Backpack Europe and Budget Travel: Traveling in Switzerland
Traveling in Switzerland
Switzerland is a small country, but one of the most important in the world. Geneva and Interlaken are just a couple of the many highlights this country has to offer. I'll add more information soon...
Backpacking Switzerland - Quick Facts
Local Language: Switzerland has four official languages - German, French, Italian and Romansch. The German section of Switzerland generally speak better English than the rest of the country, but the German they speak is almost a unique dialect and even if you speak German you might not understand the Swiss-German.
Visa Requirements: Canadians are allowed in Switzerland for 90 days without a visa.
Health Risks: None
Costs: Switzerland is, like most western European countries, very expensive. Hostels are pricey, food is expensive, and pretty much everything else. Budget at least $50 Canadian per day.
Geneva, Switzerland- Jet d'Eau
My Travels in Switzerland
Switzerland isn't a very large country, but certainly one of the most beautiful. The Alps are at their finest here and every where you go you'll see towering peaks and mountain valleys. Taking the train through Switzerland is in itself one of the highlights visiting this country has to offer.
One of the most interesting things about Switzerland is how it's long remained an island of neutrality in the middle of western Europe. This is one of the main reasons so many international conventions and treaties have been signed here, and many international organizations are headquartered in cities like Geneva.
Also interesting is how so many different cultures can co-exist in such a small area. You've got German ,French, Italian and other influences in each corner of the country and somehow they all get along to keep a united country, and haven't split off to join the neighbouring larger countries despite their influence.
Switzerland's natural beauty combined with it's cultured cities and international flavours makes it an essential stop on any European tour.
Hotels and Hostels in Switzerland
Switzerland has a good hostel network and for good reason - The country gets packed in the summer in cities like Geneva and the area around Interlaken. You won't find any good deals though, everything costs an arm and a leg. Make a reservation as soon as possible to get the best deal you can and to ensure you've got a bed.
Hotels in Switzerland
For hotels in Switzerland, check out the link below:
Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Switzerland
Geneva
Geneva is one of the main cities in Switzerland, and of co ruse the world. Just about every international organization has a headquarters here, most notably the United Nations.
Geneva reminds me a lot of Canada, where I used to live in Kelowna BC. The lake and the mountains are almost identical to the Okanagan Valley in BC. The city if Geneva, however, is much nicer with it's old cobblestone streets and international influences.
There are many museums to visit, and some of them are free! A welcome relief from this otherwise expensive country. Geneva's many parks and boulevards, nightlife and charm are hard to beat.
If you're in town in August, try to check out the Fete de Geneve, a huge fireworks festival. They claim to be the largest in the world, but the St Stephens Day fireworks in Budapest was far more spectacular. It's still pretty good though.
As always, bring a guidebook! It'll add so much more to your experiences.
For Swiss and European travel guidebooks, check here:
Swiss and European Guidebooks
Trains to Geneva and Switzerland
Geneva is pretty easy to get to via train and you can find routes to most European cities though you'll probably have to change trains depending on where you're going.
Eurail passes cover Switzerland, and are definitely worth purchasing as the train is the best way to get around the country.
Cheap Train and Eurail Passes
For more information about the Swiss rail system itself, click here:
http://www.sbb.ch/
For car rentals in Switzerland try:
Flights to Switzerland
Switzerland's main airports are in Geneva and Zurich and that's probably where you'll end up flying into. You can get flights from these airports to just about anywhere in Europe and the rest of the world.
Cheap flights to Paris, Switzerland
Swiss Language
Switzerland is very multi-lingual. If you speak French or German you're in good shape,. Most Swiss people speak two or even three languages. You'll be able to get by with English, but in the French area of the country not as many people speak English as in the rest of Switzerland.
Canuck Abroad's Swiss Travel Dictionary
Downtown Geneva, Switzerland
Switzerland Travel Links
Switzerland Tourism - The official Switzerland tourism site
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