Switzerland Travel Guide

Switzerland is a land of dreamy alpine pastures, snow-dusted mountains, and serene lakes. We fell in love with Switzerland from the moment we crossed the German border. And while we’ve collectively only spent time in Appenzellerland and the Rätikon Alps, we can’t wait to explore more of this alpine country in the future.

Getting Around Switzerland

If you’re driving in Switzerland and intend on taking the highways (Autobahnen), make sure to buy a Swiss motorway sticker, or vignette, for 40 CHF. It is valid for the whole year.

Unlike Austria, there are no shorter period options. In Switzerland, the vignette can be purchased in petrol stations, post offices, garages, TCS outlets, as well as from the road traffic authorities.

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Switzerland. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.Check car rental rates here.

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Switzerland Travel Guide by Moon & Honey Travel

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Rick Steves Switzerland

Switzerland Travel Map

SWITZERLAND DESTINATIONS

Appenzell

Graubünden – Grisons

Wallis – Valais

Alpabzug in Appenzell, Switzerland, Swiss Alps

Best Things to Do in Switzerland

Schäfler Ridge Hike, Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Hike in the Alpstein in the Swiss Alps

The Alpstein is a massif in the Appenzell Alps in the Appenzell region of Switzerland.

Hiking in Appenzell is accessible and incredibly rewarding. Trails meander through alpine dairy farms and around lakes. Bell-wearing cattle and goats roam around the alp freely. That particular bell chorus that echoes through the mountains is what makes hiking here so special.

Base yourself in the village of Appenzell for a minimum of 3-4 nights in order to experience:

If you love hut-to-hut hiking, we highly recommend this 3-Day Alpstein High Trail, which follows the high trails of the Alpstein massif.

And, if you’re eager to explore the Appenzell Alps more deeply, check out this 8-Day Hut to Hut Standard Itinerary (moderate), the Swiss Whiskey Trek (moderate), and this 6-Day Hut to Hut Light in Switzerland Relaxed Itinerary (easy).

Tip | Don’t leave the region without eating Rösti with eggs, Appenzeller cheese, and speck.

Switzerland Facts

Official Name | Swiss Confederation. Confoederatio Helvetica is also a name for Switzerland, hence the abbreviation CH.

Capital | Bern

Government | Federal Republic

Regions | Switzerland is divided into 26 Cantons

Population | 8.4 Million

Language |German, French, Italian, and Romansh

Currency | Swiss Franc

Tipping Etiquette | Tipping isn’t obligatory. There’s a service charge automatically included in all published prices.

Water Quality | Excellent

Something Interesting | Dog owners must pay an annual tax for owning a dog.

Swiss Saying | Mit däm/däre cha me go Ross stäle. Translation: You can steal horses with him/her. Meaning: You can depend on someone in all situations.