Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is world-renowned for its majestic Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and impeccable quality of life. The country is well-connected to the UAE with direct flights offered by carriers such as Emirates and SWISS, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking both active outdoor holidays and rich cultural and historical experiences. The nation's charming capital, Bern, with its medieval centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as an excellent starting point for exploring this remarkable country.

Switzerland's greatest treasure is its natural environment. Snow-capped peaks like the famous Matterhorn, picturesque valleys, emerald meadows, and countless waterfalls create landscapes of incredible beauty. The climate is moderate, with warm summers perfect for hiking and cycling, and snowy winters that attract winter sports enthusiasts. A trip to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, or a journey on the Gornergrat Railway, will reveal breathtaking panoramas of the Alpine summits.

Beyond its natural wonders, Switzerland boasts a rich cultural heritage reflected in its multilingualism and diverse traditions. For Muslim travellers, the country is notably welcoming, with many halal food options and prayer facilities available in major cities like Geneva, Zurich, and Bern. Cities such as the scenic Lucerne, with its famous Chapel Bridge, perfectly illustrate this blend of historical charm and modern dynamism. The country's atmosphere is one of tranquillity, precision, and a high standard of service, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable journey.

The national currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (international code: CHF). Swiss franc banknotes are known for their bright, vertical design, with each note dedicated to a specific theme that showcases prominent figures or achievements in Swiss culture and science. The coins also have a distinctive design. It is advisable to exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices, which can be found at airports, train stations, and in cities. Try to avoid exchanging money in small souvenir shops or hotels, as the exchange rate may be less favourable.

Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout Switzerland in hotels, restaurants, shops, and at petrol stations. However, it is always useful to carry a small amount of cash for minor purchases, public transport fares, or for visits to smaller towns where card terminals may not be as common. Contactless payments are also becoming increasingly popular.

Holders of a UAE passport do not need a visa to enter Switzerland for short stays, such as tourism or business trips, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is due to a visa waiver agreement between the UAE and the European Union. For other UAE residents, the need for a visa depends entirely on their passport's country of origin. If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance through the Swiss embassy or a designated visa application centre in the UAE.

Regardless of visa requirements, all travellers to Switzerland must have a valid passport. It is also recommended to carry proof of sufficient funds, return flight tickets, hotel reservations, and valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for the Schengen area. As visa regulations can change, it is strongly recommended to verify the latest information on the official website of the Embassy of Switzerland in the UAE before your trip.

When planning a trip to Switzerland, you will not have to worry about changing timezones within the country, as a single timezone is observed across its entire territory. The country follows Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. For travellers from the UAE, which observes Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), this is 3 hours behind.

Like many European nations, Switzerland also observes Daylight Saving Time (CEST), moving the clocks forward by one hour to UTC+2. This period, when the time difference with the UAE is reduced to 2 hours, typically runs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. This means the time will be the same whether you are in Bern, Zurich, Geneva or any other corner of this picturesque country. Such consistency simplifies the planning of transfers and activities during your travels in Switzerland.

There are several convenient ways to get to Switzerland, a country known for its picturesque Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and high standard of living. For travellers from the UAE, the most popular and fastest option is undoubtedly air travel. Major carriers like Emirates and SWISS offer multiple direct daily flights from Dubai (DXB) to Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA). Similarly, Etihad Airways operates direct flights from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to both Zurich and Geneva. The average flight time for these direct routes is typically between six and seven hours. Switzerland has several international airports, with Zurich, Geneva, and Basel being the main air gateways for international visitors.

Thanks to its location in the centre of Europe, Switzerland is perfectly integrated into the European ground transport network. Travelling by train is not only a comfortable but also an incredibly scenic way to enter the country, especially if you are connecting from another European city. High-speed trains connect Swiss cities with Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Vienna, and other major European centres. There is also an extensive international bus service, offering more budget-friendly travel options. Given its landlocked status, sea transport is not a primary way to reach Switzerland, with the exception of river cruises on the Rhine, which may include stops in Swiss cities like Basel.

