Your Guide to Switzerland Travel

Written by Anja Barugh – Halfpipe Skier

With its snow-capped mountains, crisp mountain air, and stunning scenery, Switzerland is the true definition of a winter wonderland. Skiing in Switzerland is a must-do activity for any winter sports enthusiast, and there's no better place to hit the slopes than at the Flims Laax Falera ski resort.

The resort is located in the canton of Graubünden, and its main village, Laax, is about 150km southeast of Zurich.

If you’re planning on travelling to Switzerland, check out Anja’s insider tips before you head off.

What is Switzerland’s Currency?

  • Currency: Swiss franc
  • Currency code: CHF
  • Currency symbol: ₣, FR. or CHf
  • Currency sub unit: c (centime)

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Switzerland's official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).

Is tipping mandatory? When it comes to tipping in Switzerland, it's not mandatory, but it's always appreciated if you receive good service. A general rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest Franc.

Is card or cash preferred? Switzerland is a highly developed country, and both cash and card payments are widely accepted. However, it's always a good idea to carry cash for smaller transactions.

How Much Do Things Cost?

Prices in Switzerland can be quite high, but it's worth noting that the quality of goods and services is often exceptional.

Large coffee ₣6 CHFMeal at a café ₣15-25 CHF1km taxi ride ₣4 CHF
Ticket to Rhine Falls ₣5 CHFSki lift ticket at Laax ₣55 CHF0.5 Litre Beer ₣6.50 CHF

Swiss Food

If you're looking for a local delicacy, be sure to try the raclette, a traditional Swiss dish made from melted cheese, potatoes, and pickles. The dish is typically served with a glass of white wine and is a popular après-ski meal.

Cheese fondue is another popular dish and a must-do for visitors to Switzerland. Rustic bread is dipped into melted cheese, which is served in a ‘caquelon’, a traditional ceramic fondue pot. The cheese is generally infused with wine, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice to add extra flavour.

It's also worth checking out the No Name Cafe in Laax, which offers affordable and delicious food options.

Swiss Food
Transportation in Switzerland

Transportation in Switzerland

Almost any part of Switzerland can be reached by train or bus. With railway tracks covering most of the country, trains are the fastest and most convenient way to get around Switzerland.

For travel within Swiss cities, buses and trams are the best and most cost-effective options for distances that are not walkable.

For those staying at the Flims Laax Falera ski resort, the easiest way to get around is by skiing or snowboarding. The resort offers an extensive network of ski lifts and gondolas that connect the different ski areas. If you prefer to explore the area on foot, there are plenty of well-marked trails for winter hiking.

Must-Sees in Switzerland

The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn

Set on the border of Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn is a large pyramid-shaped mountain with an almost symmetrical shape. The Swiss icon has become one of the most photographed mountains in the world. There are many ways to see the Matterhorn, including via train, cable car, scenic helicopter flight, or hiking up the nearby slopes.

Rhine falls

Rhine Falls

As the largest waterfall in Europe, the Rhine Falls are a must-see when travelling to Switzerland. During the summer, the water flows at an impressive 600,000 litres per second, making it not only the largest but the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Visitors can admire the Rhine Falls from one of the viewing platforms or for those wanting a closer view, via a boat cruise. Entry to the Rhine Falls cost ₣5 CHF with boat cruises starting from ₣7 CHF per adult.

Flims Laax Falera

Flims Laax Falera

Skiing in Switzerland is a magical experience, and Flims Laax Falera is the perfect destination to enjoy all that the country has to offer. From delicious food to world-class skiing, there's something for everyone at this beautiful resort. Hit the slopes and go skiing or snowboarding, sample local delicacies on a culinary tour, sit back and enjoy an open mic night, or relax and unwind with a yoga class.



Seasonal Activities

Summer in Switzerland

Take the gondola to the Top of Europe: Taking a ride on the Eiger Express gondola is the perfect way to experience a Swiss summer. The 45-minute journey boasts views of lush valleys, charming villages, and of course, the incredible mountainous landscape of the Top of Europe.

Celebrate at a Summer Festival: During summer, Switzerland comes alive with a plethora of fun-filled festivals. From the 3-day long Fete de la Musique to the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival with acts such as Elton John and Janet Jackson, to the International Alphorn Festival that celebrates traditional Swiss culture with yodeling and folk dancing, there’s a festival for everyone in Switzerland.

Autumn in Switzerland

Go hiking in Grindelwald: Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald is one of the most popular places for hiking in Switzerland. Grindelwald is home to dozens of hiking trails boasting views of the Bernese Alps, 4000-metre peaks, glistening glaciers, and panoramic views of the Grindelwald valley.

Visit the Kyburg Castle: The Kyburg Castle is an international award-winning museum offering an insight into Switzerland’s rich history. Visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms including the cellar, medieval kitchen, attic, and torture chamber. The castle is open from 1 April to 31 October each year with entry starting from 12 CHF per adult.

Winter in Switzerland

Ride the Glacier Express: Switzerland is home to one of the world’s most incredible winter train journeys, the Glacier Express. The 8-hour long train ride travels between Zermatt and St Moritz through the snow-covered Alps, past glacier lakes, and over a whopping 291 bridges!

Go dog sledding: For a truly unique winter experience, many Swiss ski resorts offer dog sledding. There are plenty of dog sledding options ranging from 20 minutes to a full tour allowing you to explore the Swiss Alps from a different angle.

Spring in Switzerland

Explore the many waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen: With a total of 72 waterfalls cascading into the valley, Lauterbrunnen is worth the visit. One of the best ways to admire the incredible valley is on the Lauterbrunnen Waterfall Hike. The beginner-friendly trail passes Swiss alpine homes, snow-capped mountains, and some of the most stunning waterfalls in Europe.

Visit the Tulip Festival: Known as the “Fête de la Tulipe”, the Morges Tulip Festival on Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful spring events. Located on the shores of the lake, Independence Park is planted with 150,000 tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The festival is held each year from early April to mid-May and is free for visitors to explore.

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