Things to know before you go to Switzerland

These are the practical things we found useful on our trip to Zurich and the Bernese Oberland in June 2025: trains, luggage, money, plugs and the mountain weather.

Entry for UK passport holders

You don't need a visa for a short holiday. Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so the 90 days in any 180 rule applies, and your passport must meet the Schengen validity rules. The EU's Entry/Exit System and the planned ETIAS travel authorisation cover Switzerland too, so check GOV.UK entry requirements for Switzerland before you go.

Trains and the Swiss Travel Pass

We used a Swiss Travel Pass for the whole trip. It covered the trains from Zurich up to Wengen and Grindelwald and the boat across Lake Brienz. The railway up to Jungfraujoch is 25% off with the pass rather than free, and most mountain cable cars are discounted, so budget for those. Wengen is car-free, so you arrive by train.

SBB luggage lockers

On both of our first two days we left our bags in the SBB lockers at Zurich Hauptbahnhof: once before we could check in at Hotel Montana, and again when we moved to the Crowne Plaza. It meant we could spend the day in the city without pulling suitcases behind us.

Money and tipping

The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Some places take euros, but you'll get change in francs, so check the current rate before you pay that way. Service is included in the bill, so tipping isn't expected; rounding up for good service is normal.

Quiet hours and Sundays

Many towns keep quiet hours overnight, usually from 10pm to 7am, and in mountain villages like Wengen it's noticeably peaceful in the evenings. Most shops close on Sundays, although those in the big stations, such as Zurich Hauptbahnhof, stay open.

Mountain weather and altitude

The weather in the mountains changes quickly, even in June, so carry a waterproof and a warm layer on every walk. Jungfraujoch station is at 3,454 metres, where it's cold and the air is thin, so take it slowly up there.

Food and water

Swiss food is hearty. Rheinfelder Bierhalle in Zurich was good enough that we went back on our last night. Tap water is safe to drink and tastes good, so bring a refillable bottle.

Safety and insurance

Switzerland is a very safe country to travel in. Make sure your travel insurance covers hiking, as most of our days were spent on mountain paths.

Plugs and emergency numbers

Swiss sockets are Type J, so British plugs need an adapter. The emergency numbers are 117 for police, 118 for fire and 144 for an ambulance, and 112 also works.

Before You Go

Our Switzerland packing list covers what to take for city days and hiking, and Our Trip links to every day of our visit.