Switzerland: The Don'ts of Visiting Switzerland

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 12 сер 2022
  • Switzerland has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Whether you are visiting Zermat or Jungfrau or just taking the train through the Swiss Alps you will love so much of Switzerland. These are some of the do's and don'ts of visiting Switzerland. So, if you are in Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Basel, Luzern, or Interlaken we hope these tips can help you have a better time in Switzerland.
    Filmed in Basel, Switzerland
    Copyright Mark Wolters 2022
    Join this channel to get access to perks:
    / @woltersworld
    #visitswitzerland #switzerland #travelmistakes
    Learn how to plan your travels like we do with our Travel Planning 101 Course: www.brighttrip.com/woltersworld
    Grab some Wolters World travel gear www.woltersworld.store
    Help Us Keep Make More Honest Travel Videos: / woltersworld
    Follow our Travel Shorts channel: / @woltersworldshorts
    Follow Jocelyn's Adventures in Cooking & Life at Simply Jocelyn - / @woltersworldeats
    Some of Our Favorite Travel Videos We Think Other Travelers Would Love
    • Our Favorite Travel Vi...
    Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.
    Follow Us At
    / woltersworld
    / woltersworld
    / woltersworld
    / woltersworld
    www.woltersworld.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 570

  • @amarug
    @amarug 14 днів тому +95

    It's really fun to watch this as a Swiss, this video is amazing. You really nail it all. I wish every tourist would watch this before they come! :) Here a few of my random thoughts:
    - Yes, we are in some ways the "Japanese of Europe", we like punctuality, cleanliness and efficiency, we hate bad smells and noise and we are helpful and polite but a bit "reserved/shy"
    - Yes, the environment is mindblowing. You would think you get "dull" to it, but you don't. Everytime I walk from my home over the nearby bridge and see the alps in the evening sun, I just have to stop and look and look more and go like "wtf how is this so beautiful" ... ongoing for 4 decades soon 😅 also on the trains, which I ride daily, I often look out and marvel at the beauty of many places
    - Yes, more clichees that are true, I eat cheese Fondue often, other cheeses daily and chocolate almost hourly 😂
    - Even more: I love watches and have quite a few nice ones
    - I do like it a lot if tourists chat me up and ask me stuff. I speak a few languages, such as German, Finnish, French, English and Japanese and I am happy to have a chat about anything you would like!
    - Hiking: veryyyyy important, go for it, but be careful. So many accidents happen, so select very very easy routes if you have little experience. Sadly too many people I used to know have died in the mountains, none of them were reckless. The routes are all excellently labeled and described etc. You can plan it perfectly and ask local guides if needed. Also here in Bern thousands of people swim in the river called "Aare" in summer and tourists think it looks fun and join in as they see 6 to 90-year-olds doing it, but we were born here and we have been doing it all our lives, we know every turbulence by heart and our swimming skills are on a different level than even many who consider themselves "very good swimmers", just because of the unusually harsh conditions we have been practicing since we were kids, it's just misleading when you see hundreds at once swimming out there, you might think this is something for the average swimmer. If you go, tag along with locals, we have unfortunately deaths every summer, almost exclusively tourists.
    Lastly, apologies for the insane prices. I can only imagine how it must be, because conversely when my wife and I travel outside Switzerland, we are always baffled by how "food is almost for free, even in restaurants". Switzerland is crazy expensive. If you can, please visit our beautiful country, you will enjoy it, I am sure!

    • @alayax9209
      @alayax9209 11 днів тому +4

      Super Antwort 👍🏻
      Was Du da schreibst Kann ich alles unterschreiben ✍ 😌✋

    • @n.k.2107
      @n.k.2107 5 днів тому +4

      So much fun that I thought "Hey what this guy is writing sounds so familiar!"... Until I realised my husband wrote it...

    • @anoucanina
      @anoucanina 3 дні тому +2

      this is 100% true!!

    • @SwissPGO
      @SwissPGO 2 дні тому +1

      100% I visited Switzerland as a kid (tourist from Belgium), then came for my physics studies at CERN (also a must-visit tourist location) in my early twenties, visited plenty of other countries in the following years as a researcher, but after experiencing each country, I returned here, founded a family and I don't even have a valid Belgian passport any more 😂.

    • @spookshow6999
      @spookshow6999 4 години тому

      I want to move there. I want out of America.

  • @gantenbeinable
    @gantenbeinable 12 днів тому +19

    Do not buy drinking water, because you get best drinking water for free from the tab or from any fountain outside.

  • @swisssnowboarder
    @swisssnowboarder 15 днів тому +51

    Loved the video and as a Swiss I totally agree with you.
    Just one comment on the tipping culture here: we very much appreciate tips, even if they are tiny. For a coffee of 4.70 you’d usually round up to 5, or a dinner for 27.50, you might round up to 30. It’s not really the amount that matters but the gesture 😊

  • @lisa.3585
    @lisa.3585 11 днів тому +11

    I‘m Swiss and this was fun to watch! You are sooo right, we don‘t like noise or people who speak loudly😄

    • @kingwalrus7921
      @kingwalrus7921 2 дні тому +1

      yes no loud ppl

    • @peterldelong
      @peterldelong 33 хвилини тому

      Ride the trains at rush hour times and it’s not the tourists who are loud and yappy yappy.

  • @mrsdiss
    @mrsdiss Рік тому +237

    i just want to double down on the "don't overestimate your hiking ability". switzerland has an amazing network of hiking trails covering the whole country, but the more advanced trails have considerable risks. people die while hiking in switzerland, mostly due to overestimating their ability.

    • @WoltersWorldShorts
      @WoltersWorldShorts Рік тому +11

      So true. We had a number of locals stress to us that we have to make sure we talk about that. Thank you for adding this to help out with the emphasis. Hope you are doing well!

    • @firefox7530
      @firefox7530 Рік тому +19

      @@WoltersWorldShorts Brilliant, you also made the point about shoes. Dear Tourists: Flip-Flops or Crocs are NOT the right shoes for hiking in the mountains. They are never the right shoes, period! Even on lower grade hiking levels a firm outdoor shoe is required. Our hiking trails are almost always made out of natural resources, they can be slippery or rough and most of the times its gravel and meadow land. So please wear good shoes and also pay attention to all signs on the route. If it is mentioned to not trespass it is for a good reason, for example mother cow sanctuary. No, our cows are free here and also have their, depending on their race, very big horns. If you approach their calf they will attack you! So please NEVER enter a fenced area or just ignore the warning signs about this. Cows can lethally hurt you! It happened so many times.
      About the loudness point. It really depends where you are. On Parties or folk fests the noise level is as high as everywhere else on the planet with music, loud talking etc. But no one wants to hear your drama story through 3 tram wagons or on the bus. There, you're right the noise level should be adapted to a lower level. Also do not forget even though you are tourist, the public transportation is first build for working people to go to the working place or go home from it. So imagine you are in the tram at 18.30h in the evening on your way home after 10h at work and then you have someone being that annoyingly loud when all you want is to reset and calm down from your hard working day ;-) So I hope this gives you a little bit the reasoning why we like it less loud in trains, trams and busses or delicate restaurants.

    • @annikakaister3041
      @annikakaister3041 Рік тому +4

      Yea, I took the trail from Äscher down to Seealpsee two days ago and there were tourists in football shoes or sandals. It’s no wonder people die on that trail every year

    • @largol33t1
      @largol33t1 Рік тому +4

      I have been out to the edges of the Alps and am surprised to see people just having a picnic barely TWO meters from the edge. The edge is basically a 500 meter drop! All it takes is one person scrambling to grab the bottle of wine rolling off the picnic blanket...

    • @largol33t1
      @largol33t1 Рік тому +3

      PS: how did I get up there - by cable car. The views are INSANE. You are a fool if you take the trip and forget to bring a camera or at least a cell phone with a minimum 10-12 megapixel lens.

  • @travelingartistnilofarmehrin
    @travelingartistnilofarmehrin 14 днів тому +11

    "Don't make noise" , just wonderful❤❤❤❤❤❤ ..... I come from anarchic France where people are allowed to shout into their phones while on a public bus (or anywhere & everywhere)

  • @denise2169
    @denise2169 8 місяців тому +28

    I am Swiss, and your advice is excellent, especially about respecting quiet. Thank you!

  • @ThePhasmatik
    @ThePhasmatik 3 години тому +2

    As a Swiss Citizen, I approve of this video which is probably the best I saw on visiting Switzerland.

  • @XXXBO444
    @XXXBO444 9 днів тому +6

    Switzerland is gorgeous. We've been there last year, in summer, from Davos to St. Moritz, then with Bernina up to Tirano and futher to Lugano. On the way back, Chur, Zermatt, and then Montreux , Lausanne and Geneve. One of the most beautiful trips of my life. ❤

  • @alayax9209
    @alayax9209 11 днів тому +7

    As a Swiss native who has spent half my life abroad and traveled extensively, I usually find travel vlogs unappealing. However, this video is exceptional and should be required viewing for anyone planning to visit Switzerland.

  • @bruzzliandmel
    @bruzzliandmel Рік тому +203

    Great video! As two Swiss people we are always so impressed with how much knowledge you have over our country…you know it better than we do! 😄🥳🇨🇭

    • @WoltersWorldShorts
      @WoltersWorldShorts Рік тому +16

      Thank you :) that is the highest compliment i could ask for. cheers!

  • @K8E666
    @K8E666 3 місяці тому +23

    I visited Switzerland as a teenager in the 90’s. We stayed in Interlaken for 2 weeks and visited every site near there. It was beautiful. The lake we stayed right next too was a turquoise green colour and we’d rent a boat and jump off it for a swim. We went up the Jungfrau to see all across Europe and to ski, we visited the revolving cafe from the Bond movie and the Reichenbach Falls from Sherlock Holmes. There’s so much to see and it’s all so beautiful, clean and crisp….

