Switzerland Travel Guide for Indian Travellers

Immortalized by one of the most amazing directors of Bollywood, Late Yash Chopra, Switzerland is thought to be an iconic destination for family trips, honeymoon, friends out, and even solo travel. The beautiful alpines, green meadows, tiny hamlets with cows grazing in huge farms, and majestic skies come together to create a dreamland out of this place. Known for some crazy hiking trails and ski resorts, one should visit Switzerland at least once in their lifetime.

As you plan a trip several questions about where to stay, how to get a visa, where to eat, where to visit, etc. pop up. Here in this Switzerland travel guide, you’ll find an answer to all your questions related to enchanting Switzerland.

1) Language and Currency

People of Switzerland usually speak in French, German, Italian, and Romansh. But not to worry as out of all the foreign languages here, English is widely spoken. Therefore, communicating won’t be a real time problem. Talking about the currency, the monetary exchanges in cash take place in Swiss franc which equals to 71.77 Indian Rupee.

2) Tourist Visa for Switzerland

The tourist visa is given for a travel period of less than 90 days. An adult visa costs INR 5000 and INR 3000 for children children between the age of 6-12. You need to submit following documents in the same order that they are mentioned below-

• Valid national passport with at least two blank pages and 3 months validity after the scheduled return
• 2 passport size pictures with white background and not more than 6 months old
• Visa application form signed twice by the applicant. You can download the application here
• Previous passport/s if any bound together with a rubber band and not stapler pins
• Personal covering letter with your travel plan. If you are filling it for your friends or family then copy of the letter has to be attached to each visa
• Introduction letter which includes a NOC, purpose of trip, signature or HR. It has to be on a letterhead of the company you work in
• Travel Insurance covering your entire stay period
• Flight reservation
• Confirmation of hotel stay in Switzerland
• Proof of Financial status

3) Best Time to Visit Switzerland

The land of picturesque mountains, postcards worthy villages, yum cheese, and sheer peace can be visited any time all around the year. It depends on your choice of experiences which decides the month you land here. Each season brings a new color to this country making it all the more beautiful and magnificent. To lead you further with the best time to visit here is seasonal segregation which will clear your doubts if any.

• April to June – Say Hello to Spring!

With flowers blooming and trees growing greener, this season marks an end to the icy cold winters in Switzerland. The average temperature varies between 16 to 23 degrees Celsius. Cable rides at this hour offer some heartwarming views of the valley. It is a great time to hike up to the trails as the snow gets cleared up uncovering the enchanting beauty of the place. Also the accommodations are comparatively cheaper hence it’s a win win!

• July to August- Welcome Summers!

This is the season when the tourist inflow is higher than any other seasons. The warmth of Switzerland during the sunny months is altogether different. With the sun shining above, the country sparkles like a diamond. Favourable for adventure activities like paragliding, biking, trekking, etc., summers call for fun and unforgettable memories. The temperature during these months rises up to 27 degrees. Unfortunately, the accommodations become costlier as July marks the beginning of the peak season.

• September to October- Autumn is already here

It’s the time when Switzerland experiences the fall. Mildly chilly, this is a stunning time to visit the country. With each day getting shorter the fall colour starts taking over the mountains. Also if you are a big-time fan of wines you are visiting Switzerland at the perfect time. September and October are the two months when you can get your hands on the best wines here. Another good news is that the cost of accommodations gets cheaper hence saving you from a burnt pocket. Lastly, the temperature varies between 14 – 24 degree Celsius.

• November to March- Freeze!

Skiing on the gigantic snow-capped mountains of Switzerland is a dream many of us would have seen. Make it true by paying a visit when winter waves hit the nation. Not forgetting about the winter markets, they’ll leave you spellbound by their beauty. Also, the prices of accommodations in areas other than slopes see a drop, therefore becoming affordable. Switzerland experiences a drop in temperature during these months.

4) Airport Guide- Zurich Airport

Also known as Kloten Airport, Zurich Airport is the largest International Airport in the country. It is also the principal hub of Swiss Airlines. The airport successfully serves connectivity to other parts of Switzerland too. You can check various mode of transportation below and choose as per your convenience.

a) Train

The Zurich Airport Railway Station finds itself underneath the Airport Centre itself. This station provides frequent rail or Zürich S-Bahn (railway network), InterCity, InterRegio and Eurocity services to several places like Geneva, Lucerne, Romanshron, Basel, Brig, Bienne, Bern, Lausanne, Konstanz, Winterthur and St.Gallen. Every hour a total number of 13 trains run to Zurich Hauptbahnhof from where one could take another train to reach most of the places in Switzerland.

b) Tram and Bus

The light rail system of the trams network and bus services provide proper connectivity in the entire Glattal region around the airport. Stadtbahn Glattal, the light rail airport stop is served by routes 10 and 12. Though the tram route 10 links to the Zurich Hauptbahnhof, it takes an hour longer than the railways to reach here through it.

c) Road

Taxis are always a savior when you are new to some place. The comfort of travelling in a cab is umatched. You are relaxed, your luggage is safe, and ofcourse no tensions about which way to chosse as hello! now you have someone who’ll drive you to your destination easily. There is a cab hire centre outside the airport hence you are sorted.

