Switzerland Holidays

If you're a non-EU national residing in Poland, your Polish residence permit covers you for Switzerland — no separate Schengen visa required in most cases.

• A valid Polish residence permit allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, including Switzerland, for up to 90 days in any 180
• Always carry your residence permit, biometric passport, and travel insurance when crossing borders
• Since October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has replaced passport stamps — first-time travellers register biometric data at the border
• ETIAS travel authorisation is planned from late 2026 — not required yet, but worth monitoring

Swiss cuisine goes far beyond chocolate and fondue — each of the country's four regions has its own distinct flavours.

• Fondue and raclette: melted cheese dishes from the cantons of Fribourg and Valais — best in a mountain restaurant
• Rösti: crispy grated potato cakes from German-speaking Switzerland, often served as a main dish
• L'Étivaz cheese: made in copper vats from milk of cows grazing at 2,000 m — visit the maturing cellars in the village of L'Étivaz
• Handcrafted chocolate in Zurich's confectioneries: Lindt, Sprüngli, Läderach
• In Ticino (Lugano): Italian-style cuisine — risotto, polenta, and locally grown Merlot wines

From car-free mountain villages to Mediterranean lakesides, Switzerland packs extraordinary variety into a small country.

• Zermatt: car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn with the Gornergrat panoramic railway
• Jungfraujoch ("Top of Europe"): highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 m — UNESCO site with an Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory
• Grindelwald: 45-metre First Cliff Walk, 800-metre zipline, and Bachalpsee lake mirroring surrounding peaks
• Lucerne: 14th-century Chapel Bridge, lake boat rides, and cable-car access to Mount Pilatus
• Lugano (Ticino): Switzerland's Mediterranean corner — warm lake swimming and the stone village of Gandria by boat

Switzerland rewards visitors year-round — the key is matching your trip to your interests.

• Summer (June–September): temperatures around 20°C, open alpine trails, daylight until 21:00
• August 1st is Swiss National Day — fireworks nationwide, biggest show at Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen
• May and September–October: fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, easier to book last-minute
• December for Christmas markets, January–February for skiing, February for the famous Fasnacht carnival in Basel

Switzerland in winter is magical even without skis — here are the best non-ski experiences.

• Preda–Bergün toboggan run: a thrilling 400-metre vertical descent from 1,800 m — one of Switzerland's most celebrated sledding routes
• Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz — one of the world's most scenic rail journeys through frozen valleys
• Rigi Kaltbad mineral hot springs with panoramic views of the snow-covered Alps
• Chillon Castle near Montreux with guided tours and local wine tastings
• Zurich and Basel come alive with Christmas markets, fondue restaurants, and the vivid Fasnacht carnival

The Swiss Travel Pass is the smartest way to get around — in a country famous for expensive transport, it pays for itself quickly.

• Unlimited travel by train, bus, tram, and boat — including scenic panoramic trains like Bernina Express and Glacier Express
• Free entry to 500+ museums including Chillon Castle and the National Museum in Zurich
• Free rides on Rigi, Stoos, and Stanserhorn mountain railways; up to 50% off Jungfraujoch
• Youth Pass (under 25) costs 30% less than the standard price
• Available for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 days; buy in advance at myswitzerland.com

Switzerland is one of Europe's most family-friendly destinations — safe, well-organized, and full of activities for all ages.

• Swiss Family Card: children aged 6–16 travel free with an adult Swiss Travel Pass holder
• Jungfraujoch: snow year-round and an Ice Palace at 3,454 m — unforgettable for kids
• Grindelwald: mountain carts and an 800-metre zipline — perfect for older children
• Preda–Bergün toboggan run: one of Europe's best sledding routes for the whole family
• Hiking trails are well-signposted, with many routes suitable for families with pushchairs

Switzerland is famously expensive, but with the right strategy you can experience its best without overspending.

• Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card (50% off most transport) is essential — individual train tickets are very costly
• Shop at Migros or Coop supermarkets; opt for lunch menus instead of dinner at restaurants
• Book accommodation well in advance — prices rise sharply closer to your arrival date
• Travel in May or September–October (shoulder season) for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds
• Free hiking trails, lakeside beaches, and public fountains with drinkable water are everywhere