Fun Fact! Many tourists flock to Switzerland each year just to enjoy the Alps. There is snow at the top of Jungfraujoch all year round on Jungfraujoch. Switzerland is located in Western Europe, with its de facto capital Bern (because Switzerland technically does not have a capital city), with its neighbours Germany in the north, Italy in the south, France in the west, and Austria and Liechtenstein in the east. The Swiss have four national languages and a great variety of regional dialects, and most citizens are at least bilingual. Schlechte Würstchen! Here are 10 really cool things you should know about Switzerland in 2017: Switzerland has a true democracy, not a single head of state. Brier Rose Smith said 4 years ago. But that doesn’t hide the fact that the Swiss have an almost unhealthy bond with their cows. But more on Schweizerdeutsch another time). VAT in Switzerland stands at 8%, but travellers can ask for Global Blue Cheques at any shop (provided their purchase exceeds 300 CDF, including VAT) to reclaim the tax at the airport. Naturally most keep their semi-automatic weapons tucked away at home. We’ll deliver top travel tips, insider info and travel inspiration right to your inbox. At 41,285 km² is just as big as the greater Shanghai region in China or the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. But Switzerland’s fascinatingly diverse geography means it’s home to plenty of microclimates that allow the tropical plants to thrive in the southern regions, particularly in the canton of Ticino. Owners of some pets also have to follow a course on how to take care of them. Things You Should Know Before Going to Switzerland Things You Should Know Before Going to Switzerland – Swiss Food. You can read more about the refund process here. Established in the 12th century, and named after a bear found in a nearby forest, Bern's most important building is the imposing Federal Palace.Open to the public when Parliament is not sitting, this domed structure is full of stained glass windows and statues. Instead, you’ll see groups of young men in uniform fulfilling their national service, ready to defend their country if called upon (unlikely, we know). Switzerland is pricey, but it’s worth it (and there is tax-free shopping!). You probably... 2. It is situated at the top of the Klein Matterhorn mountain and offers incredible views of … Fortunately, I’ve learned quite a lot more since living here from teachers, friends and by reading. With a whopping 5600 km of train tracks throughout the country, you can travel by rail almost anywhere! No, Swiss is not a language. Switzerland is a model of democracy and was neutral during World War II. But.. An annual survey of expats regularly reports the Swiss to be icier than the Great Aletch Glacier. Top Tip! (Sources: SIPRI Database, IFOR Schweiz) Fun fact! We kind of take Velcro for granted, but where would people who can’t tie shoelaces be without it? 10 Things to know in visiting Geneva Switzerland. The Swiss public transport system is out of this world. In spring and summer (April – September) is the perfect time to enjoy the lush, green landscapes and go hiking or paragliding. Chocolate, anybody? There are so many of these heavily armoured stuff-holders that the entire Swiss population could hide away come nuclear war, once all that stuff is moved out of course. They have almost nothing to do with money. Switzerland is a beautiful place to go to, and full of delicious treats!!!!! But the so-called ‘affair of the sausages‘ did kickstart an argument in Zurich that led to the protestant reformation gaining force and spreading across the country. The country’s Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States, which represents the various cantons, and the National Council of Representatives of the People. So naturally you can rent guinea pigs until, well, the other one dies too. That pot of melted cheese that’s foisted on you at every opportunity in Switzerland only became popular in the 20th century. Yeah, me neither. Thank you, Hello Angelyn! The tap water is often better quality than bottled water. That’s right, shoeless. Image Source: Matheus Swanson/flickr.com German, French, Italian and Romansh are the four national languages of Switzerland. Some of these things might be splendid, some unusual, and a few you should probably watch out for or keep in mind. You can buy, and consume, weed legally over the counter in Switzerland, but the THC levels (the part that has the ‘high’ effect) has to be less than one percent meaning it won’t get you high. Food quality is very high in Switzerland, but since their cuisine is not very rich, it is not really easy to find delicious dishes. It’s only natural that a business-focused country like Switzerland should be the site of a rebellion against bad PowerPoints. Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world. Spent a week in Switzerland and loved every minute, the people were very helpful with directions and an absolute joy to chat with, America can learn a few things from the Swedish. Tina said 4 years ago. Cheers! Switzerland’s entire population can fit in its nuclear shelters. Things You Should Know Before Moving to Switzerland. You wouldn’t think a landlocked, Alpine country would have palm trees. Pro packing advice for your next big adventure! One of my favorite countries. Here are 10 really cool things you should know about Switzerland in 2017: Switzerland has a true democracy, not a single head of state. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Don’t think “landlocked” when you think of Switzerland; think luxurious bodies of water. As you may have guessed, all those guns aren’t just for show. It’s entire population, at 8.1 million, is the same as that of New York City, and the country’s biggest cities are Bern, Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Getting around in Switzerland is so easy, it’s almost like time travel. OPTION 1: Switzerland trains, buses, and … Switzerland is one of a kind. A memorable experience. You don’t need running... 2. 15 Best Things to Do in Grindelwald (Switzerland) Picture a dream mountain resort and it would look a lot like Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps. The Swiss may seem kind of paranoid, but they have been threatened during two World Wars so it’s rather understandable. Visit Switzerland: 14 things you need to know August 2, 2020 City Guides Editor Leave a Comment There are so many things that make Switzerland popular with tourists, and we can list five of them from top of our heads: mountains, lakes, chocolate, cheese and watches. We have reviews of the best places to see in Switzerland. You can buy fresh, unhomogenised milk from vending machines in some Swiss metropoles thanks to Stadtmilch, a crowd-funded project that was inspired by a young entrepreneur’s nostalgia for the days when milk was still delivered to your door. So don’t be a Dummkopf and learn what not to say to not rile up the Swiss. These are just a few of the wonderful things you’ll discover about Switzerland on our European coach tours. Things to Do in Switzerland, Europe: See Tripadvisor's 2,348,900 traveller reviews and photos of Switzerland tourist attractions. Happy cows + alpine pastures = exceptional dairy. Hurrah! I didn’t either and figured many of these tips out the hard way. Gratuity is included in the price of your meal at restaurants in Switzerland. Instead, the Swiss currency is known as the “Swiss Franc” but there are some shops that accept the euro throughout the country. Switzerland is regularly voted high up on the list of best places to live in terms of safety, quality of life and income. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Ticino, palm trees and all | © Jaybee_01/ Pixabay, Switzerland's animal rights are further down the road than most places, aggressively advertised both Swiss cheese. But keep in mind that the vaccine is given in two doses, three to four weeks apart. Truth be told, Switzerland is very pricey if your currency does not match up with the Swiss Franc (and few do!). "I hate when people say you don’t need alcohol to have fun. Over the years Switzerland has made a reputation of being an independent country that it’s not ready to gave up its neutrality. Jungfraujoch was expensive, but worth every penny. Or that the country has 208 mountains above 3000 metres? Swiss milk tastes great. However, the country’s quality of life measures up – it was rated the 4th happiest country in the world in 2017 according to the World Happiness Report. Is the weather in September favourable to visit Switzerland? The 26 cantons enjoy strong autonomy in their various regions and have a direct hand in political decision-making. We have reviews of the best places to see in Switzerland. In terms of both geography and population, Switzerland is relatively small. You can change money at any Swiss bank, airport, Western Union railway station and major hotels. Switzerland actually has a council of seven leaders who rule the country, unlike the singular leader everywhere else has opted for. Top Tip! They don’t want to ban them, just make them better. The Swiss do business with the Swiss Franc (indicated as CHF), but visitors will find that many prices are also indicated in Euro so they can compare prices. Weed growers tinker with other chemicals in the legal drugs so you still feel mellow. What is a visa and do I need one for my tour? Recycling is the norm & visitors should conform. Peace loving Switzerland is actually a major weapon's exporter. Others merely become incensed at this fact. Be aware, however, that Swiss trains leave promptly, so time your connections properly if you don’t want to run from one platform to the next. presence switzerland - its mission is to convey knowledge about Switzerland, to create understanding and empathy for our country and to highlight its diversity and attractiveness. Here’s a list of some of the facts I’ve found the most interesting. It could be said that Switzerland is aggressively neutral, but that wouldn’t make much sense. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. plastic, paper, glass, edibles) before you put something in it. No, this isn’t the result of some top secret Alpine experiment gone wrong. The Anti-PowerPoint Presentation Party (APPP) claims the dreaded presentations cost Switzerland 2.1 billion Swiss Francs every year. On a clear day, you can see the highest mountains in Switzerland, Italy, and France from up here Another viewing platform you must visit in Zermatt is Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Geneva has a special charm its beauty one glimpse of the Geneva bay is enough to fall in love the city. Did you know that the Swiss gave the world Absinthe, muesli and LSD? The law says if your guinea pig’s best bud dies then you’ve got to get another to keep it company. The Swiss are roping in horses for community tasks like garbage and paper collection. You can get the shot anywhere, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) says. Moving is made of … The four main languages are Swiss German (very different from actual German, with a vaguely French quality on the ear), French, Italian and Romansch. Switzerland’s form of governance is officially known as parliamentary democracy with a direct democracy. Apparently, most main arteries (bridges, tunnels and the like) are wired to blow at the merest sight of a hostile takeover. Hi Feven! Swiss Franc is the only official currency in Switzerland Switzerland is neither a European Union nor European Economic Area member. Europe › Switzerland. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of this recycling culture, and to contribute to the country’s sustainability efforts by dispensing with their own trash in a responsible way. Swiss people consume too much meat and cheese. Animals are pretty well looked after here. It is a tiny country that makes people feel like rather in a large city due to its distance to neighbour countries. Don’t stress the transportation. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. If you want to reward good service, it is accepted practice to round up to the nearest Franc. 13 things I wish I’d known before moving to Switzerland "Church bells ring all through the night. The three regions of Switzerland differ greatly in terms of culture and mindset, not just in … At least for me, I consider it to be pricey. They are fourth in the world when it comes to milk consumption, but bizarrely a national study found they don’t drink enough. Around 80% of Swiss drinking water comes straight from natural springs and groundwater, the rest from its alpine lakes. OK, that’s not exactly true. This village is under the infamous North Face of Eiger, a monumental wall of rock that inspires and intimidates in equal measure. The country hasn’t engaged in a single military conflict since, and Switzerland has no standing army. 7 things you need to know before traveling to Switzerland 1. The Swiss, not the Swedish!! 17 Things You Didn't Know About Switzerland Bern is actually the capital. The high living standard in Switzerland is reflected in the high cost of living. Switzerland offers a wide variety of beautiful souvenirs that range from embroidered linen and woodcarvings, to pocket knives, drafting sets and other precision instruments that can easily be shipped back home. With the lake, the Jet d’eau famous landmark of the city and the old town in the back. 37 Bucket List things to do in Europe this year. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday between 08h30 and 16h30, and closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. If you’re into skiing and winter sports, then you should go from November to March. But, like any destination, this Central … For one, if you make plans with a Swiss national, arrive on time if you don’t want to offend your hosts; for another, their trains leave on time, so don’t miss your connections! Find what to do today or anytime in January. Swiss punctuality is more than just a international punchline, it’s a way of life. READ MORE: Coronavirus: Switzerland promises everyone will be vaccinated by summer Do you have to get vaccinated in your canton of residence, or are you free to do it anywhere in Switzerland? There is magic in Switzerland no matter what time of the year you go. Switzerland’s form of governance is officially known as parliamentary democracy with a direct democracy. An Air Force pilot in … Certain shops and merchants may accept Euro, but they are not obliged to do so by law, and visitors can expect to receive Swiss Francs in change. You’ll get the best exchange rate at the banks. It’s hard to miss them as they make up about 65% of Switzerland. Switzerland is a mountainous destination that we have all heard and dreamed about. Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a beautiful and tranquil city full of museums, churches and historic buildings. Hi Suzanne, Thanks for your message. Visitors get great deals on Swiss Travel System tickets. