Welcome to the Ultimate Switzerland Travel Q&A, where I answer your most essential questions about traveling in Switzerland. This is a rolling guide, meaning I will keep adding more Q&As over time, so be sure to check back for new updates!
What is the best Swiss chocolate according to locals?
This one really depends on where you are. Switzerland is divided into different regions speaking different languages, but they also have different cultures, and not surprisingly, different tastes when it comes to chocolate. In the French-speaking region, you’ll often find people favoring Cailler, one of Switzerland’s oldest chocolate makers. But overall, the most famous and widely eaten Swiss chocolate across the country is Lindt. They even opened the Lindt Home of Chocolate museum in Zurich, which is worth visiting if you’re a chocolate fan.
When you walk into a Swiss supermarket, you’ll see what I mean—there’s an entire aisle dedicated to chocolate. You’ll find different types of chocolate bars, but also pralinés, which are small filled chocolates often used as gifts. And it’s not just the big brands—there are plenty of smaller, local chocolate makers worth checking out.
Here are three examples of chocolates you’ll find in Swiss stores:
Lindt milk chocolate – A favorite among locals, smooth and creamy, and easy to find everywhere.
Budget dark chocolate – A supermarket-brand chocolate bar that costs around a dollar. Surprisingly good quality for the price.
Specialty chocolate with sea salt – More unique flavors like sea salt, chili, or matcha are becoming increasingly popular.
Pro tip: Buy your chocolate from supermarkets, not souvenir shops. It’s cheaper, and the shelf life is usually shorter, meaning it’s fresher. Yes, chocolate can age, especially if stored too long or improperly, so make sure to enjoy it while it’s at its best!
I like hiking—what’s the best base in the Jungfrau region?
If you love hiking, the best base in the Jungfrau region is definitely Grindelwald. While the region isn’t huge and you can easily reach different spots by train, Grindelwald gives you access to some of the most scenic and popular trails in the area.
Here are some must-do hikes in the region:
Panorama Trail from Männlichen – Offers incredible views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The views are so breathtaking that you might need to remind yourself to look down at the trail every now and then!
Eiger Trail from Kleine Scheidegg – Takes you right along the base of the famous Eiger North Face. You almost feel like a rock climber doing this one, just in a much safer way.
Hike from First to Bachalpsee and Faulhorn – A classic. If you’re in good shape, you can continue all the way to Schynige Platte for a full-day hike.
Pfingstegg to Bäregghütte – A lesser-known but stunning hike that takes you to a mountain hut with spectacular glacier views.
Grindelwald is also very close to Lauterbrunnen Valley and Mürren, which have even more hiking options.
Can I hike in Switzerland in May?
Yes, you can hike in May, but it depends on where you want to go. At higher elevations, like in the Jungfrau region or Zermatt, there is usually still snow, especially at the beginning of May. Many trails remain closed until later in the month when conditions improve. By late May, more trails become walkable.
Whether a trail opens early or not depends on how warm the weather gets and how much snow fell during the winter. If you’re planning a trip in May, check trail conditions ahead of time and be flexible with your plans.
How do I get a guest card in Switzerland?
You get a guest card when you book accommodation, but not every place in Switzerland offers one. Some regions have really great guest card programs with useful discounts, while others offer fewer benefits or none at all.
For example:
In the Jungfrau region, the guest card gives you 30% off the Männlichen cable car and 15% off Grindelwald First.
In Ticino, the Ticino Ticket includes free public transportation throughout the entire canton—an amazing deal!
In Zurich, there’s a guest card too, but you have to pay for it.
Most hotels email your guest card before check-in, so it’s already valid when you arrive. If not, you’ll usually get it at check-in. Just keep in mind that each region has its own system.
What luggage should I use when traveling in Switzerland?
It depends on your travel style. If you’re staying in one place for a few days, bringing more luggage is fine. But if you’re moving around a lot and taking trains, it’s much easier to travel light.
Some key tips:
Packing light makes train travel easier – You can store luggage in lockers at train stations or at cable car stations. Not all stations have large lockers, so plan accordingly.
Oeschinensee is a great place to store luggage – If you’re traveling between Interlaken and Zermatt, you can leave your bags at the Kandersteg train station or the cable car station and enjoy a hike without carrying everything.
You don’t need to bring heavy winter gear – Many mountain resorts rent warm clothes like jackets and pants, so leave the Arctic expedition gear at home.
Wheeled suitcases work fine – Some cities have cobblestone streets, but it’s only a small part of the old towns.
Luggage theft on trains is very rare – Just store your bags in the designated racks, and you’ll be fine
More Questions Coming Soon!
Since this is a rolling Q&A, I will keep adding more questions and answers over time. Thanks for reading, and see you soon in Switzerland!
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