Quick Guide: Switzerland

Switzerland equals stunning nature in every direction: mountain ranges, azur blue alpine lakes, traditional wooden houses, flowers, and valleys.

Table of Contents

What we think you NEED to know

If into hiking or camping, note that it is not permitted to wildcamp. Rangers are on the look out, getting caught camping outside of designated areas means you’ll be fined 1000 EUR/1170 USD.
Switzerland is very touristed in the Summer season, and campsites will therefore be pretty full. Could be a good idea to plan and book a few days ahead. Receptions usually close at 6-7 pm.
It is a country well-known for skiing, hence there is gondolas and chairlifts at many hiking spots. When researching lenght and starting point of trails, check if it is with or without use of skilifts.
The above continued. Using gondolas and chairlifts are expensive, just as the rest of the country. Pitching a tent on a campsite without electricity, just some grass, cost from 45 EUR/50 USD.

Our key moments

Doing Augstmatthorn Ridge Hike. There was only a few fellow hikers, the trail was tough, and the view absolutely breathtaking. Our favorite Swiss hike by far.
Panicking over nowhere to pitch our tent, and last minute finding camp Bucheli in Sisikon that have the most amazing views and offered us the best, warmest lake swim ever.
Starting the Schäfler Hike at sunset which allowed us to fully enjoy the peace and realness of the beautiful nature. And reaching the summit being anything but dissapointed.
Driving through the country getting a chance to explore and watch the impressive, varying landscape and the Alps.

High season: June-August

Low season: December-March

Currency: Swiss Franc CHF
1 CHF = 1,07 EUR/1,26 USD

Population: 9 million people living on 41,285 km²

Location: located at the intersection of Central, Western, and Southern Europe

Weather: moderate, four-season climate, distinct seasonal changes

Weather and hiking:

When the weather forecast predicts a few or many clouds, expect the clouds to be centered at the mountain peaks.

Around 12-3 pm. is usually the worst time to reach peaks and summits, because there more often than not will be more clouds and unstable weather.

Early mornings or evenings is on the other hand often the best and most stable time to give it a go.

This will be NICE to know

Are you not in to over touristed places and nature attractions, choosing to hike places where there isn’t gondolas and chairlifts is a good hack.
Kinda unofficial but it is said to be OK to wildcamp above the tree-line. Although that typically means more challenging terrain and conditions.
Make sure to check local weather forecasts. Unstable and rainy weather can results in landslides and dangerous conditions.
Bringing cooking gear and some of your food from home can be a simple way to save a lot of money but also free of time to explore.
Switzerland truly is just as beautiful as on social media, but behind many photos is loads of other tourist and many using skilifts to the top.

Weather and hiking:
When the weather forecast predicts a few or many clouds, expect the clouds to be centered at the mountain peaks.

Around 12-3 pm. is usually the worst time to reach peaks and summits, because there more often than not will be more clouds and unstable weather.

Early mornings or evenings is on the other hand often the best and most stable time to give it a go.

Our favorite locations

Augstmatthorn Ridge Hike. The road to the trailhead, the entire trail itself, and of course the views on the ridge were mesmerizing.
Schäfler Mountain and the trail from Wassenraun parking lot to the peak (without the use of gondolas). Absolutely worth the effort.
Thur Waterfalls both because it is awesome, but also due to us really not expecting it to be anything. Plus the city, Unterwasser, is nice too.

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Quick Guide: Switzerland

This Quick Guide is just a glimpse of Switzerland. Due to weather conditions and the expenses of the trip, we explored less than planned. Maybe you’ll have more luck or better planning skills.