Switzerland Beach Holidays
Alpine lake beaches, Zurich's river swimming spots, and glacier-fed waters surrounded by mountains. Get flights, travel tips, and info for Switzerland.
€1 = CHF 0.93
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Weather in Switzerland
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in Switzerland
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Switzerland
You can stay visa-free in Switzerland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting, or short study.
Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
You may need to show a hotel booking, travel insurance, a return ticket, and proof you have about 100 Swiss francs per day for your stay.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) may require you to register your fingerprints and photo on first entry and exit, which could take extra time at the border.
When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport; certificates are not enough.
Your passport must be issued less than 10 years ago and have at least 3 months validity left after you plan to leave Switzerland.
Good to know:
Children aged 11 or younger are exempt from fingerprint scans under EES but may need to have their photo taken.
There are strict customs rules, and you must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety in Switzerland
Switzerland is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be particularly alert to pickpocketing and bag-snatching at airports, railway stations, and in crowded areas.
Do not wear any garment or mask that covers your face in public in the cantons of Ticino and St Gallen, or you may face a large fine.
You must buy and display a motorway vignette (sticker) for your car, which is available at border crossings and petrol stations.
Carry winter tyres, snow-chains, water, food, and warm clothing in your vehicle when driving in alpine areas during winter.
Always check weather forecasts and avalanche risks before heading into the mountains and ensure your insurance covers emergency mountain rescue.
If you are renting a car, you must strictly observe speed limits and rules on alcohol intake, as traffic police enforce these regulations rigorously.
When using public transport, keep your valuables secure as there have been increased reports of petty theft on trains to and from Geneva.
Bonus tips:
Make sure any adventure sports company you use is well-established and that your travel insurance specifically covers the activity.
In summer, be aware of wildfire risks, only use designated barbecue areas, and ensure cigarette ends are fully extinguished.
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Driving in Switzerland
A UK driving license is valid for tourist visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Switzerland drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Switzerland
You should still obtain travel insurance, even if you have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards entitle you to state-provided medical treatment but may not cover all costs, including repatriation or specialist treatments. Ensure your insurance covers all planned activities.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Switzerland has high standards of healthcare. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travel. Drink tap water, as it is safe.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Switzerland, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses or more remote locations.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Switzerland
In Switzerland, service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants, bars, and for other services. However, it is still customary to round up or add a small tip for good service.
Restaurant
Round up the bill or add 2-5% for good service.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or add a small amount for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 5-10% for good service.
Hotel Porter
1-2 CHF per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 CHF per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 CHF per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU 'Roam Like At Home' regulations no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Switzerland. Switzerland is not part of the EU. Roaming charges with a UK provider can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 CHF (~£18)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Switzerland
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type J
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good, especially in urban areas, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in Switzerland, particularly in hotels, restaurants and cafes. Mobile data speeds are good too, and you can purchase a local SIM for reasonable prices with data options.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
144
Fire
118
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Switzerland
Country code
41
To call Switzerland from the UK, dial 00 41 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Thunstrasse 50, 3005 Berne, Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)31 359 77 00
Website
Zurich Airport
Geneve Airport
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg - Swiss
Lugano Airport
Altenrhein Airport
Bern Airport
Recent updates
Safety
A G7 Summit in Evian, France from 15-17 June 2026 will lead to border crossing closures and severe delays at crossings between Switzerland and France.
Several border crossings with France will be closed around the summit dates; avoid travel between France and Switzerland from 12-19 June if possible.
An authorised protest is planned in central Geneva on 14 June, with possible unauthorised protests between 12-19 June; avoid protest areas.
Beaches in Switzerland
No beaches listed for Switzerland yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.