Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world renowned.
Switzerland is famous for its mesmerizing alpine scenery, luxury branded watches, and deliciously milky chocolate. A melting pot of many different cultures, Switzerland is also known for its alluring cities and scenic train rides that showcase the best of the country’s natural vistas.
Swiss landscape
The country is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque landscapes. Switzerland has about 1,500 lakes and nearly 50 mountain peaks that are 4,000 meters high or higher. The Dufourspitze (4,634 m (15,203 ft)), a peak of the Monte Rosa massif, is the highest mountain peak of both Switzerland and the Pennine Alps.
The waters of Swiss-born rivers end up in the Black Sea (Inn via the Danube), the Adriatic Sea (Ticino via Po) and the North Sea (Rhine).
The Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen is Europe’s most powerful waterfall
Swiss landscape
The country is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque landscapes. Switzerland has about 1,500 lakes and nearly 50 mountain peaks that are 4,000 meters high or higher. The Dufourspitze (4,634 m (15,203 ft)), a peak of the Monte Rosa massif, is the highest mountain peak of both Switzerland and the Pennine Alps.
The waters of Swiss-born rivers end up in the Black Sea (Inn via the Danube), the Adriatic Sea (Ticino via Po) and the North Sea (Rhine).
The Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen is Europe’s most powerful waterfall
Alpine culture and other Swiss traditions
Yodeling, the art of communication among Alpine hill tribes. The Alphorns, very long Alpine instruments played by herdsmen and villagers.
Dirndl and other folk costumes originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps.
The Swiss St. Bernard dogs were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.
The Swiss Guard; Swiss mercenaries, usually equipped with halberds, were employed as a security force, formerly by sovereigns of France and Spain, now only at the Vatican.
Wilhelm Tell, the legendary hero of the liberation of Switzerland from Austrian oppression. The expert marksman with the crossbow and a master of arrows, allegedly killed Albrecht Gessler, a vasall of Habsburg (Austria), in the Hohle Gasse (hollow way) between Immensee and Küssnacht.
Heidi, Geissenpeter, and the Almöhi, world-famous characters from the Heidi children books by Johanna Spyri.
best cities in Switzerland for expats
Geneva
Stretched along picturesque Lake Geneva, this multicultural gem has long been one of the most popular cities in Switzerland for expats. The French-speaking city is home to some of the world’s highest-profile organizations, including the United Nations (UN), Red Cross, and World Health Organization (WHO). This makes Geneva popular with diplomats and officials alike, who account for a large number of the city’s expat population.While Geneva has historically suffered from a reputation of being a little stuffy and soulless, nowadays Switzerland’s second-largest city enjoys a more laid-back vibe. The old town is beautifully preserved and there are few better places to enjoy an evening drink and stroll when the summer arrives. Geneva also offers excellent transit links and many of Europe’s best ski resorts are only a short drive away.
Winterthur
Many expats overlook Winterthur when looking at cities in Switzerland to call their new home, but don’t make that mistake. This cozy little German-speaking city is the country’s sixth-largest and has a surprisingly large expat population. This makes it a great place to get settled in your new Swiss home, and with Zurich just a twenty-minute train ride away, you won’t be far from the bustle of the big city, either.
For a city of its size, Winterthur definitely packs a punch when it comes to culture, too. You’ll find museums, art galleries, and plenty of events throughout the year. The city is also pretty small, making it easy to get around, with the city center being extremely walkable. Generally speaking, rental costs and house prices in Winterthur are noticeably cheaper than in Zurich, meaning that you’ll get a lot more bang for your franc. You can find more information about this in our guide on where to live in Zurich.
Lucerne
Even in a country crammed full of beautiful lakeside locations, few cities in Switzerland come close to Lucerne. Looking for enchanting medieval architecture? Lucerne has it. Snow-capped mountains looming up all around? Lucerne has these, too. Crystal clear waters that look clean enough to drink from? Yep, you guessed it, Lucerne has it all. Basically, if you’re looking for the ultimate Swiss experience, then this is where you will find it.Unsurprisingly, this German-speaking city is popular with expats and tourists alike. It’s small enough to retain that cozy atmosphere, but the churn of visitors gives it an unmistakable big-city buzz. Its size also helps keep transport costs down, as most places are easily accessible. While property prices are typically cheaper than in Zurich or Geneva, you can expect to pay more for a view over the iconic Kappelbrug.
Basel
Located near the French and German borders, Basel is seen by many as one of the best cities in Switzerland to live in. The country’s third-largest city is cozy and vibrant, with a large student population and thriving nightlife scene. It is also a cultural center with plenty to offer expats. That said, some internationals who move to Basel spread their lives over the borders to make things a little cheaper. For instance, you can live in Germany, work in Switzerland, and go grocery shopping in France. Essentially, whatever works best for you, there are options in the Basel area.But whether you’re in Basel or just over the border, there is loads to enjoy in this part of the world. The city’s enchanting old town, for example, is home to numerous great bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Expats living in Basel are also blessed with a lot of outdoor options nearby. Whether they want to explore the Black Forest in Germany, hike up the Jura Mountains, or simply laze along the Rhine River, there’s never a dull moment.
Lugano
There are few places in the world quite like Lugano. Located on the northern shores of the breathtaking Lake Lugano, the city is seen as the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland. In fact, it is often said that Lugano is more culturally akin to Milan – just an hour’s drive away over the border – than other cities in Switzerland. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant café culture and even the balmy Mediterranean breeze, it’s a Swiss slice of la dolce vita.The warmer climate and laid-back lifestyle attract many expats to this corner of Switzerland. However, due to its mountainous location, you can still expect a generous covering of snowfall come winter. This makes it ideal for expats who like to mix things up. If Lugano sounds a little too hectic for you, though, there are a few other places in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino you should look into. These include lakeside Locarno and the border town of Chiasso.
