Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland offers a blend of snow-capped Alps, serene lakes, and refined cities, creating a calm yet adventurous escape. You will find efficient infrastructure, charming villages, and a focus on quality in everything from rail journeys to mountain resorts.
What to expect
Your trip might start in Zurich, a stylish lakeside city with a historic old town and thriving arts scene, then lead on to Lucerne, Interlaken, and the Jungfrau region. French-speaking Geneva and Lausanne, and Italian-influenced Lugano, each bring a distinct character, language, and landscape.
Plan your trip
Switzerland is an easy country to explore in a single journey or to combine with nearby France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. With Zurich as a key gateway, you can connect quickly by rail to major resorts and cities, making it simple to design a compact or extended European itinerary.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich Old Town

Stroll cobbled lanes, riverside promenades, and elegant boutiques in Zurich's Altstadt, framed by lake and mountain views.

Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Sail across Lake Lucerne on a nostalgic boat and admire steep peaks, historic towns, and peaceful bays.

Ride the Jungfrau railway

Take the cogwheel train up to Jungfraujoch for sweeping views over glaciers, icy peaks, and high Alpine scenery.

Discover Geneva's lakeside

Walk along Lake Geneva's promenade, see the Jet d'Eau, and wander through museums and leafy parks.

Relax in Montreux and the Riviera

Follow the flower-lined quays of Montreux, visit lakeside castles, and enjoy the soft climate of the Vaud Riviera.

Hike in the Bernese Oberland

Base yourself in Interlaken or nearby villages and follow well-marked trails through meadows, forests, and cliffs.

Visit Lugano and Ticino

Experience palm-lined lakeshores, Italian-style piazzas, and gentle mountain walks in Switzerland's sunny southern canton.

Ride scenic panoramic trains

Board famous panoramic trains to watch valleys, viaducts, and mountain passes glide past vast glass windows.

Experience Switzerland's way of life

Getting around
Switzerland's rail network is one of the most efficient ways to see the country, with frequent trains linking Zurich to major cities and mountain gateways. Integrated timetables connect trains, boats, and local buses, so you can rely less on driving and still reach remote valleys.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Switzerland balances precision and relaxation, with punctual public transport and a strong café culture in city centres and lakeside promenades. You will notice regional languages, architecture, and customs shift as you move from German-speaking Zurich to French-, Italian-, and Romansh-speaking regions.
Where to unwind
You can slow down at lakeside parks, thermal baths, and mountain spas that overlook wide valleys and distant peaks. Seasonal activities range from gentle lakeside walks and boat trips in summer to cosy evenings in alpine lodges after a day outdoors in winter.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties
Switzerland is known for rich cheeses, smooth chocolate, and hearty mountain comfort food, each region adding its own twist. You might find traditional favourites in alpine chalets, lakeside towns, and city brasseries that highlight local ingredients.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Zurich, you can dine at relaxed bistros, riverside cafés, and neighbourhood spots that serve both local and international flavours. Other cities such as Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne offer stylish brasseries, wine bars, and casual eateries that reflect their international outlook.
Signature & scenic dining
For something special, seek restaurants that overlook lakes, vineyards, and high mountain ridges across the country. Many hotels and panorama restaurants pair views with carefully crafted menus, turning each meal into a memorable part of your journey.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Zurich, elegant shopping streets and modern malls offer international labels alongside Swiss design and watch boutiques. Larger cities also host compact lifestyle centres where you can combine shopping with cafés, galleries, and cultural stops.
Markets & local crafts
Across Switzerland, weekly markets in cities such as Zurich, Bern, and Lausanne showcase seasonal produce, flowers, and local crafts. Mountain regions and lake towns often feature small artisan shops selling handmade textiles, wooden toys, and regional specialties to take home.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, shopping streets stay lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and inviting window displays. Around key railway stations and central districts, you will find late-opening stores that fit easily into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Peak season: June to August brings warm days around 18–28°C (64–82°F) in the lowlands, ideal for hiking, lake trips, and outdoor festivals, while higher altitudes stay pleasantly cool.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October see milder days around 10–20°C (50–68°F), fewer crowds, and colourful spring or autumn landscapes across cities and mountains.
Low season: November to March is colder at around -2–8°C (28–46°F) in many areas, with snow in the Alps creating excellent conditions for winter sports and quiet city breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions