9 Quirks You’ll Encounter When You Travel in Switzerland

Planning a trip to Switzerland? Get ready because there are a few small things that work very differently here. They’re not huge culture shocks, but they are quirks that most tourists notice pretty quickly.

1. Air Conditioning Is Less Common Than You Think

Very often when you book a hotel or apartment in Switzerland, it says there’s air conditioning. And sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it’s more air than conditioning.

You walk into the room, and there’s an AC unit on the wall, even a little controller we all put way too much faith into. But what you’re getting is sometimes just ventilation. It blows some cooled air, but it’s not the arctic blast you might expect if you’re from the US or somewhere hotter.

Why? Swiss summers have never really been that hot, so for decades it just wasn’t needed. Our buildings also have thick stone walls and small windows, so they naturally stay cooler. And if you want to install real AC, you need permission. For older or protected buildings, it’s not always approved.

If your room feels too warm, close the blinds during the day, and open the windows at night when it cools down. But keep the lights off then mosquito screens are about as rare as air conditioners here.

2. “Double Room” ≠ Two Big Beds

In the US, booking a double room usually means two big beds. Sometimes even two kings which is great for families or groups.

In Switzerland, a double room usually means two twin mattresses pushed together in one bed frame. One bed. Two people. That’s it.

You get your own blanket, and yes, sometimes there’s even a gap in the middle. So if you’re traveling with kids or friends and hoping to fit four people in the room, not gonna work.

Instead, you’ll want a family room, a bigger apartment, or maybe just two rooms. I’ve linked to a better way to find those right here. That way you don’t waste money on unnecessary hotel bookings.

3. No Turnstiles But Random Ticket Checks

You don’t need to scan anything to get on a train, tram, or bus in Switzerland. You just walk on.

And that makes a lot of people think, “Cool, I guess it’s free?”

It’s not. We just trust people.

But that trust comes with random inspections. Ticket inspectors can show up at any time. And if you don’t have a valid ticket, you’ll be fined and made to buy a new one — no second chances, even for tourists.

This applies to local transport too, trams, buses, everything. Always make sure your pass or ticket is valid for that route.

4. Dogs Ride Trains With Tickets

In Switzerland, dogs can ride public transport. No one blinks. They’re just happy dogs, having a great day.

But if your dog is too big to fit in a bag? You need to buy it a half-fare ticket.

It doesn’t matter if it’s one stop or a four-hour ride, dogs pay. Bicycles too. If you take your bike on a train, it also needs a ticket, and sometimes even a reservation.

In Switzerland, you pay. Your dog pays. Your bike pays. The only thing riding for free is your suitcase.

Exact Rule

Want to Be Prepared?

These quirks don’t ruin your trip but knowing them in advance can make it a whole lot smoother.

If you want even more help planning your trip, my travel guides are packed with itineraries, train routes, great places to eat, hidden gems, and more.

👉 Get the guides here

5. You Might Have to Pay for Tap Water

You sit down at a restaurant, order your meal, and ask for a glass of tap water.

Later, you check your bill and it’s on there.

Not a bottle, not sparkling. Just plain water. But still, it costs something.

Why? It’s not the water. It’s the service. The glass, the pour, the time.

Some casual spots don’t charge for it, but others do, and it’s normal here. So don’t be surprised when it shows up on the check.

6. Don’t Expect Ice

You want your Coke full of ice? That’s not really a thing here.

Even in summer, drinks are served cold, but usually without ice. And if you ask, you might get one or two cubes, that’s it.

Ice makers are small. At home, people often just use the old trays. Ten cubes max. Use them carefully, they take hours to be remade.

Watch the Video Instead of Reading!

7. Public Toilets Cost Money

Public bathrooms in Switzerland are clean and well-maintained but usually not free.

Train stations, rest stops, and even some city centers charge 1 to 2 francs. Some places take coins only, others accept cards.

If you want to avoid paying, try a café. But that usually means being a customer. Which leads to the classic travel loop: “Did I go to the café for a coffee or just to pee?”

8. Smoking Is Still Pretty Common

If you’re from a place where smoking has disappeared, this might be a shock.

Here, it’s still totally normal to smoke outside cafés, at bus stops, on terraces.

Indoors it’s banned, but outside… anything goes. And it’s not just older folks younger people too. So if you’re enjoying your Schnitzel outside, and the person next to you lights up, that’s just how it is.

If it bothers you, ask for a table a bit further away or wait until dessert.

9. Toilets Have Two Buttons

Almost every toilet in Switzerland has two buttons. One small, one big. The small button uses less water. Simple.

But don’t get your hopes up too much, because the flush power here is famously… gentle.

I’ll leave that part as a surprise.

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