  • @user-ku8yt4pe9v
    @user-ku8yt4pe9v 14 днів тому +3

    Eine gute Erklärung für den Tourist in der Schweiz, Bravo!👋

  • @handsewnlove
    @handsewnlove 15 днів тому +7

    Being from Basel it was lovely to see the city (and Switzerland in general) from your perspective. Thank you 😊

    • @balllee6959
      @balllee6959 5 днів тому

      Basel is lovely, but why do you guys have to say IE instead of Ü ? It’s Grün not Grien 🤣🤣

  • @simonepeverelli883
    @simonepeverelli883 Рік тому +150

    And I add: if you want to have fun in the evening in Switzerland, go to a university town. They may not be as noticeable as in other countries, but Lausanne and Zurich are full of clubs, pubs, bars and parties. This weekend in Zurich there was the "street parade" (a big techno party) and more than 500 thousand people were dancing in the streets!

    • @powergroove96
      @powergroove96 Рік тому +6

      There where 900 thousand people as per police estimation.

    • @NathanIoup
      @NathanIoup Рік тому

      Sone chäs.

    • @cedric7049
      @cedric7049 Рік тому +19

      It's interesting how in all these videos, it seems nobody ever goes to Lausanne. It's always the German part and the occasional trip to Geneva. People can have a lot of fun in Lausanne, Fribourg, Neuchâtel etc. I'd say, it's even better to go there as you won't have too many tourists compared to Lucerne or Interlaken (personally Interlaken would be a don't. Too crowded, to touristy).

    • @simonepeverelli883
      @simonepeverelli883 Рік тому +10

      @@cedric7049 True! It is the same reason why many tourists go to Milan and not to Genoa or Pisa. Furthermore, in Switzerland there are many small villages, not very touristy, cheaper and much more beautiful and characteristic than cities like Zurich or Geneva. But we Swiss know these places and it is perhaps better that they remain a little known abroad ....

    • @alphamanga3213
      @alphamanga3213 Рік тому

      wow looked it up and that is an ultimate goal for a trip there! thanks

  • @haelww1
    @haelww1 Рік тому +56

    As a swiss person, I can say the video is perfect. Try to follow these elements, and you will have beautifull vacations !

    • @chuckb666
      @chuckb666 Рік тому +3

      Agreed. And I'm Swiss too.

  • @padmeraven7290
    @padmeraven7290 11 місяців тому +18

    I want to go to Switzerland because of my ancestral heritage, and it is amazing how some Swiss personality traits have carried through my family, such as not liking small talk. I HATE small talk. Amazing.

  • @mountainlover830
    @mountainlover830 Рік тому +10

    For years I had family who lived in Basel and I love to visit this jewel of a city. So much fun seeing familiar places!

  • @pusa-td6wx
    @pusa-td6wx Рік тому +4

    i just want to say thanks for bringing quality content for us over the years! i appreciate that you kept your format and no unnecessary introduction unlike the other travel channel. your channel is totally life saving for me whenever we are travelling to Europe :D

  • @cvayta
    @cvayta 10 днів тому +2

    Those train views just remind me of getting to work.

  • @anthonyholroyd5359
    @anthonyholroyd5359 Рік тому +14

    Was in Switzerland earlier this month to climb my 1st 4000er (Alpine peak over 4000m). Stayed in a hostel in Zermatt and took the trains from Geneva to Zermatt and back.
    Honestly never fallen in love with a country quite so quickly. And so many of the things you say in this video are absolutely spot on.

  • @kauti79
    @kauti79 Рік тому +5

    Always nice to see my country through the eyes of someone that is not from here. Thanx for the video

  • @af2828
    @af2828 Рік тому +11

    I have seen a lot of travel blogs about Switzerland but that’s by far the most accurate and well researched one.
    Also the little thing. I’m fascinated.
    Especially that we don’t like loud 😉
    🇨🇭

  • @christine1089
    @christine1089 Рік тому +12

    One of my dreams is to go to switzerland. I love it. Very beautiful everything. Flowers, mountain's, weather Just to see the pictures and videos I almost cry , is so grateful for my soul. My best wishes for Switzerland from Dominican Republic

  • @darlinnikki9514
    @darlinnikki9514 Рік тому +4

    Thank you so much for these helpful tips. With the information you shared, I hope to have an even more amazing trip.

  • @susanmance9436
    @susanmance9436 Рік тому +17

    I agree with what you say about riding Swiss trains. When I did, I took so many photos looking out the window! But the great views didn't stop, so I had to stop after awhile! LOL! I also agree with the advice about hostels. When I was in Zurich I stayed with a friend that lives there, so that wasn't an issue. But I was recently in Helsinki and stayed in a hostel to avoid high hotel costs. I was traveling to Finland with my grown son, and wondered if I was going to be the only "old person" in the hostel, but I saw all ages there. And it was kind of like living in a college dorm. We had a private room and had to go down the hall to the bathroom.

