Switzerland is a country for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer months it’s hiking and in winter, skiing and snowboarding take control. Whether you want to travel, or move to Switzerland, you can find lots of amazing ideas for the perfect gap year. Best brush up on your European languages too, as Switzerland had four (four!) national languages.
Switzerland Gap Year Trips
European Escapade
• 23 days. 11 countries
• Price from £2,620
European Trail
• 23 days, 12 countries
• Price from £2,430
Switzerland Facts
• Capital City: Bern
• Currency: Swiss Franc, CHF
• Language: German
• Time Zone: +1 GMT
• Dialling Code: +41
• Religions Practised: Christianity (Roman Catholic and Protestant)
• Total Area: 41,285 square kilometres
• Population Size: 7489370
Practical Information
Voltage and Plug Info:
230 V. European plug with three round metal pins.
Visas:
Citizens from the majority of countries are free to stay in Switzerland for 3 months and do not need a visa.
Safety:
Switzerland is one of the safest countries to visit on a gap year in Europe so you should have no problems as long as you are cautious and use your common sense. Avoid flashing anything valuable, particularly in crowded areas, avoid having large sums of cash and avoid being alone after dark.
Vaccinations and Health:
A tetanus booster is recommended but you should have no health issues while travelling in Switzerland. Health care standards and food hygiene standards are extremely high and the tap water is safe to drink.
Switzerland Backpacking & Gap Year Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit?
You can visit Switzerland at any time of year as each season offers something different. Summer, from June to September, is usually warm and sunny and the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and camping. December to April is the skiing season and there is plenty of snow in the Alpine resorts. Spring and autumn are beautiful times to visit the countryside as the seasons are changing.
Getting There and Away
London and Frankfurt have the most frequent direct flights to Switzerland but you will find flights from all over Europe. There are more than 100 airlines that fly into Switzerland so there are plenty of flights to be found from around the world. It is possible to take the bus from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Montengro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain. The train is another great option, particularly if you have a Eurorail pass, and there are regular trains all over Europe.
Getting Around
Public transport in Switzerland is excellent. There are buses and trams servicing main towns and cities with night buses throughout the night. It is also simple to hire a car and road conditions are excellent. Trains are a great way to cover longer distances as they are all clean, comfortable and efficient. Domestic flights are available but most travellers choose to take trains.
Switzerland Gap Year Ideas
Don’t leave here without…
Squatting with the locals
Geneva has bar prices to match its super-rich residents. To make your francs go further, find a squat bar. The pop-up bars in disused buildings are unlicensed but tolerated, beer is half the price and the clientele twice as interesting.
Following the Swiss Path
It’s got nothing to do with staying neutral in major conflicts. It means trekking 21 miles around Urnersee, part of Lake Lucerne, and through a towering mountainous landscape that Mother Nature should have at the top of her CV.
Doing something cheesy
No visit to Switzerland would be complete without eating fondue – bread dipped into molten Swiss cheese. Just try not to drop globules of steaming dairy into your lap. It’ll hurt.
Flying like a dragon
If you thought taking the world’s steepest cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus – the Dragon Mountain – was adventurous, try flying back down on a tandem paraglider.
Leaving the car behind
In Braunwald you’ll just need your legs and a big pair of lungs. Climb the nearby Tödi mountain, cycle over pristine trails or just breathe in the clean, crisp air.
