Weather

The climate in this mountainous area is moderate. You will not be overcome by excessive heat in summer or cold in winter. Average temperatures in July/August range between 18-24 degrees C and in January/ February 2 degrees C. The alpine areas are cooler; the peaks are snow capped all year round. Great for skiing (ski resorts are however closed for the month of May). Spring, summer and autumn are pleasant and generally sunny, although it may be cold at high altitudes. The weather varies regionally with a drier climate north of the Alps and the west region receiving a relatively high amount of precipitation.

Visa, Immigration, Customs

Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your scheduled length of stay. If it is not apparent to a border official that you are only visiting Switzerland (by presenting your itinerary and/or return ticket) you might be asked to provide the address of your accommodations and your planned departure date. Regulations change periodically. Please contact the consulate office closest to you

Visa/Permit/Tourist Card:No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Single parents or other adults vacationing alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Transportation

Swiss International Airlines operate services to most destinations within the country. These services run on Swiss precision, are well organised but expensive.

Airports in Switzerland:There are 65 airports in Switzerland.

Travel by Rail:Maybe it is a generalisation, but perhaps the Swiss do have a love affair with trains. They come in all forms from double deckers, panoramic trains to the high speed variety. In some cases you can transport your car by train!! To say that the network is extensive is an understatement!! Scenic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and William Tell Express are optional (pre-booking is essential). The trains are comfortable and clean and run frequently between cities and within cities. On longer journeys you may buy refreshments from the railbar trolley. If you're planning extensive travel throughout the country, the Swisspass may be a cost effective option for you. Trolleybuses and tramways run in many of the urban areas.

Travel by Water:For relaxation, enjoyment and awesome views you may want to cruise the lakes and rivers. There are many waterways and numerous vessels, some with bars and restaurants available for your pleasure.

Travel by Road:Driving around Switzerland is safe and straightforward giving the visitor splendid views. Car hire is readily available at most destinations. Tolls are payable on certain motorways. If you're planning a drive in the mountains, check the weather and road conditions as some of the roads are closed in heavy snowfall.

You can catch a taxi just about anywhere. They are metered and it may be a good idea to agree on a fare for long journeys prior to departing. Bus services are extensive and reliable. The characteristic bright yellow buses, Postbus, will take you to almost any destination, even those more obscure locations.

What Side of the Road?:Driving is on the right side of the road.

Speed Limits:Town - 50 kph; open road - 80 kph; motorway - 120 kph

Culture & Food

Languages Spoken:German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%.
Tour guides and service professionals in tourist-oriented facilities are very likely to speak English.

Religions:Roman Catholic 46.1%, Protestant 40%, other 5%, none 8.9%

People and Culture:It is said that diversity is the 'culture' of Switzerland. Portions of the population are German, French, Italian and Romancsh speaking, adding to the eccentricity and uniqueness of the folk in this part of the world. Each linguistic region adds their own flavour, giving the different cities their distinguishing ambience. Entertainment comes in the form of a cosy fondue or elaborate festivals. Some of the larger festivities include the Montreux Jazz Festival, Zurich's Street Parade, Lucerne International Festival and the Locarno International Film Festival. Traditionally a sport of the farmers, Swiss wrestling (Schwingen) has grown in popularity. The apparel is still indicative of the farmer’s clothes. You may want to experience Heidiland, where you can bring the fictional characters of Heidi and Peter alive in the alpine. Over a century old, these characters have been exported worldwide, a literary heritage. As far as legends go, William Tell is by far the national hero. The age old castles and architecture promises a cultural experience, giving you insight into the history of this nation. Castle tours are available through certain operators.
A resident or national of Switzerland is called "Swiss". The Term used to describe things from here is "Swiss". For example, "Swiss food".

Tipping and Bargaining: Tipping is expected. Most prices for merchandise are non-negotiable.

Restaurants:	Round up
*Porters:	0.75 -1 Euro per bag
Taxi:	Round Up

* Try to use local currency. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and will be useless to the person receiving them. Foreign paper money requires a trip to the bank for exchange. However paper US dollars are accepted almost universally.

