Information overload? We make it simple! ➡️ It’s all clearly written (with links and added action steps) on our blog here: aplinsinthealps.com/50-things-to-know-before-you-visit-switzerland/
As a resident in switzerland I have to say this video is amazing! You covered practically all the important points when planning a trip here. As a local I wouldn‘t have thought of some of the points as they are “normal“ to me. But I feel like with this video, about 90% of research is done. One important thing I want to stress though is the driving in Switzerland. Don‘t do it if you can avoid. Free parking is practically non existent in cities and parkings are very expensive. Another point, gas is expensive and so are fines. Expect laser/radars every other mile which fine you for going a little over the limit and the fines start at 40 swiss franks and have no end. Some infractions are even dealt under criminal law and could end in a lawsuit or prison (but of course only if you were going drastically over the speed limit). Running a red light will usually be automatically recorded by a radar and be very expensive. But usually youll have fines of 80-120 swiss franks for entering where youre not allowed or speeding, but as I said, there is no upper limit. So just use public transport or minimize driving.
Thank you for your kind words about this video! We are so honored that you, as a local, feel like this video is truly helpful for people traveling Switzerland. Thanks for more information about driving in Switzerland! I didn't realize there could be so many fines. We try to always recommend public transport because it really is amazing and you can get everywhere you need to go. Thanks again for taking the time to send and encouraging and informative response!
Just the information I was looking for, because my first thoughts were renting a car for my whole trip. Thank you for your tips. I really appreciate it.
Given the very high quality of swiss public transport, the problems you outline, and the problems foreign drivers will have driving on twisting mountain roads, no sane visitor to Switzerland will rent a car. A couple of years ago I met two American men who had a few days previously arrived in Switzerland to work there for a few months. They were amazed when people told them not to bother with getting a car. But after only three days they realised that the advice was correct!
I followed many videos you posted and they were so helpful. I would add that all train stations (or most) have lockers for $5 or $7 a day to store back packs and large luggage. You can get off the train, store your large items , and visit a town with ease. The lockers are supremely easy to use and safe. I did this in Lauterbrunnen and Lucerne .
Skiing the Swiss alps was always on my bucket list. I discovered Alpins in the Alps only after we got home. You told us about Grindelwald and surrounding region, which made us return again for more skiing. Then you mentioned the great hiking areas in the spring-autumn season. So even if we're planning a trip to Japan in a few weeks, I'm already thinking about returning during early October. Maybe even muster up some courage to try the via ferrata in Murren. Of course, I never got to ski from Glacial Paradise to Italy. Or staying in Murren and Vengan. Looks like Switzerland will NEVER be off my bucket list. Thank you!!
There is so much to see and do in Switzerland! October would be a great time to return. Enjoy your time in Japan and then get back here as soon as you can;)
Wow. Wow. And wow. As usual you two are so practical and on point. This video covers everything! As an experienced traveler in this country I can attest that every point you make is spot on (though there are times that Swiss Travel Pass pays for itself ;) )The only things I would add is that for those “special” scenic train rides you can take a regular train that goes along the same route (they use the same tracks) without the extra cost, and you can break up that beautiful Glacier Express route by stopping overnight, perhaps in Andermatt. As hard as it is, the best advice unless you’re fortunate enough to stay there for an extended visit is to limit to three areas and linger. I took a group of friends for a first time 15 day visit and limited the experience to 4 places as it is so hard to narrow it down. They loved their time there but said they could have been happy with three places but disagreed as to which three it would be 😂 My favorite tips? Get those Apps; though I have fond ties to Basel, Luzern is hands down THE Swiss city to experience; and buy your chocolate at the grocery store.
You are so kind! Thank you for your encouragement and affirmations!!! It’s also fun to “meet” other travelers who love Switzerland as much as we do 🤩 You’re absolutely right that you can take the regular trains along the scenic routes (we should’ve mentioned that!). And how fun that you led a group of friends. Sounds like they all had an incredible time and that you planned the perfect itinerary for them! 👍
Hi, thank you for the information! We have a question.. we are going to spend our honeymoon in Switzerland (1st time). We're looking at spending most of our week-long vacation in Lauterbrunnen and then taking day trips on the train to Montreaux, Lucerne, and Zermatt, as well as just some chill days in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. You said less seems to be more--is our plan too much, do you think?
@@TaiwanisMoving Congratulations on your marriage and upcoming honeymoon! You chose the best spot to celebrate. Lauterbrunnen is a nice place to base as it's beautiful, there's so much to see and do in that entire area, and staying in Lauterbrunnen shortens your trip if you're going outside of that area for a day trip. Be aware though, that there's only one main street running through the village that can get quite busy. If road noise is an issue for you look for a place to stay that is off that main road. Whether you take two or three day trips depends on your travel style and perhaps the weather. Also, take into consideration if you have 7 days on the ground in Switzerland or does the 7 days include your travel days? I would definitely visit Luzern, but if you're flying to Zurich I'd suggest you do that on the first day and a half and then head to the Lauterbrunnen area as it keeps you from backtracking. Likewise to Montreaux if you're flying in to Geneva. I'm not much on Montreaux itself, but the Castle of Chillon is fabulous as are the Lavaux vineyard small village areas northwest of that town. I like Vevey, Cully, & St. Saphorin. The views across Lake Geneva to the French Alps are also very special. Zermatt is beautiful, but it's a "spur" trip--not on the way to somewhere else (and an albeit pretty but three hour long train ride from Lauterbrunnen). Seeing some of the views, especially the Matterhorn can truly be weather dependent so I'd caution against pre-purchase of tickets that can't be refunded AND if you go, head out EARLY in the morning as mountains tend to cloud up noon and later. True confessions--my first few trips I did cover three areas in 5-6 days, but it just left me with a longing to linger and really get to know an area. Watch out--Jana & Brett started their attachment with Switzerland while on their honeymoon and look where they are now!!!! :)
@@lauraezell7723 this is the most generous and helpful reply I've ever gotten in RU-vid. Thank you so, so much! Your advice will be very useful! I think we might trim a trip (Zermatt perhaps) and hang around Lauterbrunnen or even stay some in Grindelwald. Thank you again!
We love how organized you are! All the facts that you have provided from your experience have made our trip planning to Switzerland for the summer Extremely smooth 🙂 thank you so very much!
We just started planning a trip to Switzerland for this fall. I am so happy to have found your channel. I was becoming overwhelmed and didn't know where to start. Thank you for all your helpful information.
Thanks for your amazing video and all the valuable informations. I am travelling to switzerland in mid of july with my familes and your videos make me more confident. Keep it up ....
We're thrilled to hear that you feel confident for your upcoming trip! That is our goal with everything we do. We hope you have a wonderful time here with your family!
Spring last year went to Switzerland. It was amazing and I'm already planning on going back. Your videos helped me a lot to prepare my trip. In my case, I rented a car and I don't regret it because it gave me extreme flexibility, plus parking wasn't as expensive as I thought and without renting it, I would have never experienced getting in a train while in the car😅. It was unbelievable. Thank you for your videos!
When I was a little kid maybe 9 years old my uncle he was a Sargent from the army and he came on vacation to see me all he talked to me was how beautiful was Switzerland there was stuff that he couldn't tell me but he told me if I ever get to chance to travel Switzerland to try it ♥️💯😍
Our trip will be in April and combining Interlaken, then to Italy Venice Florence and finally Rome. Your videos was info overload but a definite requirement. I was clueless now not so much. Thanks
Hello Sir, From last few days, we are watching your RU-vid channel and getting valuable knowledge regarding travelling to Switzerland. Sir, we are planning to visit in June for 4-5 days and likely to visit jungfrau , interlaken and train visits of Bernia Express. We are staying at Zurich. Can you please suggest which travel pass we prefer like “Half Pay Card “ or “Swiss Travel Pass”. Thank You in advance 🙏🙏
Hello! We're glad our videos have been helpful! We recommend watching this Ultimate Guide to Swiss Train Passes and using the free checklist to choose which pass(es) will be best for your trip: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fzuP0hMUjFk.html
Thank you for this video. I’m planning a solo birthday trip to Zurich in two weeks. Only there for 9 days but I want to do at least 2-3 day trips which I haven’t decided where and focus manly on Zurich. So still trying to figure out what’s the best train pass since I’m only leaving Zurich on those day trips.
