Interrail in Switzerland: the ultimate country guide 🇨ðŸ‡
- Urban swimming
- Swiss chocolate
- Hiking in the mountains
- Historic architecture
- Active destination
Urban swimming
Swiss chocolate
Hiking in the mountains
Historic architecture
Active destination
Table of contents 🇨ðŸ‡
Switzerland overview
- Population: 8.6 million
- Capital: Bern
- Language: German, French, Italian, Romansch
- Currency: Swiss Franc
- Dialling code: +41
Are you looking to Interrail around Switzerland? Excellent decision – Switzerland is pretty unique compared to the rest of Europe. The Swiss should definitely count their blessings for being able to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its chocolate box cities, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and tranquil shimmering lakes.
The Swiss are also resourceful enough to have endured the hardship of constructing train tracks across some of the most difficult terrains, allowing people to admire even the most isolated regions of the nation. 313 tunnels, 6,004 bridges, and 3,200 km of track all add up to what we would consider a true rail adventure.
Unique as well with four official languages: German; French; Italian; Romansch. Each region has a distinct identity, something which Switzerland is proud of. Most of its population is concentrated in the cities, with Zurich being the most populous.Â
The top 5 cities to visit in Switzerland
Bern
Bern is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities with a population of around 144,000. This also makes it the fourth-largest city in Switzerland. Despite its low-key stature, the city punches above its weight in terms of beauty, chocolate and urban swimming. Bern has an immediate charm, as its cobbled streets weave around tightly-packed buildings on the banks of a meandering River Aare.
Take a stroll around the Old Town and you’ll see exactly why the city is so charming. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with its towers, red rooftops, fountains and arcades you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into medieval times. Be sure to check out the Parliament Building (Bundeshaus) and Französische Kirche and the nearby Zytglogge clock tower.
The Aare River’s pristine water makes it the ideal place to cool yourself in the summer heat. Many Bernese locals walk along the Aare bank in the summer to jump into the river and gently drift back to the Old Town, passing by the Botanical Gardens, the Dählhölzli Zoo, and the old Matte district.
If you’d rather not swim in the river, head to The Marzili, which is the most popular outdoor swimming pool.
Bern is the birthplace of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, as Rudolf Lindt discovered the process of conching in 1879. As such, there is an abundance chocolate shops and other chocolate experiences to discover!Â
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Geneva
A common misconception for some visitors is that Geneva is the Swiss capital. It is an easy mistake to make, especially as you stroll the city’s regal, cosmopolitan streets. Sitting on the border with France and at the head of majestic Lac Léman – Europe’s largest Alpine lake – Switzerland’s second largest city is a major headquarters of some of the world’s largest and most important organisations (including the UN). Appearances can be deceptive, and beyond the pomp of major international banks, luxury hotels, and diamond dealers lies a gritty city just waiting to be explored.
With a high-speed rail connection taking just 3 hours to get to Paris, this is a city well worth passing through on your Interrail trip.
Lucerne
Just like Bern, Lucerne is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. It sits on the banks of Lake Lucerne and is the gateway to central Switzerland. Mountains surround the city and it is the ideal base for trips into the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn mountains (by cable car, train or funicular).
Lucerne is a medieval town and is home to one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Chapel Bridge, as pictured, is a very impressive structure – with The Water Tower and Musegg Wall helping to dominate the city’s skyline.
Zermatt
With its location at the foot of the world famous Matterhorn mountain, Zermatt looks like somewhere straight out of the pages of a fairytale book. For decades, it was a haven for the rich and famous as a glitzy ski resort, as well as a magnet for daredevils seeking to scale the heights of the Matterhorn. Arriving by train, regardless of season, retains all the glitz of early rail travel as you crane your neck to see this enigmatic peak rising above the town’s chalets and pine trees.
Zurich
Make sure you stop in Switzerland’s largest (and wealthiest) city on your Interrail trip, somewhere that regularly tops the list as one of the best cities in the world for quality of life. Zurich is a tale of two cities. On the one hand, there is a beautifully preserved old town with meandering cobbled lanes and church steeples, as well as waterways and bridges. On the other hand, there is a revitalised post-industrial district dominated by innovative cultural spaces, lively nightlife, and funky apartments, particularly in the Zurich-West district.It’s a Switzerland you’re probably not familiar with but should embrace with open arms.
People who visit Switzerland also visit...
Which Interrail pass do I need to travel around Switzerland?
Interrail Global Pass
Interrail Switzerland Pass
Do I need to make train seat reservations in Switzerland?
Reservations for SBB regional trains are not required. For InterCity and ICN trains reservations are not compulsory but it is strongly recommended to make a seat reservation during the busy summer period (May-September) and on public holidays. Reservations are required for night trains and international high-speed trains. Prices for night trains depend on the type of sleeping accommodation you choose.
There are lots of scenic trains in Switzerland as well. These aren’t included on your Interrail pass but you do get discounts on selected scenic train routes:
Golden Pass: Lucerne to Interlaken then Montreux
Bernina Express: Chur to Lugano via Tirano (Italy)
Centovalli Railway: Locarno to Domodossola (Italy)
Where to stay in Switzerland
Hostel 77 - Bern
Geneva Hostel - Geneva
Young Backpackers Homestay - Lucerne
Zermatt Youth Hostel - Zermatt
Otter Hostel Old Town - Zurich
Events in Switzerland
Zibelemärit - Bern
The Fête de L’Escalade - Geneva
Lilu Light Festival - Lucerne
Zermatt Unplugged - Zermatt
Read more about Switzerland on our blog
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