5) Where to Stay in Switzerland

Accommodations in Switzerland aren’t that cheap rather demands a good amount. But we have curated a few hotels where you can choose to stay while here.

a) Budget Hotels in the main areas of Switzerland

In Zurich

• easyHotel Zürich 
• Hotel Gregory 
• California House Hotel
• IbIs Zurich City West

In Geneva

• HotelF1 Genève Airport Ferney Voltaire
• Hôtel ibis Genève Centre Gare
• City Hostel Geneva

In Basel

• Basel Backpack – Urban Hostel Culture
• Jugendherberge Basel
• easyHotel Basel
• Hotel ibis budget Basel City

In Lucerne

• ibis budget Luzern City
• Lion Lodge Luzern AG

b) Luxury Hotels

• Grand Hotel National Luzern
• Seehotel Pilatus
• Waldhotel Doldenhorn
• The Chedi Andermatt
• Hotel Eiger
• The River House Boutique Hotel

6) 8 Top Things to do i Switzerland

a) Paddle Boarding in Lake Geneva

While everyone comes here for peace you could experience thrill by hopping onto a stand up paddle board. All you have to do is to stand on a board and use paddle to maintain your balance in the waters. Being a new comer you might fall in the beginning but with each fall you’ll have a new experience to cherish.

Where: Tropical Geneva, Centre Nautique de Genève-Plage, Geneva
Best Time: May to September.
Cost: Between INR 1,400 to INR 4,500 per person and depending upon the type of your one takes

b) Explore the Chillon Castle

Words won’t be enough to describe the mesmerizing beauty of this water castle. The humungous castle houses 3 courtyards and 25 buildings. Every year more than 3,50,000 people visit this place. Make sure you are one of them by witnessing the royalty of Chillon Castle. Situated atop Lake Geneva with mountains in the backdrop the castle seems to be coming straight out of a fairytale.

c) Get your taste buds some Local Wine

Visiting Switzerland and not quenching your thirst with the local wine is just like being in Paris and not listing the Eiffel Tower in your to do list. Test the freshly prepared wine in the vineyards and make your trip to Switzerland an ultimate success.

d) A ride to the Rhine Falls

Schaffhausen’s topmost tourist attraction, Rhine Falls offer a heart-pumping view to your eyes. The closer you get more mesmerizing it becomes. You can either take a boat to the falls or sit on the platform to witness the enchanting beauty of the falls.

e) Measure the heights of Matterhorn

An ideal activity to do both with your loving partner or family, a cable car ride to
Matterhorn is a must. Its time for you to wrap the mind-boggling views from above in your memories forever. After you reach the top, enjoy the peaceful a tmosphere. You can also ski to the car-free village which is also the longest ski trail in the Europe.

Where: Zermatt

Timing: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Cost: Ranges between INR 700- INR 4500 depending on the tour of your choice

f) How can you forget the Swiss Chocolates?

No matter how old you grow if you have tasted Swiss chocolates once in your lifetime, you’ll remember its taste throughout! Yes they are too heavenly tasting to be forgotten. What better place than Switzerland could be to try your taste buds upon some? There is no way that you aren’t taking them along to your country.

4 Best places to find Swiss Chocolates:

a) Rhône Chocolatier
Address: Place de Longemalle 4, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Contact number: +41 223115614
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-7:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Remains closed on Sunday

b) Max Chocolatier
Address: Schweizerhofquai 2, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland
Contact number: +41 414187090
Operating Hours: Monday 1:00 PM-6:00 PM
Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-6:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Remains closed on Sunday

c) Funky Chocolate Club Switzerland
Address: Jungfraustrasse 35, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Contact number: +41 776063548
Operating Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-6:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Remains closed on Monday and Tuesday

d) Confiserie Sprüngli Address: Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Contact number: +41 442244646
Operating Hours: Monday-Tuesday 7:00 AM-6:30 PM Saturday 8:30 AM-6:30 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM-5:30 PM 

g) Catching the train to the highest railway station of Europe

Admire the beauty of Swiss Alps by taking a train to Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland. This train journey to the highest railway station in Europe lets you witness the splendour of
Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch mountains. Keep your cameras and phones all charged so that you do not miss on capturing the amazing views on your way up to Jungfraujoch.

h) Swiss National Park

The unspoiled scenery of Schweizerischer National Park is a flashback to how the Alps was when tourism didn’t reach its boundaries. The snow-clad glaciers, prolific pastures, waterfalls and woodlands all look so dreamy and pure. You can choose to make your way through any of the 21 trails in the park and be an audience to the spectacular flora. If you are lucky enough you can have glimpses of chamois, rare golden eagle, marmots and ibexes.

