Switzerland - Prepare

Dress casually, but be prepared for zany festival costumes and events, from the straw-men of Evolène to the Kienbesenumzug (blazing brooms) procession in Liestal.

Watch the carnival pipe-and-drum parade at Basel's pre-lent Faasnacht . Drive away winter spirits at Zurich's Sechseläuten festival in April, and swing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in June and July. In September, toast the fête des vendanges (wine-harvest festival) in Neuchâtel and get watery eyed at Bern's Zibelemärit (Onion Market) in November.

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), Whit Monday (May/Jun), Labour Day (1 May), National Day (1 Aug), Christmas Day (25 Dec), St Stephen's Day (26 Dec).

Switzerland enjoys year-round sunshine and no humidity. The south has an almost Mediterranean climate with Zurich and Geneva averaging 25° in summer. Autumn comes early to the mountains, and the ski season runs from early December to late April. Most of the country dips below freezing in winter, even colder in the ski resorts.

230V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+41 (national).

Swiss franc (CHF) is the currency, but Euros are often accepted.

GMT +1 (GMT +2 in summertime).

Switzerland Tourism website

Strangers always greet each other in the country or out walking. Travelling on a PostBus is an excellent way to get around and meet local people. The Swiss are polite and friendly, but are unlikely to invite you to their home.