Switzerland : A guide to exploring the country by public transport

Thoroughly updated seventh edition

Discover Switzerland's stunning landscapes, charming cities, and mountain serenity using the world's finest public transport network. This unique guide is devoted entirely to exploring Switzerland by train, bus, boat, and cable car—the easiest, most enjoyable, and most responsible way to travel. Written by a railway expert who has been visiting since childhood, it's the only guidebook of its kind, revealing how to reach remarkable sights that are inaccessible by road and explore over a dozen car-free mountain resorts where you can experience genuine alpine tranquility.

Switzerland boasts over 64,000km of footpaths and surprisingly unhilly cycle routes, making it a paradise for walkers and cyclists. The country encompasses 208 peaks above 3,000m, world-class culture and architecture, and curious regional treasures—from the world's smallest vineyard (barely the size of a dinner table, owned by the Dalai Lama) to four distinct official languages. Its cities rank among the world's most beautiful and liveable: Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 6km of covered arcades and independent shops; Luzern offers an unrivalled lakeside setting with mountains in every direction; Lausanne and Geneva overlook Lac Léman; Zurich pulses with energy; and Basel sweeps along the Rhine.

Beyond travel logistics, this guide covers culture, cuisine, walking routes, and cycling adventures, with practical tips for reducing costs in an expensive country and fascinating facts for railway enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to gastronomy, galleries, hiking, or simply soaking in some of the world's most stunning scenery, Bradt's Switzerland shows you how to experience it all confidently on public transport.