes that shape the country.
With its four official languages ​– German, French, Italian and Romansh – as well
as a rich history and traditions from different regions, Switzerland has a
multifaceted culture to offer.

Switzerland is proud of its cultural diversity and promotes the preservation and
cultivation of its regional identities. In German-speaking Switzerland, for
example, traditional customs such as playing the alphorn and yodeling are
deeply rooted and are still kept alive today. In French-speaking Switzerland,
culinary delights, including the famous cheese fondue and raclette, are of great
importance, and the region is also known for its wine production. In Italian-
speaking Switzerland, Italian influences are reflected in the cuisine and customs,
while in the Romansh-speaking region, the Romansh culture and language are
preserved.

Switzerland is also a country of music and art. Alphorn music, as already

mentioned, is a symbol of Swiss culture and is often played at traditional events
and festivals. Folk music has played an important role and has evolved over
time, creating modern interpretations and fusions with other musical styles.

Another important element of Swiss culture is the love of nature and the
environment. Switzerland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the
majestic Alps to the clear lakes and green valleys. This has led to a strong
tradition of nature conservation and sustainability that can be felt in many
aspects of Swiss life. It is known for its progressive environmental policies and
its initiative to preserve its unique natural landscapes.

Switzerland is characterized by punctuality and reliability. These characteristics

reflect their sense of discipline and efficiency and are an important part of their
cultural identity. This is also the reason for their efficient and always punctual
public transport network.

Overall, Switzerland's culture is characterized by diversity, tradition and a strong

sense of community. It is a culture based on the values ​of tolerance, respect for
the environment and the preservation of cultural heritage. Switzerland offers
visitors and locals alike a rich cultural experience and invites you to explore the
many facets of this fascinating country.
SWITZERLAND IN
EVERY SEASON

Switzerland, with its breathtaking Alpine scenery and cultural

diversity, is a country worth visiting all year round.

Whether you want to experience the blooming Alps in spring,

the sun-drenched lakes in summer, the colorful autumn
landscapes or the winter wonderland, Switzerland has
something to offer for everyone.

Each season offers unique experiences and attractions, which I

would like to briefly explain here...
 SPRING

In spring, Switzerland wakes up from hibernation. Nature

awakens to new life and the alpine meadows are covered with
colorful flowers. This is the perfect time for hikes and walks in
the mountains. The mild temperatures invite you to enjoy
outdoor activities. In spring, Switzerland experiences mild and
pleasant weather with rising temperatures as the snow cover in
the mountains slowly melts and the flowers bloom. However,
there is often changeable weather with rain.
 SUMMER

The Swiss summer is a time of activity and enjoyment. The lakes

are warm enough for swimming and the hiking trails lead to
spectacular viewpoints. Switzerland is also known for its
summer music festivals and outdoor events that combine
culture and entertainment. However, it is also the peak tourist
season in Switzerland. You can easily avoid the crowds if you
know the hidden treasures of Switzerland, which can be found
in my Travel Map.
 AUTUMN

When autumn arrives in Switzerland, the landscape transforms

into a sea of ​colors of bright red, yellow and orange. This is the
best time to visit the wine regions and taste the fine wines.
Hikes through the autumn forests are a visual feast, and the
cozy mountain villages exude a special sense of calm. The
weather will cool down slightly, the days will become shorter
and there may be more rain and snowfall in the mountains.
 WINTER

The Swiss winter is world-famous for its snow-covered Alps and

world-class winter sports opportunities. Skiing, snowboarding
and tobogganing are just some of the activities that await you in
winter. The countless Christmas markets and après-ski fun
create a festive atmosphere. Winter in Switzerland is
characterized by cold temperatures and lots of snow. To make
the most of your winter experience, use the Travel Map to find
activities and places you can't miss in winter!
 SAVE MONEY

Holidays in Switzerland can be affordable even for travelers on a limited budget. Here are
some tips on how you can make your stay in Switzerland as cost-effective as possible.

Cheap accommodation
In addition to the classic Swiss hotels, there are numerous inexpensive alternatives.
Whether in a cozy Swiss youth hostel, a holiday apartment, a SAC hut or a tent in the
mountains (ideal for hiking trips) or on a farm with locals - there are a variety of
accommodation options to suit every budget.

Reduced tickets and passes

Budget-conscious travelers should consider the “Swiss Travel Pass.” This all-in-one ticket
is available in different variants and allows you to travel unlimitedly in Switzerland on a
certain number of days. This applies to both long-distance and regional trains as well as
local bus and tram lines. Families should know that children under six travel free.

Food and Drink

For travelers on a budget, I recommend making your own food. With a small camping gas
burner, for example, you can easily cook very cheap and delicious meals in minutes. Some
restaurants offer discounted menus at lunchtime. There are also numerous take-away
options or self-service restaurants, especially in larger supermarkets such as Migros and
Coop. Hostel restaurants are also an affordable choice.

And don't forget: There are nowhere as many drinking water fountains as here in
Switzerland. In Zurich alone you can find over 1,200 fountains with fresh drinking water,
which is delicious and safe to drink. A reusable water bottle that keeps your drink cool is a
smart investment for your vacation in Switzerland.
 SAVE MONEY

Plan low-cost activities

Although Switzerland is considered expensive, there are many free experiences you can
enjoy. Go hiking, admire works of art in public spaces, take advantage of free admission to
museums or ride your bike through the city of Zurich for free. Here are some of these free
activities.

Art and culture: Some museums offer free entry, and many works of art are in public
spaces. The Kunsthaus Zurich offers free entry every Wednesday. Entry to Bern's
museums is free on Saturdays in August.

Insight into the Federal Palace: Outside session times, you can enjoy free one-hour tours
of the Federal Palace and take a look behind the scenes of parliamentary operations.

