Switzerland - Info & Facts

Suggested length of stay

The suggested length of stay for a holiday in Switzerland depends on your interests and the places you want to visit. However, at least 5 to 7 days is recommended to explore the country’s highlights and make the most of your trip. If you plan to visit multiple regions or cities, you may want to consider staying for 10 to 14 days to experience Switzerland has diversity.

Modes of transport

Road
Driving in Switzerland is generally safe and pleasant, with well-maintained roads and beautiful scenery. However, it’s important to note that Switzerland has strict traffic regulations, which can result in hefty fines. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, and the limit in built-up areas is typically 50 km/h. You must also carry a valid driving license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance with you at all times while driving in Switzerland. It’s also worth noting that Switzerland has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

Rail
Rail travel is one of the most popular modes of transport in Switzerland, and for good reason. Switzerland has an extensive rail network that covers the entire country, including scenic routes like the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. The trains are clean, comfortable, and usually run on time. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is the leading railway company in Switzerland, and they offer a range of tickets and passes that can save you money if you plan to travel by train a lot.

Air
Domestic flying in Switzerland is convenient for those who want to cover long distances quickly. Switzerland has a few domestic airlines, such as Swiss International Air Lines, Helvetic Airways, and Edelweiss Air, that offer flights between major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. Domestic flights in Switzerland are typically short, with flight times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Food

Swiss cuisine is diverse and heavily influenced by its neighbouring countries, such as France, Italy, and Germany. Some famous Swiss dishes include fondue, raclette, and rösti. Fondue is a melted cheese dish served with bread and vegetables for dipping. Raclette is a dish where cheese is melted and scraped onto boiled potatoes and pickled vegetables. Rösti is a potato dish similar to hash browns and is often served with sausages or fried eggs. Switzerland is also known for its chocolate, with brands like Lindt and Toblerone originating in the country. In addition to traditional Swiss dishes, you can also find a variety of international cuisines in Switzerland, such as Italian, French, and Asian.

Drinking water

Switzerland’s tap water is safe to drink.

Visas

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can sometimes enter Switzerland without a visa.

Money

Switzerland’s currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).

Inoculations & health precautions

Health risks in Switzerland are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Embassy Contacts for Switzerland

Australian Embassy, Bern
Address: Weltpoststrasse 5, 2nd Floor – Flex Office
3015 Bern,
Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)31 310 17 80
Email: bern.embassy@dfat.gov.au

Electricity

In Switzerland the power plug sockets are of type J. The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Getting there

The best way to fly to Switzerland from Australia depends on your travel needs and preferences. Several major airlines offer flights from Australia to Switzerland, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad Airways. These airlines typically offer connecting flights that involve one or two stops along the way.

Time Zone

Bern, Switzerland Central European Time UTC+1