Happy birthday! We would probably just buy a Half Fare Card if we were doing this. Depends on what your day trips will be, but this likely is the best for you :)
@AplinsintheAlps we went first time and that was when i wasn't following you. So i only stard 3 days and visited just jungfrau and grindelwald and one place of Lauterbrunnen. Second time i went again after year. When i started seen ur videos and getting alot more benefits and infos. We also went to Schiltron with our Berner Oberland pass. We loved it and we also loved Oschinensee. Zermatt we didn't like much. I forgot to mention we also went to Rheinfall. As we had car so it was alot esier to go all these places. We dnt like much going in city as we are fed up of this UK cities. So we love jungfrau region and waterfalls. Now this year we want to come again but don't know where else to go.
@AplinsintheAlps we went by car on lake Lungernersee for about 2 hours sit on the side of the lake. We likes seeing it from the top rather then close. Lol it was more dirty on sides. Couldn't go near the water.
@AplinsintheAlps we get fed up of this UK life so we like taking some 1 or 2 week off in whole year and go to Swiss and Italy. I would like to go back to Jungfrau top of Europe, as first time i wasn't prepared with my clothes so i only stayed for little bit. This was when i saw someone else videos. Wish i saw urs in 2022
@@SabaFaizanMUA Try some cantons farther out from the center. I love the eastern part of Lake Luzern, the canton of Ticino (the Verzasca Valley--sounds like you're nature lovers, Ascona, Bellinzona for the castles & views, and Locarno, but go up the Cimetta), and the Appenzell region. Stein am Rhein is also nice, and the city of Basel is easily navigated by an excellent tram station and has a lot to offer. Smaller towns & villages (Cully, St. Saphorin, & Vevey) along Lake Geneva afford beautiful views across the lake and pretty walks through the vineyards. If you go there, the Castle of Chillon is very special for its access to the castle areas, displays and views.
Thank you so much for the video, the are really a godsend! Question: We're looking at spending most of our week-long vacation in Lauterbrunnen and then taking day trips on the train to Montreaux, Lucerne, and Zermatt, as well as just some chill days in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. You said to slow down--is that too much, do you think?
Good question! We would encourage you to consider staying in Lucerne and/or Montreux along the way. Depending on which airport you fly in and out of, you could basically be passing through both of these spots on your way to or from Interlaken, so maybe consider an overnight or two in one or both of those locations. From Lauterbrunnen, it's going to take about 2.5 hrs to get to Lucerne, 3 hrs to get to Zermatt, and about 4 hrs to get to Montreux. And those are all one-way!
I wish you guys would cover Austria a bit. We really wanted to make it to Switzerland this summer, but the price kept going up and up. The train passes and getting around did us in and I cancelled our two nights in Grindelwald. I think it makes more sense to go for a longer period of time for how expensive it was getting. Instead we will be in Austria for 6 days. I have found some nice spots. One day we’ll make it to Switzerland. I’m not a mountains girl so maybe easing myself in is better.
Austria is AMAZING! Where are you headed? What do you want to see? We are FINALLY seeing Switzerland this early summer and are so excited. We are amazed by how much it costs. We have spent money leading up to it to get most of the logistics out of the way and make us less nauseous while there. Haha
I think you’re right that it’s better (and cheaper per day) to spend longer than 2 days in Grindelwald. And one day we’d love to cover everywhere in the Alps! We’ve been to Austria 4 or 5 times so we certainly know the information, but for now there are still more places to cover in Switzerland first 🙂
I love your videos and I have purchased an itinerary from you. I would love to know if we should stay in Lucerne for one evening on our way back to Zurich before we fly out? We were planning on spending two nights in Zurich but we could easily spend one night in Lucerne and one night in Zurich. We are there for 15 days and are spending most of our time between the Bernise Highlands and Zermatt, we will also see Lake Geneva for a short period of time but from the France side. Your advice is much appreciated. I'm afraid I will regret not seeing Lucerne.
What a fun itinerary! As we mentioned in the video, Lucerne is our favorite Swiss city so we think it’s worth a visit. 🙂 Unless you already had activities planned for that 1 extra day in Zurich (like day trips to the Rhine Falls or chocolate factory), we would recommend stopping in Lucerne! Hope that helps! P.S. If you can’t catch it on this trip, you might just have to come back again one day 😊
Hello from USA! Your videos are very informative. But we got little confused with so many Swiss passes. We reserved the seats in Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur but how do we purchase the tickets using Half Fare Swiss passes?? Please help us. Thank you in advance!
