A Solo Traveler's Guide To Switzerland

Switzerland is an easy place to navigate as a solo traveler. The sheer variety of things to see and do will ensure you’re never bored. However, it is one of the most expensive places in the world, so careful planning is essential, especially if you don’t have anyone to split bills with.

Bring a pocket translator

Switzerland’s 28 cantons speak four languages (French, German, Italian and Romansch) between them. While the divide between French, German and Italian speaking areas is quite distinct, it’s still useful to pack yourself a few pocket guides, particularly if you are planning on visiting more remote areas of the country. You don’t need to be a polyglot, but it helps to know the basics.

Tip: Swiss-German and ‘High German’ aren’t entirely the same. While many people in the German speaking parts of Switzerland will understand and speak ‘High German’, it’s worth learning a few phrases of Swiss-German to make sure you’re fully understood.

Think safety and don’t get caught out

Be aware of the prices

Switzerland isn’t cheap. From a simple sandwich to the price of a hostel or hotel, prices can range from expensive to exorbitantly high. Switzerland’s ubiquitous McDonald’s chains also sell the world’s most expensive Big Mac at a whopping 12 Swiss Francs. While it is possible to travel on a budget, it’s best to do plenty of research and travel off-season when prices are not inflated.

Tip: Most places have local markets on Wednesdays and the weekend where it’s possible to pick up a cheap bite to eat.

Tip: If you’re a student don’t forget to bring along your ID as most attractions offer discounts.

Tip: Tap water in Switzerland is perfectly drinkable. Instead of splurging on endless bottles of water, buy a refillable bottle and save cash as well as the environment.

Five Swiss Francs for a coffee is not unheard of

Tour around

Traveling in Switzerland is easy and relaxed, from the high-speed, and famously punctual, trains to local public transport. You can grab yourself a Swiss Travel Pass and take any mode of transport you like across the entire country. Check out the SBB website to plan your route and download the phone app for complete easy of mind. Some of Switzerland‘s train rides also offer spectacular views of the surrounding Alps, from the Glacier Express, the world’s slowest express train, to the GoldenPass Line which takes you from Lake Geneva all the way through the country to Lake Lucerne.

Tip: When staying at a hotel or hostel in most cities a free public transport token is provided; make use of it. As with most other things in Switzerland, public transport is pricey and bus or tram tickets quickly mount up and eat into that chocolate budget.

Tip: If you don’t go for the Swiss Travel pass, make sure to book in advance. Traveling on Switzerland’s famously punctual trains is a treat and many routes offer spectacular views of the country’s many lakes and mountains. While the trains are quick, they’re also pricey but if you book in advance there are often ‘SuperSaver’ tickets available with reductions of up to 50 percent. So when planning an itinerary it’s worth checking out whether or not it’s possible to save a few Francs.

Switzerland ‘s rail network often offers beautiful scenery, but at a cost | © dozemode / Pixabay

Use it as a stop-over

Do you simply have to go to Switzerland, but are scared of the prices? Use it as a stop-over. Switzerland is well connected to Germany, Austria, France and Italy making it an easy base camp on a longer trip through Europe.

Enjoy the outdoors

Whether you’re into hiking, snowboarding, skiing or just relaxing with a nice cool beer, Switzerland has a bit of something for everyone. While it is known mostly for its snow sports, don’t count it out as a great place to visit in the summer when the temperatures match those of nearby France and Italy. There are plenty of beautiful lakes or medieval castles to explore and wonderful wines to be tasted in spring and autumn. So don’t stay cooped up in the cities, explore all that Switzerland has to offer.

Tip: If the Swiss ski resorts are out of your price range, check out those in France as many are easily reachable from Geneva.

Switzerland ‘s slopes are great but there is much more on offer | © rolfvandewal / Pixabay

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.