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Switzerland

Facts & Figures


CAPITAL
Bern

POPULATION
7,782,900

AREA
15,940 sq. km

LANGUAGE
German, French, Italian, Romansch

CURRENCY
Swiss Franc (CHF)

www.HolidaysToEurope.com.au
CONTENTS SWITZERLAND

Switzerland 4 Despite its small size, Switzerland has so much to


Documentation, weather, time zone 5 offer the visitor. From thriving cities to chocolate-
Telephones, internet access 6 box villages, you’ll never be short of things to do.
Tipping 8 From stunning lakes to towering alps, medieval
Shopping 8-9 architecture to modern boutiques, Switzerland has
Value Added Tax 10 it all.
Food and drink 10-11
Driving in Switzerland 12-15 Bordering Italy, France, Germany and Austria,
Rail travel 16 Switzerland has a varied climate and cultural
Public transport 16 diversity. The area bordering Italy has a casual
‘Mediterranean’ feel with Italian the official
Other useful info 17 language, whilst Swiss German, French and
Bern 18-19 Romansch are spoken in other regions.
Zurich 20-21
Geneva 21-22 Boasting one of the highest living standards in the
Rural Switzerland 23 world, it’s no wonder the Swiss are so proud of their
Holidays to Europe’s favourites 24-25 nation. With some of the most spectacular
Phrase guide 26 scenery you will see anywhere, they can feel
Useful links 27 justifiably proud.

Cable cars and funiculars take visitors seamlessly


to the top of the alps from where they can enjoy
the picture-postcard views and wander amongst
alpine pastures in Summer.

In Winter, there’s only one place to ski. Switzerland


is home to ski resorts to suit every budget. From
the super-trendy resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt to
more family-friendly resorts all over the country.

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DOCUMENTATION TELEPHONES

Visas – Australian and New Zealand passport holders Phoning Switzerland


do not require a visa if their stay in Switzerland does The International dialling code for Switzerland is 41.
not exceed 90 days. If calling from another country, dial the local
International Access Code (eg. 0011 from
WEATHER Australia), then 41 (the country code), then the
area code and local number.
Bi-monthly day time average temperatures: Example: 0011 41 27 111 2222

January March May July September November Phoning Australia/New Zealand FROM Switzerland
(Australia’s international telephone code is 61,
-1°C 5°C 13°C 18°C 14°C 4°C
New Zealand’s is 64):-
Example: To call a Melbourne (Australia) number,
TIME ZONE dial as follows:
00 61 3 9999 9999 – note that you DO NOT dial the
Switzerland is in the Central European Time zone (CET) ‘0’ in the area code
which is GMT +1.
INTERNET ACCESS
Daylight saving takes effect in Switzerland from the last
Sunday in March (when the clocks go forward by an hour) Internet cafes are common in larger cities and
through to the last Sunday in October (when they go towns. McDonalds restaurants and Starbucks cafes
back by an hour). (which are generally only found in cities and larger
towns) offer free Wi-Fi.
ELECTRICITY
Most accommodation houses offer WiFi access if
Switzerland operates on a 230 volt electrical current. you are travelling with a laptop but connection
A two-pin European adapter is required to use charges can vary widely.
Australian/New Zealand electrical appliances.

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TIPPING

There is no obligation to tip in Switzerland as service


fees are included in restaurants, bars, hotels, etc.
Rounding to the next Swiss franc for small amounts
or giving a couple of Swiss francs when spending
larger amounts in expensive restaurants is usual. Tip
luggage porters CHF2 per bag.

SHOPPING

Opening hours: Shop opening hours are generally


from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday with some shops
staying open until 10pm (one day per week).
Supermarkets often open at 8am and some close at
12pm and re-open at 2pm (in smaller towns), with all
day Saturday shopping. Shops in larger areas may
operate for longer hours. Most shops are closed on
Sundays.

Forms of payment : Credit cards are widely


accepted in Switzerland however the Swiss (and
most European countries) require the use of a PIN
and will not accept a signature. If your credit card
does not have a PIN, it is wise to have one
activated by your bank before you travel.

