Swiss Alps Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel

Why Go To Swiss Alps
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More than two-thirds of Switzerland’s surface area is covered by alpine mountains. As such, the Swiss Alps exude a magical, fairytale vibe with picturesque green hillsides, breathtaking river landscapes (the Alps are the source for the Rhine, Rhône, and Inn rivers) and shimmering lakes. Travel to the Swiss Alps is enticing throughout the year, though there are two notable seasons: wintertime skiing and summertime hiking.

Wintertime travelers have myriad accommodation choices, including well-placed sports hotels, which are designed with [skiers and snowboarders](https://travel.usnews.com/Swiss_Alps_Switzerland/Things_To_Do/Ski_in_the_Swiss_Alps_67081/)in mind. Right out the door are the slopes, and concierges can arrange equipment services and repair. And don’t forget the après ski facilities, including restaurants, bars, saunas and spas.

Come summer, the Alps have numerous opportunities for climbers and mountaineers, plentiful mountain biking trails, and unique sports such as paragliding, whitewater rafting and zip lining. Thanks to three major rivers and more than 1,500 lakes countrywide, Switzerland presents ample opportunity for a fresh-water plunge. With all this to do and more, it’s no wonder the Swiss Alps have been drawing travelers for decades and will enchant long into the future.

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Rankings
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The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. Read more about [how we rank vacation destinations](https://travel.usnews.com/methodology/#vacation-rankings).

* [**#1** in **World’s Best Places to Visit**](https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/worlds-best-vacations/)
* [**#1** in **Best Places to Visit in Europe**](https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-europe-vacations/)
* [**#2** in **Best Places to Visit in November**](https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-places-to-visit-in-november/)

Best of Swiss Alps
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Swiss Alps Travel Tips
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Best Months to Visit
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The best time to visit the Swiss Alps is going to heavily depend on what you’d like to do! If you’re a [skier](https://travel.usnews.com/Swiss_Alps_Switzerland/Things_To_Do/Ski_in_the_Swiss_Alps_67081/), snowboarder or a winter sports fan, November through February will be the best times to visit. However, if you’re less enthused about spending hours in the cold and snow, shoulder seasons (March to June and September to November) or summertime will be a better time to book. Shoulder seasons typically mean lower prices for hotels, but you risk some resorts or activities not being available (such as cable cars not operating due to maintenance or holiday breaks for the staff). Summer still remains the best – and safest– time to [hike](https://travel.usnews.com/Swiss_Alps_Switzerland/Things_To_Do/Hike_in_the_Swiss_Alps_67082/) certain routes in the Swiss Alps, unless you’re specifically winter hiking in a groomed area on a mountain.

Note: Temperatures can fluctuate region to region as well as due to elevation. Check the forecast before your trip and during your vacation to make sure you’re prepared for the weather.

Weather in Swiss Alps
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What You Need to Know

* **Dress wisely**Alpine climates are unpredictable and the weather conditions can change quickly, regardless of the season. Wear layers and bring appropriate clothing, particularly if heading out for the day. Note: Ticks can be found throughout the country; check yourself, children and pets upon returning from hikes.

* **Ditch the car**Switzerland’s public transportation infrastructure is truly top-notch. Beyond the well-connected train network, there are buses and cable cars that can take you right into the mountains.

* **Ride wisely**Riding the trains is a blast. But there is some train etiquette to consider: use headphones, maintain a lowered voice and keep your feet off of seats. Even though Switzerland is quite safe, refrain from leaving your belongings unattended.

* **Be respectful** Swiss people are both welcoming and kind, but there is an unwritten expectation that you treat them and their country with respect. When you go into nature, take everything with you. Dispose of trash in proper receptacles (they’re marked), especially recyclable materials.

* **Study the language**There are four official languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Romansh (a romance language exclusively spoken in canton Grisons, or _Graubünden_ in German), though English is widely spoken and understood. Additionally, there are numerous regional dialects of Swiss German spoken throughout the country, but they can differ enough to the point in which High German (_Hochdeutsch_) is used when there’s a communication breakdown.

How to Save Money in Swiss Alps
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* **Get a pass**Invest in a [travel pass](https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/guests-abroad.html) if you are going to be traveling around Switzerland by public transportation, especially on longer train journeys. You’ll get unlimited travel for one cost and passes are good for three to 15 consecutive days. Additional benefits to a travel pass include free entrance to select museums, attraction discounts and more.

* **Mind your food budget**Dining out in Switzerland can mean a pricey bill due to restaurants paying a living wage to all staff. Opt for lower-cost, easy-to-grab sandwiches and snacks from grocery stores. If you plan to cook for yourself, use the Too Good To Go app to snag surplus foods from local grocery stores and restaurants. No matter what you do, remember to configure Switzerland’s steep prices into your budget.

* **Book travel outside of high-season** Accommodation prices are likely to be noticeably higher during popular times. Avoid skiing around Christmas and from January to February. Want to hike in the Alps? July and August are the most popular months due to warm weather and school holidays.

* **Eat your breakfast**If your hotel or accommodation includes breakfast, consider having a larger meal before embarking on your day. Many breakfast buffets offer bread rolls and sliced meats and cheeses. Prepare an extra sandwich (or two) to take with you on your hike, or to tide you over until dinner.

Photos
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![Image 4](https://travel.usnews.com/dims4/USNEWS/a51380a/2147483647/resize/255×255%5E%3E/crop/255×255/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel.usnews.com%2Fimages%2FSteffen_Schnur.jpg)1 of 56

![Image 5](https://travel.usnews.com/dims4/USNEWS/8f3cd47/2147483647/resize/255×255%5E%3E/crop/255×255/quality/85/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel.usnews.com%2Fimages%2FBernina_Express-Roberto_Moiola-Sysaworld-Getty.jpg)2 of 56

The [iconic landscapes](https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/the-most-beautiful-landscapes-in-the-world) of the Swiss Alps beckon to travelers looking for skiing, hiking and scenic beauty.

Steffen Schnur|Getty Images

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