Flights from New Zealand to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?

Switzerland offers dramatic Alpine landscapes, serene lakes, and compact cities rich in art, design, and history. You can explore mountain villages, grand rail journeys, and peaceful countryside in one trip.

What to expect

Expect well-organised cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, set against snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. You will find efficient public transport, multilingual culture, and easy access to both outdoor adventure and urban experiences.

Plan your trip

Use Zurich as your main gateway, then connect by train to Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and beyond. Switzerland sits at the centre of Europe, making it easy to add neighbouring France, Italy, Germany, or Austria to your itinerary.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich Old Town

Wander cobbled lanes along the Limmat River, discovering historic churches, hidden courtyards, and galleries in Zurich Altstadt.

Ride the Glacier Express

Take the panoramic train between Zermatt and St. Moritz for sweeping views of gorges, viaducts, and high mountain passes.

Visit the Jungfraujoch

Ride mountain railways from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch for viewing platforms, ice tunnels, and close-up Alpine peaks.

Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Board a historic paddle steamer or modern boat to glide past mountains, lakeside villages, and forested shores.

Discover Geneva and Lake Geneva

Stroll the lakeside promenade, see the Jet d Eau, and explore the city s international district and Old Town streets.

Experience car-free Zermatt

Stay in this mountain village beneath the Matterhorn, where electric shuttles and walking paths replace regular traffic.

Tour Swiss museums

Visit world-class museums such as the Kunsthaus Zurich, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and Basel s many art institutions.

Experience Switzerland s way of life

Getting around

Use the Swiss rail network for fast, reliable links between cities, lakes, and mountain resorts, often with scenic routes. Trams, buses, and boats connect easily at major stations, so you can travel almost everywhere without a car.

Local life & culture

Switzerland blends German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences, reflected in languages, festivals, and architecture. Daily life feels orderly yet relaxed, with locals enjoying time by the lakes, in mountain huts, and in neighbourhood cafes.

Where to unwind

Relax at lakeside promenades in Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, or choose spa towns and thermal baths in the Alps. Scenic hiking trails, peaceful forests, and quiet valleys give you plenty of space to slow down in nature.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties

Try cheese fondue and raclette in Alpine regions, and sample rösti, hearty mountain fare, and artisan cheeses in villages across the country. Swiss chocolate is a highlight, with traditional makers in Zurich, Bern, and beyond.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Cities such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer bistros, brasseries, and contemporary restaurants serving both Swiss and international dishes. Food markets and neighbourhood spots let you enjoy quick bites between sightseeing and train journeys.

Signature & scenic dining

Book a table in restaurants overlooking lakes and mountains, or choose panoramic dining on mountain peaks reached by cable car. Special rail journeys and lake cruises often include refined meals with ever-changing views through the windows.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne you will find department stores, shopping centres, and flagship boutiques with international brands and Swiss labels. Many are close to main stations, making it easy to combine shopping with day trips.

Markets & local crafts

Browse weekly markets in Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne for handmade crafts, regional produce, and seasonal items. Mountain towns often feature woodwork, textiles, and locally made accessories that showcase regional traditions.

Evening retail scene

Central streets in Zurich and Geneva stay lively into the evening, with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening boutiques on selected days. Around Christmas, festive markets and decorated streets create a warm atmosphere for evening strolls.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Winter (December to February, peak season) brings snow to the Alps, with typical temperatures around -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) in many regions, ideal for skiing and winter sports. Spring and autumn (March to May and September to November, shoulder season) are milder, with temperatures roughly 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), good for hiking and city breaks with fewer crowds. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm in the lowlands at about 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), while mountain areas stay cooler, making this a popular time for lakeside stays and high-altitude trails.

Frequently Asked Questions