We have personally used Holafly eSIMS and yes, they did require our phones to be unlocked. But I’m not sure about other companies (although I’d assume they also require your phone to be unlocked). Hope that helps!
Thanks for all the information and tips. We travel in September and just wondering if we can wear trainers around towns like Zermatt? Should we get crampons just in case?
I'm planning a trip next year and the information is awesome. What's the difference between traveling in May or September? Also, what does clearing the streets mean?
Absolutely fantastic info here! Quick query, is there still that tv channel that in the morning goes around all the mountain webcams in the country with the weather forecast? That was always fun! The other thing I learnt - how big is Tennessee??? 😆
You're full of such fun facts! Well, we don't have local tv so we're not sure about the morning news. But you can see the webcams and weather forecast in live time 24/7 on the mountain websites! And Tennessee is a little more than twice as big as Switzerland!
Those mountain webcams are still shown, usually between 7.30 and 9 am. The pictures are sometimes helpful when I’m planning a hike on the specific day 😃
@@markusf58 - oh that’s good news - always a highlight of a Swiss holiday - turn on the tv and see what the weather is like on the top of the mountains (always with traditional Swiss music accompaniment!)
Great question! It's generally considered rude here to use a toilet without being a paying customer. But in most places we've visited, there are often free public toilets available.
Hi ! Loved your vlog ! Very helpful. We are planning a travel in November for 5 N 6 D trip . Can u guide us with planning our itinerary? We are family of 4, ages , 45 -45-18-14 respectively. Regards!
Sorry, we don't offer custom itinerary support. But we do sell travel guides with our best advice and insider tips! Check them out here: www.aplinsinthealps.com/guides/
If you had to pick any 1 place to visit from the below in summer which one would you recommend ? We are visiting Grindelwald First. We are not visiting Jungfraujoch. Brienzer Rothorn Schynigge Platte Schillthorn Mannlichen
Ooh such a tough (but fun!) question! I think we'd have a tough choice between Männlichen and Schynige Platte. Männlichen has better views (and the best playground if you're traveling with kids), but there's more to do up at Schynige Platte, and we like the hiking there better too.
Hi Jana and Bratt, thank you for your valuable tips. You mentioned about 50% saving on hotelcard when signing up using your link. Where can i find the link? Appreciate your help.
This will be coming to Switzerland the first time. We are first going to Zurich to run the marathon after that we got 4 days to going around Switzerland where should we start?
We think the Jungfrau Region is the ideal Swiss Alps destination. But since you'll already be in Zermatt, you might check out Appenzell, Stein am Rhein, and the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen!
@AplinsintheAlps yeh it is also it is near to the main Grindelwald terminal. First time we arrived it was after 10pm and we got so upset as reception was closed, no kitchen available. We were starving no shops open. We were in awake since 24 hrs and had no rest driving from UK. We got very upset and started thinking to go back in the morning. But when we opened our eyes in the morning and what we saw outside was breathtaking, beautiful, magnificent
There can still be snow in April so it can be a little chilly. Check out our video where we talk about the weather here month by month. That might help you decide when you want to travel here! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1qzwAKWh2n0.htmlsi=y73Rz6wkjcMpNnCm
An eSIM “replaces” a tangible SIM card. You could get a real SIM card, but this option is much simpler. Otherwise you can upgrade your regular phone plan to international for your trip.
Many places that we've been accept both paper and coin euros, but they often charge you more than you'd pay in Francs. In general, we just recommend paying by credit card or getting some Swiss Francs from the ATM!
@@AplinsintheAlps Here where i live no store or other facility allows eueo coins. But i can imagine in a place where more tourists are that they in some cases accpet coins. But i think vending machines or these ticket stations (not sure what they are called in english xD) there you can put euro coins in.
Great question! We've been a few times, but like always, it's impossible to give a yes or no because it depends on your interests and where else you've been. It might be a neat day trip (we enjoyed the Olympic Museum!) if you're already visiting Lake Geneva (Montreux is our favorite spot there), but we wouldn't take extra time from the other places we mentioned in this video just to see it. Hope that helps!
My Wife and I went to both sides of India and Pakistan Kashmir and both are amazing. Pakistan side is slightly easier to navigate and a bit better but both are great.
Hey guys!!!! Very nice videos and just what I need!!! I am planning a trip to Switzerland for 2025 and want to plan it pefectly with plenty of time. I wonder if you give personal advisories. Please, let me know. I will take a look at your webpage in the meantime. Cheers and regards!!!
