As I walked my way through Switzerland along the classic alpine trek, the Haute Route, I observed some fun facts about Switzerland. These aren’t complaints or jabs; I truly love international travel for all of the fun quirks and experiences that I can’t get at home in the United States. Some of these Switzerland fun facts are just questions – if you know why something is the way it is, let me know in the comments!
Switzerland Has Four Official Languages
Those Europeans sure like to show off! Actually, Switzerland has four national languages in different regions of the country. So, depending on where you are in Switzerland, you may hear German, French, Italian, or Romansch. Of course, in the tourism industry, there are also many English speakers. I studied six years of French and two years of German, so I was able to get by pretty easily. Except I think I asked someone “parlez-vous Francais” instead of “parlais-vous Anglais?” Haha, oh well.
I distinctly remember the day we crossed from French-Switzerland to German-Switzerland; it wasn’t just the language that changed. Culturally, Swiss-German people are much more direct, while the French are more warm and effusive. It was a stark difference that we all laughed about after someone I was hiking with had a medical emergency just inside the German region.
Colored Eggs in Switzerland
They sell colored eggs in the grocery store! I saw this more than once, including at hotel breakfast buffets, so it’s definitely a thing. Maybe they just don’t want to save all the fun for Easter? (I googled this once I got home and I think the colored eggs are hard-boiled. But they were on the shelf; I know eggs don’t need refrigeration and that’s an American thing, but I always believed hard-boiled eggs spoil faster and do need refrigeration…so I don’t really know.)
Hamburger Prices in Switzerland
The country is full of cows, yet it is impossible to find a burger for less than $20! (I know, they’re dairy cows, beef is not super common) In Arolla, a bacon cheeseburger was $16 more than a regular one! Overall, Switzerland is a very expensive country, and I knew that going in, so I am not trying to be the cheap American complaining about prices. I just found it odd that beef was so expensive and that there was such a huge price difference between a cheeseburger and a bacon cheeseburger! (Yes, I know bacon comes from pigs!)
Quiche in Switzerland
My saving grace from expensive menu items on my Alps tour was quiche. It appeared frequently, and was usually the cheapest item on the menu, leading me to call it the “ramen of Switzerland.” However, it’s all relative, as this quiche lunch was still $16! (I noticed this in Prague, too. If you’re trying to save money, get the quiche!)
Cleanliness in Switzerland
Switzerland is super clean; I don’t know if they chop your hand off for littering, but you just don’t see any litter on the streets of Switzerland. I took this photo in the Zurich train station while waiting for a train. Chicago public transit is so grimy, I never see people cleaning, let alone scrubbing a freaking pole! Kudos, Switzerland!
Doors and Windows in Switzerland
I continue to be stymied by doors, windows, and showers in Switzerland. I could see chairs outside this door, so I knew it had to open but was also afraid of being the bullish American who broke the door. It took me 3 days to figure it out. Also, there are no screens, which is cool except for the giant moths flitting about. So much for sleeping with the windows open. 
80’s Music in Switzerland
They love obscure 80’s music in Europe. It’s playing everywhere, except the school bus I rode today which was playing some pretty profane rap music. I hope those baby ears don’t understand English! They love 80’s music so much there’s a store in Verbier named Depeche Mode.
Smoking in Switzerland
Smoking is everywhere! I suppose that’s all over Europe, but it’s annoying when you’re not used to it. Especially when dining outdoors and the “smoking station” is right next to your table! High up on mountain passes reachable only by foot, I had people ask me for a lighter.
Train Tickets in Switzerland
Train travel in Switzerland is apparently on the honor system. You are supposed to buy a ticket, but most of the time, nobody asks to see it. I was eventually asked to show a ticket, and luckily I had one. It seems to be pretty random, although I was told by a Facebook friend that you will be fined heavily if you cannot produce a ticket. It’s so odd to me as an American, though, where you need to pass through a ticketed turnstile just to access our train systems! I guess the Swiss just aren’t that shady.
Eternal Arrival has the six most breathtaking places to visit by train in Switzerland!
Switzerland Hotel Guest Cards
Many hotels offer a guest card that offers access to public transportation. This can be the bus, trams, lifts, train, etc. Be sure to ask at the front desk before venturing out and spending your own money. (If you stay in Zermatt, your hotel will likely have a cute little electric car to take you around!)
Swiss Alps Trail Markings
I was shocked at how well-marked each and every trail is. Even in towns and villages, you will see signs directing you to the correct trail, along with distances or time to each spot. As someone who constantly second-guesses my own sense of direction, this was immensely comforting, even if I did have to add another 50% to the time estimates, haha! In this particular village, the guidebook directed me to turn left at the water trough. You can’t screw that up! I still laugh at the fact that I hiked around Switzerland, alone, with no map. But with signage like this, I didn’t really need one!
Need to know what to pack for a hiking trip in Switzerland?
Switzerland PostBus
Public transportation in Switzerland is amazing! Every little mountain town has bus service through the PostBus. It is great for hiking as you can pretty much catch a bus (or train) all over the place. And they are prompt! It’s a bit expensive, but what isn’t expensive in Switzerland?
I can’t promise you won’t be terrified as the bus tackles narrow, switchback roads, but it’s definitely an adventure!
Hi Leigh! Beautiful pictures, and interesting to learn about the eggs, Windows. The whole burger thing reminds me of Hawaii where the cost of coffee is outrageous and they grow it on the island. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Looking forward to your next post. Be well!! Miss u too!!
Thanks, TC! Hope all is well 🙂
I just hope you don’t start clipping your nails in the bus! Hahah
In Scotland I discovered there is a ventilation slider on the top frame of the window. Because it was freezing in my room, I followed the air current. It’s very narrow and is part of the frame. Cool.
Coloured eggs! Thats crazy, I am having trouble in understanding the point of dying them
So, apparently, they color the eggs that have been already boiled. Interesting! We don’t really buy pre-boiled eggs in the US, unless they are in the snack section sold in a set of 2.
Leigh, I think your phone pictures are great. We loved Switzerland and it’s very beautiful although it is expensive so budget management is required. Kx
Thanks! Yes, not a budget destination, but well worth the added expense! (I will now eat PB&J for the next month, ha!)
Interesting. I visited Switzerland once for a skiing holiday and planning to go back hiking next summer. It seems like a beautiful country with greenery and mountains. I would have thought smoking is not so common there as people are leading a healthy lifestyle. Sad to read otherwise. I hate smelling the smoke…
Yeah, but they’re still super active. There were hikers on very high, steep passes taking a smoke break! Oh, to be young and indestructible!
Interesting list! I’m a long time visitor of Europe, having shuffled between The States and Europe many times since childhood to visit family, and the customs still befuddled til this day. 25 years later! But I guess things like these is what makes Europe … Europe. =D
Yes, exactly! If everything was the same, travel wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!
Love it! Switzerland sure is beautiful. I also noticed the colored eggs and 80’s music! hahaha enjoy!
I went to Ireland last year and found that small towns were on what we called “Ireland time”. The sign said the shop opened at 11:00 AM, we arrived at noon and they were closed. An Irish man just kind of shrugged his shoulders and said, “Irish time…” That is what I love about travel, it allows you to see things in a different way.
Funny! Swiss are the opposite – everything is right on time! It is so fun to experience different cultures, though!
Ah this made me reminice a bit! I transferred to Switzerland from the San Francisco Bay Area for 3 years working in the Lausanne area. There definitely are some very quirky things about Switzerland but I absolutely loved it! I do remember struggling with doors and windows!
Ha – glad it wasn’t just me! What a beautiful country, though! I loved it!
I think we need a video of how those doors work! Gorgeous photos of a lovely place!
Ha! A video would have been a good idea 🙁
Number two shocks me to the core – 20 Swiss Francs for a burger but of course, it would be a good one because the Swiss know how to pump out the goods: cheese, chocolate…