The perfect romantic destination that needs no introduction, Switzerland, home to famous towns of Zurich, Basel & Lucerne has something for everyone. The capital, Bern with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture is perhaps the most immediately charming Swiss city. Geneva, a Swiss city with a french flair and clear-water lakes, is a popular hotspot. And if you’re looking for a shorter vacation, head to St. Mortiz, synonymous with glamour, decadence and luxury.

 

Here you can find a lot of information about Switzerland, a small but well known country in the heart of Europe. We make effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, there is no guarantee for correctness. All information is subject to change without notice. For comments, suggestions and questions use our contact form.

 

General Information:
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities, the so-called Bundesstadt:

 

The establishment of the Swiss Confederation is traditionally dated to 1 August 1291, which is celebrated annually as Swiss National Day.

 

Bordering Countries: Germany, Italy, France, Austria, Liechtenstein
Capital of Switzerland: Berne
Population: 7,4 million
Population density: 172 per sq. km
Languages: Swiss-German, French, Italian, Romansch English is widely spoken.
Government: Parliamentary Federal State since 1848, Direct democracy
Cantons: 20 full cantons, 6 half cantons
Religions: Catholic (48%), Protestant (44%), others (8%)
Currency: Swiss Francs (CHF)

 

Post offices:
Post boxes are yellow. Post offices are open Mo-Fr 7.30-12 and 14-18, Sa 8-11.

 

Shopping:
Shops are generally open Mo-Fr 9-18.30 and Sa 9-16. Usually they accept credit cards.

 

Money exchange:
The swiss currency (Swiss Franc CHF) can be bought at all banks, post offices, railway stations and some exchange offices.

 

Banks:
Banks are open Mo-Fr 8.30-12 and 13.30-16.30.

 

Phone:
The ISD code of Switzerland is Dial 0041
Popular mobile phone companies are Swisscom, Sunrise and Orange.
Prepaid cards are available for about 40.- sFr.

 

Emergency:
Dial:
144 for ambulance,
117 for police,
118 for fire brigade
1414 for the rescue helicopter.

 

Public Holidays:
May 13 Ascension Day
May 01 Labour Day in Canton Schaffhausen, Zürich, Ticino, Thurgau, Basel
May 11 Mother’s Day
May 23 Whit Sunday
June 24 Whit Monday
August 01 Swiss National Holiday
December 24 Christmas Eve
December 25 Christmas
December 26 St. Stephen’s day
December 31 New Year’s Eve

 

Security
Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialized countries. But it is always wise to keep an eye on wallets and luggage in busy areas.

 

Health
Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and the tap water is safe. Immunization for contagious diseases is only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within 14 days preceding arrival in Switzerland.

 

Insurance
Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accident, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges.

 

Weather:
Swissmeteo has accurate weather information.

Location	Height above		Winter (Jan)		Summer (July)
	sea level				Mean Value		Maximum
	m	ft	° F	° F	° C	° F	° C	° F
Geneva	375	1230	1	34	19.2	67	35	95
Lausanne	447	1467	1	33	18.2	65	33	91
Montreux	372	1220	1	34	19	66	33	91
Sion	491	1611	1	32	19.2	67	35	95
Zermatt	1616	5302	-15	22	12.6	55	27	81
Bern	540	1772	-8	30	17.4	63	33	91
Interlaken	564	1850	-8	31	16.6	62	31	88
Jungfraujoch	3454	11332	-35	6	-1.8	29	10	50
Basel	260	853	-9	34	18.8	66	35	95
Aarau	382	1253	-11	31	17.3	63	33	91
Zurich	408	1339	-11	32	17.7	64	35	95
Schaffhausen	390	1280	-11	30	17.2	63	33	91
Frauenfeld	420	1378	-11	31	17.7	64	33	91
Kreuzlingen	403	1322	-9	31	17.9	64	33	91
St. Gallen	676	2218	-11	29	15.6	60	30	86
Mount Säntis	2502	8209	-24	17	5	41	18	64
Lucerne	435	1427	-8	32	17.9	64	33	91
Mount Pilatus	2109	6919	-20	19	7.8	46	23	73
Altdorf	447	1467	-8	33	17.5	64	35	95
Glarus	472	1549	-11	29	16.6	62	33	91
Mount Rigi	1797	5896	-15	24	9.8	50	26	79
Mount Titlis	3239	10,627	-33	9	-0.3	31	12	53
St. Gotthard	2109	6919	-20	19	7.8	46	23	73
Chur	585	1919	-8	31	17.3	63	35	95
Arosa	1739	5705	-15	23	10.2	50	27	81
Davos	1560	5118	-22	20	12	54	27	81
St. Moritz	1775	5824	-15	20	11.1	52	27	81
Scuol	1287	4223	-15	22	14.9	59	27	81
Bellinzona	230	755	10	35	21.2	70	33	91
Locarno	205	673	18	37	20.8	69	33	91
Lugano	276	905	10	35	21	70	35	95