--- title: "Switzerland - Hiking: Trip Preparation & Destination Information" description: Traveling to Switzerland? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare. image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Mountain-Lake-Switzerland.jpg --- - TRAVEL - [![Find a Trip](https://21025004.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21025004/website%20images/flight_icon.svg) Find a Trip ](https://trovatrip.com/trips) - [Read Reviews](https://trovatrip.com/trip/reviews) - [What is TrovaTrip](https://trovatrip.com/trip/group-travel-benefits) - [Traveler Support](https://help.trovatrip.com/en/collections/6193390-traveler-support) - HOST - [![Host a Trip](https://21025004.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21025004/website%20images/host_icon.svg) Host a Trip ](https://trovatrip.com/host) - [Host Testimonials](https://trovatrip.com/host/host-testimonials) - [Host Support](https://help.trovatrip.com/en/collections/3069035-host-support) - [Itinerary Library](https://trovatrip.com/host/itineraries) - [Referral Program](https://trovatrip.com/host/referral-program) - [ABOUT](https://trovatrip.com/about) - [BLOG](https://trovatrip.com/blog) - [Log in](https://my.trovatrip.com/login) - [Become a Host](https://trovatrip.com/host/onboarding) # Switzerland - Hiking: Trip Preparation & Destination Information Print this page as PDF. ![Switzerland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Mountain-Lake-Switzerland.jpg) ### About Switzerland - [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#overview) - [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#packing) - [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#language) - [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#weather) - [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#funfacts) - [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#tipping) - [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#faq) - [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#full-image-title) - [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/switzerland-hiking#other-if-needed) #### Overview Nestled in the Alps, it's not hard to see why Switzerland is definitely one of the world's most beautiful countries in the world. The stunning lakes, quaint villages, modern cities and towering castles – that's just some of what Switzerland has to offer. Add to it some shopping, wine tasting, chocolates and cheeses and it gets even better.    Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.   **Capital City: **Bern **Population: **8.6 Million (2022 est.) **Currency: **Swiss Franc (CHF) **Time Zone: **Central European Summer Time - CEST (GMT+1) **Emergency Number:** 112 **Outlet:** Type C/J ![Hiker-Matterhorn](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Hiker-Matterhorn.jpg) ![Zurich-Switzerland (1)](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Zurich-Switzerland%20(1).jpg) #### Packing List **Sturdy Hiking Shoes** - Mid-weight, above the ankle with a sturdy sole (such as) a Vibram® sole and ideally well broken in. Note: Buy your boots one-half to one size larger to allow for feet swelling and thick socks. **Hiking Socks** - One pair for every day of your trip. Recommended brands include Darn Tough®, Smartwool®, or similar socks (some people find using a thin sock liner may help alleviate hot spots/blisters). No cotton socks. **Hiking Shirts** - (May be long-sleeved) for protection from the sun, light colors are nice because they’re cooler than dark colors. We recommend bringing 6 for this trip. **Layers, Layers, Layers** - Even in summer temps can drop, a warm sweater can help keep you warm. A pair of leggings or lightweight pants to block the sun and give warmth at night. **Warm Hat/Coat** - Winters in Europe can be chilly. Best be prepared. **Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine is helpful if you're prone to motion sickness. **Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside. **Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc. **Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more? **Reusable Water Bottle or Bladder** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay. 4 liters total capacity. **Trekking Poles** - Great for long days on your feet and comfort on those trails. **Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go. **Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate. **Umbrella** - Or rain jacket in case of rain. **Travel Adaptor ** - Grab a universal travel adaptor for your electronics. ** Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes. **Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized. ** Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only. **Call Your Bank ** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling. **Always pack extra underwear!** #### Speak the Language Language: The four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh, with over 60% of the population speaking German at home.  German: German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland. The Swiss German dialects differ from standard German, but standard German is also understood and used in formal settings.  - **Good morning** - Guten Morgen - **Good afternoon** - Guten Tag - **Good night** - Guten Nacht - **Goodbye** - Auf Wiedersehen - **See you soon** - She dich später - **Thank you** - Danke - **How are you?** - Wie get es dir? - **I’m fine** - Es geht mir gut - **I’m sorry** - Es tut mir Leid - **Where is**... - Wo ist... - The bathroom - die toilette? - An ATM - ein geldautomat? Italian: Italian is spoken in the southern part of Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Ticino. Approximately 8% of the population speaks Italian. - **Hello** - Ciao/Buongiorno - **Good morning** - Buongiorno - **Good evening** - Buonasera - **Goodbye** - Arrivederci - **Thank you** - Grazie **Google Translate:** Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/)  ![patrick-robert-doyle-eb8dmXNOGP4-unsplash (1)](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/patrick-robert-doyle-eb8dmXNOGP4-unsplash%20(1).jpg) #### Weather [BELLINZONA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/46d199d02/bellinzona/?unit=us) [INTERLAKEN WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/46d697d86/interlaken/?unit=us)   #### Fun Facts - Switzerland hasn’t fought in an international war since 1815. - The most famous Swiss mountain is the Matterhorn near Zermatt. Matterhorn is 4,478 m/ 14,692 ft. high and is located near the village of Zermatt. - Almost one-quarter of the population are foreign residents. People from different places live in Switzerland, from the Germans to the Serbians. More than 80% of the foreigners in Switzerland are from European countries, half being from France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal.  - Sundays in Switzerland are a big deal, and there are so many things you can’t do on that day. You can not mow the yard, hang laundry outside, hammer, or do anything that may disturb the neighborhood’s peace.  #### Tipping Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them. | **Guides** | | USD $5-10 per person/per day | | --- | --- | --- | | **Drivers** | | USD $3-4 per person/per day | | **Restaurants**  | | 10% of total bill |   #### FAQ **Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.   **Is the water safe to drink? **Switzerland has some of the best and cleanest tap water in the world. 80% of drinking water is sourced from groundwater, and the other 20% is from lakes.   **Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, visit click [here. ](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/switzerland-visa/)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.   **What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/switzerland)   **Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.   **What does public transportation look like? **Switzerland has one of the best-developed public transport networks in the world. Almost any part of the country can be reached by bus or by train - even in remote mountain areas.    **How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.   **Is Uber or Lyft available? **Uber is available in Zurich.   **What about Wifi?** Internet access through WiFi is widely available and most hotels will offer free WiFi access. Local sim cards with data are available from various retailers. Network coverage might be limited in the more rural parts of the country. #### Luggage Restrictions ![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg) ![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png) ### Book With Confidence [![USTOA-Member-Logo-gray](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Footer%20Associations%20Logo/USTOA-Member-Logo-gray.png?width=200&name=USTOA-Member-Logo-gray.png) ](https://ustoa.com/)