Exploring Switzerland Solo: A Beginner's Guide

Switzerland is a great destination for solo travellers, particularly women, thanks to its safety, efficient public transport, and stunning scenery. It's also a good choice for a first solo trip, as it's easy to get around and there are plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers.

Switzerland is known for being very safe, with a low crime rate and helpful, English-speaking locals. It's also easy to get around, with a great public transport system and some of the world's most scenic train journeys.

However, it's important to be aware of a few things before you go. Switzerland is an expensive country, so it's a good idea to research and book in advance to get the best deals. It's also a good idea to be aware of local laws and customs, such as the requirement to carry ID and the expectation that you'll be punctual.

- Purchase travel insurance.

- Plan any hikes carefully and leave your itinerary with someone at home and at your accommodation.

- Stay in a hostel to save money and meet other travellers.

- Learn a few phrases in German, French, and Italian.

- Register with your embassy.

Where to stay: Interlaken, Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel are all great options for solo travellers

Switzerland is a stunning country to visit, and its efficient transport system, safety, and abundance of attractions make it perfect for solo travel.

Interlaken

Interlaken is the perfect place for a solo adventure. With many hostels and international visitors, there is plenty to explore. The town is centrally located, with easy access to numerous attractions from Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West train stations.

Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof is an affordable and fun hostel located in the heart of Interlaken. It offers modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen and lounge, laundry services, and bike rentals.

Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is a great base for solo travellers. It boasts a vibrant nightlife, museums, galleries, shops, and parks. The old town district is full of charming cobblestone streets, cafes, and boutiques.

The Glärnischhof by TRINITY is a highly-rated mid-range hotel in Zurich. It is located in the heart of the city, near Lake Zurich and the renowned Bahnhofstrasse. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature TV, coffee machines, and comfortable beds.

Oldtown Hostel Otter is another excellent option for solo travellers. This chic hostel is located in Zurich's Old Town, just a short walk from the lake and the Zurich-Stadelhofen train station. It offers dormitory beds and private rooms with access to a shared lounge and kitchenette.

Lucerne

Lucerne, nestled amid breathtaking mountain and lake scenery, is a charming city for solo travellers. It offers a blend of rich history and cultural experiences.

Backpackers Luzern is a popular choice for solo travellers seeking a serene location by Lake Lucerne. It provides accommodations in a peaceful area, with a shared kitchen and a common lounge with a foosball table.

Basel

Basel, Switzerland's cultural and art capital, is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. The city boasts numerous museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing international and local art. It also hosts various cultural events, such as exhibitions, music and art festivals, and the famous winter Christmas Markets.

Basel is well-connected to neighbouring France and Germany, making it an ideal base for day trips across the border. The city provides free transport for tourists and has an extensive tramway network, making it easy to explore.

Getting around: Switzerland has an extensive public transport network, including trains, buses, trams, boats, and cable cars

Switzerland has an extensive public transport network, making it easy to get around the country. The Swiss public transport network includes trains, buses, trams, boats, and cable cars.

Trains

Switzerland's train system is renowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and ease of use. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) runs almost all regional, commuter, and high-speed trains in the country. The SBB website is a good place to start when planning a train journey in Switzerland.

There are several types of train:

• R, RE, and IR trains are regional trains that are slower, cheaper, and stop at most stations.
• IC or ICN trains are fast trains that connect major cities but do not stop at smaller towns.
• S or S-Bahn trains are commuter trains that frequently connect cities and suburbs.

Buses

Bright yellow PostBuses connect smaller towns and remote areas to the train network. Tickets can be purchased through the SBB website, which will suggest bus travel when trains are not available. Bus tickets can also be purchased from the driver.

Trams

Basel, Bern, Bex, Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, and Zurich have extensive electric tram systems. Tram tickets usually work for the bus network and vice versa, as long as journeys are within the ticket time limit.

Boats

Passenger boats operate on Lake Geneva, Constance, Lucerne, Lugano, Neuchâtel, Biel, Murten, Thun, Brienz, and Zug. Boat travel is included in some local travel passes.

Cable Cars

Cable cars, funiculars, cogwheel railways, and gondolas provide access to the country's highest Alpine reaches. They are usually subject to additional charges, although some travel passes include them.

