Why visit
Switzerland is Alpine travel at its most efficient. Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Grindelwald, Lucerne's lake, Zurich and Geneva cities. With trains that run exactly on time.
Country - Europe
Switzerland
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How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Switzerland works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Bern as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Switzerland.
At a glance
Location
47.0°, 8.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
41,284 km²
15,940 mi²
Country population
8.9 million
215/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Swiss franc (Fr.)
CHF
Dial
+41
Languages
French, Swiss German, Italian
Demonym
Swiss
Internet
.ch
UN
Member state
ISO code
CH / CHE
Where in the world
47.0° - 8.0°
Switzerland
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Did you know
- Switzerland has enough nuclear fallout shelters for the entire population: by law.
- The CERN Large Hadron Collider crosses the Swiss-French border underground.
- Swiss banks held an estimated $2.4 trillion in foreign assets as of 2022.
- Switzerland did not grant women the vote at the federal level until 1971.
Bordering Switzerland
Traveler notes
- Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, boats, most mountain cableways
- Schengen visa; expensive. Budget accordingly
- Bernina and Glacier Express are destinations in themselves
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Bern, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Signature travel cities in Switzerland
Geneva
Geneva is Switzerland's most international city. UN headquarters, CERN, Lake Geneva's Jet d'Eau, and easy access to Chamonix and Mont Blanc.
Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's financial capital turned lifestyle destination. Bahnhofstrasse shopping, Lake Zurich swimming, Kunsthaus art museum, and the Uetliberg city-mountain.
Interlaken
Interlaken sits between two lakes with Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rising behind. Switzerland's adventure-sport capital for paragliding, skydiving, canyoning.
Lucerne
Lucerne wraps a medieval old town and the 1333 Chapel Bridge around a lake framed by Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. The classic base for central Switzerland's boat-and-cogwheel mountain circuits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Switzerland
What is the capital of Switzerland?
Bern is the capital of Switzerland.
What currency does Switzerland use?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (Fr.), ISO code CHF.
What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
The primary languages are French, Swiss German and Italian.
Is Switzerland landlocked?
Yes, Switzerland is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Switzerland?
Switzerland borders Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany.
What is the international calling code for Switzerland?
The calling code is +41.
When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
Jun–Sep (summer), Dec–Mar (ski). Check current weather and local events before booking.
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Poland
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Romania
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