Animal parks and public gardens: Various animal parks are accessible to visitors free of
charge, including the Bear Park in Bern, the Lange Erlen Animal Park in Basel, the Peter and
Paul Wildlife Park near St. Gallen and the Bois du Petit-Château Animal Park. You can also
access free city parks and many botanical gardens.

Züri rollt: In Zurich you can rent bikes for free all year round. Go to the Europaplatz bike
station near the main train station, show your ID, pay a deposit of CHF 20 and you can
explore the city on a bike!
 SAVE MONEY

Travel outside of high season

Traveling in the off-season has numerous advantages: more space, peace and quiet,
relaxation and cheaper offers. Enjoy the first signs of spring in March, experience early
summer temperatures in May and June, benefit from late summer days and the autumn
colors in September. In November there is already a festive atmosphere with many
Christmas markets and January is ideal for winter sports activities.

Away from the tourist spots

The greatest savings potential comes from staying outside of the typical tourist locations.
In addition, it allows you to discover many beautiful places away from the well-known
tourist hotspots. If you want to visit the famous sights, you can get there by train, bus or
tram. You can easily find the best tourist-free places on the Travel Map.

Early booking
It's a well-known principle, but only a few people put it into practice: If you want to get
cheap plane tickets, train and bus tickets, you should book early. In addition, if you book
early, you will have a larger selection of inexpensive accommodation available.

Use guest cards

When staying overnight in hotels, guests can benefit from guest cards. In various
destinations you will receive a free guest card for just one night or you can purchase one
at a reasonable price. With most guest cards you can travel for free on public transport
and also receive discounts on cable cars, boats and other sights.
 MUST-DO’S

Mountain hikes
Explore the breathtaking mountain landscapes in Switzerland. The Bernese Oberland,
Valais, Engadine and Appenzell are particularly recommended.

Skiing
Switzerland is a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Try skiing or snowboarding
in the Alps. You can find the best ski areas in the Travel Map.

Explore cities
Visit cities like Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Lucerne, as well as smaller, underrated towns and
villages to experience their historic old towns, museums and cultural attractions.

Boat trips
Enjoy relaxing boat trips on the countless Swiss lakes with incredible mountain
panoramas. You can find the most beautiful lakes for your boat trips on the Travel Map.

Visiting castles
Switzerland has a rich history and is full of magnificent palaces and castles. You can find
the most beautiful palaces and castles in the Travel Map with a detailed description.

Typical Switzerland
Of course, the must-see places include the Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen and
many more! However, these well-known places are usually overrun with tourists and are
usually quite expensive. To enjoy these places, I recommend you go as early as possible
and not in high season. When the weather is bad, there are also fewer people in these
places, if you don't mind :)
 MUST-TRY FOODS

Cheese fondue
This delicious Swiss classic made with melted cheese, often served with bread
or potatoes, is a must!

Raclette
Another cheese dish where melted cheese is poured over potatoes and pickled
onions.

Rösti (Hash Browns)

Rösti is a popular dish here in Switzerland and is often served with bacon or
cheese. I absolutely love Rösti and I recommend you to try it as well!

Swiss chocolate
Pamper your taste buds with high-quality Swiss chocolate from brands such as
Lindt, Toblerone and Cailler.

Züri Geschnetzeltes
Züri Geschnetzeltes is a dish of sliced ​veal in a creamy mushroom sauce that is
mostly served with hash browns.

Fondue Chinoise
Fondue Chinoise is a popular holiday dish in which you cook thin slices of meat
yourself in broth right on the table and enjoy with various sauces.

Bircher muesli
A healthy breakfast with oatmeal, yogurt, fruits and nuts, invented by Swiss
doctor Maximilian Bircher-Brenner.
 TRANSPORT

Switzerland has an excellent transport system that allows for fast and efficient
travel. Here are different ways to get around Switzerland.

Tram and bus

The cities in Switzerland have excellent tram and bus networks. This is a
convenient way to explore city centers and suburban areas.

Car
If you want to explore remote or rural areas, a rental car is a good idea.
However, note that the mountain roads can be narrow and winding and require
some driving experience. There are various car rental companies in Switzerland
such as SIXT and Europcar.

Ride a bike
Switzerland offers well-developed cycle paths and panoramic roads for
cyclists. This is an excellent way to enjoy the scenery, especially in the warmer
months.

Boat
If you want to explore the regions around the large Swiss lakes such as Lake
Geneva or Lake Zurich, boats offer a pleasant way to get around where you can
enjoy the views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
 TRANSPORT

Train
The Swiss railway system is one of the best in the world. The trains are almost
always on time, go almost everywhere and offer spectacular panoramic views.
Here you can see all train connections and buy tickets.

The Swiss Travel Pass allows foreign travelers to explore Switzerland for 3, 4, 6,
8 or 15 consecutive days with unlimited access to Swiss trains, buses and ships.
Prices start from 232 CHF for adults aged 25 and over and from 164 CHF for
young people under 25. Children from their 6th to 16th birthdays accompanied
by a parent travel free with the free Swiss Family Card. Children under 6 travel
free. More information can be found here.

Advantages of the Swiss Travel Pass:

Free travel by train, bus and boat.
Free travel on panoramic trains (plus seat reservation and/or surcharge).
Free use of public transport in over 90 Swiss cities.
Free entry to over 500 museums
Included mountain excursions: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos.
Up to 50% discount on further mountain excursions.
Up to 30% discount on SBB RailAway offers. Purchase possible at all railway
counters in Switzerland.
 TRAVEL MAP
You now know everything about Switzerland so you can plan your trip.
However, the hardest part is still ahead of you: Finding the most
beautiful and best places that will make your trip unique!

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