What Is Switzerland Known For? Here Are 14 Things!

Switzerland is the world’s only country where there are four national languages. These include French, Rumantsch, German, and Italian.

This isn’t the only thing that makes this beautiful country unique.

Can I challenge you to name famous things from Switzerland, before you look at our list?

So What Is Switzerland Known For?

So what is Switzerland famous for? Find below a list of 14 different things that Switzerland is known for.

1. The Alps

Is it any surprise that Switzerland’s famous mountain range is the Swiss Alps?

One of the best things about Switzerland is all the beautiful nature. Many tourists flock to Switzerland each year just to enjoy the Alps.

It’s hard to miss them as they make up about 65% of Switzerland. They are one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges.

The Alps are great for skiing and winter sports and traveling over December in Switzerland is one of the best times to head to the Alps!

The Alps that are famous in Switzerland include the Eiger, the Matterhorn, and the Jungfrau.

There are many reasons why you should visit Switzerland, and the Alps is one of them.

Further Reading:

• See a list of some of the best places in Switzerland that you should include in your itinerary.

2. The Red Cross

Wondering why Switzerland is famous? Because not only do they take a neutral stance when it comes to times of conflict, but also because in times of crisis, the Red Cross has been known to help individuals when others couldn’t.

It was first established back in 1863 due in part to a book called A Memoire of Solferino that was written by the Swiss entrepreneur, Henry Dunant.

Today the Red Cross has become well known not only in Switzerland but throughout the world.

3. Watches

What is Switzerland known for? This one is pretty obvious! Watches! It might just be one of the most famous items in Switzerland.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a watch that is as well made as they are in Switzerland.

The watchmaking industry in this country produces watches that are not only technologically advanced but aesthetically appealing as well. They have a wide range and are very accurate at telling time.

Some of the more popular watch brands from Switzerland include Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, and Rado.

4. Dadaism

The art movement, Dadaism, started in the 20th century in Zurich. It was a way for artists and poets to express their feelings and displeasure concerning World War I.

While it began in Zurich’s Cabaret Voltaire, it soon became an international movement that was embraced by many who felt the same way.

It was an interesting movement as it rejected rational thinking and logic. It brought about a whole new way to express one’s thoughts through arts and literature.

5. Chocolate

What is famous in Switzerland? CHOCOLATE! It might just be one of the famous things about Switzerland that everybody knows about.

Almost everyone loves Swiss chocolate, and there’s a reason for it! The delicious chocolate might just be one of the most famous Swiss products.

Switzerland has chocolate-making down to a science and many other chocolate types just don’t compare. Swiss chocolate is rich and creamy and just seems to melt in your mouth.

Once you’ve had Swiss chocolate, you will see why Switzerland has become known for its chocolates throughout the world.

Tip: Check out our recommendation of places to see in Switzerland for your Summer vacation.

6. Music Festivals

If you are looking to take part in a music festival, head over to Switzerland.

Each year this country hosts everything from rock to classical music events. In fact, every season there is at least one music festival going on.

These include the Annual Classical Music Festival, The Rock Oz’Arenes Festival, and the SnowpenAir Festival.

7. Cheese

One of the most obvious things Switzerland is famous for is very most likely its connection with cheese.

Those who don’t live in Switzerland often assume that Swiss cheese is just a cheese with holes in it. While Emmental cheese in Switzerland does resemble this, Swiss cheese is so much more.

The country loves its cheeses and you can find 450 different varieties of cheeses. It’s a cheese lover’s paradise, that’s for sure!

So when you want to buy Swiss cheese, don’t just turn to cheese with holes in it. There are so many different options to choose from that you might have never knew existed!

So what food is Switzerland famous for?

Well, think fondue and raclette. We loved trying out a fondue whilst exploring the famous cheese town of Gruyeres.

8. Banks

What’s Switzerland famous for from a business point of view?

If you are concerned about your privacy (and who shouldn’t be), Switzerland is a great country to do your banking with.

They are known for their privacy policy and they will keep your identity secure. They will not disclose the account holder’s name; except in extreme instances such as if the government needed it because of suspected terrorist activities.

It’s not uncommon for foreign individuals to put a lot of their money into Swiss banks simply because the economy is so stable and Switzerland is considered to be one of the world’s best countries to do your banking with.

9. Neutrality

Have you ever heard the phrase, “I’m Switzerland” when getting into a debate with someone?

What that means is that Switzerland is known for its no-interference policy. Basically, they commonly take a neutral stance when other countries are having an issue with one another.

In fact, they haven’t been in any war since 1505.

Because of their neutral stance for centuries, they have been able to reap the benefits of a stable economy consistently.

Further Reading:

• Find out why Switzerland is a neutral country here.

10. The Lakes

What’s Switzerland known for when it comes to sights and destinations? In Switzerland, the lakes are absolutely incredible and make the top of the list of where to go in Switzerland in summer.

There are a number of different large and small lakes scattered throughout the country. They are quite picturesque with the mountains scattered behind them as a backdrop.

In particular, Lake Zurich and Lake Geneva have become beloved by both residents and tourists alike.

It’s not surprising that Switzerland has become famous for its lakes as they have some of the most gorgeous lake views in the entire world making sure that they are in the top things of what to do in Switzerland in June.

11. Trains

One of the things that Switzerland has become famous for is its trains, with 46 different railway companies.

It has a very well-established central train system which allows tourists and locals to easily get from one destination to another. Traveling by train is seamless and quick.

There is also incredible Switzerland scenery to see no matter where you are traveling in the country.

12. Zurich

Zurich is one of Switzerland’s famous places and in actual fact is famous around the world due to the fact that surveys have shown that this city has the highest quality of life as compared to anywhere else in the world.

Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland so is definitely a must-visit destination.

Visitors can enjoy incredible accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and unique shopping experiences.

The Romans founded Zurich and a city located in the north-central part of Switzerland.

It’s not uncommon to visit this area and see a celebrity or two strolling around as well.

It is such a great place to base yourself whilst you explore some of the most popular places in Switzerland. You can find a list of where to stay in Zurich here.

13. CeRN

Located in Geneva, this is the European Organization for Physics Research. It houses the largest Physical Laboratory in the world.

One of the interesting things about it is that it’s located 100 meters underground.

Many discoveries have been made here and the most powerful accelerator in the world was created here back in 2008.

CeRN allows scientists to study matter and try to understand how the Universe began.

14. Traditional Swiss Houses and Villages

We all have that image in our heads of what Swiss houses in small towns and villages look like. That small house tucked away on a high alpine meadow. 

And guess what!? They look exactly like that picture you have in your head. Beautiful wooden chalets with pointy tops and flowers on their windowsills.

One of our favorite regions to see these beautiful villages with houses that date back to the 13th century is the Graubunden area.

But honestly – simply leave the motorway behind and drive through some of those winding side streets and before long you will come across these beautiful traditional western Swiss chalets as well.

One of the good things about Switzerland is definitely that the country will live up to your expectations and will match (if not out-match) all those pictures in your head.

You can read all about the most beautiful villages in Switzerland here.

Summary To What is Famous in Switzerland

In conclusion, these are just some of the many famous Swiss things. It’s a great country to visit with a lot of things to do, fabulous food, and friendly locals. Everyone should put the beautiful country of Switzerland on their travel bucket list!

We hope you enjoyed our post on what Switzerland is known for.

Tip: Find out what is the best month and season to visit Switzerland.

Leave us a Comment:

• Can you add any things famous things in Switzerland to our list?
• Which of these things on our list of ‘what is Switzerland famous for’ surprised you the most?