The Alpine nation is notoriously expensive and attracts the mega-rich all year round – but there are ways to make a trip there affordable.
ADVERTISEMENTWith stunning landscapes, restorative fresh air, unique nature and hearty cuisine, it's no surprise that Switzerland is one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe. It also regularly tops lists of the most expensive places to travel, not just in Europe but around the world.
However, there is a way to visit this mountainous country in central Europe without breaking the bank.
Euronews Travel did some research and spoke to experts who know Switzerland inside out to find the best ways to get the most out of your trip on a budget.
It is wise to plan your trip to Switzerland in advance
Like Michael L. Moore, founder of the travel website Countdown to magic, told Euronews Travel, “timing is everything”.
Travel expert explains that the time of year you visit Swiss This is almost always where you will see the biggest difference in price.
“Avoid the peak summer months when prices skyrocket. Instead, aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and fall,” says Moore.
“You'll experience smaller crowds, lower accommodation rates and potentially even deals on plane tickets. The wildflowers of spring and the flamboyant foliage of fall make these seasons magical,” he adds.
Much of Switzerland's appeal is what it has to offer for free. The majestic landscapes and hiking routes are all at your disposal and a little planning for necessities such as accommodation or travel can save you a considerable amount of money.
It's also a good idea to get off the beaten path, if you can bear to leave popular spots off your itinerary.
“Although Interlaken and Zermatt have become iconic Swiss destinations, their popularity comes at a price,” says Moore.
Instead, he recommends settling in smaller towns like Thun, where accommodation can be considerably more expensive. cheaper but the alpine views surrounding your accommodation will be just as magnificent.
Travel expert Fiona Spinks, founder of Follow Fiona, agrees.
“The key is to seek out Switzerland's hidden gems, those off-the-beaten-path places that allow you to experience the country's stunning natural beauty and rich culture, far from the overpriced tourist traps,” she tells EuronewsTravel.
Even though everyone dreams of staying in a sumptuous hotel in the mountains, this is unrealistic for most.
“Stay in hostels or Airbnbs. Although Swiss hotels can be expensive, hostels and Airbnb rentals offer much more affordable accommodation options, especially if you're willing to stay a bit outside of the big cities,” advises Spinks.
Make the most of your trip while saving money
Transportation options in Switzerland are often luxurious and offer stunning views. It is therefore entirely possible to make the trip itself a large part, or even a highlight, of your trip.
“In Switzerland you can have everything by train,” Moore tells Euronews Travel.
“The iconic Glacier Express train line offers unforgettable alpine views from its panoramic windows. Better yet, your public transportation becomes an activity rather than an additional expense. Just pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy as a picnic on board,” he recommends.
ADVERTISEMENTTo make your trip Cheaper, we recommend the government-backed Swiss Half Fare Travel Card, which offers 50 percent off most rail, bus and boat routes across the country. It costs around €132 and is valid for a whole month, with no usage limit.
It's a sentiment shared by Spinks as well.
“Use this Swiss Travel Pass! Efficient and comfortable trains connect every corner of the country, allowing you to go from city to village without having to rent a car,” she says.
If you are in Switzerland for culture In addition to the natural wonders, you'll probably want to visit the country's multitude of museums and galleries. Although many of them are free or charge a nominal fee, be sure to plan ahead because often these rates are only available at specific times.
However, less traditional forms of entertainment are free at all times.
ADVERTISEMENT“Outdoor concerts, historic sites and bustling markets provide enriching entertainment without costing a cent,” says Moore.
Spinks is also an advocate for free entertainment.
“Whether it's swimming in crystal-clear lakes, visiting museums on free entry days or simply wandering through picturesque villages,” she says, “there's no shortage of free experiences.” .
If you are more relaxingyou could do worse than visit the National Fitnesspark on Lake Lucerne.
Artist Dallas Athent, a frequent visitor, tells Euronews Travel: “Often when people hear about Switzerland, they imagine themselves in a luxurious spa in the middle of the snow, but what people don't know, That’s because some of the best saunas are actually found in gyms! »
ADVERTISEMENTThe venue has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi and several saunas with cold plunge pools and bucket showers. Better yet, a day pass costs around €40, which isn't bad for such an expensive country.
Athens says that a visit to a gym like Fitnesspark is also a great way to get involved in the essence of the country.
“Not only is it much more affordable than tourist options, but I feel like I really understand Swiss culture by seeing how relaxation and well-being are a part of their daily lives,” she says.
Where is Switzerland making tourism more accessible?
You'll probably have Zurich and Geneva on your list, as it should be, but casting your travel net a little wider can save you a lot of money.
Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva, offers tourists benefits that can reduce costs.
ADVERTISEMENT“When you book a hotel in Lausanne, you will automatically receive the Lausanne Transport card at reception, which allows you to travel free of charge with the city's public transport and to the terraces.” vineyards Lavaux which are listed as a UNESCO world heritage site,” Olivia Bosshart from the Lausanne Tourisme department told Euronews Travel.
The card also gives the opportunity to get discounted prices on certain attractions and it is also worth purchasing a Lausanne City Pass. You can purchase a 1, 2 or 3 day pass and get free entry at some locations or at least 20% off at others.
The Swiss are famous for their naturally delicious water, but in Lausanne it doesn't cost a penny.
“For a refreshing drink, walk to one of the many fountains from which you can drink and refill a bottle,” says Bosshart. “These fountains encourage sustainability and show that it is possible to get free drinking water throughout the city.”
All museums are free on the first Saturday of the month in Lausanne – including the Olympic Museum. The city is inextricably linked to the Games, as it is home not only to the museum but also to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and the lakeside Olympic Park.
ADVERTISEMENTWith your travel pass, you can also travel to the unique UNESCO-listed Lavaux terraced vineyards. They're just a short train journey out of town and a visit can be combined with a hike to take in panoramic views of neighboring Grandvaux – a World Heritage Site – and the beautiful village of Lutry.
Close to the borders of France and Germany, you will find the melting pot that is Basel. Perhaps best known for the glitzy Art Basel, a famously exclusive – and expensive – art fair, there are still great deals to be had.
As in Lausanne, the city offers a free BaselCard for any reservation in a Basel hotel, hostel, guesthouse or apartment.
In addition to enjoying free public transportation, it also offers visitors half-price access to Basel's many museums as well as the city's zoo and theater.
Basel is known for being a walkable city and the authorities have made the most of this for visitors.
ADVERTISEMENT“The best way to experience Basel's old town is on foot, as many places of interest are close to each other. Five different walking tours allow you to discover the hidden nooks and crannies of the old town and its history,” the Basel Tourist Board told Euronews.
Tourists often recommend visiting the 1,000-year-old cathedral, the impressive fountain designed by Jean Tinguely, and the botanical garden of the University of Basel.
In summer, swim in the Rhine is a free and extremely popular activity. No trip to Basel is complete without a visit to Lange Erlen.
This is a wildlife park with free entry where you can observe deer, lynx, wild cats and wild boars. Children will enjoy the enclosures which house donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and peacocks while storks and herons will also roam freely.
If you are more of the type cyclerBasel currently offers e-bike rental at a relatively affordable rate of around €20 per day.
ADVERTISEMENTWith low transportation costs, planning ahead for hotel costs, shopping for basic groceries at budget supermarkets, and not eating out for every meal, Switzerland can really be an affordable option.