Food:The home of Emmantaler, Gruyere and many other delectable cheeses. Fondues and fine wines, chocolates and cakes make this destination a feeding frenzy. This is not the place to be watching those calories, so let your guard down and treat yourself to their rich, tasty delights. Visits to cheese dairies and chocolate factories are a great way to sample the offerings. For those who are more health conscious, try the 'original' muesli and fine bottled water. There are innumerable restaurants and cafes throughout the country serving international cuisines with elaborate settings, .....Mmmm, I think I hear my stomach grumbling!!!

Money Conversion

Switzerland's currency is called the Swiss Franc (CHF)

Currency Converter :use the following currency converter tool to help you with your vacation. Currency Convertor Tool

Currency Cheat Sheet: use the following currency cheat sheet as a quick conversion reference on your vacation.Currency Cheat Sheet

Attractions

Destination Cities: As far back as 1779, and perhaps prior to that, visitors have written raving reviews of the majestic Old Town in Berne, the capital city of Switzerland. The origins of this medieval city, on the River Aare, date back to the early 1100's. Many of the impressive, ornate buildings are made of local sandstone. Some of the landmarks include The Zytglogge (Clock Tower - 1218), the Parliamentary Building, The Berne Cathedral (1421), The Prison Tower (1256), Kafig Tower, Christoffel Tower and the Nydegg Fortress. The timeworn streets and squares, sandstone architecture with shutters and chimneys of all sizes, attest to the bygone era which has created the medieval atmosphere making Berne a world cultural heritage site. Many streets are bedecked with fountains, statues and the like, making for interesting walks and lots of exploration. There are museums covering a variety of topics such as art museums, history and natural history museums, a rifle museum and the Swiss Alpine Museum. If you are in need of sorting out your grey matter, you may find inspiration at the Museum of Psychology or Einstein House!! For a breath of fresh air, visit the Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, the zoo or the Gurten. The Gurten atop a green hill allows for views of the city and has a playground for children, a miniature railway and great picnic spots. Dozens of bakeries selling fresh pastries, cafes and restaurants can be found in Berne as well as casinos, discos, nightclubs, cabarets and live music venues. So much to see - so little time!! Your cultural and humanitarian stop is definitely Geneva. It is the headquarters for the United Nations (tours through the impressive buildings are available) and home to the International Red Cross and Crescent Museum. A visit to this museum is an eye opener to the realities of war and the unnecessary disaster we sometimes inflict upon ourselves and others. On a lighter note, you may cruise Lake of Geneva, visit the old town, stroll the promenade, play golf or take a carriage ride around the town. If you visit the Cemetery of Plainpalais, you will find the gravestones and tombs of prominent figures such as Calvin, General Dufour and others. Shop for your typical Swiss souvenirs, where you are sure to find an authentic Swiss Army Knife (although you won't be able to take it on a plane with you), Toblerone and some decent timepieces. A trip into the countryside will find you meeting local wine growers and tasting their wares. The landscapes in this region are overrun with ancient churches, chapels, cathedrals and Roman ruins making you visit unforgettable! Zurich also has an Old Town with a pedestrian zone, various novel museums (The Coffee Museum and Toy museum to name a couple), speciality shops (for jewellery and watches), beautiful Lake Zurich, castles and an authentic wooden bridge. For the night owl there is a Concert Hall, an Opera House, nightclubs, restaurants and bars. The nightlife is vibrant! For daytime relaxation there is a children's zoo (for viewing animals, not children), a public swimming pool (for warm summer days preferably) and the nearby Rhine Waterfall (the biggest in Europe). For Italian flair, visit the city of Locarno. With its Mediterranean climate, subtropical vegetation, churches and cultural richness it is a great holiday destination. Open air concerts, beach parties and lake cruises make Locarno a great hang out.

Points of Interest:Avid sportsmen and women may wish to visit the Olympic Museum at Lausanne. Zermatt has a great ski resort with snow parks, many ski runs, sled trails, dog sled rides, snow tubing, heliskiing and snow-shoe walking tours. During the summer months there are hiking, biking and high altitude tours. There are over 20 peaks waiting for you and dazzling Glacier Palace. Situated 15m below the surface of the glacier, it is the biggest ice grotto of its kind. Enjoy this winter wonderland in style with classical symphonies transporting you to another world and far away from the daily humdrum.....