Switzerland vacations

Pack your bags for a vacation to Geneva, the jewel of Switzerland, where natural beauty and international diplomacy meet world-class luxury and sophistication.

A city of winding lanes and a steeple-dotted skyline, Zurich is the prettiest global financial center in the world. Come explore riverfront promenades and exceptional architecture.

Dreaming of a Swiss mountain escape? You’ll love Grindelwald, a picturesque outdoor playground with soaring peaks, green valleys, clear lakes and endless hiking trails.

Snow sports are the thing to do in Switzerland. Whether you’re under the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn or up in Jungfrau’s towering triple peaks, you’ll find perfect pistes and pristine powder at some of Europe’s largest and most glamorous resorts. If you like your winter sports on the extreme side, head to Interlaken for ice climbing and bungee jumping.

Switzerland has over 1,500 lakes, and the largest are more like inland seas. Lake Geneva curves along the French border for 45 miles, lined with vibrant towns and cities. All are popular places for recreation and relaxation, be it a picnic on the rocks or a sunset drink at a lakeside bar. And there’s plenty to do on the calm, clear waters, from boat trips to paddleboarding.

The Swiss didn’t invent chocolate, but they just might have perfected it. Visit Switzerland’s famous chocolate factories, including the country’s oldest, established in 1819. You’ll find child-friendly tours, great-value outlet stores and a 30-foot-tall chocolate fountain — the tallest in the world. In Zurich, join the lines that form at the homes of artisan chocolatiers. Or smother yourself in the sweet stuff at a chocolate spa.

For a landlocked country, Switzerland has a lot of beaches. At the man-made lidos that dot its lake shores, you can sunbathe on golden sand with a view of the Alps or swim in crisp, turquoise mountain water. You’ll find water parks, saunas, beach volleyball and more. But keep an eye out for ‘FKK’ signs — this means you’ve reached the nudist section.

Protecting its environment is one of Switzerland’s greatest achievements. More than 14% of its land lies within designated nature parks. There are 20 across the country, including the Swiss National Park, whose over 100 miles of untouched wilderness are packed with Alpine species. Horned ibex and chamois (a small, goat-like animal) reign over the slopes, and golden eagles soar above.

The restaurants in Switzerland are known for their fine dining, but you’ll find plenty of traditional regional cuisine too, from sausages and smoked meats to various cheeses. Fondue is a must-do — just never double-dip your bread in the pot. Chill out in Basel’s cafes, go wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards, or head to Ticino for some of the best Italian cooking outside of Italy.

Old masters, modern masterpieces, avant-garde architecture — the art museums in Switzerland are destinations in their own right. Basel is the cultural capital, combining its annual art fair with a sculpture trail that winds into Germany and back. And the Swiss love of design is everywhere, from the Rococo Abbey Library of St. Gallen to the Zentrum Paul Klee, which celebrates one of the country’s greatest abstract painters.

The ski season runs from December to April, but January and March tend to be quieter on the slopes. For hiking in the mountains, the summer months of July and August are traditionally the best time to visit Switzerland. Spring and fall both offer plenty of countryside color too, from wildflowers to turning leaves.

It requires some work to have a cheap trip to Switzerland, one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. A budget meal will set you back around 25 Swiss francs (CHF), and self-service buffets are a good value option. A short taxi ride costs about CHF20, but the country’s hyper-efficient public transportation is cheaper.