WHEN TO TRAVEL to Switzerland

Location

Climate

The best months to visit Switzerland

The Swiss climate varies from region to region, but there are two ideal seasons for exploring this magnificent country:

• May to September: This is the summer season, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The days are long, allowing you to take full advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or water sports on the country's many lakes.
• December to March : It's the winter season, synonymous with winter sports in Switzerland's renowned ski resorts. Lovers of skiing, snowboarding and other mountain pleasures will be delighted by the ideal weather conditions and exceptional infrastructure offered by the ski areas.

However, it's worth noting that the high tourist season also corresponds to the school vacation periods and therefore to a greater number of visitors to tourist sites and accommodation. If you want to avoid the crowds, the off-season can also offer great opportunities for discovery.

Public holidays in Switzerland: take them into account when planning your trip

Public holidays are a great time to discover certain Swiss traditions, but they can also cause a few disruptions to the organization of your stay, particularly in terms of transport and shopping. Here's a list of the main public holidays to be aware of:

1. January 1st : New Year
2. March or April : Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary)
3. May 1st : Labour Day (in some cantons only)
4. May or June : Ascension and Whitsun (dates vary)
5. August 1st : Swiss National Day
6. December 25 : Christmas
7. December 26 : Saint-Étienne (in some cantons)

Depending on the canton visited, other specific public holidays may be added to this list. It is therefore advisable to check local dates before planning your holiday.

Major cultural events in Switzerland

Throughout the year, Switzerland offers a rich program of cultural events to delight lovers of art, music, cinema and other festive events. Here's a selection of must-see events:

February: Basel Carnival

THE Basel Carnival is the biggest carnival in Switzerland and one of the most famous in Europe. Every year, for three days, the city is decked out in color, welcoming thousands of participants who parade through the streets to the rhythm of brass bands and drums. Parades, costumes and decorations compete in creativity to create a unique spectacle.

June: Fête de la Musique in Geneva

There Fête de la Musiqueheld every year around June 21, celebrates the arrival of summer with a series of free open-air concerts. Several stages are set up in different parts of Geneva, offering a variety of concerts ranging from classical music to rock, jazz and world music.

August: Geneva Festival

THE Fêtes de Genève are a major popular gathering held every year during the first half of August. On the program: entertainment for young and old, concerts, street shows, fairs and craft markets. The highlight of the festivities is the fireworks display on Lake Geneva, an exceptional pyrotechnic spectacle not to be missed.

September: Zurich Film Festival

THE Zurich Film Festival is a not-to-be-missed event for cinephiles and professionals of the 7th art. Over ten days, screenings, meetings and debates are organized around the theme of international cinema. It's also an opportunity to preview films that will be making news in the months to come.

Immigration to Switzerland: a growing foreign population

In statistical terms, Switzerland today has a population of around 8.5 million, of whom almost 25% are foreigners or non-nationals. This proportion has increased over the years, testifying to the country's appeal to people living outside its borders. The main nationalities represented among foreign residents are :

• The Italians (15%)
• The Germans (14%)
• The Portuguese (13%)
• The French (6%)
• The Spanish (5%)

It is also worth mentioning the significant presence of nationals from non-European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Türkiye, THE Sri Lanka and various African countries.

Reasons for immigration to Switzerland

Immigrants choose Switzerland for a variety of reasons:

• Search for jobs and better professional opportunities
• Family reunification
• Studies and training at leading Swiss institutions
• Requesting asylum on political or humanitarian grounds

Most popular visas in Switzerland: work, study and temporary stays

Among the different types of visa available for entering Switzerland, some are particularly popular with foreigners. Here they are:

Work visa (B permit)

The work visa is one of the most popular visas in Switzerland. To obtain a B permit, a Swiss employer must first offer a work contract to a foreign applicant. Next, the applicant must submit an application to the relevant cantonal authority, which will examine the local labor market situation and check that no person already resident in Switzerland can fill the position. Please note that nationals of European Union and European Economic Area countries benefit from specific agreements facilitating access to the Swiss labor market.

Student visa (F permit)

Every year, Switzerland welcomes thousands of international students to its universities and colleges. To obtain a student visa, you must be accepted at a Swiss educational institution and provide the necessary documents, such as :

• A letter of admission to the educational institution
• Proof of financial ability to cover living expenses during the study period
• Proof of health insurance

Temporary residence visa (L permit)

This type of visa is intended for people wishing to stay in Switzerland for a limited period, generally less than a year. Reasons may include internships, temporary work projects or long-term family visits. To apply for an L permit, you need to provide specific documents depending on the reason for your stay, and pay an application fee.

International tourism in Switzerland: figures on the rise

Switzerland is also a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In 2019, the country welcomed over 38 million visitors, generating revenue of almost 18 billion Swiss francs. The main nationalities represented among these tourists are Germans, Americans, Chinese and French.

The most popular tourist attractions

Switzerland offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, from Alpine peaks to historic towns. Here are some of the country's most famous sights:

• The Matterhorn, emblem of Switzerland
• The city of Lucerne and its famous Kapellbrücke bridge
• Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva
• The Jungfraujoch, nicknamed the "Top of Europe".

Cultural and sporting events that attract tourists

Switzerland is also renowned for its international cultural and sporting events, such as :

• Montreux Jazz Festival
• Geneva International Motor Show
• Alpine skiing competitions in Verbier or St. Moritz