Switzerland

Visiting Switzerland

Switzerland, a dream destination for lovers of nature and culture, is located in the heart of central Europe. It shares borders with five countries: Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is surrounded by the majestic Alps and offers a diversity of landscapes ranging from lakes to snow-capped mountains.

As for the capital, Bern lies in the north-central part of the country. Known for its old medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its renowned museums and its rich cultural scene, Bern connects many destinations in Europe and the world, including the largest Swiss cities.

Population, language and practical information

The population of Switzerland is estimated at around 8.5 million people. The five most dynamic cities in Switzerland are Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and Bern. Switzerland stands out for its multilingualism, with four national languages:

• German: spoken mainly in the central and eastern parts of the country.
• French: spoken in the western region.
• Italian: spoken in the canton of Ticino and part of the canton of Graubünden.
• Romansh: a Romance language spoken in certain valleys of the canton of Graubünden.

Switzerland's national anthem is the "Swiss Psalm", a song of peace and unity. The Swiss flag is a white cross on a red background, a symbol of neutrality and peace. It embodies the spirit of a people proud of their heritage and open to the world.

How to get to Switzerland

Ready for a trip to Switzerland? Here are 4 ways to reach this magnificent country, depending on where you are starting from and your budget.

Travelling by plane Flying is often the fastest and most convenient choice for getting to Switzerland, especially from faraway destinations. The main airports are Zurich, Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse, offering direct flights or flights with stopovers from many countries around the world. Book your flight and get the best fares.

Taking the train For travellers coming from Europe, the train is a great option. The Swiss rail network is highly developed and efficiently connects the major Swiss cities with each other and with other European capitals. High-speed trains (TGV, ICE) allow fast, comfortable journeys. Book your train and get the best fares.

Coming by car Travelling by car is an excellent way to explore Switzerland at your own pace. The country has a dense, well-maintained motorway network. Coming from neighbouring countries such as France, Germany, Italy or Austria, you will cross breathtaking landscapes and impressive natural borders.

Choosing the coach Many international coach companies offer journeys to Switzerland from other European countries. It is often the cheapest option, but also the one that takes the longest.