How to Backpack Through Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the richest (and priciest) countries in the world, but backpacking your way through this European country is a cheap way to experience its beauty and culture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Visit the Chateau de Chillon in Montreux, Switzerland. You will explore a beautiful castle dating back to the 13th century in a picturesque setting on Lake Geneva. You can explore old buildings, towers, courtyards and dungeons.
2. Explore the wonders of Geneva at Le Jet d'Eau, Promenade des Bastions, Coupe No L and a wide assortment of museums and cathedrals within walking distance of each other. Geneva is also a great base to start a climb into the Alps.
3. Hike through the trails in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland to take in many incredible views of peaks that are over 3,900 meters tall. Take the Jungfraubahn cog railway to the Jungfraujock station, which is almost 3,500 meters high.
4. Spend a day in Lake Thun to explore more castles, medieval churches, the Museum of Watches and the Museum of Musical Instruments. Backpack the surrounding trails for more panoramic views of the Alps, and then visit the St. Beatus Caves.
5. Backpack through the small city of Lucerne for the iconic version of Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. You can explore Mount Rigi, the Glacier Garden, the Picasso Museum, Lake Lucerne and the beautiful Rutli Meadow.
6. Experience adrenaline-pumping adventures like paragliding, bungee jumping, river rafting, hang gliding and rock climbing in and near Interlacken.
7. See the famous Matterhorn mountain peak in Valais and the the highest Swiss mountain, Dufourspitze, in nearby Monte Rosa.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the train to go through various parts of Switzerland on a budget. You can purchase a train pass for unlimited trips at one set price. Passes, which are available at the MySwitzerland website, last anywhere from 4 days to 1 month (see Resources below).
• Travel through Switzerland during February to see colorful festivals like the Karneval in Bern, Zurich, Basel and Luzern.
• Sleep on the cheap when it is too cold to camp outside by staying at one of the many hostels located throughout Switzerland. Read about them at the Guide for Europe website (see Resources below).
• Find the best travel deals when you backpack through Switzerland during low tourist seasons: April through May or September through October.
• Take tours of various chocolate factories, like the Cailler-Nestle and Lindt. You will enjoy plenty of free samples of the world-famous Swiss chocolate. Buy your chocolate at a local Coop supermarket rather than a souvenir shop to save some extra coinage.