Switzerland holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to travel to Switzerland for a holiday?

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The best time to travel to Switzerland largely depends on the purpose of your visit. While skiers and snowboarders need to arrive between December and March to enjoy good conditions, the snow typically starts to melt in April, after which the weather improves for other types of visitor.

In the winter (December - February), days are short, and the average temperature hovers around 0℃. This is the low season, and there are fewer visitors (outside of the ski resorts) during this time. Summer (June - August) is the peak season when days are long, and the temperature rises to average highs of 19℃ and tourists flock to the country. This makes the shoulder seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September - November), a fantastic time to visit.

Where is the best place to travel in Switzerland for a holiday?

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A landlocked country in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is situated at the crossroads where Italian, German and French cultures meet. Not only does this mean that the country’s a linguistic melting pot - it’s not uncommon to hear Swiss citizens conversing in three or four tongues - but also that each region within Switzerland is home to a unique cultural heritage.

To the north, the German influence is strongest, and visitors will find themselves enthralled by the medieval beauty of Basel and the surrounding areas. To the south, below the Alps, Italian culture makes itself felt in the open piazzas and lazy mornings spent in outdoor cafes. To the west, where Switzerland meets France, you'll find the Jura Mountains and Lake Geneva, as well as excellent French-influenced cuisine. Of course, the Swiss Alps are the centrepiece - a region where you'll find some of the most exceptional natural beauty on the continent.

What is the latest travel advice for holidays in Switzerland?

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As well as changing across the seasons, Swiss weather is also affected by dramatic variations in altitude and many microclimates. This means that a relatively small area can actually experience several different weather conditions at the same time. If visiting or hiking in remote locations, the weather must be taken into account, as conditions can change extremely quickly.

Switzerland: Amazing facts and reasons to visit
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• Rhine Falls - The largest waterfall in Europe, the Rhine Falls can be reached from the nearby city of Schaffhausen. Visitors can take in the sights from various viewing platforms around the falls or enjoy a wet and wild boat ride and get up close and personal with one of Switzerland’s most popular attractions.
• Alpine activities - There can be no disputing that Switzerland is a real paradise for adrenaline junkies of all persuasions. While Central Switzerland, Graubünden and Bernese Oberland are skiing and snowboarding hotspots in the winter, the valleys and lower slopes boast perfect conditions for biking, hiking and white water rafting in the summer.
• Matterhorn - There is no mountain more iconic than the Matterhorn in the whole of Europe. With its distinctive, pyramidal peak, it’s the spiritual home of mountaineering and one of the most breathtaking geological formations on the planet. Visitors can head to the village of Zermatt if they want to get up close and personal with this glacial wonder.
What are the best places to visit in Switzerland?

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Switzerland offers something for every type of holidaymaker, allowing for trips that are split between the mountains and big cities, while also rewarding repeat visits.

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, has long held a reputation as one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in Europe. However, in recent years, the city has also experienced somewhat of a cultural renaissance, with an explosion of critically-acclaimed eateries, museums, galleries and cinemas turning Zurich into one of the cultural capitals of Europe. Regarded as the ‘Gateway to the Alps,’ it’s both an excellent place to depart for alpine adventures and a fascinating city break destination in itself.

There are few bodies of water that can boast of such spectacular surroundings as Lake Geneva. One of the largest lakes in Europe, it offers unbeatable views of the Alps, fantastic food and access to both the buzzing city of Geneva and the eastern-most regions of France.

While the Alps may get the lion's share of attention, their less famous counterparts on Switzerland's northern border are a hidden treasure that many miss out on. The Jura Mountains may be less intimidating than the Alps, but the luscious green fields, dense forests and sleepy villages that spread across the hillsides offer a calmer, rustic beauty that's ideally suited to hiking, biking and exploration.

What are the best tour packages in Switzerland?

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Check-in to the luxurious Baur au Lac in Zurich and enjoy premium service, views overlooking the Alps and more than 170 years of history in one of the city's best-respected hotels. An excellent choice for those who want to sample Zurich's burgeoning food scene or enjoy some high-end shopping opportunities, the Baur au Lac is a true Swiss institution.

Alternatively, those looking to stay in Geneva may want to take a look at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. Situated in the heart of the Old Town, it’s the perfect base from which to explore this historic city.

Why go on holiday to Switzerland with Qatar Airways Holidays?

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While Switzerland has long been a top destination for winter sports fans, it’s quickly becoming popular amongst those looking to enjoy a unique European culture and summer alpine activities, too. With package deals to Switzerland with Qatar Airways Holidays, we take care of all the details, including flights, transfers and accommodation, so that you’re able to enjoy your getaway without a worry in the world. Whether you’re visiting for the Matterhorn, the hiking, or Zurich’s exciting cafe culture, we’ll ensure you can make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Switzerland.