Sightseeing With snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles, renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it’s easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the world’s top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.
It is the country that fashioned tourism, so it’s no surprise that Switzerland caters to visitors all year-round. In spring and summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts. In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border, visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a host of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometres) of mountain and forest trails throughout the country.
In November the country’s ski resorts begin opening up and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland’s ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.
Switzerland’s cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with famous Swiss precision. Zurich is known for being the intellectual and artistic centre of the country, sporting incredible architecture and more than 1,000 fountains, with many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the international community and is home to hundreds of world organisations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva gives it a romantic atmosphere and the city has an exciting, if rather expensive, nightlife.
Accommodation
Conveniently located city hotels and holiday resorts.
Family activities
Alpamare water park Pfäffikon, Mount Titlis and Lucerne, Jungfraujoch – the Top of Europe, Chateau Chillon Montreux, zoos, chocolate factories, Glacier Garden, Swiss Transport Museum, and beautiful countryside and mountains. Visit a farm and see how the famous Swiss cheese is made.
Shopping
What you can buy – Precision watches, jewellery, hand-woven lace, woodcarvings, cutlery, designer clothes, high street fashion, fine cheeses and Swiss chocolate.
Where you can buy – Department stores, supermarkets and boutiques. Shops offer a great selection and goods are of very high quality.
Entertainment
Switzerland offers fine food and entertainment. Dining can vary from chalet-like traditional restaurants serving fondue to the latest fashionable eateries; nightlife includes clubs, bars and discothèques; the thriving cultural scene offers ballet, theatre and concerts.
Sports and leisure
Sailing, windsurfing, swimming, water-skiing, horse riding, paragliding, biking and hiking during summer. Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating and many other sports during winter.
Honeymoon
Switzerland is a paradise on earth and is one of the most sought after destinations for a honeymoon. Its snow-capped mountains offer fun activities for honeymoon couples, wonderful views of glaciers, lakes and the romantic Alpine meadows. Alpine mountains offer numerous adventure trails for biking and hiking. Popular honeymoon places in Switzerland are Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Mount Titlis and Interlaken. Visit Switzerland for an unforgettable honeymoon vacation.
Exploring by road
Roads are well-surfaced and clearly signed, ideally suited for car rental (right-hand drive) and coach tours. Train travel is swift and reliable. A magnificent railway network is available to let you discover Switzerland in a safe and comfortable way. In summer, a tour by car is possible so that you can explore beautiful pass roads.
Zurich Festival (June – July); Geneva Festival (June); Montreux Jazz Festival (July); Festival of Geneva (July/August); Street Parade, Zurich (August); Lucerne Summer Festival (August – September); International Motor Show, Geneva (March).
Visas:
Visas are not required for nationals of the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dar es Salaam, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland Republic, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (South), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vatican City.
Nationals residing in United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada or European Union member country provided their passport is valid for at least 90 days on leaving Switzerland and they have an UK/EU, US or Canadian Residence Permit (or Temporary Residence Permit) valid for at least 90 days on entering Switzerland.
Nationals of all other countries require a visa.
Health requirements:
No compulsory vaccinations are required. However, immunisation against tetanus is recommended.
Travel insurance:
Adequate holiday and travel insurance is vital. Emirates Holidays offers a comprehensive insurance package to enable you and your family to travel with peace of mind. Please contact your nearest Emirates Holidays office or your travel agent for details of our HolidayGuard Travel Insurance cover.
Currency:
Swiss Francs (CHF) and centimes.
Notes in denominations of CHF1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.
Coins in denominations of CHF5, 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.
Approximate exchange rate:
AED1 = CHF0.36
EUR1 = CHF1.56
USD1 = CHF1.32
Please check the rate of exchange prior to travel. Prices at shops are displayed both in CHF and EUR.
Banking hours - 0830 to 1700 hours, Monday - Friday.
There is no restriction on the import of local and foreign currencies. Currency exchange is offered at all banks and hotels. You can also find ‘Bureau de Change’ in luxury hotels, railway stations and airports. Most restaurants, hotels and shops accept major international credit cards. Local currency can also be withdrawn using credit cards from the numerous automated teller machines (ATMs) in the city, as well as at the respective international airports. Whether issued in Swiss Francs or in other currencies, travellers cheques can be converted in banks, exchange outlets and at selected post offices.
Clothing:
Lightweight clothing is advisable during the summer with warmer clothing for the winter and alpine regions. Rainwear is required throughout the year.
Airport information:
Zurich Kloten International Airport is approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre. The airport telephone number is 01 816 2211 and the Emirates telephone number at the airport is 043 816 4598/99.
Customs:
Duty free allowance for residents of non-European countries aged 17 years and over: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of pipe tobacco; two litres of alcohol below 15 per cent volume and one litre over 15 per cent volume; and other goods (gifts or for personal use) up to the value of CHF300. The import of fresh and processed meat, milk products, arms and ammunition, absinthe, narcotic and poisons is prohibited.
Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund Scheme:
Visitors to Switzerland may have the VAT deducted from goods bought in the country. To claim a refund, visitors must buy goods from shops displaying the Global Refund Tax Free Shopping sign. The VAT on purchased goods in Switzerland is 7.60 per cent.
How to claim your VAT refund:
At the time of purchase, ask the sales person for your Global Refund Cheque. Make sure that it is validated with an export stamp. Global Refund Cheques can be encashed at any Cash Refund office located at all major airports and road exit points in Europe. The VAT amount can also be credited to your chosen credit card or bank account.
Driving licence:
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and a national driving licence of your country of residence is accepted. Minimum age for driving is 18 years.
Emergency telephone numbers:
Police - 117
Fire - 118
Ambulance - 144
Hours of work:
Business : 0800 to 1200 hours, and 1400 to 1700 hours, Monday - Friday.
Shopping : 0900 to 1830 hours, Monday - Friday and
0900 to 1600 hours, Saturday.
Public holidays (fixed)
1st January - New Year
2nd January - St Berchtold’s Day
28th March - Easter Monday
3rd Monday in April - Sechseläuten
1st May - Labour Day
1st August - National Holiday
2nd week of September - Knabenschiessen
1st November - All Saints’ Day
25th December - Christmas
26th December - Stephan’s Day
Public holidays (moveable)
Morgenstraich
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Ascension Day
Whitsunday
Corpus Christi Day
Time zone:
Winter - GMT + 1 hour.
Summer - GMT + 2 hours.
(From the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October)
Language:
German, French, Italian and Räto-Romansch are spoken regionally. English is also widely spoken.
Tipping:
A service charge of 15 per cent is included in all hotel, restaurant, café, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law, but tipping is still customary.
Electricity:
220 volts, 50 cycles AC.
Safety tips:
It is advisable to carry minimum cash on you and use smaller denomination bills. Please keep a photocopy of your identification documents handy.