Dreamy pastures with grass-fed cows ambling about, wooden huts on snowy slopes and stores full of Swiss chocolates and cheese – this is the typical picture of Switzerland that most of us have in our heads. Before you know this country deeper, it is necessary to answer one question – where is Switzerland located?
In a land full of snow-capped mountains and dazzling lakes, winter sports are eagerly played and watched. Switzerland has many ski resorts that allow both beginners and seasoned skiers to practise their craft and later nuzzle with a book in their heated rooms.
Where is Switzerland Situated?
Switzerland is located in the intersection of Western, Southern and Central Europe. Largely considered a part of Central Europe and sometimes Western Europe, the Swiss Confederation is landlocked.
Switzerland is spread over an area of 41,285 square kilometers or 15,940 square miles and rests between 45 degrees and 48 degrees North (in terms of latitude) and 5 degrees and 11 degrees East (in terms of longitude). Switzerland shares its international borders with Liechtenstein and Austria in the east, Italy in the south, Germany in the north and France in the west.
Located in the northern hemisphere, this Schengen country follows the Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1). In summers, Switzerland switches to Daylight Savings Time (DST) and follows the Central European Summer Time (CEST) or Central European Daylight Time (CEDT), which is 2 hours ahead of the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).
Switzerland Map from India
Switzerland is located to the west of India. It is about 6,902 km away from India in terms of aerial distance. It is not possible to travel from India to Switzerland by water as the latter is landlocked. A road journey is not feasible either due to multiple border control formalities, sensitive defense situations along the way and the time involved.
India and Switzerland are separated by Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic and Germany.
How to Reach Switzerland from India
The only way to travel to Switzerland from India is to fly. Non-stop flights are available from New Delhi and Mumbai to Zurich. The shortest flight is from New Delhi and takes 8 hours and 45 minutes. Direct routes are operated by SWISS – the national airline of Switzerland, Air Canada – the flag carrier of Canada and Air India – the national carrier of India.
The cheapest flight to Switzerland from India will cost at least INR 35,000 per person for one-way in economy class. If you wish to fly to Bern – the capital of Switzerland, you will have at least one layover.
There are 7 international airports in Switzerland – Zurich Airport, Bern Airport, St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Sion Airport, Geneva Airport and Lugano Airport.
Other airlines that operate on this route but with layovers on the way are Etihad – the flag bearer of the United Arab Emirates, Flynas, Qantas – the flag bearer of Australia, Emirates, Qatar Airways – the flag carrier of Qatar, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines – the flag carrier of Turkey, IndiGo, Lufthansa – the national airline of Germany, Gulf Air, Oman Air – the national airline of Oman, Air Dolomiti, airBAltic – the flag bearer of Latvia, Edelweiss Air, Air France – the national carrier of France, Eurowings, ITA – the flag carrier of Italy, Vistara, Finnair – the national carrier of Finland, flydubai, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – the national airline of the Netherlands, EgyptAir – the flag carrier of Egypt, LOT Polish Airlines – the national carrier of Poland, SriLankan – the flag bearer of Sri Lanka, British Airways – the flag bearer of the United Kingdom, Royal Jordanian Airlines – the national airline of Jordan and THAI Airways – the flag carrier of Thailand.
The Best Time to Visit Switzerland from India
If you travel in the high season of June and July, Switzerland vacation packages from India turn out to be more expensive than the low season month of January when winter is at its peak. April to October is the best time to see most Swiss cities and countryside as the weather is relatively mild and the days are long.
However, if you are a ski enthusiast, you will find December to March more appropriate. Spring (March to May) may be the shoulder season but this a lovely time for photography as the cows are seen grazing on the pastures and the flowers are in full bloom. There is a better chance of getting affordable accommodation if you travel away from the peak season.
Is Switzerland Good for Honeymoon?
Switzerland is famous for its winter landscape that transforms into a snowy wonderland from the vast stretches of undulating hills and green pastures. The charming locales make this country attractive to honeymooners who like the idea of staying warm indoors in a cold destination.
Winter activities to do in Switzerland include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing or simply reaching Jungfraujoch – the highest station in Europe, on a train. You can even work on a tan if you have access to alpine sunbeds.
Switzerland tour packages for couples sometimes include wine tasting in the regions around Montreux, Gruyeres, Lausanne, Vevey and Sion. The vineyards often have a lake at close quarters, making the locations ideal for romantic picnics.
Switzerland vacation packages give you sufficient time for shopping as well. Swiss watches are renowned as the watchmakers are known to have designed both ancient and luxury timepieces. It is common to shop for Swiss cheeses such as emmental or gruyere or from the wide array of Swiss chocolates made of pure milk.
While in Switzerland, you must have a Swiss fondue (a pot of melting cheese in which to dip your bread, fruit, vegetables, meat or other skewered snack in). Rösti is another savory delicacy made of grated potatoes which are fried into crispy pancakes.
Switzerland has long been on every Indian’s travel wishlist, thanks to Bollywood movies that were shot in the Alps. Plan your holiday soon and experience Swiss hospitality as you ride on trains with panoramic views during the journey and shop for trinkets to remind you of your vacation.