Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland offers dramatic alpine scenery, peaceful lakes, and compact cities rich in culture and design. You can move easily from mountain villages to cosmopolitan hubs in a single trip.

What to expect
Zurich combines a historic old town, a pristine lakefront, and a thriving arts and design scene. From here, efficient trains link you to Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Geneva, and the wider Alpine region.

Plan your trip
You can use Switzerland as a base for exploring central Europe thanks to its excellent rail and road connections. Arriving in Zurich places you close to ski resorts, hiking trails, and neighbouring countries such as Germany, France, and Italy.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich Old Town

Wander cobbled lanes, riverside promenades, and elegant boutiques in Zurich's historic centre along the Limmat River.

Cruise on Lake Zurich

Take a relaxing boat trip for clear views of the city skyline, rolling hills, and distant snow-capped peaks.

Ride mountain railways

Travel on classic cogwheel trains or cable cars from hubs like Lucerne and Interlaken to panoramic Alpine viewpoints.

Discover Swiss art and design

Visit leading museums, galleries, and design spaces in cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Geneva.

Experience Swiss rail journeys

Board scenic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express for sweeping views of valleys, viaducts, and glaciers.

Walk and hike in the Alps

Follow well-marked trails around regions such as Zermatt, Jungfrau, and Engadine for fresh air and mountain vistas.

Visit lakeside towns

Stroll through lakeside promenades in Lucerne, Montreux, and Lugano, blending Alpine and Mediterranean moods.

Tour historic castles and fortresses

Explore lakeside and hilltop castles that showcase Switzerland's medieval history and strategic past.

Experience Switzerland's way of life

Getting around
Switzerland's integrated rail, tram, and bus network makes it easy to travel from Zurich to major regions and mountain resorts. Scenic trains link hubs such as Lucerne, Interlaken, and Chur with smooth transfers and regular departures.

Local life & culture
Daily life is shaped by a blend of German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences, reflected in languages, festivals, and architecture. You will notice a calm, orderly rhythm, with a strong focus on precision, craftsmanship, and time spent outdoors.

Where to unwind
You can relax at lakeside promenades, Alpine spa towns, and quiet mountain villages reached by train or cable car. In every season, walking paths, forest trails, and viewpoints invite you to slow down and take in the scenery.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties
Switzerland is known for rich mountain cooking, including melted-cheese dishes and hearty potato-based recipes. Different regions add their own touch, from Alpine comfort food to lighter lake and valley specialities.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, you will find relaxed bistros, neighbourhood cafés, and contemporary restaurants. Menus often mix Swiss classics with Mediterranean, Asian, and global flavours, reflecting the country's international outlook.

Signature & scenic dining
You can enjoy meals in hillside lodges, lakeside terraces, and mountain restaurants with sweeping views. Many destinations pair refined cuisine with panoramas of peaks, historic old towns, or tranquil waterfronts for memorable evenings.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer modern shopping centres and department stores. Here you can browse international brands, Swiss designers, and lifestyle shops under one roof, often close to main stations.

Markets & local crafts
Across Switzerland you will find markets selling regional produce, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Cities like Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne are known for seasonal markets where you can discover local makers and small producers.

Evening retail scene
In larger cities, central shopping streets stay lively into the evening with illuminated façades and window displays. Around the old towns and lakefronts, smaller boutiques, cafés, and galleries create a relaxed atmosphere for an after-dinner stroll.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Peak season: June to August, with warm days around 18–28°C (64–82°F) in the lowlands, ideal for hiking, lake activities, and city sightseeing.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with mild temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and fewer crowds in most regions.
Low season: November to March, with colder conditions from -2–8°C (28–46°F) in many areas, snow in the mountains, and prime conditions for winter sports.

Frequently Asked Questions