Planning your Switzerland visit

Build around a few bases

For a first week, choose two or three bases. Add a mountain buffer day rather than making the only high-level excursion depend on one afternoon. Our route ideas are combinations, not guaranteed schedules.

Entry and travel documents

Check Swiss authorities’ rules for your nationality before travel. Switzerland is in the Schengen area but is not an EU member. The linked UK entry guidance is specific to British-passport travellers; use the authority appropriate to your passport.

Rail passes and reservations

Compare point-to-point tickets with passes for your actual route. A pass does not automatically cover every mountain lift or remove mandatory reservations on every panoramic service. Check the operator, date, class and route before buying.

Group rail travel

SBB publishes advance arrangements for groups of ten or more people. Ask for the actual journey, reservations and any assisted access. Railway group rules differ from ATA’s hotel room threshold.

Mountains and seasonal access

Check lift maintenance, path conditions and local weather, not just the valley forecast. Do not promise Matterhorn visibility, snow or a mountain-inn visit. Select easier alternatives where stairs, altitude or exposure are unsuitable.

Money and hotel arrangements

Budget in Swiss francs and confirm taxes and inclusions with the property. For fewer than 15 rooms, use the hotel’s direct contact. For 15 rooms or more, ask ATA about its free reservation and information service. Confirm accessible room layouts, luggage and meal requirements.

Known notices to recheck

Zürich’s Grossmünster lists renovation work through 2029. Ebenalp has maintenance closures, and the Montreux tourism board lists a Rochers-de-Naye railway closure for 1 April–21 May 2027. Read the linked operators’ current notices before finalising these outings.