  • @SwissPhil02
    @SwissPhil02 Рік тому +215

    As a Swiss I cant even visit my own country cause its too expensive

    • @arroe8386
      @arroe8386 Рік тому +14

      Hesch ä GA?

    • @petrahulett
      @petrahulett 7 місяців тому +16

      Genau. Jungfraujoch gibt's nur 1 oder 2 mal im Leben 😂

    • @jessejames258
      @jessejames258 6 місяців тому +4

      Ig läbe z amerika u isch eifach viu z'tür jedes jahr hei uf Schwiiz go bsueche. Aber ig probier jedes mau ig gnue gäud ha

    • @RaymondBastien-li6co
      @RaymondBastien-li6co 3 місяці тому +2

      Well, if you got friends there, pass this on. Klaus Schwab needs the bud lite/ NY trucker's treatment. He's the head of WEF and does not live in the US.

    • @susanaduarteraposo
      @susanaduarteraposo 25 днів тому

      Exactly

  • @thomasvu3756
    @thomasvu3756 Рік тому +11

    From the French Speaking part of Switzerland here ! Yeah, we definitly don't speak all of our languages... we try our best though.
    It's indeed not really a thing here to just come to somebody and start smalltalking. But if you've got a question, or need help with something, I think that most of us try to be helpful, so don't hesitate to ask. We won't be offended, and will do our best to overcome language barriers. We're kind of used to it in our own country.
    See you here ! ^^

  • @truthseeker9692
    @truthseeker9692 Рік тому +12

    the best country on earth... I never get tired of going to Switzerland.

  • @lawriefoster5587
    @lawriefoster5587 Рік тому +2

    I have been fortunate to have been to Switzerland three times. The first
    was in 1969 as a student and we stayed at The Montreux Palace for
    one week in between studies. In 1971 my parents and I motored through
    Switzerland for two weeks. In 1981 my Mother and I stayed in Interlaken
    for 18 days. The Swiss loved my mom, her being of full.German descent
    and a very unassuming woman. Such memories this has brought back
    to me. Thank you.

  • @anarkitty0
    @anarkitty0 Рік тому +4

    Thank you Wolter, you managed to make a good guide for Switzerland.

  • @stacymcintyre1796
    @stacymcintyre1796 Рік тому +37

    Went to a few cities in Switzerland a few months ago and I cannot wait to return! Transportation is easy, the country is beyond beautiful, and variety of cultures is fantastic. We went to Geneva, Zermatt and Melide/Morcote.

  • @philip_quakyoutube3065
    @philip_quakyoutube3065 14 днів тому +5

    First thought this might be an american talking very stereotypically about Switzerland. I was wrong and pleasently surprised. Great video!
    Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

  • @genomatic420
    @genomatic420 Рік тому +29

    We visited Geneva and Grindelwald in early July and it was a transformative trip for me! The beauty of the Alps and countryside was breath taking. Can't wait to go back and explore more.

    • @zaram131
      @zaram131 Рік тому +1

      Same 😍 I can’t wait to go back!!

  • @markusstudeli2997
    @markusstudeli2997 Рік тому +11

    One more tip coming from a native:
    Don't waste your money on bottled water. Swiss tab water is safe and delicious and you will find public fountains almost everywhere. Just carry a water bottle with you and refill it when necessary. Restaurants will want to sell you bottled water, but you can always ask for tab water (eau du robinet in French, Leitungswasser in Germen, scheda acqua in Italian). They will sometime charge a small fee for it, but not the 7-10 CHF for a large bottle of mineral water that doesn't taste any better.

    • @panuntukan
      @panuntukan Рік тому +4

      Scheda acqua ??? No, acqua dal.rubinetto

  • @roots7001
    @roots7001 5 днів тому +3

    Thanks for clarifying the Swiss cheese thing and for helping keeping our noise levels down. For small talk - you always could talk to my mother - she needs to talk to everyone.. ;) Cheers from Zurich.

  • @MiaHessMusic
    @MiaHessMusic Рік тому +1

    I totally agree with you about the train views!!!!! I haven't been to Switzerland since 1974 but I vividly remember that every corner you turned was a like a postcard!!

  • @holybell000
    @holybell000 Рік тому +22

    Loved Geneva when I visited recently. Definitely my kind of city. Just wished I went during a less packed season. Absolutely agree with the pass advice. I did not use any of the ones you mentioned but my Airbnb came with a complementary pass for the city of Geneva which included discounts and free fare on public transport. Super helpful.

    • @Jay-cr6kj
      @Jay-cr6kj Рік тому

      Geneva is Switzerlands slum😂

  • @synthdebacle
    @synthdebacle 10 днів тому +1

    You nailed it really! I'm Swiss and I think you're absolute right!

