Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland offers dramatic Alpine peaks, serene lakes, and charming cities that feel both historic and modern. You can move from peaceful mountain villages to stylish urban waterfronts in a single trip.

What to expect
You will find banking and business hubs in Zurich and Geneva, lakeside promenades in Lucerne and Lugano, and easy access to ski resorts such as Zermatt and St. Moritz. Scenic rail journeys link these regions with views of glaciers, valleys, and vineyards.

Plan your trip
You can combine city stays with days in the mountains, choosing from well-marked hiking trails, winter sports, and lake cruises. Switzerland also works well as a base for exploring neighbouring France, Italy, Germany, and Austria, with efficient cross-border rail and road links.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurichs old town

Stroll cobbled streets, riverside promenades, and boutique-lined alleys in Zurichs historic Altstadt, framed by church spires and the Limmat River.

Ride a panoramic alpine train

Board one of Switzerlands famous panoramic trains for sweeping views of mountain passes, deep valleys, and mirror-like lakes.

Cruise on Lake Zurich

Take a leisurely boat trip on Lake Zurich to see hillside vineyards, forested shores, and the city skyline from the water.

Visit Jungfraujoch Top of Europe

Travel by cogwheel railway to Jungfraujoch for views of glaciers and surrounding peaks from a high-altitude plateau.

Discover Lucernes lake and landmarks

Walk across the Chapel Bridge, explore the medieval streets of Lucerne, then head onto the lake for a short cruise.

Experience Swiss mountain villages

Spend time in car-free or small villages where wooden chalets, mountain pastures, and quiet trails sit beneath towering peaks.

Enjoy winter sports in the Alps

Choose from well-groomed ski runs, snowshoe trails, and sledging slopes in Switzerlands established alpine resorts.

Tour Swiss museums and galleries

Browse art, design, and history collections in cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, many housed in striking modern spaces.

Experience Switzerlands way of life

Getting around
Switzerland is easy to navigate thanks to its integrated rail, bus, and boat network, linking Zurich with lakeside towns and alpine resorts. You can use regular trains or scenic routes, with trams and local buses helping you move quickly within cities.

Local life & culture
Life in Swiss cities mixes a focus on precision and order with relaxed time by the water, in parks, and on café terraces. You will notice different languages and traditions as you move between the German-, French-, and Italian-speaking regions.

Where to unwind
You can slow your pace in lakeside parks, forest trails, and mountain viewpoints reached by cable cars or funiculars. Many resort towns offer spas, thermal pools, and quiet promenades where you can rest after days of exploration.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties
You can try hearty mountain favourites such as melted cheese dishes and crisp potato rösti, often enjoyed in traditional taverns. Regions like the Valais and the Bernese Oberland are known for rustic plates and alpine comfort food.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, you will find bistros, brasseries, and contemporary restaurants serving both Swiss and international flavours. Neighbourhood cafés and waterfront spots make it easy to enjoy relaxed meals between sightseeing.

Signature & scenic dining
You can book meals in restaurants with lake or river views, or dine in venues high in the mountains reached by cable car or train. Some panoramic trains and boats also offer onboard dining, turning the journey itself into a memorable meal.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Zurich, you will find shopping streets and malls offering international labels, Swiss brands, and lifestyle stores in converted industrial spaces. Larger cities often combine covered centres with open-air high streets for easy browsing.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and artisan shops showcase items such as textiles, woodcrafts, and regional treats in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where local producers sell seasonal goods.

Evening retail scene
In major cities, many central streets and department stores stay open into the evening, with illuminated window displays adding atmosphere. You can pair late shopping with riverside walks or a drink in a nearby café or bar.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Peak season: June to August brings warm summer days in the lowlands, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F), ideal for hiking, lake activities, and city visits.

Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder weather from 10–18°C (50–64°F), quieter sights, and colourful spring or autumn landscapes.

Low season: November to March is cooler, from about -2–7°C (28–45°F) in many regions, with snow in the mountains creating prime conditions for winter sports.

Frequently Asked Questions