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Things went so far that in 2010 there was a referendum on whether animals should have lawyers. One of the seven is voted to be top-dog for one year only. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Due to strict water quality preservation initiatives, the quality of Swiss tap water is often measured as purer than that of bottled mineral water sold in the country. As a bonus fact, Switzerland also doesn’t use the Euro but has its own currency. In 2019, the country exported 728 million francs worth of weapons. Sometimes all you need is a little chocolate to make... 3. It’s all thanks to the Swiss Cheese Union – think a sort of cheese mafia – who aggressively advertised both Swiss cheese and fondue to ramp up their sales and profits. Read more about Europe’s weather (and when to travel where) here: https://expatexplore.com/blog/europe-by-season-when-to-travel-where/. And they are in no particular order. This cuts down on carbon emissions and offers a nice noise-free transport solution for urban areas. Official exchange offices and hotels often charge a fee for the service. Below, you will find 12 things I love about Switzerland. Similarly, individual Swiss citizens also have the opportunity to influence the government by means of quarterly initiatives and referendums. 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MY SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS: You probably didn’t even think of half of these. Most people wrongly assume that either Geneva or Zurich is the capital of Switzerland. Another important thing you need to know is that Switzerland is expensive. You’re welcome to take a look at a helpful post here >> https://expatexplore.com/blog/europe-by-season-when-to-travel-where/. Take advantage of that youthful vitality and get out to discover the best of Switzerland. 1. Head to the water. Switzerland: 10 Interesting facts to know before you go, I agree to receiving a personalised response via email, https://expatexplore.com/blog/europe-by-season-when-to-travel-where/, Europe seasons, weather and climate: When to travel where. Feel free to drink as much tap water as you want when you visit Switzerland. Bizarrely, it works and Switzerland is one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Sorry fuzzy, we don’t need you anymore. You’ll be transacting in Swiss Franc, not Euro. Across Switzerland there are so many great cycling routes and over 12,000 kilometres of trails to follow. Depending on you requirements during your stay, you could for instance invest in the all-inclusive Swiss Travel Pass that gets you free travel on premium panorama trains, use of public transport in 90+ urban areas, admission to 500+ museums and up to 50% off on mountain excursions. The alpine nation takes great pride in their world-renowned punctuality and visitors will quickly find this strict adherence to self-enforced timelines has to do with more than just national efficiency – it is, in fact, rooted in a deep respect for their fellow countrymen. to take back home. 7 Essential Things to Know About Switzerland. The Swiss don’t just make clocks, they follow them. The Swiss are world-renowned for their exceptional milk, chocolate and cheese for a reason. Things to Do in Switzerland, Europe: See Tripadvisor's 2,348,900 traveler reviews and photos of Switzerland tourist attractions. The man who invented The International Committee of the Red Cross was Swiss and so was Audrey Hepburn. Once you get past the cliched notion of yodelling milkmaids, winding cuckoo clocks and silky-smooth chocolate, contemporary Switzerland is all about epic experiences and travel adventures. Always check to see whether a trash can in a public space is designated for a particular type of waste (e.g. Before moving to the land of neutrality, chocolate and Cuckoo clocks, there are a few things you need to know about Switzerland. More to Switzerland Than Meets the Eye. What is the best time to visit zwitzerland. By showing up on time, the Swiss are saying ‘I value you, and therefore, I value your time.’ So what does this mean for travellers in Switzerland? Choose the location of your rental flat wisely." We’d love for you to join one of our tours, you can take a look at our tours to Switzerland here >>https://expatexplore.com/tour_groups/switzerland/. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, which means the country is not obliged to trade in Euro. It’s hard to make friends, visitors say, and Swiss culture is more impenetrable than stale Gruyère. A cup of coffee comes in at 4 CHF, a public transport ticket at 2.5 CHF, a three-course meal at 35 CHF and a movie ticket at 18 CHF. Book your spot on one of our tours that travel through Switzerland ahead of time and enjoy wonderful savings. Switzerland’s dairy industry owes a great deal of its success to alpine pastures – the frequent rain and mild sunlight, as well the diversity of plants means that Swiss milk has traditionally been richer and more flavourful than milk from flatter farming areas. Basic facts about Switzerland Switzerland is safe, efficient and clean, with an outstanding transport infrastructure. Bern became the capital of the Swiss Confederation in 1848. Weather in Switzerland. Together, these members elect the Federal Council – 7 members that collective represent the head of state. A country made famous by its delicious chocolate, beautiful mountains and high living standards, Switzerland is the kind of place that many would like to visit. German is spoken by over 60% of the population (actually, they speak Swiss German, which is practically its own language. This situation will be reflected in some things I like the most about Switzerland. This is just one of the many awesome things the Swiss have given us. It all depends on what you want to experience when you’re there? Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so they do not have the common “euro” currency. They are one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges. ! When you visit Switzerland, make a point of sampling their incredible dairy products and to buy some (tax-free!) One of the best things about Switzerland is all the beautiful nature. The Swiss are serious about sustainability and particularly fastidious about recycling. The country is divided into 26 different areas (called cantons), much like the different states that make up the United States of America. Most people wrongly assume that either Geneva or Zurich is the capital of Switzerland. It’s kind of cool having a nuclear shelter (which is obligatory by law in Switzerland) particularly as it gives you somewhere to stock your stuff. The southern canton of Ticino speaks Italian. Visitors can also take advantage of tax-free shopping. Visitors can look forward to regular-interval timetables with precise connections coordinated by 150+ transport companies, as well as world-renowned scenic rail trips with companies like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. And even if neither of the above names rings a bell, this is one of the most important things you should know before visiting Switzerland. However, you don’t have to go first class to enjoy all the amenities of a Swiss train – second class in Switzerland is far more luxurious than first class in many other countries in the world. Velcro is a truly Swiss invention and the inventor is said to have been inspired by little seeds that became hooked on to his dogs fur when walking in the mountains of the Jura. If not and you are dying for more Swiss facts, read on and learn about this fascinating country. Switzerland is neutral, but the country’s military is designed to mobilise at extremely short notice in the event of outside aggression. They Speak Different Languages: This country is a multilingual country in the sense they speak four different languages such as German, Italian, Romansh, and French. Top Tip! The western provinces (called cantons) that include Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Lausanne speak French. Pass through the Alps or tour the country’s most beautiful lakes, taking all the time you need to take photos or explore the surrounding countryside. Specially-trained horses pull electric carriages that work similarly to an E-bike, generating kinetic power that lessens the load on the horse and stores energy for future trips at the same time! MOST IMPORTANT TRANSPORT TIP: SWISS HALF CARD. Dogs are allowed in restaurants, and can often be seen eating in them, while ‘social’ animals must be kept in pairs. Here are the 20 things you didn’t know about Switzerland! Swiss Infodesk is an annotated link directory of selected online information about … That’s because after men finish their obligatory military service they either have to keep their gun at home or store it in an armoury, for a fee. All you need is a 10% deposit to secure your seat! This small, rugged European country, known for its irresistible chocolate, sturdy mountain cheese, and breathtaking beauty, has so many things to offer.Some of them you already know … These are the following things one has to know before migrating to Switzerland: 1. Among other things, Swiss manufacturers are exporting assault rifles, sniper ammunition and tanks to countries like Denmark, Germany, Saudia Arabia or Ukraine. Posted on February 13, 2017 February 15, 2017 by cha. Image Source: Pexels.com Its Alps are spectacular, the lakes are a dream, the snow is perfect during winter, and people here love to make chocolate and cheese. Before migrating to Switzerland, I admittedly did not know very much about this European country other than the obvious stereotypes: cheese, chocolate and the Alps. It was defeated. I hope to return one day. 30 facts about Switzerland Swiss facts: geography, economy and population. Doesn’t that make you feel safer? If it’s a good thing or not, this is not our area of expertise, so we let that in … This strong federalism underpins Switzerland’s direct democracy. (Dimitri).