  • @michellee7465
    @michellee7465 Рік тому +24

    It’s expensive, but one gorgeous breathtaking country! My nephew lives there, and I don’t think he’ll ever leave. 🤗

  • @tommyedodson2412
    @tommyedodson2412 Рік тому +5

    Enjoyed the video and looking forward to enjoying some of the Swiss Christmas Markets later this year.

  • @Slip_HD
    @Slip_HD 19 днів тому +1

    I’ll be there in a week. Can’t wait! Thanks for the tips

  • @gazalakitchenandvlogs4680
    @gazalakitchenandvlogs4680 Рік тому +2

    Nice shering dear friend God bless you

  • @urban9787
    @urban9787 14 днів тому +1

    Wonderful episode! Thanks for the 6/5 review… nothing further to add!

  • @gowiththeflow-followthesun1002
    @gowiththeflow-followthesun1002 15 днів тому +1

    I am swiss, and you have so right, bravo! dear Walter!👍

  • @sweetypatnett6123
    @sweetypatnett6123 Рік тому +1

    Switzerland is truly magnificent and breathtaking. One day I hope to visit. Thanks for sharing this video. 😊😊

  • @Miloxiaocelao
    @Miloxiaocelao 2 місяці тому +9

    My favorite "don't", don't be too loud. Grew up in Shanghai, and now live in America, loudness is one thing I can't bear, but always look stuck up when I go hide away from crowds/noise. I looooove how loudness level is regulated. And yeah, small talk shouldn't be a thing, either...

  • @petrahulett
    @petrahulett 11 місяців тому +2

    Thank you! You explain us swiss pretty well👍🏻

  • @relaxingsilentfilms-LosAngeles

    love this place. can't get enough of watching interlaken videos

  • @PhantomOfDarkness
    @PhantomOfDarkness Рік тому +6

    I really want to see the abbey in st Gallen, with the really old historic library! as soon as I found out about it I thought it was a neat little place that I had to check out!

  • @eromero6195
    @eromero6195 Рік тому +1

    Very well explained!!! Before visiting Switzerland your video is a must.

  • @annaBelle0ntm
    @annaBelle0ntm Рік тому

    I love your travel videos!! You are such a good speaker and it is really fun to watch your tips!! Thumbs up! 👍👍👍😁😁😁

  • @ArcticRise
    @ArcticRise 15 днів тому +2

    Switzerland in a nutshell! Well done.

  • @zaram131
    @zaram131 Рік тому +26

    My family emigrated from Switzerland about 4 generations back. I’ve always wanted to go and I finally got to visit for 2 weeks last September! Absolutely magical experience and I fell in love instantly. I didn’t realize any place on earth could be this beautiful. I felt a deep personal connection to the land, culture, and people here. My dad still speaks the Swiss language that’s been passed down in the family through the years, and sooo many things in Switzerland reminded me of my grandparents.
    I embraced every second of my trip and I’m already trying to figure out how I can go back and actually would move there if an opportunity came my way.

    • @LittleBigPoet
      @LittleBigPoet Рік тому +8

      By your dad speaks "the Swiss language" you mean he speaks German? Or French? Such a strange thing to say, lol. It's not like these are unique languages.

    • @barbarawissinger
      @barbarawissinger 10 місяців тому +2

      Romansh? That is unique.

    • @shamicentertainment1262
      @shamicentertainment1262 3 місяці тому +3

      @@LittleBigPoetwe’ll sort of but Swiss is it’s own dialect, same with Austria. I’m learning German but I can’t really understand Austrians

    • @agentorange1291
      @agentorange1291 18 днів тому

      Did your ancestors come from Bern area? Lots of bernish people emigrated to the US, even in our family some ancestors emigrated to the US.

  • @FOXcravatte
    @FOXcravatte 13 днів тому +2

    Wow super video for tourists! Thank you for your work. -a swiss

  • @paulina7263
    @paulina7263 Рік тому +3

    it's good to watch such a nice video about my country !

  • @RGUCounT
    @RGUCounT 14 днів тому +2

    I am from Interlaken 🇨🇭 born and raised in Bönigen, at the lake of Brienz (Brienzersee).
    It just always feels good to hear such nice things from people that visit our beautiful place. I actually used to DJ in Balmers Club (when it was called Metro a couple of years ago). Always fun to meet new lads from all over the world especially from the U.S.
    Cheers for the good video!

