Switzerland
Switzerland is a small but very beautiful country in Central Europe. It sits between France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. The capital city is Bern. Many people think it is Zurich, but it is not. Zurich is the largest city.
The main airports are Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport and EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg. All three are easy to use and well connected. Travel within Switzerland is very straightforward. The train network is excellent and covers cities, towns and even mountain areas. We used the train services in Basel and were very impressed. Trains were clean, easy to understand and extremely punctual.
The currency used is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Switzerland is not part of the EU, but it is part of the Schengen area. This means many travellers can enter without a visa for short stays. If you do need a visa, it is usually a standard Schengen visa.
Main regions and cities in Switzerland
Switzerland is made up of 26 cantons, and each one feels a little different. Some are known for big cities and culture, while others are famous for mountains, lakes and outdoor life. This variety is one of the best things about travelling in Switzerland.
Cantons like Zurich and Geneva are popular for city breaks, business travel and food. Basel-Stadt is known for museums, art and events like Fasnacht. Vaud is loved for Lake Geneva, vineyards, and relaxed towns. Bern offers history and a charming old town, while Valais is famous for mountains, ski resorts and scenic train routes.
Some places are best known for nature. Lauterbrunnen, in the Bernese Oberland, is famous for waterfalls and mountain views. Graubünden is known for alpine scenery and resorts like St Moritz. Whether you prefer cities, countryside, or a mix of both, Switzerland has something for every traveller.
Our visits to Switzerland
I have visited Switzerland a few times now and I have loved every visit. Each trip has felt different, but always memorable. It is one of those places that feels calm and exciting at the same time.
Over the years, we have visited Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Gruyères, Lauterbrunnen and the Canton of Vaud. We explored cities, small towns and countryside areas and each place had its own charm.
Based on our travels, there are a few places in Switzerland that really stand out for us. These are places we enjoyed at a relaxed pace and would happily return to.
From historic towns to lakeside cities and cultural events, these experiences gave us a good feel of Switzerland beyond the usual highlights.
Gruyères
Gruyères is a small medieval town and one of the prettiest places we visited. It is best known for Gruyère cheese, but there is much more to see. The cobbled streets, old buildings and hilltop views make it a lovely stop.
I have written a full guide on why you must visit the historic town of Gruyères in Switzerland, which goes into more detail about what to see and do there.
The Canton of Vaud
The Canton of Vaud is perfect if you enjoy lakes, vineyards and gentle walks. It sits along Lake Geneva and has a very relaxed feel. We loved how easy it was to explore the area by car and train. I have shared our experience in my article on exploring the Canton of Vaud in Switzerland, including the places we visited and what makes this region special.
While exploring the Canton of Vaud, we also visited the Cave de la Charrue Winery in Commugny. It was a relaxed and welcoming experience, and a great way to learn more about local Swiss wines. The setting felt calm and very local, which we really enjoyed. I have written more about this visit in my article on visiting the Cave de la Charrue Winery in Commugny, Switzerland.
We also took part in an immersive botanical walk with Into the Nature at Lac Retaud (Lake Retaud). It was a calm and thoughtful experience, set in beautiful natural surroundings. The walk helped us slow down and notice details we would have otherwise missed. I have written more about this experience in my article on an immersive botanical walk in Switzerland with Into the Nature.
Lausanne
Lausanne is a lively city with a strong cultural side. It is built on hills and has great views over Lake Geneva. The old town, waterfront, and museums make it a great place for a short break.
You can read more in my post on the top things to do in and around Lausanne, where I cover the highlights we enjoyed the most.
Basel
Basel was one of the most interesting cities we visited in Switzerland. It sits at the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany, which gives it a very unique feel. The old town is beautiful, with narrow streets, the Rhine River, and historic buildings.
Basel is also known for its museums, art scene and strong local culture. We stayed at Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel, which was comfortable and well located for exploring the city.
Our main reason for visiting Basel was the famous Fasnacht festival. This is the biggest carnival in Switzerland and feels very different from carnivals elsewhere. It starts very early in the morning and takes over the whole city.
I have written several detailed posts on Basel Fasnacht, including:
All of these are linked from here so you can read more about each part of the festival and what makes it so special.