7) Where to find Indian Food in Switzerland

Being an Indian it is difficult for our taste buds to survive across the borders. We are so used to having our Indian cuisine that whenever we visit abroad our mind automatically searches for Restaurants serving Indian delicacies. And for your Switzerland cravings, we are here to rescue your crying tummy with eight superb Indian food outlets. Continue reading and thank us later!

• Taj Palace
  Address: Rosenstrasse 7, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 12:00 PM-10:30 AM
  Must have: Chana Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, Dal Makhni
• Little India Street Kitchen
  Address: Rue de Lausanne 29, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 12:00 PM-2:00 PM, 6:30 PM-11:00 PM
  Saturday 6:30 PM-11:00 PM
  Remains closed on Sunday
  Must have: Papdi Chaat, Masala Chai, Dal Makhni, Dal Tadhka, Chicken Biryani
• Kanchi Indian Cuisine
  Address: Zürichstrasse 4, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, 5:00 PM-11:00 PM
  Must have: Bhelpuri, Dosas, Panner Butter Masala, Vegetarian Thali, Chicken Tikka
• Namaste India
  Address: Meinrad-Lienert-Strasse 27, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 AM-2:00 PM, 5:30 PM:10:00 PM
  Saturday-Sunday 5:30 PM-10:00 PM
  Must have: Vegetarian Thali, Chicken Biryani, Murg Makhni, Samosa, Onion Pakora, Okhra masala
• GourmIndia
  Address: Baselstrasse 31, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday-Friday 11:45 AM-2:00 PM, 5:30 PM-10:00 PM
  Saturday-Sunday 5:30 PM-10:00 PM
  Must have: Paneer Tikka Salad, Drums of Heaven, Amritsari Fish and Chips, Paneer Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, Lamb Shahi Korma
• Shanthi
  Address: Hauptstrasse 53, 3800 Unterseen, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM
  Sunday 2:00 PM-10:00 PM
  Remains closed on Monday
  Must have: Dosa, Vada, Lassi, Vegetarian Thali, Lassi
• Golden India
  Address: Dorfstrasse 193, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday-Tuesday 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
  Wednesday-Sunday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
  Must have: Chicken Tandoori, Dal Makhani
• India Street Food
  Address: Langstrasse 213, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
  Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM-11:30 PM
  Must have: Samosa, Vada, Kottu Parota, Veg Curry

8) Where to shop in Switzerland

Most of you will agree if I tell you that shopping is therapy. You are happy? Shop! You are sad? Shop! Do you want to celebrate? Shop! Shopping is a treat that you give to yourself. The dreamlike holiday destination offers a mesmeric retailing experience. Keep an extra space in your luggage back as you’ll be having some extra stuff to take back.

a) Zurich

Zurich, the largest Swiss city has some great opportunities for shopaholics. When I talk about shopping in Zurich, the place won’t upset you with the amazing stuff it has to offer. From best of clothing to memorable souvenirs, it has them all. Here are the top 5 places where you can quench your shopping thirst.

1) Zurich 5th Avenue / Bahnhofstrasse
This indeed is a holy grail for people who are crazy for fancy luxury shopping. Right from the high-end brands like Trois Pommes and Grieder to local Swiss stores like Globus and Manor the avenue serves the needs of all. To add more, it is known as the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping avenues. Placed in the downtown street its location is ideal for attracting many. 
What to buy? 
perfumes, accessories and clothes

2) Seefeld
Considered one of the hotshot places to shop in Zurich, Seefeld is more of a personalized stuff market. The street speaks fashion in its best form. 
What to buy?
Personalized laptop covers, fashion apparels, decorative items, accessories

 3) Kreis District 4&5
Head over designer labels? You’ve hit the right spot! At this locale, you’ll find the most spectacular showrooms of changemakers, little black dress, etc. 
What to buy? 
Accessories and Apparels  

4) Street Shopping / Weekly markets

Broke? Want the best things at the least prices? Want to look fashionable in a budget? Say hello to the weekly markets in Zurich. You’ll get anything and everything at the most affordable prices. Bürkliplatz Flea Market, a weekly market tests your bargain skills. If you are good at it then it’s a win-win! In fact, there is a month-long market i.e. Rosenhof Market, preloved for antiques and jewellery. 
What to buy?
Clothes, toys, decorative items, sometimes makeup too