  • @travelwithwill1
    @travelwithwill1 Рік тому +4

    Hi, I love the Switzerland videos. I uploaded a Geneva vlog today. Keep the videos coming, thanks

  • @marmotarchivist
    @marmotarchivist Рік тому +28

    So I’ll add my two franks, since two cents would get you nowhere.
    The view, even from “normal” trains is indeed very nice; you don’t even need to take a special panoramic train route.
    A mountain hike certainly makes for a memorable activity. But just as was said in the video, there are a lot different levels of difficulty. Don’t overestimate your capabilities if you have no experience, don’t go on a difficult hike with inadequate gear, don’t go in dangerous weather conditions. If you didn’t pack any sturdy shoes or have reduced mobility, you can still experience the high mountains with all the famous cable cars and trains, don’t worry. I can recommend going on a bigger hike and visiting a mountain hut, but you really need to make a reservation way in advance, if you want to stay the night there. They have a limited capacity and cancel as soon as possible. The tenants of these huts have a small profit margin and would like to book other people. In addition, they will worry about you having an accident on the way, if you just don’t show up without cancelling.
    You can get by speaking English in most touristy places and the cities and most people are more than willing to help you in English. For High German speakers don’t try to be cute and imitate the Swiss German dialects here, it comes of a condescending.
    Concerning saving money, eating out is really expensive, so take advantage of lunch menus if you can. I would also recommend buying stuff at the grocery store, they have high quality cheese, bread, and chocolate and (Swiss) wine. Normally I would not endorse it, but renting an Airbnb or some such can really save some money, compared to hotels or even hostels, especially if you cook your own dinner with said ingredients.
    If you break the rules, you will indeed get the stare of disapproval. But if you are not obnoxiously loud, you’ll be in a league way above other tourists. Concerning a lack of party culture. I mean, the bigger cities do have nightclubs and such that people visit on the weekend, maybe just not as many as in other countries? In the summer, we like to enjoy outdoor dining and drinking at pop-up bars. The cheaper alternative is to buy drinks at the store and enjoy them at the park or lakeside, it’s legal to drink in public. In winter, there is après ski and at local festivals, people always get wasted. So I think we do have parties, but you have to look a bit harder to find them.
    Concerning tipping. It’s true, that you don’t have to, but it is polite to at least round up to the next number. So if something costs 18.90.- you round up to 19 or 20, depending. But insisting on the 10 cents is seen as cheap. Don’t use euros if you can help it at all. Most shops are not used to process foreign currency except in touristy places and along the border. It’s a hassle for the staff to deal with euros and they will give you a terrible exchange rate, if you insist. Also It’s a good idea to still carry some cash. The use of debitcards and contactless pay has increased during the pandemic and in a city you should be fine, but there are still cash only situations. You need coins for lockers or public bathrooms and some street food festival stands, restaurants or mountain huts are cash only or they prefer cash. And although creditcards are more widely accepted nowadays, we use debitcards in our daily live. In small shops, they often have a minimum purchases amount for creditcards, because they creditcard companies slap on a hefty fee for these small transactions, so don’t buy a pack of gum with a creditcard if you can help it.

    • @steventan2550
      @steventan2550 Рік тому +3

      Thanks for the input. Really useful

    • @calidafeuersichel1515
      @calidafeuersichel1515 Рік тому +3

      Adding to that, a simple "sorry" helps tons when you managed to get the stares of disapproval ^^

    • @Msfifisquarepantz
      @Msfifisquarepantz 8 місяців тому +1

      Wow. Does this book come in Paperback too?

  • @kbob6980
    @kbob6980 4 місяці тому +1

    I love the way you respect local culture and all those don'ts while filming a video :)

  • @pascobert
    @pascobert 13 днів тому +1

    Congrats, as a swiss i habe to say, good quality work!

  • @swissfoodie3542
    @swissfoodie3542 Рік тому +10

    As a swiss, I agree with all those tipps. I have never heard of somebody chocking on a cheese fondue however ;-). I you like cheese, Switzerland is indeed a paradise. Go into a cheese shop and ask for local specialities. There are so many different cheeses, so tell the person working there what you like (hard, soft, cow, sheep, mild, spicy etc.) and ask for recommendations. Buy some good bread in a bakery, maybe some grapes / pears / figs and a bottle of swiss wine, and you will have an excellent dinner.

    • @melocoton7
      @melocoton7 Рік тому +4

      YES to this! Get all that stuff and go sit by the lake or river. Super chill and nice

  • @briannabergman8381
    @briannabergman8381 Рік тому +1

    Your videos are always so informative 😆 thanks for sharing!

  • @tobiojo9454
    @tobiojo9454 Рік тому +1

    Cool video, I would love to visit Swiswitzerland in the near future

  • @dianepancel-pierce4478
    @dianepancel-pierce4478 Рік тому

    This is so helpful! I’ll be working there this summer.

  • @markfromct2
    @markfromct2 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you. I will visit your beautiful country soon and I will head your advice.

