Flights to Switzerland

Getting around

Swiss trains run like clockwork and connect with buses, boats and mountain railways, so you rarely need a car. The Swiss Travel Pass covers most of the network, including many lake cruises and museums. Scenic routes such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express cross the Alps, and cog railways climb to viewpoints like the Jungfraujoch. If you drive, a motorway vignette is required.

History

The Swiss Confederation traces its origins to an alliance of three alpine cantons in 1291. The country's neutrality was recognised internationally in 1815, and Geneva became home to the Red Cross in 1863 and later to many UN agencies. Switzerland has four national languages, German, French, Italian and Romansh, and a tradition of direct democracy through regular referendums.

Mountains, lakes and resorts

Zermatt sits below the Matterhorn and is closed to petrol cars, while Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren look up at the Eiger in the Bernese Oberland. Lucerne has a covered wooden bridge and lake steamers, and Interlaken lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Verbier, St Moritz and Davos draw skiers in winter, and lakeside Lugano has an Italian feel in the south.

Entry, money and time

Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so British visitors don't need a visa for short stays but will be registered on the Entry/Exit System. The Swiss franc is the currency, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Traffic drives on the right. Switzerland is one hour ahead of the UK all year. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance, including cover for winter sports, before you go.

When to go

December to April is ski season, with the high resorts holding snow longest. June to September brings hiking, lake swimming and open mountain passes, while spring and autumn are quieter and good for city breaks.

Flying out for a ski week? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll check ski carriage and transfer times.