Most automatic teller machines (ATMs) will accept


Australian and New Zealand ATM cards providing
they bear the Maestro or Cirrus symbol. Charges
apply for each withdrawal.

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At the supermarket: Most supermarkets in Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund
Switzerland require you to weigh and price your own
fruit and vegetables. Each variety has its own Non-EU residents who purchase goods over €75.01 in
‘code’ (displayed next to the fruit or vegetable) one purchase in a store can apply for a refund of the
which you punch into the scales located in the fruit Value Added Tax (VAT) paid if they leave the country
within 3 months. To do this, you must ask the sales staff
and vegetable section, and a price sticker prints to provide you with the completed paperwork. This
out. When you get to the checkout, the operator paperwork is then presented (with the goods
then just has to scan the prices. purchased) to customs officials when departing the last
EU country on your trip. Further information can be
Meat, small goods and delicatessen items such as found at http://www.globalrefund.com
cheeses, are all priced per 100 grams not per
kilogram, as is the case in Australia.

You will also find that most supermarkets charge for FOOD AND DRINK
plastic shopping bags so it's a good idea to take
some of your own re-usable bags from home. And Local specialties: Cheese features prominently in Swiss
don't expect the checkout operator to pack your cuisine with some of the country's best known dishes
groceries into bags - that's for you to do! using the tasty Swiss varieties. In fact, there are 450
different varieties of cheese in Switzerland!

Fondue, a dish of melted cheese served in a communal


pot over a small burner, is eaten by dipping long-
stemmed forks with bread or potatoes into the cheese.

Raclette consists of a selection of potatoes, small


gherkins and pickled onions with hot cheese dribbled
over the top.

Rösti are patties made of grated potato and then fried.


They are similar to hash browns.

Another very popular Swiss specialty is Swiss chocolate!


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Wine is produced in many regions of Switzerland, DRIVING IN SWITZERLAND
particularly the Valais, the Vaud, the Ticino and the
canton of Zurich. Riesling X Sylvaner is a popular Road Rules: *Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the
white wine produced in German-speaking parts of road. *Minimum driving age is 18 years. *Seat belts are
the country, while Chasselas is the most popular mandatory. *The blood alcohol limit is 50mg of alcohol
white wine in the French-speaking regions of the per 100ml of blood. *It is compulsory to carry a high-
country. Pinot Noir and Merlot are also produced visibility vest in the glove box which must be worn in
throughout Switzerland. case of accident or breakdown. *Third party insurance is
mandatory. *It is against the law to use a mobile phone
Tip: while driving, except when using a hands-free system.

When ordering water in a restaurant or café, it is


assumed you want the carbonated variety. If you Speed Limits: The speed limit on motorways is generally
prefer still water (non-aerated), be sure to order 120 km/h, 100 km/h on main roads, 80 km/h on normal
‘wasser mit ohne luft’ (water without bubbles). roads outside towns and 50 km/h within towns. Driving in
tunnels requires heightened attention: maintaining
sufficient distance from the car in front of you and
paying attention to traffic signals are mandatory.

Toll Roads: Switzerland has an excellent road network.


Any motorists travelling on motorways in Switzerland are
required to display a toll sticker (know as a vignette) on
the windscreen of their vehicle. Vignettes can be
purchased at Swiss border crossings, petrol stations, post
offices and tobacconists. Vignettes cost CHF40 per year.
If hiring a car in Switzerland, you should check that the
hire car has the vignette attached to the windscreen
and, if not, purchase one immediately. (All prices apply
to a passenger vehicle and are current at the time of
publication.)

11 Photo: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sandstein 12
International Driving Permit (IDP): If you are planning Petrol stations in many small towns and villages are
on driving in Switzerland you will need to obtain an closed for a two hour lunch break , and most are
International Driving Permit prior to your departure also closed on Sundays, so make sure you have
from Australia. An IDP is an internationally enough fuel in the tank if you plan on travelling any
recognised form of identification, and in many cases distance on a Sunday. In some cases, fuel can be
is a pre-requisite for hiring a car. purchased by pre-paying with a credit card at
special pumps when the petrol station is
IDPs can be purchased from your local motoring unattended.
organisation (RACV, NRMA, etc) by presenting your
current drivers licence and a passport-sized Winter driving: Alpine winters often make driving
photo. The International Driving Permit is valid for 12 more difficult. You should equip your car with winter
months, and at the time of writing costs around tyres and snow-chains, and check road conditions
AUD$35. A valid drivers’ licence from your country of prior to departure. Snow chains are obligatory in
residence must also be presented at the time of hire some winter conditions.
car collection or if requested by the Police.
Traffic Accidents: If you are involved in a traffic
Child seats: Children under the age of 7 must be accident involving injury to any person, you must
secured in a child car seat. Children between 7 and immediately report the accident to the police.
12 must use seat belts or child restraints which are Accidents involving material damage must only be
appropriate to their size and age. reported when mutual identity has not been
established.
Fuel: In Switzerland, unleaded regular-grade 91
octane petrol (‘Benzin’), as well as Euro-Super Vehicle Breakdowns: In the event of a breakdown,
(unleaded 95-octane) petrol, and diesel, are assistance can be requested 24 hours a day by
available at all petrol stations. dialling 117. Accidents involving material damage
must only be reported when mutual identity has not
been established. The TCS patrol can be contacted
on 140 in the event of a breakdown. Non-members
are charged a fee for this service. The Automobile
Club of Switzerland (ACS) offers members’
breakdown assistance across Europe.
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Emergency numbers
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Emergency road service: 140
Fire brigade: 118 Switzerland’s major cities and larger towns have a
Police: 117 good public transport system operated by both
Ambulance: 144 local authorities and private companies. Bus and
Mountain rescue (helicopter) 1414 tram services are most common in the cities.
Children under 6 travel for free on all public
transport in Switzerland.
RAIL TRAVEL
Cable cars and funiculars are abundant in alpine
areas, offering an easy and scenic way to reach
Travelling around Switzerland by train is a the mountain peaks all year round. Boats and
fantastic way to not only get from A to B, but steamers are a relaxing way to enjoy Switzerland’s
it’s also a most relaxing and scenic form of many lakes.
transport. The Swiss Railway (SBB) has a
fantastic network of rail services around the
country and on all major routes an hourly or
two-hourly service operates.

Depending on the number of rail journeys


you plan on taking in Switzerland, you can
either purchase point-to-point tickets or a rail
pass. A number of different Swiss Passes are
available and these can be purchased in
Australia/New Zealand prior to your
departure. Multi-country Eurail passes which
include Switzerland are also available for
purchase should you be visiting other
countries.

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OTHER USEFUL INFO MAJOR CITIES IN SWITZERLAND
Public Toilets: Throughout Europe, including Bern - Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is often overlooked
Switzerland, it is not uncommon for a fee to be on a European itinerary, but it is a city with plenty to
charged to use public toilets. In some instances, a offer the visitor. Located in the Swiss Mittelland
voluntary system applies where you put a few coins (middle land) region, Bern is within easy reach of
in a container but in other cases an attendant will many of Switzerland’s more popular destinations but
collect a designated fee (usually less than CHF1). warrants at least of couple of days to discover this
Fees for toilet usage often also apply at road side historic city which was added to UNESCO’s world
service stations and some railway stations. heritage list in 1983.
McDonalds (and other) restaurants often keep their
toilets locked and you need to ask the staff for a The clock tower, which dates back to the early
code to access the toilets, but in these instances, 1400’s, was the city’s first gate and is one of the most
there is generally no charge. important landmarks in Bern. More than 800 years
later, visitors can watch the clockwork figures perform
REGIONS OF SWITZERLAND every hour, and admire the intricate clock face
which was added in 1530.
The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 Cantons. The
major tourist regions are: Other sights worth visiting include the Altstadt (old
town), and wandering the Laubengange, consisting
•Basel •Lake Geneva region of nearly six kilometres of covered arcades. It is the
•Bernese Oberland •Neuchatel/Jura/ longest covered shopping promenade in Europe and
•Central Switzerland Bernese Jura houses cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques,
•Eastern •Schweizer Mitteland galleries and more. It’s easy to while away a few
Switzerland/Liechtenstein •Ticino hours window shopping or enjoying a coffee whilst
•Fribourg •Valais you decide which Swiss watch to buy!
•Geneva •Zurich
•Graubunden

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A leisurely ten minute walk towards the River Aare
and over Nydeggbrucke (Nydegg bridge) takes you
to the home of Bern’s symbol, the brown bear. The
Barengraben, is home to a number of Pyrenean
brown bears. The bear ‘garden’ features a large
grass area, two small forests, three caves and a pool
parallel to the Aare allowing the bears to enjoy the
closest thing to a real bear’s life.

It’s worth taking the time to stop and take in the Beautiful Bern
views as you cross back over the Nydeggbrucke. The
Aare winds its way in a U-shape around the city, and Zurich - Perfectly situated on Lake Zurich, the city of
from the bridge you can really appreciate the city’s Zurich offers a unique mix of urban and rural
medieval history and architecture. Below you, the pleasures. From downtown Zurich you can enjoy
rushing blue-green waters of the Aare thunder by. views of the snow-covered Alps on the horizon whilst
partaking in a spot of retail therapy from some of
Back in the old town, head for the Berner Munster the world's best known brands.
(cathedral) for more great views. Building started in
1421 and today the Munster is the largest sacred The city skyline is dominated by the famous
building in Switzerland. Climb the 100 metre tower to Grossmünster church, which has become the city's
see the city from above, and take a look at the 12 landmark. With its twin towers, it certainly makes an
metre-high stained glass windows. impressive statement, whilst nearby St Peter's is
home to the largest clock face in Europe.
Just around the corner from the Munster you can visit
Einstein’s house where the physicist lived when he With more than 50 museums and 100 galleries to
developed the theory of relativity. visit, Zurich offers plenty for art lovers, whilst the city's
Opera House and Concert Hall are the venue for
many world-class performances.

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A stroll through the old town is the perfect way The best way to see Geneva is by foot. With the
to discover Zurich's 2000 year history, and at city being so compact, it's easy to shop till you
the same time become aquainted with the drop in the Old Town and then be by the lakeside
bookshops, bars and boutiques that line the in only a few minutes. Boat trips are popular on
narrow alleyways. Lake Geneva and visitors have the choice of
cruising on an historic paddlesteamer or travelling
Right on the city's doorstep, Lake Zurich, offers from shore to shore on one of the 'mouettes'
a multitude of things to do. Boat trips are (shuttle boats) that traverse the lake.
always popular and in summertime the Lido is
the place to be seen - and to cool off! For fabulous city views, climb the 175 steps up the
north tower of St. Peter's Cathedral and take in
the panorama of Lake Geneva and the city. And
for views further field, you can take the cable car
Geneva - As the world headquarters for the Red up to Salève (in France) and enjoy the 360-
Cross, the International Olympic Committee, World degree views that stretch across the Alps to Mont
Health Organisation and the European seat of the
Blanc and even as far as Annecy.
United Nations, Geneva is a truly international city.
Situated on the border of France, Geneva is a mix of
both countries and most residents are bilingual in
both German and French, and often many other
languages as well. In fact, with so many international
organisations housed here, there's barely a
language you won't hear!

The city is rightly proud of its lake, which is Europe's


largest Alpine lake, and the its emblem, the Jet
d'eau. The fountain spurts water 140 metres above
the lake making a spectacular sight, and is the city's
most photographed attraction.

Lake Geneva
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Rural Switzerland HOLIDAYS TO EUROPE’S FAVOURITES

Switzerland is surely one of the most picturesque Lucerne - Nestled between a backdrop of towering
countries in the world and the magnificent rural mountains and a sparkling lake, Lucerne is one of
Switzerland’s most visited cities. Ideally located in
scenery never fails to impress. Amongst Europe's
central Switzerland, Lucerne is easily accessible from all
highest mountains, the Swiss Alps make a
parts of the country and beyond. Only an hour or so
spectacular backdrop to the sparkling lakes and lush from both Bern and Zurich, Lucerne makes an ideal day
green meadows where, more often than not, you'll trip for those with limited time, but also offers plenty to
hear the jangling of cow bells. see and do for visitors staying a few days. Highlights
include Chapel Bridge, the Old Town, the Dying Lion
With so many mountain paths and ski runs to choose monument, Verkehrhaus, lake cruises and of course,
from, you'll never want for something to do. For trips to Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi and Mt Titlis.
stunning views from above, there are an endless
number of cable cars to take you high up the Lauterbrunnen - Lauterbrunnen is a typical Swiss
mountains. Why not get up high and sip a coffee chocolate box village – quaint alpine houses and
whilst you take in all of Switzerland's beauty? chalets are surrounded by towering snow-capped
peaks, even in Summer. Situated in a valley with sheer
rock faces either side, over which waterfalls tumble, the
village has a ‘cosy’ feel to it. Lauterbrunnen is a great
starting point for many of the region’s most popular
attractions including visits to the Jungfraujoch, the
Schilthorn, the alpine gardens at Schnyige Platte as well
as the surrounding towns of Interlaken, Brienz,
Grindlewald and Wengen.

Locarno – Locarno sits on the northern tip of Lake


Maggiore, close to the Italian border. Despite being a
Swiss city, Locarno’s official language is Italian and it
enjoys quite a casual Mediterranean-style atmosphere.
Obergoms, Valais region Aside from lakeside pursuits, popular places to visit in the
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region include the trendy resort town of Ascona PHRASE GUIDE
and Bellinzona, Switzerland’s city of castles.
My name is ….. Ich heisse …..
hello/goodbye hallo/auf Wiedersehen
please/thank you bitte/danke
excuse me/sorry entschuldigung/bitte
GREAT FOR KIDS – kids will love Swissminiatur, a 1:25 yes/no ja/nein
scale miniature Swiss village. The park is home to Sir/Madam Herr/Frau
many of Switzerland’s most important buildings re- I would like….. ich Mochte …..
created in miniature, whilst 18 trains travel around Can you help me? konnen Sie mir helfen?
the village, historic boats sail over lakes and cog How much? wieviel?
railways scale alpine peaks. Based in Melide, near Where is …..? wo ist……?
Lugano, this is one place your kids won’t want to The bill Rechnung
miss! yesterday gestern
today heute
GREAT FOR COUPLES – enjoy some time with your tomorrow morgen
car/train auto/bahn
loved one and be pampered at the same time.
petrol/diesel benzin/diesel
Spend a day or two at one of Switzerland’s world
ticket Billet
class thermal baths and spa resorts where you can railway station Bahnhof
soak your worries away. The soothing alpine waters airport Flughäfen
are the best way to de-stress and the relaxing map Karte
atmosphere will allow you to re-connect with your road/bridge Strasse/Brücke
partner. left/right links/rechts
toilet Toilette
TREAT YOURSELF – stay in style at the 5* Badrutt’s water/milk Wasser/Milch
Palace in trendy St. Moritz. Ski all day or shop in coffee/tea Kaffee/Tese
designer boutiques then come ‘home’ to the wine/beer Wein/Bier
distinguished Grande Dame of St. Moritz where the breakfast/dinner Frühstuck/Abendessen
lunch Mittagessen
hotel’s mantra is to fulfill your wishes and dreams.
shop/supermarket Geschäft/Supermarkt

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USEFUL LINKS

Information about accommodation, rail travel, car


hire and leasing, coach tours and sightseeing in
Switzerland can be found at
www.holidaystoeurope.com.au. For information on
specific Swiss towns and villages, visit this link:
http://bit.ly/1S5H77p

The Switzerland Tourism website,


www.myswitzerland.com, is also an excellent
resource when planning your trip to Switzerland.

Alpine flowers

Disclaimer – every effort has been made to ensure the


information contained in this guide is correct at the time of
publication.
©Holidays to Europe, 2018.

Photo credits: Switzerland Tourism,


HolidaysToEurope.com.au
27 www.HolidaysToEurope.com.au
www.HolidaysToEurope.com.au

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