  • @Aliberish
    @Aliberish Рік тому

    What a great format 👍 thanks it was interesting

  • @mariusxmeier2417
    @mariusxmeier2417 Рік тому

    Haha awesome, your excitement is so infectious

  • @perrychills
    @perrychills Рік тому +38

    I have lived in switzerland for over 20 years now, it's beautiful. but very dif from the US, especially in restaurants. they are more of the let you eat in peace then come ask you if you need anything. so if you want something you need to tell them, but its very nice. oh and love how the first train pictures were from lichtenstein and not actually switzerland. but do love the content

  • @snoo333
    @snoo333 Рік тому

    Good to see you again. thanks for the dont's .

  • @christopherwagner2395
    @christopherwagner2395 Рік тому +1

    Solid insights. Well done.

  • @lenkadrdakovamichnova8844
    @lenkadrdakovamichnova8844 Рік тому

    Amazing.. i lived in Switzerland for 13 years and you did amazing advices.
    Thank you

  • @sabinagraf6041
    @sabinagraf6041 Рік тому

    as a swiss i enjoyed your tips and have to say: you see/know the swiss very well! :-) thank you for your friendlyness and joy! ;-)

  • @99cya
    @99cya 13 днів тому +4

    Yes, we do not like loud people. Thanks! 🙂

  • @philippejueni3182
    @philippejueni3182 Рік тому +13

    Yes Switzerland is also not cheap for swiss people here :)

  • @cameronbagg9528
    @cameronbagg9528 Рік тому +1

    Nice video, Mark.

  • @johndornoff
    @johndornoff Рік тому +1

    Thanks Mark as I will be flying into Switzerland on April 1st for my first visit.

  • @AssadHamid
    @AssadHamid Рік тому +1

    Veryy nice vlog as always

  • @nicoleimes
    @nicoleimes Рік тому +1

    As an American who lived in the suburbs of Basel and Zurich in the early aughts, these are great tips! When I took my sister back to visit in 2010, staying in hostels was one of the best ways to stretch our budget. Also, for snacks and lunches, don't overlook the local bakeries or the hot food section in the Migro or Coop grocery stores. Watching your video made me very nostalgic for Switzerland!

    • @lynel2765
      @lynel2765 4 місяці тому

      Enjoyed your video. You got me interested to stay in a hostel :) . We will be a family of 4 (adults)..will that be 1 or 2 rooms. Are bathrooms shared with many other travelers ? What is the link to the hostel and is it in Zurich near a train station or airport ? 2) The train ride is beautiful..which one is the one in the video and I will be taking a train from Fussen to Zurich ( with a day trip to Lucern) and wondering if I will see the beautiful ,green countryside already on that route ? thx. 3) any restaurant will offer fondue or should I be going to a specific one ( if so, which) ?

  • @bubblyjatmin4022
    @bubblyjatmin4022 Місяць тому

    Truly gorgeous and lovely country! 😍 couldn’t wait to get back !🤩

  • @andreawalser1166
    @andreawalser1166 12 днів тому +1

    Swiss is gorgeous. I love switzerland.

  • @susiachmady
    @susiachmady Рік тому

    THE DONTS OF VISITING SWITZERLAND ... GOOD TIPS AS ALWAYS HELLO FROM ENGLAND

  • @renajagdeo8120
    @renajagdeo8120 Рік тому

    I live in the Caribbean. I would love to visit Switzerland one day👍🏽💯

  • @Fan652w
    @Fan652w Рік тому +65

    As a (Briitsh) frequent visitor to Switzerland, I would agree with almost everything you say. But regarding credit cards, on my most recent visit (April 2022) I paid for almost everything by card, even when I bought just a sandwich or a newspaper! One very important additional DONT applicable to all the larger Swiss towns. Don't get on a tram or bus without already having purchased a valid ticket. City tram/bus drivers do not sell tickets, and there are (usually) no ticket machines inside the vehicle. (Another reason for buying the national Swiss Travel Pass is that it is valid on all urban public transport - so you will not need to buy a ticket from the machines at stops.)

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  Рік тому +9

      Thanks for the heads up

    • @ilovesuisse1
      @ilovesuisse1 Рік тому +2

      I’m Swiss, i live in east of Switzerland, the buses i use have a ticket machine on them, i was recently in Montreux and the buses there had ticket machines too.

    • @Susu-wt5kw
      @Susu-wt5kw Рік тому +3

      @@ilovesuisse1 I’m Swiss. Living in Lucerne. There are no ticket machines in the buses in Lucerne. And to my knowledge there are also no machines in the buses and trams in Berne and Zurich. You MUST buy your ticket BEFOREHAND at the machine at the bus/tram stop. If you get in a random control and you have no valid ticket on you, the controller will have no mercy on you (at least not here in Lucerne). Not knowing because you are a tourist won’t work as an excuse. 😉

    • @Fan652w
      @Fan652w Рік тому +3

      @@ilovesuisse1 That is no doubt correct for where you live and for Montreux. But I am talking of larger swiss towns. In LARGER SWISS TOWNS THE BUSES AND TRAMS MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT HAVE TICKET MACHINES. I first visited Switzerland in 1971, and even back then in Luzern, Basel, Zurich and Bern, you had to buy a ticket BEFORE you got on.

