Travel Guide · Switzerland
What is Switzerland known for?
Switzerland is known for its chocolate, cheese, watches, natural beauty, and wealthy society — but that's just the tip of the mountain top.
Did you know that Lake Maggiore, the lowest point in Switzerland, is still 193m above sea level? Or that the Bernese Oberland has Europe's steepest public bus route in Kiental with a 28% gradient? This European country has more than just delicious food and daring views. Switzerland's fascinating history includes tales of dragons while its contemporary status ranks it among the best places to live on the planet.
35 Fascinating Facts About Switzerland
From the number of Swiss cheese varieties to the history of the Swiss Guard, here are the most remarkable facts about Switzerland that every traveller should know.
Top of the Better Life Index
Switzerland consistently ranks among the highest in the OECD Better Life Index across eleven well-being categories including safety, health, and housing.
13 Years #1 on Global Innovation Index
For 13 consecutive years, Switzerland ranked number one on the Global Innovation Index, measuring public and private innovations in science and technology.
Four Official Languages
German, French, Italian, and Romansh — a Latin-based language spoken in the canton of Grisons — are all official languages of Switzerland.
The World's Highest Railway Station
The Jungfraujoch station, "Top of Europe", sits 3,454 metres above sea level — the highest railway station on the continent with views of the longest glacier in the Alps.
The Longest Railway Tunnel on Earth
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the world's longest and deepest rail tunnel at 57.1 km, connecting Erstfeld and Bodio through the heart of the Alps.
Bern is the Capital — Not Zurich
One of the most surprising facts for first-time visitors: Bern, not Zurich, is Switzerland's capital and seat of the federal government.
Neutral Since 1516
Switzerland has maintained neutrality since 1516, following their defeat at the Battle of Marignano, officially recognised by the 1815 Treaty of Paris.
13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Including the Old City of Bern, the Three Castles of Bellinzona, and the Lavaux vineyard terraces — nine cultural and four natural sites in total.
The Swiss Consume the Most Chocolate
The country that invented milk chocolate produces up to 200,000 tons annually. Swiss people consume 11.8 kg of chocolate per capita each year.
Dragons Once Lived on Mount Pilatus
Swiss folklore says dragons lived within the crevices of Mount Pilatus overlooking Lucerne. Visitors can still hike the legendary Dragon Path today.
Travel Switzerland Responsibly
Switzerland ranks first on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), making it a global leader in sustainable tourism. Cities like Zurich, Berne and Geneva have been repeatedly praised for their sustainability practices — and travelling responsibly here is easier than anywhere else in the world.
Use Switzerland's World-Class Rail Network
One of the best ways to minimise your carbon footprint is to travel by public transport. Switzerland has one of the most efficient — and most eco-friendly — public transport networks on earth. Trains, lake boats and PostBus routes are perfectly synchronised, covering the entire country without a car in sight.
The Swiss Travel System is the preferred method of transportation even for the Swiss themselves. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you gain unlimited access to this vast network — all while making the responsible travel choice.
Drink from the Tap, Skip the Plastic
Switzerland's water meets extraordinarily high standards of quality. Groundwater protection zones make it possible to distribute water without treatment — meaning you can safely drink from any tap in the country (unless marked otherwise). Bring a reusable bottle and fill it anywhere.
Choose Sustainable Hotels
Many Swiss hotels actively monitor energy and water consumption, use renewable energy sources, reduce waste, and source regional products. Supporting locally-owned properties over large chains also directly contributes to Swiss communities.
Explore on Foot and by Bike
Switzerland Mobility is a national platform offering routes for hiking, cycling, skating and water activities across the country. These activities let you experience the natural beauty of the Alps and turquoise lakes without leaving a negative impact on the environment.