Switzerland Travel Guide, climate:
Best: June-Sept for summer activities and Dec-March for winter sports.
Why travel around Switzerland?
Yet another quirky little European country, Switzerland is a wonderful combination of spectacularly bumpy landscapes, perfectly aligned fantasy, wooden villages [albeit with modern concrete monstrousities scattered around too], ancient lakeside cities and great efficiency.
Clichés of course but best Swiss experiences involve a combination of the following - viewing of incredible mountains and lakes, taking part in a variet of sporting activities [summer or winter] in stupendous locations, chowing down and drinking up in stylish, old but lively towns or quaint hillside villages.
Getting from place to place is a breeze via the precise domestic transport system - both buses and trains that are only overtaken for punctuality by Japan. Cycling is encouraged with thousands of kilometres of bike lanes both in and out of cities and easy rentals at train stations [if they haven't run out]. Cars drive ever-so correctly and parking is readily available.
In addition Switzerland is super-safe, many locals speak two or three languages including English and the country is loaded with terrific beers, rich food, amazing pastries and chocolate.

Downsides:
- Switzerland is not a cheap destination.
- don't try anything remotely illegal, [such as crossing the road when the little man is red], this is a very law-abiding state with eyes everywhere [and discreet grey speed cameras that do not register with satnavs!].
- Swiss people - about 65% Germanic - though extremely polite, are, like their climate, cool towards foreigners.
- climatic conditions change suddenly so forget weather forecasts and build flexibility into your schedule; if it's sunny, go up a mountain; if it's cloudy, rent a bike; if it rains, go shopping.

Where to go in Switzerland:
South-west [Lake Geneva, French-speaking]:
**Geneva [Geneve], attractively situated at the southwest tip of Lake Geneva, near France, is cultured and metropolitan, but more of a business and diplomatic centre than party place. Geneva offers a spectacular view of Mont Blanc, a French joie de vivre and lots of lakeside action, including swimming in the summer as well as a great selection of museums and some decent architecture including the ubiquitous old town.
**Lausanne, [pronounced loz-anne] on the other hand and the other side of the lake, really knows how to play, due partly to the university's youth contribution. Steeply tiered, it 's stylish and pleasantly walkable, particularly along the big and tourist-buzzy waterfront but a bit short of the wow factor. Travelling up and down the fairly steep hillside is easy on the autopiloted 'metro' tram.

On the east side of Lake Geneva lie three smaller locations of interest:
***Vevey, just a few klicks along the coast, is a small and appealing market town surrounded by grape vines, with a magnificent, quirky promenade, sensational views across the lake, a summer sandy 'beach', various lake activities and not too many tourists, unlike neighbouring Montreux.
*Montreux, 6km further along the lakeside is the affluent and bijou home to the world's best Jazz Festival in July, but spoilt by tourist herds bussed in from Lausanne for a quick wobble along the prom followed by a steamboat trip back to Lausanne [or boating from Lausanne and bussing back].
The 13thC **Chateau de Chillon is a star attraction in this area, next to Montreux and beautifully located, if you can ignore the autoroute humming overhead. This well-preserved castle was popularised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.'

The middle [Mittelland, German-speaking]:
***Bern's [Berne] tiny, quiet, riverside elegance is not at all what you would expect of Switzerland's capital. The old town's river-hugged, cobbled streets and arcaded buildings date from the 11thC to the 18thC, though they are not dark, narrow or medieval in aspect, though they do possess a certain grisly humour with statues around dedicated to both bears [the city symbol] and the worst aspects of Grimm's fairy tales [no shortage of ogres!].
Just south of Bern the Lake Thun area affords castle freaks the opportunity to pleasure themselves repeatedly on fine 12th and 13thC fortifications.

***Lucerne [Luzern] is more than just another gorgeous Swiss city. Mix lake, river, mountain, alpine meadows and a colourful, well-preserved old town, throw in a lively youth-oriented street culture, plenty of activities [on and around the lake, up Mount Pilatus or 40 minutes away at Engelberg], simmer gently and you've got the foreign traveller's #1 Swiss role model.



*Basel is wealthy, cultured and convenient, with a pleasant old town and fine museums, but too preoccupied with business to be much fun.
***Zurich, up north, is a far, gnomic cry from its stuffy banking image these days. Gorgeously located astride a river and boxed in by Lake Zurich and distant snowy mountains, the city is a hive of creativity, with a modestly medieval old town and a huge variety of imaginative new establishments to relieve you of your wad.
The miniscule principality of Liechtenstein is two hours away but offers little of interest.


Ticino, Italian region, south Alps:
Warmer and culturally very different from the rest of Switzerland, Ticino sports palm trees, piazzas and pizzas along with the usual lakes, woody hills and medieval old towns. Prime targets are **Locarno and ***Lugano, both on lakes, with the latter offering more views, style and sights.
Local Transport:
Swiss transport is brilliant and trains are the way to go if available. InterRail or Eurail passes offer well-discounted travel, though not on a few spectacular mountain routes.
International Transport:
Roads and railways from the rest of Europe are superb, while boating from Germany, France and Italy is also possible. Buses are a less comfortable option.
Language:
Not a problem in this country which has more multi-lingual ability than any other on earth. A twisted German is the dominant tongue and French second, but everyone can handle English.
Length of stay:
Minimum worthwhile stay, not including flights: Berne or Lucerne for a romantic weekend, or Zermatt for a sports break.
Recommended: 10 days to get totally knackered at your choice of activity.
Visas:
EU citizens and nationals of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not need a visa for up to 3 months, though you should always carry your passport.
Money:
Contrary to expectations, the local currency is the Swiss Franc [also used by their little brother Liechtenstein], but most places in tourist areas will accept the Euro - though at a cost.
Tipping is not necessary anywhere as 15% service charge is applied to just about everything including taxis.
Costs are on the high side, though cheapish travel in Switzerland is possible if you eat fast food, use a railpass and stay in hostels.


Electricity:
Electric sockets are 230v and are built for three round pin plugs but will accept the usual 2 round pin plugs, fortunately.
Accommodation:
Tourist offices are efficient in listing local rooms/hotels available, often with boards placed outside rail stations. They also hand out 'guest cards' that secure various discounts.
Hotels are not necessarily expensive but hostels are, of course, the cheapest option, though still good quality.
Campsites are good too, mostly open only in summertime. Free camping is not permitted.
Cuisine:
If you're a non-dairy eater then you'll have a problem when you travel around Switzerland, though vegetarians will be unusually fulfilled.
Cheese appears frequently and is the star of Swiss specialities like fondue [dipping bread or potato into melted cheese], raclette [similar] and rosti [cheese-topped grated potatoes].
Lake fish are a popular dish and vegetarian restaurants common.
Those on a budget can find good value set lunch menus or self-service restaurants in department stores.
Safety:
Switzerland is just about the safest place on the planet. Apart from overeating and snow accidents the biggest dangers are likely to be altitude sickness [AMS] or hypothermia when you overestimate your climbing/hiking ability or getting caught by a flash flood while canyoning in summertime.