    • @YannLHC
      @YannLHC Рік тому

      @@ilovesuisse1 Montreux Vevey are exceptions.

  • @mascode1
    @mascode1 Рік тому

    That is a very informative video, Thank you

  • @patrickkowalski8256
    @patrickkowalski8256 Рік тому +1

    Never stepped into Zurich, but i've been in the airport with nice layover times while waiting with my school to go to Catania. I'll never forget that experience as long as I live. Swatch ads everywhere, Swiss chocolate everywhere (don't mix up the local Swiss chocolate in the States with ACTUAL Swiss chocolate), etc. the outlets, the plugs, then train connections with cow and yodeling recordings, you name it. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

  • @stefmethaudsw
    @stefmethaudsw 7 днів тому

    Very great advices!

  • @gerardmeyer2118
    @gerardmeyer2118 18 днів тому

    great advice. thanks! ❤

  • @drew4021
    @drew4021 Рік тому

    I visited Geneva a few years ago. Sure wish I had Wolter's videos prior

  • @The-god-of-rickrolling
    @The-god-of-rickrolling Рік тому

    i live in switzerland in the land of raclette and fondue amazing video

  • @rschumachr
    @rschumachr Рік тому +3

    A little comment about the nightlife in Switzerland. There is definitely quite a good number of clubs and bars in every big city. Techno clubs and raves are quite popular in Zurich too. And also, Switzerland hosts the words biggest techno-parade every year in august called the street parade with over a million visitors.

  • @Soundguydan
    @Soundguydan 3 місяці тому

    Recently found out that my family came to America from Bottmingen and I really want to go now. I’ll be watching more of your videos to learn!

    • @markusf58
      @markusf58 3 місяці тому

      Make sure to explore Basel when you come here, Bottmingen is pretty close to it! 🙂

  • @juainaar7642
    @juainaar7642 Рік тому

    Totally agree! Switzerĺand is B3AITIFUL!!!

  • @sollyolly9547
    @sollyolly9547 10 місяців тому +1

    Really pleased that you mentioned the wine, Mark...that was a total revelation to us when we went to Switzerland! I had never really considered Swiss wine before, but in total honesty, it was some of the best that I have ever had (and I guess I've had a lot over the years...!) Really incredible. As one of the local said to me..."we don't export it, it is so good that we keep it for ourselves!". I think that they export something like just 1% of their production...

    • @odl21
      @odl21 12 днів тому

      What? It’s incredibly bad. We joke about it. And super overpriced. One of Switzerland’s best wine producers is in my village and it’s crap.

  • @tobiojo9454
    @tobiojo9454 Рік тому +1

    Awesome video

  • @frednich9603
    @frednich9603 Рік тому +1

    Lots of great information. We'll make it there someday

  • @leamilena3238
    @leamilena3238 15 днів тому

    First: I loved the video, i am from switzerland and i think you mentioned important points and i loved how you mentioned them🌞 but
    I have to deny one point. There is a lot of Party in Switzerland, it’s just morn in the underground. In BaEl we have a huge technoscene, there is kascheme, viertel, borderline, nodstern, elysia,….
    But also in Bern and Zürich, there are a lot of clubs to party. so if you want to party, go to basel or zürich, bern, there are some great clubs and you can have a lot of fun all night long🌞✨. I wish you a great visit!

  • @jacquelinepichler6236
    @jacquelinepichler6236 Рік тому +17

    Great video and very kind words!

    • @maxx9384
      @maxx9384 15 днів тому +1

      I am against tipping as I am not responsible for salaries. I am not an entrepreneur. They have to take care of this. Period. Flight attendands are paid peanuts too and some other people certainly as well. However, nobody tips flight attendands…

  • @relaxationwithscenery
    @relaxationwithscenery Рік тому +1

    Switzerland is so fascinating to non-Swiss people, I never realized that! My only impression of it was that it was a little nation. Switzerland makes me happy, and I'm delighted to be there.

    • @martinusv7433
      @martinusv7433 Рік тому +1

      Objectively speaking, Switzerland is probably the most perfect country in the world (except the crazy prices), and I mean it 👏
      Also, it should still be the safest country in Europe ✌, at a time when most of Western Europe is going down the drain and getting eclipsed by Central / Eastern Europe (in terms of safety).

  • @IwanTimmermans
    @IwanTimmermans Рік тому +2

    One time we took our 12yo niece to Germany. The whole ride over there she was on her phone! She didn’t see anything of the beautiful landscape we drove through.
    I remember when I was a kid and my parents took me to Germany and Austria, all I did was look out of the window. I loved it

    • @Maisie_love
      @Maisie_love 8 місяців тому

      I went on a school trip to Switzerland many years ago and I absolutely loved it .The scenery was so beautiful,I still have it etched in my mind ,I would have loved to go back there .