Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland blends Alpine peaks, serene lakes, and meticulous cities into one compact country. You will find a balance of outdoor adventure, peaceful scenery, and refined urban life.

What to expect
Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer culture, art, and design, while mountain resorts such as Zermatt and St. Moritz focus on skiing and hiking. Scenic rail routes, lakeside promenades, and well-marked trails make it easy to enjoy the landscapes.

Plan your trip
Switzerland works well as a standalone holiday or a base for exploring neighbouring France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. With efficient connections and clear signage, you can move between regions comfortably and make the most of a multi-stop European journey.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich Old Town

Wander cobbled lanes, riverside promenades, and galleries in Zurich, combining lake views with a compact historic centre.

Ride the Glacier Express

Take a panoramic train between Zermatt and St. Moritz for sweeping views of valleys, viaducts, and mountain passes.

Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Board a lake steamer for calm waters, mountain backdrops, and easy access to nearby viewpoints and villages.

Visit the Jungfraujoch

Travel by cogwheel railway to one of Europe’s highest rail stations, with ice tunnels and far-reaching Alpine views.

Stroll around Geneva’s lakeshore

Walk along Geneva’s waterfront to see the Jet d’Eau, parks, and cafés facing the Alps and Jura mountains.

Discover Lucerne’s mediaeval bridges

See the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, then explore Lucerne’s compact centre, museums, and lakeside walks.

Ski or hike in Zermatt

Base yourself in car-free Zermatt for access to trails and slopes with memorable views of the Matterhorn.

Tour the Rhine Falls near Zurich

Make a day trip to Europe’s largest plain waterfall and view it from platforms or a short boat ride.

Experience Switzerland’s way of life

Getting around
Switzerland’s rail network links major cities and mountain resorts with frequent, punctual services. Buses, boats, and cable cars extend your reach to lakeside villages and high-altitude viewpoints.

Local life & culture
You will notice distinct German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences in language, architecture, and festivals. Cities maintain a calm, orderly pace, balanced by an active outdoor culture in every season.

Where to unwind
Lakeside promenades, clean city parks, and mountain spas offer quiet spaces to relax. Thermal baths, forest trails, and car-free resorts give you many options to slow your pace between sightseeing days.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties
Fondue, raclette, and rösti are classic comfort dishes, especially in Alpine and German-speaking regions. You will also find distinctive Swiss chocolates and cheeses from valleys across the country.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer everything from simple cafés to modern bistros and brasseries. Smaller towns blend local taverns with contemporary restaurants influenced by neighbouring European cuisines.

Signature & scenic dining
Many mountain restaurants pair views with carefully prepared regional menus. Lakeside terraces and hilltop venues near cities give you leisurely meals with wide panoramas of water and peaks.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Zurich and Geneva feature central shopping streets and modern malls with fashion, watches, and lifestyle brands. Department stores group international labels with well-presented Swiss products.

Markets & local crafts
Old-town markets in Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern showcase seasonal produce, flowers, and handmade goods. Mountain regions sell local textiles, woodwork, and artisan food items in small boutiques.

Evening retail scene
Major cities keep core shopping streets and waterfront promenades lively into the evening. Well-lit windows, late-opening stores on select days, and cafés create a relaxed night-time atmosphere.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Winter peak season (December to March, peak season): Expect snow in the mountains, with average temperatures from -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) in many regions, ideal for skiing and winter scenery.

Spring and autumn shoulder season (April to June, September to October, shoulder season): Temperatures usually range from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), with milder conditions in cities and changeable weather in the Alps.

Summer low season in cities (July to August, low season): Cities can feel quieter as many people head to the mountains, with typical temperatures from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), while higher altitudes remain pleasantly cool.

Frequently Asked Questions