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Stories and tips

Writing about Switzerland

Longer reads, seasonal ideas and practical tips from the people who write this guide.

· 4 min read

Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card: Which Swiss Rail Pass to Buy

How the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, Half Fare Card and regional passes differ, and how to work out which one pays off for your trip.

· 4 min read

Switzerland Packing List by Season: What to Bring Year-Round

What to pack for Switzerland in spring, summer, autumn and winter, including plugs, footwear, layers for the mountains and the essentials people forget.

· 4 min read

Where to Stay in Switzerland: Hotels, Hostels, Mountain Huts and Farm Stays

The main types of accommodation in Switzerland, which bases suit which trips, and the booking details that affect price and convenience.

· 4 min read

Switzerland on a Budget: Practical Ways to Cut Travel Costs

How to keep the cost of a Swiss trip down: choosing the right rail pass, saving on food and accommodation, and using free guest cards.

· 4 min read

Understanding Switzerland’s Visa Requirements

Who can visit Switzerland visa-free, how to apply for a Schengen visa, which documents you need and what the new EES and ETIAS systems mean for travellers.

· 4 min read

How to Book Switzerland's Scenic Trains: Glacier, Bernina and GoldenPass Express

Which Swiss panoramic trains need a seat reservation, how to book them, and how to ride the same lines without one.

· 4 min read

Zermatt with Kids: Family Activities in Summer and Winter

What families can do in Zermatt: Wolli's playgrounds and lake at Sunnegga, easy lake walks, the Gornergrat railway, the Gorner Gorge and kid-friendly travel tips.

· 4 min read

Walking Montreux's Lakeside Promenade: From Vevey to Chillon

How to walk the Lake Geneva promenade through Montreux, what to see along the way, and how to combine it with Chillon, Vevey and the festivals.

· 4 min read

Lugano to Gandria on the Olive Trail: A Lakeside Walking Guide

How to walk the Olive Trail from Castagnola to the car-free village of Gandria on Lake Lugano and return by boat or bus.

· 4 min read

A Weekend in Montreux: Two-Day Itinerary for Lake Geneva's Riviera

How to spend two days in Montreux: the lakeside promenade, Chillon Castle, Queen's studio, Rochers-de-Naye and the Lavaux vineyards.

· 4 min read

Lugano’s Neighborhoods

A practical guide to Lugano's districts, from the old town and Paradiso to Cassarate, Castagnola, Monte Brè and the lakeside village of Gandria.

· 4 min read

Bern’s Old Town by Night

A self-guided evening route through Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town, plus the guided night tours and the autumn light show on Bundesplatz.

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