When planning your trip, especially during the peak tourist season (summer and winter months), it is recommended to book tickets in advance to secure the best prices and availability. This applies to both air travel and popular train routes. Early booking also provides more options for choosing a convenient time and itinerary for your journey to this beautiful Alpine country.

For clarity, here is a summary of the main airports:

Switzerland is a country where everyone can find their perfect retreat, whether it is a bustling city rich in history and culture, or a secluded mountain resort with breathtaking scenery. Here, modern metropolises exist in harmony with charming Alpine villages, offering tourists an incredible variety of experiences and the highest level of service.

Among the most popular destinations is Zurich, the country's largest city, renowned for its banks, exclusive boutiques on Bahnhofstrasse, as well as its picturesque lake and Old Town. Equally appealing is the capital, Bern, whose historic centre, with its medieval streets, fountains, and the famous Zytglogge clock tower, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to the fairytale-like Lucerne is also a must. Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, it features the famous covered Chapel Bridge and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

For connoisseurs of outdoor activities and Alpine beauty, Zermatt is the ideal choice. This world-renowned resort at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn offers superb opportunities for skiing and hiking. Meanwhile, the elegant Lausanne, the Olympic capital on the shores of Lake Geneva, will charm you with its sophisticated atmosphere, beautiful parks, museums, and views over the Lavaux vineyards. Each of these cities and resorts offers a unique experience and unforgettable memories of your journey through Switzerland.

Switzerland is famous not only for its watches, cheese, and chocolate, but also for an incredible variety of attractions capable of impressing any traveller. From picturesque lakes and majestic mountains to historic cities and unique museums, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

One of the country's hallmarks is the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. This ancient covered wooden bridge, which crosses the River Reuss, is adorned with 17th-century paintings depicting the history of the city and the country. A walk across it is a true journey back in time, allowing you to connect with Switzerland's rich past.

Lovers of breathtaking mountain landscapes should definitely take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway. It transports passengers to an altitude of over 3,000 metres, offering stunning views of the famous Matterhorn mountain and the surrounding Alpine peaks. This is one of the highest and most scenic cogwheel railways in Europe, promising an unforgettable experience.

In Lausanne, the Olympic Capital of the world, you will find the renowned The Olympic Museum. It houses a vast collection of exhibits dedicated to the history of the Olympic Games, from antiquity to the present day. Interactive displays, personal items from athletes, and multimedia installations make a visit to the museum fascinating for sports fans and those interested in world culture alike.

The symbol of Switzerland's capital, Bern, is the bear, so it is no surprise that one of the city's main attractions is the Bear Park. Located on the bank of the River Aare, this spacious and modern enclosure allows you to observe brown bears in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. It is an excellent spot for a family outing and an opportunity to meet the living symbol of the city.

Switzerland is beautiful at any time of year, but choosing the best season for your trip largely depends on your plans and preferences. The high season in the country can be divided into two main periods. Summer, from June to August, attracts visitors with its warm and often sunny weather, which is ideal for hiking through picturesque Alpine meadows, refreshing swims in crystal-clear lakes, and leisurely exploring charming cities like Zurich or Lucerne. However, it is worth noting that this is the busiest time for tourists, and consequently, prices for accommodation and services are at their highest. The winter high season, from December to March, draws winter sports enthusiasts to world-famous resorts, such as Zermatt, offering excellent snow conditions for skiing. Prices also peak during this period, especially in popular ski centres.

The shoulder season, which includes spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), offers travellers its own unique advantages. In spring, nature awakens in all its glory as the Alpine slopes become covered with a carpet of flowers, while in autumn, the mountains are dressed in golden and crimson colours, creating truly breathtaking landscapes ideal for unhurried hikes. During these periods, there are noticeably fewer tourists on the trails and in the cities, and prices for accommodation and various services become more affordable. Possible downsides of the shoulder season include more changeable and unpredictable weather, and the chance that some high-altitude hiking trails or cable cars may be closed, particularly in early spring or late autumn.