Hey there! Unfortunately we don't have the capacity to offer one-on-one travel advice. That's why we give our best tips and suggestions in our done-for-you travel guides! www.aplinsinthealps.com/guides/
Hi, what a wonderful video. Just want to ask, when did u buy the swiss pass? I was told that u have to buy it at least 6 months before arriving in Switzerland?. Doesnt make sense. Can i buy it say a month before departure from my home country? Also can i buy 3 swiss passes for my family using only one email and one handphone or do they require 3 emails and 3 handphones to buy 3 swiss passes. tqvm in advance for ur help.
You do not need to buy any train passes in advance. You could buy them from the train station right after you arrive in the country! And yes, you can buy them all on one account.
No way am I going to use Gruezi, or the flipping Swiz numbers! 😂 It’s just annoying that both Italian speakers and French speakers do not have a local dialect, as the German speakers do!
I have been visiting Switzerland ever since 1971. Why? Firstly, beautiful scenery, and unspoilt cities to visit when the weather is bad. Secondly the unlimited travel anywhere in the country given by the Swiss Travel Pass. Thirdly the amazing Taktfahrplan. All important public transport lines at least hourly 365=days-a-year, and everything is timed to interconnect. Your failure to mention the Taktfahrplan is a huge omission from this video. And it is a major reason FOR NOT RENTING A CAR. In particular, if you are a hiker, you can set out walking, knowing that every significant village on or off your planned route has hourly public transport to take you back to base. Also, if you want to use mountain roads, leave the driving to professional bus drivers.
Wow how wonderful that you’ve been visiting for so many years! It’s easy to fall in love with Switzerland, right?! 😍 The Swiss Travel Pass is great for many travelers, but it’s not the best pass on the mountains (where it only offers discounts, not unlimited travel). As for the taktfahrplan, it is wonderful! We couldn’t squeeze every detail into this video 🙃, but you’re right that regular transport makes it easy to visit Switzerland without a car - which is what we usually recommend for first time visitors as well!
@@AplinsintheAlps I would agree with you that the STP does not makes sense if you are basing yourself in just one resort, say Interlaken or Luzern. But if, like me, you are travelling around the whole country, then the STP is essential. You do not have to keep on buying tickets. And (subject to your accommodation arrangements) you have complete freedom to change your mind as to your destination
Flexibility is key, like you say. That's one of the reasons we like the Half Fare Card so much. Buying tickets on the SBB Mobile App is so easy and convenient, and then we don't feel the pressure to get our money's worth out of a more expensive pass. But the Swiss Travel Pass is definitely a great choice for the right type of traveler!
Common sense to one person isn't always common sense to everyone else. We wanted to create one video where a first-time visitor could learn as much as possible, versus making them seek out the info they need in lots of different places. If anything, hopefully it was encouraging that so many tips were already common sense to you!
Hi there! We'd love to hear specifics regarding what wasn't helpful to you so we can better assist other travelers. Please email us at janaandbrett@aplinsinthealps.com to share more of your experiences with us. Thanks in advance!
Second time visiting Switzerland. Our first one was in 2015 We did Geneva, Montraux, Vevey and Chamonix. This time we will be travelling end of August for 9 nights in Switzerland. Then train into Italy for 5 nights .Your infos about Switzerland are helping us plan better this time. Thank you.
So glad you're getting to come back! Thanks for trusting us enough to help you plan your trip. We hope you arrive confident and ready to make more amazing memories in this beautiful country! Happy Planning!
So glad our videos have been helpful! We don't have any recommendations for a tour guide but we have created several Swiss travel guides that are incredibly detailed and have complete done-for-you itineraries. It's like having a personal tour guide in your pocket:) Here is a link if you'd like to take a look at them. aplinsinthealps.com/guides/
@@jackiecordova1079 I love swiss too. I do not born there but one day I will surely become Swiss citizen.. because it is the best country in the World and it also aligns with by career opportunities.
@@earthchanger thank you for replying yes I know we have peace what I see what is happening in the world is very scary I can be so blessed to be born in Switzerland I would never immigrate in a other country I have a very good job and secured our government is functioning very well and taking care of the country and citizens no corruption thank God for it God bless youand stay safe 🙏🙏❤️❤️🇨🇭🇨🇭