5) Niederdorf

The old town of Zurich, cobblestone pavements, local heritage, ancient buildings, and beautiful fountains, imagine how amazing would it be to shop with such surroundings? This setting takes you to the erstwhile era as you shop from the stores loctaed on the street. Not only will the shops here attract you but also the eateries will make you fall in love with the tasty food they offer.
What to buy? 
Souvenirs, Accessories

b) Luzerne/Lucerne

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Luzerne gives you a breath of fresh air. Its architectural squares are great holders of a shopaholic’s heart. Strolling down the lanes and picking up what you like hasn’t got this interesting ever. To save you from any wastage of time I am listing a few mandatory places where your pockets must be put into use.

1) Farmers Market 
A small street next to the lake, having plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars hosts weekly markets every Tuesday and Saturday.  This market opens until afternoon. Homemade fresh cheese, farm fresh veggies, homemade marmalade and wines are a few things this market has to offer to its buyers. Not to forget there is even a fish market organized on Fridays every week.  

2) Casagrande Gift Shop
Best for collecting souvenirs and gifts, this airy shop is easily identifiable. All thanks to its wonderful exterior design. From a cowbell to a postcard you’ll find almost everything you want. Also a fan of light jewellry? This place is full of trinkets of all sizes and shapes.

3) H47
Located in the heart of the Luzerne city this place provides a large variety of apparels accessories, gift items and many more. Once you are here you won’t be leaving empty handed. This place has an aura that’ll struck you hard and hence you’ll shop and shop!

Address: Eisengasse 14, Lucerne 6004, Switzerland
Operation Timings:10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Monday-Saturday, closed on Sundays. 

c) Interlaken

One of the most visited cities in Switzerland, Interlaken is an idyllic setting for shopping. From malls to streets there are several spots where you can shop your heart out. A few places where you can try your hands at are-

1) Höheweg 
This long boulevard is the best place to visit for a shopping extravaganza. Located near the west of Interlaken’s station, hop on the marketplace for some great wooden carved craftwork, children’s toys, cuckoo clocks, cowbells, etc. The locals here take pride in their workmanship and this could be seen in their beautifully designed watches and heavenly homemade swiss chocolates.

2) Swiss Mountain Market 
Straight from the farmer’s farm, this market is best for purchasing fresh fruits, cheese and vegetables. If you are someone who loves to cook while travelling you know where to head for the best grocery shopping. You can take part in alpine cheese making at the Swiss Mountain Market. This market isn’t limited to only eatables but also handicrafts. 
Address- Höheweg 133, 3800 Interlaken

3) Heimatwerk Interlaken
It’s quite a decent place to buy Souvenirs from. Designed local artisans, everything here is full of affection. Call it a lovely place for you to spend some of your earnings. Works of arts, sculptures, hangings, and some other decor items are a few things housed under its roof.
Address- Höheweg 115, 3800 Interlaken

4) Kirchhofer – Watch & Trend Shop  
A fan of watches? You’ve found the right place! With Swiss watch brands including Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Tissot, Montblanc, Titoni, Mido and many more, this place is perfect for watch lovers. The quality and price offered are so good that you won’t regret spending a single penny here.
Address- Höheweg 27-29, 3800 Interlaken

9) Transportation in Switzerland

One of the most efficient and safe transportation systems, Switzerland public transport is very convenient. One can travel via train, local buses and taxis. The train and bus networks cover almost all parts of the country. With extensive cycling routes, you can even cycle out your own way.

a) Swiss Train Travel
Swiss Federal Railways also known as CFF in French, SBB in German, and FFS in Italian offers a smooth journey throughout the country. You get different types of Swiss Pass according to your needs. There are Half-fare Pass, the Ga Pass or the General Abonement Pass, Day pass, Multiple Trip cards and Track 7.

b) Taxis in Switzerland
You would agree if I say taxis are the most comfortable mode of transport ever. But sadly taxis in Switzerland are quite expensive and if you are on a budget then taxis are a no no. Instead you can opt for cheaper options like public transport or cycle.

c) Buses and Trams
Not all buses except the yellow buses give you a facility to buy tickets on board. Instead you need to pre book your ticket as the fines are steep.

To conclude Switzerland is the most beautiful countries you would ever visit. This fairyland has got some gorgeous vibes. Its difficult to cut out of the spell it casts on you! Also, I hope this guide serves your purpose. Mention your queries below in case you have any. Hope you have a wonderful trip using our Switzerland travel guide.