Safety: Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travellers, with a very low crime rate. It's so safe, in fact, that one solo traveller said they felt safer there than in many parts of New Jersey!

However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas where pickpockets may operate. It's also a good idea to avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas late at night.

Switzerland has an excellent public transport system, which is very safe and easy to navigate, even at night. The transport system is very reliable, with trains and buses that are punctual and well-maintained. The locals are generally respectful and well-behaved.

English is widely spoken in Switzerland, particularly by the younger generation, so communication is unlikely to be an issue.

If you're a solo female traveller, you may want to consider staying in a hostel, which can be a great way to save money (Switzerland is an expensive country!) and meet other travellers. Some recommended hostels include:

• Backpackers Lucerne in Lucerne
• Hyve Hostel Basel in Basel
• Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald
• Nyon Hostel in Lake Geneva
• Oldtown Hostel Otter in Zurich

Budgeting: Switzerland is expensive, so research costs and create a daily budget

Switzerland is known for being one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe, so it's important to research costs and create a daily budget to stick to. Here are some tips for budgeting for your trip:

• Research the cost of travelling in Switzerland. Accommodations, transportation, food, and activities can all be pricey, so it's important to have a sense of how much things will cost.
• Create a daily budget for yourself and try to stick to it. Consider your major expenses like flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, and set a daily budget that will allow you to cover these costs without blowing your budget.
• Use comparison sites to find the best deals on flights and accommodations. Booking in advance can often save you money, but if you're flexible with your dates and destinations, you may be able to find last-minute deals as well.
• Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass or renting a car if you plan on exploring multiple cities. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country, and can help you save money if you plan on using public transportation a lot. Alternatively, renting a car can be a more cost-effective option if you're travelling with a group, as train passes can be expensive.
• Factor in extra costs like souvenirs and any unexpected expenses. Switzerland has a lot of amazing shops and attractions, and it's easy to get tempted to spend more than you planned.
• Look for ways to save money on food. Eating out for every meal can be a budget killer, so consider buying food from local markets or supermarkets and cooking your own meals if you have access to a kitchen. Some restaurants also offer discounted lunches, and there are often deals on apps like Too Good To Go for leftover food from restaurants.
• Take advantage of free attractions and activities. Switzerland has a lot of beautiful natural attractions that you can enjoy for free, such as hiking trails, lakes, and public parks. There are also free walking tours and museums with discounted or free entry on certain days.
• Travel during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. Accommodation prices and flights are typically much cheaper during these times compared to the peak seasons of summer and winter.
• Stay in budget accommodations outside the city centres. Accommodations in the centre of popular cities like Basel, Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich can be very expensive. Look for options on the outskirts of the city or in smaller towns and villages, which can be more affordable.

Activities: There are plenty of things to do, including visiting Jungfrau Mountain, exploring Interlaken, and taking the Bernina Express train

Activities

There are plenty of activities to enjoy while travelling alone in Switzerland. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Visiting Jungfrau Mountain

Jungfraujoch, also known as the "Top of Europe", is a must-see destination in Switzerland. Take a train from Interlaken Ost station to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald Terminal and embark on a journey through the Eiger and Mönch mountains. At 3,454 metres above sea level, you'll be greeted by breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Plateau, the Aletsch Glacier, and four-thousand-metre peaks. Make sure to reserve your seat in advance and dress appropriately for the alpine weather.

Exploring Interlaken

Interlaken, a popular summer resort town, offers a plethora of activities for solo travellers. Stroll through the Höhematte Park, hike the Schynige Platte Trails for panoramic views of the Alps, or take a cruise on Lake Thun. For thrill-seekers, paragliding and the Interlaken Ropes Park offer unforgettable aerial adventures. The town also boasts a variety of sports, including swimming, golf, sailing, windsurfing, horseback riding, and tennis.

Riding the Bernina Express Train

For a unique perspective of Switzerland, hop aboard the Bernina Express. This panoramic train takes you through the Alps, connecting the north and south of Europe. Along the way, you'll cross the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, pass by glaciers and palm trees, and enjoy stunning views of the Bernina massif, Morteratsch glacier, and three lakes: Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair, and Lago Bianco. The train journey is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, and a seat reservation is required.

Frequently asked questions