Switzerland

Switzerland is often imagined through its landscapes first, snowy peaks, lakes, trains climbing through the Alps, postcard-perfect villages. And all of that is there. But after a while, what stays with you is something quieter. The rhythm of everyday life feels calm and intentional, shaped by a strong connection to nature and a culture that values balance, precision, and simplicity. As you move between regions, the atmosphere subtly shifts between languages, traditions, and landscapes, yet everything still feels deeply connected. The longer you stay, the more Switzerland reveals itself beyond the scenery, in small routines, mountain light, local encounters, and the feeling that life moves just a little more thoughtfully there.

Not sure where to go?

The map below features a selection of Good Travel Experiences (GTEs) numbered in blue. 

GOOD TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

A Good Travel Experience is a tourism activity that creates real benefits for local people and communities, while keeping its impact on nature, culture, and the climate lower than similar activities.  Learn more about each Good Travel Experience:

GOOD TRAVEL BUSINESSES

Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities that are committed to sustainability. Their efforts are summarised in a SCORECARD (click on the picture). For the Good Travel Seal, the higher the number of stars or the level (level 3 is the highest), the more aspects of sustainability are checked by an independent auditor.

GOOD PRACTICE STORIES

Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism

Baie de Somme

Over the past 50 years, the Baie de Somme Destination Management Organisation developed a long-term vision for the destination, which preserves the natural beauty and authenticity of the area. This uniqueness amidst a growing landscape of overbuilt seaside resorts has made Baie de Somme even more desirable for tourists. Developing soft mobility was seen as a solution to fight the threats of overtourism and respond to the need for preservation of the site. In 2001 the Syndicat Mixte Baie de Somme – Grand Littoral Picard launched the Bicycle plan to develop crucial infrastructure, enroot sustainable tourism and attract cycle tourists to the destination. The Baie de Somme managed to balance the preservation of its nature and scenery while offering its visitors the means to experience its beauty in the most sustainable and enjoyable ways. Today, the Baie de Somme has an extensive and interconnected cycle path network of 160 km.

KNOW THEIR STORY

Sustainability

Switzerland’s relationship with sustainability is closely tied to its landscapes and the way people move through them. Mountains, lakes, forests, and alpine ecosystems are carefully protected through a wide network of parks, reserves, and environmental regulations. Public transport also plays a major role in everyday life, making it possible to travel across much of the country by train, tram, bus, or boat with relatively low environmental impact. At the same time, Switzerland faces ongoing challenges linked to climate change, especially in alpine regions where glaciers are rapidly retreating and tourism pressure can affect smaller communities and natural areas. Sustainability efforts increasingly focus on conservation, slow mobility, renewable energy, and balancing tourism with local quality of life.

Travel tips from our editors

Getting around

Switzerland is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore by public transport. Trains, buses, boats, and mountain railways connect cities, villages, and alpine regions with impressive efficiency. Travelling this way is not only practical, but also part of the experience itself, especially on scenic routes through the Alps and around the lakes.

Respect the landscape

Nature is deeply valued in Switzerland, and small everyday actions matter. Stay on marked trails, follow local guidance in mountain areas, and avoid disturbing wildlife or farming land. Weather in alpine regions can change quickly, so planning ahead and travelling prepared is an important part of enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Tourism & People

Tourism in Switzerland is closely connected to nature, outdoor life, and the rhythm of the seasons. While the country is internationally known for skiing and alpine tourism, many regions also attract visitors through hiking, lakes, wellness culture, local traditions, and slower forms of travel. What often surprises visitors is how diverse the country feels from one region to another, shaped by different languages and cultural influences. People can seem reserved at first, but interactions are usually polite, respectful, and quietly helpful. Outside the busiest tourist areas, everyday life tends to feel calm, local, and closely tied to the surrounding landscape.

Nature & Wildlife

Switzerland’s natural diversity is remarkable for a relatively small country. Within a few hours, landscapes shift from high alpine environments and glaciers to vineyards, deep valleys, forests, and clear lakes. Wildlife varies greatly between regions, with species such as ibex, marmots, red deer, foxes, and golden eagles inhabiting mountain and forest ecosystems. Seasonal changes strongly shape the experience of nature here, from snow-covered alpine landscapes in winter to wildflower meadows and green pastures during the warmer months. What stands out is the close coexistence between human life and nature, where villages, farms, hiking paths, and protected environments remain deeply interconnected.

Sustainability Recognitions

Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.

Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).

Fernanda Rodak | Page Editor

“Brazil is a worldwide known hotspot for biodiversity as well as home to a multitude of cultural expressions. The natural and cultural heritage and immense variety of tourism experiences in the country are valuable assets for its competitiveness. Yet, as we envision a post Covid-19 era, sustainability in tourism becomes crucial to build resilience and guarantee the long-lasting health of Brazil’s ecosystems and well-being of the hosting communities. This would also ensure an active contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Visit other destinations nearby?

Germany
France