Switzerland flag

Switzerland

History

Switzerland's founding tradition marks the beginning of its recognized state history.
Switzerland's sovereignty was recognized internationally, strengthening its place in the European state system.
The Federal Treaty reorganized Switzerland's confederation and prepared the modern federal state.
The federal constitution turned the confederation into a single federal state.
Europe thumbnailPart ofEuropeMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalBern
Population9.1M
Area41,285 km2
CurrencySwiss franc

Short facts

RegionCentral Europe / Alpine
LanguagesGerman, French, Italian, Romansh
Time zoneCET / CEST
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

    Find a city in Switzerland

    Showing all cities

    Bern thumbnailBernCity

    Planning questions

    Is Switzerland in the EU?No. It is in Europe but not an EU member.
    Best time to visit?Winter for skiing, summer for hiking and lakes.
    Is Switzerland expensive?Yes, it is one of Europe's more expensive travel countries.

    Upcoming events

    Showing all 7 events

    Spengler Cup thumbnailSpengler Cup26 December 2026 - 31 December 2026 — Davos — SwitzerlandWhite Turf St Moritz thumbnailWhite Turf St Moritz7 February 2027 – 21 February 2027 — Frozen Lake St. Moritz — SwitzerlandChampions Hockey League Final thumbnailChampions Hockey League Final23 February 2027 — SwitzerlandArt Basel thumbnailArt Basel17–20 June 2027 — Basel — SwitzerlandMontreux Jazz Festival thumbnailMontreux Jazz Festival2 July 2027 – 17 July 2027 — Montreux — SwitzerlandSwiss National Day thumbnailSwiss National Day1 August 2027 — Across Switzerland — SwitzerlandLocarno Film Festival thumbnailLocarno Film Festival4–14 August 2027 — Locarno — Switzerland

    Use Bern as the first planning anchor for Switzerland, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

    Food & drink

    Fondue thumbnailFondueSignature dishWine thumbnailWineLocal drink

    Known for

    AlpsWatchesChocolateTrainsLakesNeutralityBankingSki resorts
    Winter Olympics 2030 thumbnailAlpine SkiingMountain venues, races and winter calendars.Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailClassical MusicFestival halls, orchestras and cross-border culture.