Are you planning a trip to Switzerland soon? Whether you are traveling solo, for business, or with your family, you will surely want to bring home a few souvenirs and gifts.
Deciding what to buy in Switzerland can be difficult; you want to spend your money on something that will remind you of your trip and this incredible country, but also something you will enjoy. Switzerland certainly has its fair share of Swiss made products and you can certainly find most of them in cities like Zurich, Geneva, or even Basel and Lausanne.
But what should you focus on buying?
I have put together this list of quintessential Swiss products so that you can bring home the perfect souvenir for yourself and your loved ones.
One of the best things to buy in Switzerland, as you may have guessed, is chocolate. There is no denying that Switzerland has some of the best and most famous chocolatiers in the world. You will definitely want to search local shops for handmade or prepackaged chocolate goodies. Even worldwide brands like Lindt and Nestle have different flavors there than in the US. You can even head to the supermarket to grab some local chocolate, as the quality is that good!
Your friends and family will be happy you brought back such a delicious gift. Although, I wouldn’t blame you if you kept it all for yourself.
And if you have time while you are in Switzerland, indulge yourself with a Chocolate Experience!
Another iconic Swiss souvenir is their watches. Swiss watches are a world-renowned symbol of accuracy, ornate design, and craftsmanship. These watches are some of the finest in the world. In fact, you may be surprised to hear just how many famous watch brands manufacture their products in Switzerland. Swatch, Rolex, Cartier, Omega, and more are all Swiss brands.
I’m sure your spouse, or anybody you know, would be thrilled to be gifted a genuine Rolex. Exceptional jewelry designers seem to flock to Switzerland. The country is renowned for its beautiful bracelets, cufflinks, brooches, and earrings as well.
Outside of maybe France, Switzerland has the best cheese in Europe. You may have eaten Swiss cheese on a sandwich or picked some up at the deli counter, but you have not tasted anything like this before.
If you love cheese, then Switzerland is like heaven with the great quality and wide variety of cheeses. However, cheese is not always the easiest thing to travel with due to concerns about refrigeration, smell, and customs. For souvenirs, go with a dry, hard cheese as opposed to a soft, raw cheese.
You may also want to consider a packaged Swiss fondue mix. Or, if you are in Zurich, take a ride on the Zurich Fondue Tram and kill two birds with one unique experience!
Hotels & Hostels are listed from most to least expensive.
Zurich
Booking.com
Hotel Schweizerhof, Old Town, Zurich
Atlantis by Giardino, Wiedikon, Zurich, Switzerland
Hotel Continental M Gallery Zurich
Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich
Oldtown Hostel Otter, Old Town, Zurich
Geneva
Booking.com
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Hotel
If you are a foodie, you will love Swiss wine. Swiss wines do not get as much credit as other European wines, but they are just as excellent. Since they are not as well known, they are made mostly for the locals.
The vineyards are mainly near Geneva where the weather is warm enough for the vineyards to flourish. Head down there and I promise you will not be disappointed. I personally love some of the wines from just near the entrance to the Zermat Valley (Visper Terminen), but most from this region are worth trying!
True, you can buy a Swiss Army Knife from almost anywhere, but why not buy one in the country it was named for? These handy, little pocket tools date back to the late 1800s and contain a variety of tools. These multi-tools come in a range of sizes and hold a variety of different tool combinations, including ones that fit in your wallet.
Whether you are a bit of an outdoorsman, or camper, or have a young son who loves tinkering with things, these make a great gift.
Swiss Army Knives can be purchased from most anywhere in Switzerland, but for a real treat, you can take a tour of the factory where they are manufactured.
If you are looking for something other than food or a sleek watch, you may want to consider going the handmade route. Traditional handicrafts are some of the best things to buy in Switzerland. Cuckoo clocks are an exceptionally popular and authentically Swiss souvenir. While they were first created in Germany, the traditional chalet style originated in Switzerland.
Cowbells are another customary Swiss craft. They range in size and are usually made of hammered or cast metal. Beer steins are yet another classic Central European souvenir. They also come in a variety of sizes and designs.
Other items that make great gifts are hand-carved wooden toys, hand-blown glassware, textiles, flags, and music boxes. Try searching stores and open-air markets for truly unique souvenirs. Bring home a piece of traditional Swiss culture.
Switzerland is an incredibly beautiful country. From the mountains to the vineyards, you will definitely want to bring home a memento from your journey. When trying to decide what to buy in Switzerland, there are more than a few quintessential items to choose from.
Traditional Swiss foods like chocolate, cheese, and wine make wonderful souvenirs for yourself or for your friends. For an elegant and stylish gift, you should buy a watch, jewelry, or an authentic Swiss Army Knife. If you want to bring home a more rustic piece of Switzerland, consider a handcrafted cuckoo clock, cowbell, or a beer stein.
Did we miss anything? Have any questions? Comment below!
Hotels & Hostels are listed from most to least expensive.
Zurich
Booking.com
Hotel Schweizerhof, Old Town, Zurich
Atlantis by Giardino, Wiedikon, Zurich, Switzerland
Hotel Continental M Gallery Zurich
Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich
Oldtown Hostel Otter, Old Town, Zurich
Geneva
Booking.com
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
La Cour des Augustins – Boutique Hotel
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!