Stretch Your Dollar in Switzerland

Switzerland. get natural. The oldtown from Zug at an autumn evening.Schweiz. ganz natuerlich. Der Vorstadtquai und die Altstadt von Zug im Herbst zur blauen Stunde.Suisse. tout naturellement. La vieille ville de Zoug lors d'une soiree d'automne.Copyright by: Switzerland Tourism - By-Line: swiss-image.ch / Andreas Gerth

The land of the Swiss has been drawing tourists in for decades.

The snow covered alps, the harbourside capital city and of course, the cheese.

Although with so many things on offer, it’s pretty unsurprising travellers are a flockin’.

So to help any budding tourists hoping to head to Switzerland, the coutnry’s tourism board has offered some useful tips on how to holiday in the Alpine wonderland without breaking the bank.

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While many people may perceive a holiday in Switzerland to be impossibly expensive, it is certainly more affordable than one may think, especially with the following hacks.

  • Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

The busiest travel seasons in Switzerland are summer, especially between July and August, and winter from mid-December to early January and February.

To avoid high costs and crowds associated with the popular seasons, travellers should consider going over at the start or end of these seasons, also known as the shoulder periods.

This is when costs are significantly lower, weather is still pleasant and most outdoor activities still available or accessible.

  • Use the Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass gives holders unlimited travel on all of the country’s public buses, trains and boats. Pass holders also receive up to 50% off mountain railways and cableways as well as free access to more than 500 museums around the country.

Note also, children under the age of 16 travel for free when accompanied by a guardian using the Pass.

  • Weekend and Alternative Stays

Many hotels, especially in the cities, offer cheaper rates over the weekend, so it’s advisable that travellers do some research while planning the best route for their visit.

Alternatively, they can consider experiencing the country’s numerous Alpine huts, which, surrounded by pristine nature, offer a completely immersive and traditional Swiss experience like no other.

  • Meals with Views

When it comes to meals, travellers should consider sampling a variety of local delicacies sold at market stalls or stores and enjoying their bites by the river, lake or in the middle of a lush meadow.

Surrounded by great views, the luxury of picking and choosing the best – and free – vantage points for every mealtime is unbeatable.

  • Activities and Experiences

Switzerland offers a range of free activities.

Unless tour guides are required to provide in-depth information of a particular place or subject, travellers should consider picking up a brochure about the destination or reading up about it online so their actual visit can be done at their own pace.

Other free activities include the many hikes available (trails are all well marked), swims (in most lakes and rivers) and museum visits.

Unlike many major museums around the world, Swiss museums are free to enter for Swiss Travel Pass holders. With museums for all sort of interests from art, history to sports, transport and paper, visitors are spoiled for choice, especially on a rainy day.

Tight budgets aside, with some planning and help from travel agents, travellers will enjoy the luxury of space, spectacular scenery and the variety of experiences on offer.

For ideas, inspiration and bookings, click here.

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