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Switzerland holidays: Discover the Alpine beauty, lakes and adventure
Are you dreaming of a Swiss holiday? Get ready for breathtaking Alpine views, crystal-clear lakes and hiking adventures. Whether you're skiing in the Swiss Alps, taking a train ride through snow-capped peaks or indulging in Swiss chocolate, Switzerland is a paradise for every traveller. If you are looking for charming cities for your Swiss city break, explore Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva. You can also escape into nature with hikes in Interlaken or a boat ride on Lake Geneva. From winter wonderlands to summer escapes, a Swiss Alps holiday is always a good idea.
Discover the best deals on flights to Switzerland and all-inclusive package holidays.
Switzerland at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 1 hour 35 minutes
Main airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Population: 9 million
Language: German, Italian, French and Romansh
Currency: Swiss Franc
Time zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)
Getting to Switzerland from the UK
If you are planning to jet off from London to Switzerland, you can find direct flights from London Heathrow to Zurich. You can also find direct flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva and Basel. You'll be in the land of cheese, chocolate and stunning Alpine views in just under two hours.
You can get a comfy flight from British Airways and Swiss International Air Lines. Alternatively, go for budget-friendly airlines like easyJet and Ryanair for great deals on flights to Switzerland. Once you land, Switzerland's efficient trains can whisk you away to the Swiss Alps or scenic lakes.
The best time to travel to Switzerland
No matter the season, Switzerland is an adventurous getaway. Whether you just want a Swiss Alps holiday or want to hike through wildflower meadows, you can find the ideal time to visit. If you dream of skiing, snowboarding or apres-ski fun, winter is your season. Resorts like Zermatt, Verbier and St Moritz are hotspots for skiing in Switzerland. If you don't ski, you can try other winter sports like sledging, ice skating or hopping on the Glacier Express for jaw-dropping snowy views.
Spring brings fewer crowds and blooming landscapes, which are ideal for city breaks in Geneva and Lucerne. Enjoy a boat ride along Lake Geneva or visit Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. You can also hike the trails in the Swiss Alps.
Do you want to enjoy a summer holiday in Switzerland? Hike through Lauterbrunnen Valley, ride on the Bernina Express or swim in the lakes. If you are an adrenaline junkie, go paragliding in Interlaken or explore the Matterhorn from Zermatt. While summer is fun, it's also the peak season, which is not ideal for budget travel.
Top experiences in Switzerland
Take a ride on the Glacier Express
Make your Swiss holiday memorable with a Glacier Express train ride. This 8-hour journey from Zermatt to St Moritz takes you through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels and over the Oberalp Pass. All you have to do is sit back and soak in the views. Gaze at the Matterhorn's snowy peak, watch Alpine villages pass by and cross the Landwasser Viaduct. In summer, you'll see rolling green meadows and glacial rivers, while winter transforms everything into a snowy wonderland.
Enjoy winter sports in the Swiss Alps
If you love skiing or just playing in the snow, the Swiss Alps are your winter playground. From the slopes of Zermatt (with Matterhorn views) to the apres-ski scene in St Moritz, there's something for every snow lover. Carve through fresh powder in Verbier, race down the longest run in Davos-Klosters or try night skiing in Engelberg. You can also go sledging in Grindelwald, ice-skating on frozen lakes and horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered forests.
Cruise on Lake Geneva
If you want to soak in the views of the Alps, hop aboard a Lake Geneva cruise from Geneva to Montreux. You can get a view of snow-capped peaks, castles and vineyard-covered hills. Sail past the Lavaux vineyards and admire Chillon Castle before stopping in Montreux for its jazz festivals and lakeside promenades. Soak in the Alpine air and spot swans gliding by on your cruise.
Indulge in Swiss chocolate and cheese
Switzerland is a paradise for chocolate and cheese lovers. Start your journey at Maison Cailler in Broc, where you can taste silky-smooth Swiss chocolate and learn how it's made. Or, visit Laderach for handcrafted truffles and pralines that melt in your mouth. Next, head to Gruyeres, home of the legendary Gruyere cheese. Tour La Maison du Gruyère, watch master cheesemakers in action and dip into a bubbling fondue pot.
FAQs about Switzerland holidays
Q: Do they speak English in Switzerland?
A: Yes. While Switzerland has four official languages, German, French, Italian and Romansh, English is widely spoken, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne. Many locals in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and ski resorts speak English, so you won't have trouble getting around. However, in smaller villages or rural areas, English might not be as common. A few basic phrases in German or French can be handy.
Q: What month is the cheapest for Switzerland?
A: The cheapest month to visit Switzerland is usually November. With the summer crowds gone and ski season not yet in full swing, flights and hotels are at their lowest prices. While some mountain resorts may be quieter, cities like Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne are still lively. You can enjoy scenic train rides, Christmas markets starting late in the month and fewer tourists.
Q: How much money should I take to Switzerland for 4 days?
A: For a 4-day trip to Switzerland, you should budget around £800 to £1,700 per person, depending on your travel style. If you are a budget traveller, you should budget £200 per person per day to cover food, excursions and accommodation. If you are a luxury traveller, you are likely to spend £1,000 and more to enjoy a premium experience.
Q: What is the best airport to fly into Switzerland?
A: The best airport to fly into Switzerland is Zurich Airport. It is the largest and most connected, and you can easily access Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. If you are visiting ski resorts like Verbier, you should consider landing at Geneva Airport (GVA). You can easily access Lake Geneva and Montreux.
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