Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Discover Switzerland

Why visit Switzerland?

Switzerland offers pristine alpine scenery, charming cities, and effortless rail journeys between lakes, mountains, and historic towns. You can enjoy both outdoor adventures and refined urban culture in one compact, welcoming country.

What to expect

From Zurich and Geneva to Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt, Switzerland combines efficient transport with well-marked trails, scenic railways, and lakeside promenades. Expect clean cities, multilingual locals, and landscapes that shift quickly from vineyards to high peaks.

Plan your trip

Use Switzerland as a base to explore the Alps and neighbouring European countries by rail or road. With reliable connections, you can easily combine several regions in one trip, from city breaks to mountain escapes.

Top experiences in Switzerland

Explore Zurich Old Town

Stroll cobbled lanes along the Limmat River, browse boutiques and galleries, then relax by Lake Zurich with mountain views in the distance.

Ride a panoramic mountain railway

Take a cogwheel train or cable car from towns such as Interlaken or Lucerne to high-altitude viewpoints with sweeping alpine vistas.

Cruise Swiss lakes

Join a leisurely boat cruise on lakes such as Lucerne, Geneva, or Thun to see villages, vineyards, and mountains from the water.

Walk alpine trails

Follow well-marked hiking paths around resorts like Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Davos, with routes for casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike.

Discover Swiss arts and museums

Visit world-class museums in Zurich, Basel, and Bern to explore modern art, design, and the country’s cultural heritage.

Winter sports in the Alps

Ski, snowboard, or try snowshoeing in resorts across the Valais, Bernese Oberland, and Graubünden regions during the snowy months.

Scenic train journeys

Travel on famous routes such as the Glacier Express or Bernina Express for unforgettable views of gorges, glaciers, and alpine villages.

Experience Switzerland’s way of life

Getting around

The Swiss rail network, buses, and boats connect cities, villages, and mountain resorts with precise timetables and easy transfers. Rail passes can simplify travel, letting you hop on frequent services across the country.

Local life & culture

Switzerland’s German-, French-, Italian-, and Romansh-speaking regions each have distinct traditions, festivals, and architecture. You will notice a strong emphasis on punctuality, craftsmanship, and respect for nature in everyday life.

Where to unwind

Relax in lakeside parks, alpine spas, and quiet mountain villages where walking paths start right from your door. Many resorts feature wellness centres with saunas, pools, and views of forests and peaks.

A taste of Switzerland

National dishes & specialties

Enjoy classics such as fondue and raclette in alpine regions, hearty rösti in German-speaking areas, and delicate pastries in cities like Zurich and Geneva, each reflecting local ingredients and traditions.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne offer bistros, cafés, and contemporary restaurants serving everything from Swiss comfort food to inventive international menus, ideal for relaxed lunches or quick dinners between activities.

Signature & scenic dining

Dine in mountain lodges with panoramic terraces, lakeside restaurants with sunset views, or elegant city venues housed in historic buildings, turning each meal into a memorable part of your journey.

Retail therapy in Switzerland

Malls & lifestyle hubs

In Zurich and other major cities, you will find modern malls and shopping districts featuring international labels, Swiss watchmakers, outdoor brands, and local designers under one roof.

Markets & local crafts

Browse weekly markets in Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne for regional products, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods, from textiles and woodwork to chocolates and preserves.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central shopping streets in cities like Zurich and Geneva stay lively, with illuminated façades, late-opening boutiques on select days, and cafés where you can pause between purchases.

Best time to visit Switzerland

Winter (December to February, peak season) brings snow to the Alps with average temperatures around -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) in many regions, ideal for winter sports. Spring and autumn (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season) are milder at about 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), with fewer crowds and colourful landscapes. Summer (June to August, peak season) offers warm days of roughly 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) in the lowlands, with cooler conditions in the mountains well-suited to hiking and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions