It’s kind of cool having a nuclear shelter (which is obligatory by law in Switzerland) particularly as it gives you somewhere to stock your stuff. As you may have guessed, all those guns aren’t just for show. We’d love for you to join one of our tours, you can take a look at our tours to Switzerland here >>https://expatexplore.com/tour_groups/switzerland/. The country hasn’t engaged in a single military conflict since, and Switzerland has no standing army. Sorry fuzzy, we don’t need you anymore. The Swiss do business with the Swiss Franc (indicated as CHF), but visitors will find that many prices are also indicated in Euro so they can compare prices. The man who invented The International Committee of the Red Cross was Swiss and so was Audrey Hepburn. This village is under the infamous North Face of Eiger, a monumental wall of rock that inspires and intimidates in equal measure. Find what to do today or anytime in January. Another important thing you need to know is that Switzerland is expensive. Schlechte Würstchen! Velcro is a truly Swiss invention and the inventor is said to have been inspired by little seeds that became hooked on to his dogs fur when walking in the mountains of the Jura. One of my favorite countries. It could be said that Switzerland is aggressively neutral, but that wouldn’t make much sense. Book your spot on one of our tours that travel through Switzerland ahead of time and enjoy wonderful savings. Visitors get great deals on Swiss Travel System tickets. Here are 10 really cool things you should know about Switzerland in 2017: Switzerland has a true democracy, not a single head of state. Or that the country has 208 mountains above 3000 metres? Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Before moving to the land of neutrality, chocolate and Cuckoo clocks, there are a few things you need to know about Switzerland. This situation will be reflected in some things I like the most about Switzerland. Don’t stress the transportation. It is a tiny country that makes people feel like rather in a large city due to its distance to neighbour countries. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, which means the country is not obliged to trade in Euro. Weather in Switzerland. Here’s a list of some of the facts I’ve found the most interesting. Pro packing advice for your next big adventure! Be aware, however, that Swiss trains leave promptly, so time your connections properly if you don’t want to run from one platform to the next. Food quality is very high in Switzerland, but since their cuisine is not very rich, it is not really easy to find delicious dishes. Around 80% of Swiss drinking water comes straight from natural springs and groundwater, the rest from its alpine lakes. (Dimitri). A memorable experience. At least for me, I consider it to be pricey. The Swiss public transport system is out of this world. Switzerland is located in Western Europe, with its de facto capital Bern (because Switzerland technically does not have a capital city), with its neighbours Germany in the north, Italy in the south, France in the west, and Austria and Liechtenstein in the east. You’ll be transacting in Swiss Franc, not Euro. Switzerland’s entire population can fit in its nuclear shelters. Official exchange offices and hotels often charge a fee for the service. Most people wrongly assume that either Geneva or Zurich is the capital of Switzerland. With a whopping 5600 km of train tracks throughout the country, you can travel by rail almost anywhere! You don’t need running... 2. So naturally you can rent guinea pigs until, well, the other one dies too. Weed growers tinker with other chemicals in the legal drugs so you still feel mellow. presence switzerland - its mission is to convey knowledge about Switzerland, to create understanding and empathy for our country and to highlight its diversity and attractiveness. Feel free to drink as much tap water as you want when you visit Switzerland. The three regions of Switzerland differ greatly in terms of culture and mindset, not just in … It’s entire population, at 8.1 million, is the same as that of New York City, and the country’s biggest cities are Bern, Zurich, Geneva and Basel. A cup of coffee comes in at 4 CHF, a public transport ticket at 2.5 CHF, a three-course meal at 35 CHF and a movie ticket at 18 CHF. The Swiss may seem kind of paranoid, but they have been threatened during two World Wars so it’s rather understandable. The Swiss have four national languages and a great variety of regional dialects, and most citizens are at least bilingual. Top Tip! 7 things you need to know before traveling to Switzerland 1. Dogs are allowed in restaurants, and can often be seen eating in them, while ‘social’ animals must be kept in pairs. No, Swiss is not a language. We’ll deliver top travel tips, insider info and travel inspiration right to your inbox. Image Source: Pexels.com It’s only natural that a business-focused country like Switzerland should be the site of a rebellion against bad PowerPoints. They don’t want to ban them, just make them better. But, like any destination, this Central … Choose the location of your rental flat wisely." German, French, Italian and Romansh are the four national languages of Switzerland. Pass through the Alps or tour the country’s most beautiful lakes, taking all the time you need to take photos or explore the surrounding countryside. "I hate when people say you don’t need alcohol to have fun. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. The high living standard in Switzerland is reflected in the high cost of living. Fun Fact! More to Switzerland Than Meets the Eye. Sometimes all you need is a little chocolate to make... 3. When you visit Switzerland, make a point of sampling their incredible dairy products and to buy some (tax-free!) It’s hard to make friends, visitors say, and Swiss culture is more impenetrable than stale Gruyère. Things went so far that in 2010 there was a referendum on whether animals should have lawyers. The Swiss are serious about sustainability and particularly fastidious about recycling. The Swiss are roping in horses for community tasks like garbage and paper collection. The four main languages are Swiss German (very different from actual German, with a vaguely French quality on the ear), French, Italian and Romansch. But more on Schweizerdeutsch another time). 7 Essential Things to Know About Switzerland. Head to the water. to take back home. At 41,285 km² is just as big as the greater Shanghai region in China or the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Switzerland’s dairy industry owes a great deal of its success to alpine pastures – the frequent rain and mild sunlight, as well the diversity of plants means that Swiss milk has traditionally been richer and more flavourful than milk from flatter farming areas. This cuts down on carbon emissions and offers a nice noise-free transport solution for urban areas. plastic, paper, glass, edibles) before you put something in it. Find what to do today, this weekend or in January. All you need is a 10% deposit to secure your seat! Together, these members elect the Federal Council – 7 members that collective represent the head of state. 17 Things You Didn't Know About Switzerland Bern is actually the capital. Always check to see whether a trash can in a public space is designated for a particular type of waste (e.g. Hi Suzanne, Thanks for your message. Moving is made of … However, the country’s quality of life measures up – it was rated the 4th happiest country in the world in 2017 according to the World Happiness Report. You can change money at any Swiss bank, airport, Western Union railway station and major hotels. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world. We kind of take Velcro for granted, but where would people who can’t tie shoelaces be without it? Specially-trained horses pull electric carriages that work similarly to an E-bike, generating kinetic power that lessens the load on the horse and stores energy for future trips at the same time! There is snow at the top of Jungfraujoch all year round on Jungfraujoch. Top Tip! And they are in no particular order. Its Alps are spectacular, the lakes are a dream, the snow is perfect during winter, and people here love to make chocolate and cheese. Bern became the capital of the Swiss Confederation in 1848. The country’s Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States, which represents the various cantons, and the National Council of Representatives of the People. Doesn’t that make you feel safer? To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Ticino, palm trees and all | © Jaybee_01/ Pixabay, Switzerland's animal rights are further down the road than most places, aggressively advertised both Swiss cheese. READ MORE: Coronavirus: Switzerland promises everyone will be vaccinated by summer Do you have to get vaccinated in your canton of residence, or are you free to do it anywhere in Switzerland? Switzerland is a mountainous destination that we have all heard and dreamed about. The tap water is often better quality than bottled water. Brier Rose Smith said 4 years ago. What is the best time to visit zwitzerland. Switzerland’s form of governance is officially known as parliamentary democracy with a direct democracy. The Swiss don’t just make clocks, they follow them. If it’s a good thing or not, this is not our area of expertise, so we let that in … That’s right, shoeless. You can get the shot anywhere, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) says. The Swiss are world-renowned for their exceptional milk, chocolate and cheese for a reason. The southern canton of Ticino speaks Italian. This small, rugged European country, known for its irresistible chocolate, sturdy mountain cheese, and breathtaking beauty, has so many things to offer.Some of them you already know … Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so they do not have the common “euro” currency. 1. Is the weather in September favourable to visit Switzerland? 10 Things to know in visiting Geneva Switzerland. That pot of melted cheese that’s foisted on you at every opportunity in Switzerland only became popular in the 20th century. 37 Bucket List things to do in Europe this year. You can buy fresh, unhomogenised milk from vending machines in some Swiss metropoles thanks to Stadtmilch, a crowd-funded project that was inspired by a young entrepreneur’s nostalgia for the days when milk was still delivered to your door. But the so-called ‘affair of the sausages‘ did kickstart an argument in Zurich that led to the protestant reformation gaining force and spreading across the country. They have almost nothing to do with money. Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Gratuity is included in the price of your meal at restaurants in Switzerland. The law says if your guinea pig’s best bud dies then you’ve got to get another to keep it company. If you want to reward good service, it is accepted practice to round up to the nearest Franc. Top Tip! I hope to return one day. These are just a few of the wonderful things you’ll discover about Switzerland on our European coach tours. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of this recycling culture, and to contribute to the country’s sustainability efforts by dispensing with their own trash in a responsible way. Switzerland is a beautiful place to go to, and full of delicious treats!!!!! It is situated at the top of the Klein Matterhorn mountain and offers incredible views of … If not and you are dying for more Swiss facts, read on and learn about this fascinating country. An Air Force pilot in … Once you get past the cliched notion of yodelling milkmaids, winding cuckoo clocks and silky-smooth chocolate, contemporary Switzerland is all about epic experiences and travel adventures. Jungfraujoch was expensive, but worth every penny. Peace loving Switzerland is actually a major weapon's exporter. Switzerland: 10 Interesting facts to know before you go, I agree to receiving a personalised response via email, https://expatexplore.com/blog/europe-by-season-when-to-travel-where/, Europe seasons, weather and climate: When to travel where. Fun fact! One of the best things about Switzerland is all the beautiful nature. You’ll get the best exchange rate at the banks. Switzerland’s form of governance is officially known as parliamentary democracy with a direct democracy. Getting around in Switzerland is so easy, it’s almost like time travel. Most people wrongly assume that either Geneva or Zurich is the capital of Switzerland. Switzerland is one of a kind. Things You Should Know Before Moving to Switzerland. Did you know that the Swiss gave the world Absinthe, muesli and LSD? You’re welcome to take a look at a helpful post here >> https://expatexplore.com/blog/europe-by-season-when-to-travel-where/. German is spoken by over 60% of the population (actually, they speak Swiss German, which is practically its own language. Visitors can also take advantage of tax-free shopping. Here are 10 really cool things you should know about Switzerland in 2017: Switzerland has a true democracy, not a single head of state. Below, you will find 12 things I love about Switzerland. It’s all thanks to the Swiss Cheese Union – think a sort of cheese mafia – who aggressively advertised both Swiss cheese and fondue to ramp up their sales and profits. Switzerland is neutral, but the country’s military is designed to mobilise at extremely short notice in the event of outside aggression. Among other things, Swiss manufacturers are exporting assault rifles, sniper ammunition and tanks to countries like Denmark, Germany, Saudia Arabia or Ukraine. Happy cows + alpine pastures = exceptional dairy. The Anti-PowerPoint Presentation Party (APPP) claims the dreaded presentations cost Switzerland 2.1 billion Swiss Francs every year. The western provinces (called cantons) that include Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Lausanne speak French. Fortunately, I’ve learned quite a lot more since living here from teachers, friends and by reading. No, this isn’t the result of some top secret Alpine experiment gone wrong. You wouldn’t think a landlocked, Alpine country would have palm trees. Glass, edibles ) before you go matter what time of the highest rates gun! The Swiss have four national languages and a great variety of regional dialects, Switzerland. Not rile up the Swiss gave the world Absinthe, muesli and LSD more than a... Became the capital of Switzerland ; think luxurious bodies of water to experience when you visit Switzerland and neutral... Switzerland ahead of time and enjoy wonderful savings things went so far that in there. 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