Switzerland Travel Guide: Best Places & Time to Visit, Delicacies

Embassy of India
Kirchenfeldstrasse 28, 3005 Bern, Switzerland
Tel No.: 0041 31 350 11 30 (After office hours/in emergency only:+ 41767763688)
Commercial Enquiries: 0041 31 350 11 39
E-mail: com.berne@mea.gov.in

The following documents are required to get a Switzerland visa :

• Original passport with six months validity from the date of arrival in Switzerland along with the old passports
• The passport should have two blank pages for stamping purpose
• Visa application forms
• Cover letter mentioning the details of the traveller, type of travel, and details of the visit
• Confirmed hotel reservation for the complete stay
• Confirmed air tickets
• Day-to-day itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Income tax returns or Form 16 for the last three years
• Original and updated personal bank statements for the last six months

Switzerland is one of the most remarkable countries in this world. The ravishing landscapes, snowclad mountains, expansive greenery, and slick cities make this country on top of the must-visit lists. The bucketful of fresh air that greets one when landing at the airport is enough to enchant the good that’s about to come. The alpine vistas are picturesque at their best and look nothing short than paintings on canvas.

Switzerland is blessed with plenty of tourist attractions which can make your trip the best one ever. To ensure that you don’t get trapped in the confusion of what to see or what to do in Switzerland, here is a short list of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland. Take a look!

• Zurich: Regarded as one of the world’s most lively cities, Zurich is the largest and wealthiest metropolis in Switzerland. Be it the scenic lakes, art museums, lush green gardens or quaint restaurants, Zurich offers a diverse travel experience. Some of the best-known places to visit in Zurich include Uetliberg, Lake and Old Town, Zurich Zoo and many others.
• Geneva: Nestled between the Alpine peaks and hilly terrain of Jura, Geneva is the European seat of UNO and Red Cross which make it one of the most significant cities in Switzerland. Moreover, the city is blessed with various stunning tourist places such as Lake Geneva, Jet d’Eau, St Pierre Cathedral, Mont Salève and Art and History Museum.
• Lauterbrunnen Valley: One of the most scenic places in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen Valley is situated in the Swiss Alps. The place is known for 300m-­high Staubbach Falls, majestic mountain range and green meadows.
• Interlaken: Situated between two beautiful lakes, Interlaken is a small town in the Swiss canton of Bern. Some of the best places to visit here include Harder Kulm, Jungfraujoch, Funky Chocolate Club, Schynige Platte and St. Beatus Caves among others.
• Nendaz: A famous ski resort, Nendaz offers a fantastic view of the Bernese, Valais and Vaud Alps. This one is perfect if you are travelling with your kids as there are many activities that will make the little ones happier than ever.

Other places that you can include in your must-visit places in Switzerland are Montreux, Zermatt, Valais, Lake Lucerne, Vico Morcote and Jungfrau region.

There are various international airports in the country that act as the connecting points to other countries and cities of the world. Some of the major international airports in Switzerland are Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport and Basel Airport. If you are travelling from India, you can easily find plenty of connecting or direct flights to Switzerland. Major airlines that operate between India and Switzerland include Air France, Air India, Brussels Airlines, Jet Airways, Turkish Airlines and many more.

Switzerland is a country which looks adorable in every season. Hence, the best time to visit it depends on your travel plan. If you wish to go for hiking trails and enjoy the lush greenery of the country, visit it during summer, spring or autumn season. However, if you wish to go for winter sports, opt for a vacation during winters. Before making a plan, do check the climatic conditions and temperature of the places to ensure a wonderful trip.

Packing essentials like clothes and footwears usually depend on the weather conditions, so do check that before finalizing your things to pack. However, there are some things which you must not forget to pack. Some of them are as follows:

• Rain jacket or umbrella
• First aid kit
• Important documents like travel insurance policy
• Portable charger
• Toiletry kit

On your trip to Switzerland, try to relish these top delicacies and take the vacation fun to next level:

• Rösti: Though this potato dish originated in Bern, Rösti is now famous all across the country and even gained fame as a national delicacy. The basic dish consists of fried grated potato, which is often eaten as a side dish along with other Swiss foods.
• Swiss fondue: This iconic dish is a must-try when in Switzerland. It is prepared with melted cheese, wine, and garlic and other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, olives and onions.
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: A local dish in Zürich, this dish is prepared using veal, brown sauce, white wine, onion and cream. Some people also add mushrooms and veal kidney to get a hearty and meaty dish. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is best enjoyed with Rösti, rice or noodles.
• Raclette: A comforting and rich cheese dish, Raclette tastes amazing with Swiss white wine which is perfect for a romantic dinner. So, if you are visiting Raclette with your beloved, give him/her a surprise with a beautiful evening and a delicious dinner date.

Shopping is one of the best things to do in Switzerland and to help you crack the codes of best shopping places; we have jotted down the list here. Read ahead!

• Bon Genie: You must not miss this ultimate hub for international fashion in Switzerland. This seven floor shopping mall has a variety of designer shops, bars and restaurants that make it worth visiting.
• Niederdorf: Located in Zurich, this is not just famous for its fancy shops but also bustling nightlife. So when you visit the city, do not miss this place for the perfect shopping spree.
• Craft Market: This market is Bern has an exclusive collection of hand-made craft items that are best to shop as souvenirs. The market is open from March to December at the foot of the Bern Cathedral.
• Old Town: Another shopping jewel in Zurich, this area is famous for international brands, designer boutiques and other quaint shops selling great stuff. There is also a huge toy shop you would love to explore.
• Bahnhofstrasse: Famous for its elegant luxury stores, bustling bars and jewellery shops, Bahnhofstrasse is another gem in Switzerland where you can shop till you drop.

• Tadka Indian Restaurant
  Location: Quellenstrasse 49, Zurich 8005, Switzerland
  Contact: +41 44 578 06 41
• Biryani Haus
  Location: Amersbachstrasse 14, Basel
  Contact: 061 683 01 45
• Indian Village
  Location: Brienzerstrasse 38-42, 3800 Interlaken
  Contact: 033 821 28 81

It is important to be aware of some of the healthcare centres to avoid any mishappenings during your trip. Below is the list of some hospitals you can contact in need:

• University Hospital of Zurich
  Location: Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
  Contact: +41 44 255 11 11
• Spital Interlaken
  Location: Weissenaustrasse 27, 3800 Unterseen, Switzerland
  Contact: +41 33 826 26 26
• Geneva University Hospital
  Location: Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva
  Contact: +41 22 372 33 11

Moreover, for all emergencies, you can dial 112. It is advised that you should buy a travel insurance policy before going on the trip. A travel insurance policy is crucial when you go on an international trip as it helps in tracing the best hospitals in the region to get the appropriate treatment on time.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF). The bills are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 Swiss francs.

There are four national languages spoken in Switzerland, namely, German, French, Italian and Romansh. However, do not worry as English is spoken throughout the country making it easy for you to travel and communicate. In case you wish to learn a few words of common usage, you can refer to the information below: