Famous for watches and chocolate, there is in fact much more to Switzerland. A landlocked country with four official languages, it has a diverse culture to match, and whether you fancy dining German, Italian or French you are in for a treat.
This is also the country where people first skied for fun and the impressive Alps make for an exciting summer and winter sports venue. Cruise amid stunning views on the Lac De Neuchâtel and explore the gothic architecture and colourful fountains of the town of the same name. Europe’s largest waterfall can be found at Rheinfall, while the highest train winds through stunning Alpine pass in the popular Jungfrau region.
For the quintessential Switzerland of the tourist postcards, head to Lucerne, with its legendary peaks and idyllic mountain lagoon. Bern’s medieval town centre is worthy of the well of local pride that it inspires, while Basel inspires with its period architecture and is host to some excellent art collections. Yet it is Zurich, home to the fourth largest stock exchange in the world and once dubbed a ‘boring banker capital’, that has become the social and cultural hub of the country. Trendy bars and fine dining have sprouted across the city and the Street Parade has overtaken London’s Notting Hill as the most attended street parade in Europe.
Then, of course, there are the Swiss banks. Quiet, efficient and discreet, by some measures, this is the most liberal, free-market economy in the world. The question is, who wouldn’t want to do business here?
Getting there
International flights go to Zurich, Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse. From outside Europe, flying to London or Frankfurt and connecting on a budget carrier can be cheaper. The European bus and train network provides links across the continent.
Getting around
The public transport system is one of the most efficient – and expensive – in the world. Trains are the mainstay for long distance travel, buses provide good local coverage.
Local information
Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Wet continental/mountainous. Hot summers, cold winters, year round heavy rainfall. Temperature: Max 26°C (July), Min 2°C (January). Rainfall: Max 220mm (May), Min 70mm (December)
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Business etiquette: Business suit required. Greet with a firm handshake. Business dealings are formal and transactional; relationships are not required and Swiss people are generally private. Avoid asking personal questions or inappropriate attempts at humour unless you know your host well.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected.
Duty free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcohol (up to 15 percent) and 1l of alcohol (over 15 percent); Gifts up to a value of CHF300.
Safety: Crime incidence is very low.
Laws: Smoking is banned in public spaces, expect for some designated smoking areas.
Healthcare: Vaccination for tetanus required. Excellent medical facilities available, European citizens get free healthcare with an EHIC card. Non-EU may be charged and should have health insurance.
Socket type: Type J
