Switzerland Travel Tips That Actually Work
- Stefan
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
After years of living in Switzerland and exploring the Alps, lakes, cable cars, viewpoints and hidden villages, I have learned that Switzerland rewards travelers who plan smartly.
This article shares my personal Switzerland travel tips based on what actually works when traveling around the country. These are the same recommendations I give friends and family when they visit. No generic advice. No recycled lists. Just practical guidance from real experience.
1. Always check the weather and webcams before going up a mountain
Mountain weather in Switzerland can change very quickly. Even on a sunny day in the valley, clouds can completely block the view at the summit. This is especially frustrating when cable cars and mountain railways are expensive.
Before heading up, I always check live webcams. I usually search for the mountain name plus the word webcam on Google. This shows real visibility, not just forecasts.
For weather forecasts, MeteoSwiss is the most reliable source and the one locals use. It is particularly useful for cloud cover, wind and thunderstorms in the mountains.
This habit has saved me a lot of money and disappointment over the years.
2. Book accommodation directly instead of using third party platforms
In Switzerland, hotels are not required to offer their best price on Booking.com or other platforms. Because of this, booking directly often gives you better value.
My usual approach is to research hotels on Booking.com or TripAdvisor and then book directly on the hotel website.
Booking directly often includes better prices, free breakfast, room upgrades and more flexible cancellation policies. In many cases, you get a noticeably better overall experience.
3. Do not rely on Airbnb for holiday homes and apartments
Airbnb exists in Switzerland, but it is often not the best option.
Prices are usually higher because of service fees, availability is limited and additional charges for cleaning, bedding or linen are common.
Better alternatives are local platforms such as e domizil, Interhome and official tourism websites of each region. These platforms usually offer a larger selection, clearer pricing and no platform fees.
One important detail to check is whether bedding and linen are charged separately. This is still very common in Switzerland, especially in holiday apartments.
4. Always check for regional all inclusive guest cards
This is one of the biggest money saving tips in Switzerland.
Many regions offer guest cards that include free public transport, free cable cars and discounts or free entry to attractions. These cards are especially common in summer.
Examples include the Ticino Ticket, the Engadine Card and the Villars sur Ollon guest card.
During one family stay in the Engadine, we used cable cars every day and saved over one thousand Swiss francs in just five days.
Hotels usually include these cards automatically. For holiday apartments, the property must be registered and local tax must be paid. Always check this before booking.
5. Train or car depends on how you travel
For the first four years I lived in Switzerland, I did not own a car. We traveled everywhere by train and it worked extremely well. Trains are reliable, scenic and easy to use. Connection times are short and with the Half Fare Card, prices are reasonable.
Once we had a child, we switched to using a car more often (actually always).
With kids, a car is usually more convenient. It allows more flexibility, makes luggage easier to manage and avoids strict schedules.
My honest rule is simple. Adults traveling light usually enjoy trains more. Families with kids often find a car much easier.
6. Use Swiss discount and deal websites
There are several Swiss platforms I use regularly.
Deindeal (swiss version of groupon) offers hotel, spa and activity deals, mostly via digital vouchers.
Too Good To Go is excellent for discounted food and groceries.
Galaxus and Digitec usually offer some of the cheapest electronics prices in Europe due to low Swiss VAT.
Just Eat.ch is my go to food delivery app and often has strong discounts, especially early in the week.
These are local tools that most visitors never discover.
7. Swiss Travel Pass versus Swiss Half Fare Card
Choosing the right transport pass makes a big difference.
The Swiss Travel Pass is ideal if your itinerary includes multiple regions such as Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt and Montreux. It includes unlimited trains, buses and boats, free entry to more than five hundred museums and free mountain rides such as Rigi, Stoos and Stanserhorn.
For longer stays or more flexible trips, the Swiss Half Fare Card often saves more. It gives fifty percent off almost all trains and mountain lifts.
Official information is available on the SBB website
Families should also check the Swiss Family Card, which allows children aged six to sixteen to travel for free with an adult pass holder
8. Must have apps for Switzerland
When friends or family visit, I always recommend these 4 apps.
The SBB app allows you to buy tickets, use check in check out travel and automatically calculates the cheapest fare.
MeteoSwiss is the most reliable weather app for Switzerland, especially in the mountains.
SwitzerlandMobility is my personal favorite and includes hiking, biking and winter routes with difficulty levels and closures.
JustEat.ch is useful for food delivery and discounts.
9. Book supersaver tickets early
Switzerland does not offer last minute train deals. Prices are lowest when you book early.
Supersaver tickets and Saver Day Passes can save up to seventy percent compared to flexible tickets when booked in advance.
10. Cash, tipping and tap water
Carry a small amount of Swiss francs, especially in the mountains. Some huts prefer cash and card terminals do not always work (bad connection) .
Tipping is not required in Switzerland. Rounding up is common and appreciated.
Tap water is safe, clean and available everywhere. Public fountains are perfect for refilling bottles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Switzerland really expensive?
Switzerland is expensive, but with the right transport passes, guest cards and booking strategy, costs can be reduced significantly.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
For multi region itineraries and first time visitors, yes. For longer stays, the Half Fare Card may be cheaper.
Is Airbnb recommended in Switzerland?
Usually not. Local platforms and official tourism websites offer better value and transparency.
Do I need cash in Switzerland?
Cards work almost everywhere, but cash is still useful in mountain huts and small rural businesses.
Can you drink tap water in Switzerland?
Yes. Swiss tap water is among the cleanest in the world.
Final thoughts
Switzerland is not cheap, but it is predictable. If you understand how transport passes, guest cards, accommodation pricing and regional deals work, you can save hundreds or even thousands of francs without missing out on the best experiences.
Everything in this guide reflects how I personally travel Switzerland today. It is based on experience, not theory.
For more practical guides, hidden gems and local travel advice, explore the rest of Summertime in Switzerland.
