Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Switzerland. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Switzerland, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a Switzerland trip.
Don’t Waste Time on the Train on anything BUT Looking out the windows!
If you’re taking the train in Switzerland, don’t do anything other than look out the window! The scenery in Switzerland is stunning, and you don’t want to miss it by looking at your phone. Taking the train in Switzerland gives you the best opportunity to enjoy the scenery, so don’t miss out!
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Switzerland
Don’t Overestimate Your Outdoor Experience
Hiking is a popular pastime in Switzerland, but make sure you don’t get in over your head. There are beautiful hikes for every type of hiker in Switzerland, so don’t worry about missing out if you only stick to short hikes. You should also choose hikes based on the footwear you’ve packed. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast! Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so make sure you’re prepared!
Don’t Ask if They Speak Swiss
There is no Swiss language; there are four languages spoken in Switzerland. It varies by which region you are in. You’ll hear French, German, and Italian depending on where you are in Switzerland. The fourth language of Switzerland is Romansh. Finding English speakers typically isn’t a problem, but it’s good to know which language is spoken in the places you will be visiting. Swiss German is a lot different than “high German” so don’t worry if you speak German and still don’t understand what they are saying!
Don’t Expect Your Money to Go Far
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries to visit, so don’t be shocked by the prices when planning your Switzerland trip. People always want to know the best budget tips for their Switzerland trip. The reality is that it’s tough to visit Switzerland on a budget. However, we do have a few tips for saving money on your trip to Switzerland.
Travel Budget Tips: How to Save Real Money When Traveling
- Look into passes when you visit. There’s the Swiss Pass that covers your transportation or passes available in cities, like the Zurich Pass, that gives you admission to museums and discounts on attractions. There are a lot of passes, so make sure you sit down before your trip to figure out which ones are best for you.
- Some regions of Switzerland are less expensive than others. We have found that the German areas of Zurich and Lucerne tend to be more expensive than the Italian and French parts of Switzerland. Like any destination, large cities will be more expensive than the more rural areas.
- Buying simple meals at the grocery store can help you save money on food because eating out for every meal gets expensive. You can also hit the food carts or fast food rather than a sit-down restaurant. Get your food to go and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Switzerland!
- Don’t rule out staying in hostels during your Switzerland trip! They’re not just for young people and you can save a lot of money by choosing hostels over hotels. You can get private rooms if you’re traveling with your family and then you’re just sharing bathrooms and kitchen areas.
- Take advantage of free breakfast! If your hotel offers breakfast, load up before you set out for the day as it can save you money by one less meal you are eating out every day.
- When eating out in Switzerland, skip the entrees and stick to the soups, salads and appetizers. They’re typically pretty filling, and much more affordable than the entrees.
- There are lots of free things to do in Switzerland, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. So you’ll have to budget for food and accommodation, but hiking in the most beautiful places in Switzerland is free!
- Don’t buy water! The tap water in Switzerland is really good, so bring a water bottle and refill it along the way.
- Don’t worry about tipping in Switzerland. Tipping is not customary, although you can leave a small tip if you’d like, but it’s not necessary.
Don’t Break the Rules
The Swiss are law-abiding people and it’s a very trustworthy (and safe) country because of that. So don’t be the tourist who comes by and breaks the rules; it’s better to blend in with the locals and follow the rules.
Don’t Miss the Towns and Cities of Switzerland
While many people come to Switzerland for outdoor adventure, there are also some great cities and smaller towns in Switzerland too. Basel, Lucerne, Geneva, and Zurich are just a few of our favorite towns in Switzerland. With dozens of great cities and small towns, Switzerland really is the best of both worlds.
Don’t Assume You Know What Swiss Cheese Is
Back in the States, Swiss cheese is light-colored cheese with holes in it. In Switzerland, there are tons of great cheeses to sample. There are regional cheeses, seasonal cheeses, and of course, there are also raclette and fondue cheeses. The cheese in Switzerland is amazing; make sure you try different kinds! (Don’t forget to try Swiss wine, too! It’s really good!)
Don’t Be an Ugly Tourist
While the Swiss aren’t generally rude people, the best way to ingratiate yourself with the locals is to avoid being an ugly tourist. These are a few things tourists sometimes to that can upset the locals.
- Being Late is not very Swiss; the Swiss are very punctual people. I mean, they’re known for their watches!
- Being Loud is offensive in Switzerland. The Swiss don’t like loud anything – they are very reserved, so don’t be loud and boisterous, unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb. There are even noise regulations in some places, and you won’t find a rowdy nightlife scene anywhere in Switzerland.
- Making Small Talk is not part of Swiss culture. It’s a more introverted culture, so don’t be surprised if your attempt at small talk is met with a confused look. This applies to service as well; don’t expect overly friendly service in Switzerland.
- Ignoring Fondue Etiquette is a faux pas in Switzerland. There’s a rhythm to fondue and each person gets their own turn to “stir the pot.”
- Insulting Switzerland by complaining about prices or lack of nightlife. Nobody likes to have their country insulted, and if you’re shocked at the prices or quiet evenings, that just shows you didn’t do your research.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Switzerland! It is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. While a Switzerland trip can cost a pretty penny, it’s so worth it once you arrive! Want more tips for traveling in Europe? Check out some of our other blog posts: