Lonely Planet Switzerland

If you think Switzerland is all chocolate confectionary, picture-perfect Alpine countryside, yodelling and cuckoo clocks, then think again. The winter playground of St Moritz, outrageous clubbing in Zurich, culture vultures in Basel, cosmopolitan Geneva – Switzerland is three countries rolled into one. Our Helvetic experts help you break down the clichés and discover something a little bit different.

Get Active – whether you’re after cycling, hot-air ballooning, thermal baths or zorbing, explore outdoor activities for the wild at heart.

Know It All – William Tell and neutrality, global warming and cultural diversity: historical and current issues explored in depth.

Let Us Entertain You – from Lucerne’s Fasnacht celebrations to Montreux Jazz in July and partying in the Zuri-West, our listings help you make the most of your time.

Sleep Easy – hand-picked accommodation options from hillside hideaways and cow barns to city-slick hotels and regal residences.

Loosen Your Tongue – with four languages to choose from, we explain your Gruezis from your Allegras.