When planning a trip to Switzerland, it is also useful to consider the calendar of local cultural events. Summer, for example, hosts the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, which attracts global stars. In autumn, many regions hold colourful festivals celebrating the descent of cows from Alpine pastures (Désalpe), as well as various harvest festivals. For travellers seeking halal food, major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Interlaken offer a good selection of certified restaurants. It is important to remember that the climate in the country can vary significantly depending on the specific region: from mild, almost Mediterranean conditions in the southern canton of Ticino, to a typical Alpine climate with cooler weather and snow in the mountains even in summer. Therefore, before your trip, it is always recommended to check the current weather forecast for the places you plan to visit, whether it's the capital city of Bern or the idyllic Appenzell.

When planning a trip to Switzerland, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with some local traditions to feel more confident and show respect for the country's culture. When meeting and greeting, the Swiss usually exchange a handshake while maintaining eye contact. It is customary to address people you do not know well, especially older individuals, with the formal "you" (Sie/Vous/Lei), using the titles Herr/Frau (in the German-speaking part), Monsieur/Madame (in the French-speaking part), or Signore/Signora (in the Italian-speaking part) with their surname until you are invited to use the informal "you". Punctuality is highly valued in Switzerland, so always try to arrive at appointments on time. Being invited to someone's home is considered a special gesture; in this case, it is appropriate to bring a small gift for the hosts, such as flowers (avoiding white lilies and chrysanthemums, which are often associated with funerals) or some high-quality Swiss chocolate.

For daily life, there is no strict dress code, but the Swiss appreciate a neat and tidy appearance. When visiting churches and other religious sites, it is advisable to wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. There are also specific customs at the dining table: for instance, it is customary to keep your hands on the table (with wrists on the edge), not in your lap, and to wait to start eating until the host or the person who invited you says the traditional "Guten Appetit", "Bon appétit", or "Buon appetito". Try to finish everything on your plate, as this is seen as a sign of respect for the hosts and the chef. When making a toast, it is customary to look the person you are clinking glasses with in the eye.

For travellers from the UAE, finding halal food is possible, particularly in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, which have numerous Turkish, Lebanese, and Indian restaurants. Supermarkets such as Coop and Migros also often stock halal-certified products. However, it is worth noting that many restaurants serving halal meat may also serve alcohol.

One of the most vibrant national celebrations is Swiss National Day, which is observed on 1 August. On this day, parades, firework displays, and bonfires on mountain tops take place across the country, symbolising the unity and independence of the confederation. In general, the Swiss are a rather reserved people who value order. Try to avoid overly loud behaviour in public places, do not litter, and respect other people's personal space. Paying attention to these simple rules will help you avoid awkward situations and make your stay in Switzerland even more pleasant.

Switzerland is a country that offers an incredible variety of entertainment to suit every taste. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a true paradise here: in summer, the picturesque Alpine trails are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, while the numerous clear-water lakes are perfect for swimming and water sports. In winter, Switzerland transforms into a haven for skiers and snowboarders, offering world-class slopes and breathtaking scenery.

The cultural life in Switzerland is just as vibrant. The country's cities, such as Zürich, Bern, or Lausanne, are home to numerous museums, from art galleries to interactive science centres. There are also theatres and concert halls that regularly host performances by global stars and local festivals. In the evening, major cities offer a diverse nightlife, from cosy bars and traditional pubs to elegant restaurants and stylish nightclubs that stay open until the early hours. Many restaurants in larger cities offer halal food options, ranging from Middle Eastern to Indian and Turkish cuisine.

For those who cannot imagine a trip without shopping, Switzerland offers world-famous watches, delicious chocolate, aromatic cheeses, and high-quality souvenirs. The main shopping streets in the cities are filled with both luxury brand boutiques and small shops featuring products by local artisans. Families with children will also find plenty to do, as the country has many theme parks, interactive museums, zoos, and opportunities for outdoor activities that will make a family trip unforgettable. Scenic journeys on panoramic trains will delight both adults and young travellers alike.

Planning a trip? Wonderful! To ensure the financial aspects of your journey do not come as a surprise, it is important to remember that currency exchange rates are constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise you to monitor the current rates both before your departure and throughout your trip. For this, you can use the data provided below — we monitor currency rates 24/7 and strive to provide the most up-to-date information.