Switzerland, one of the most expensive European countries to visit, can be hard for some travelers to visit affordably via cheap travel options, such as cheap fares, cheap deals, cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discount travel deals, and cheap vacation packages.
There are many iconic Swiss experiences for a tourist to take in ranging from chocolate tastings to visiting chateaus. Swiss cost of living is high, and meals, activities and accommodations are often prohibitively priced.
The following are inexpensive suggestions on how to enjoy visiting Switzerland on a budget, according to Smarter Travel:
Sign up for the wine tasting program at the Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz. A free short video is offered which explains the history of the beautiful vineyard terraces in the Lavaux wine making region, a UNESCO World Heritage site off the shores of Lake Geneva. Wine tasting packages start at about $14.50 per person for a selection of three wines and appetizers which is an outstanding value for a light lunch in Switzerland.
Visit the famed chocolate maker Favarger who produces delicious treats including chocolate robed nougat, silky chocolate fondue, and milk chocolate bars made with Swiss milk. Its recipes are hundreds of years old. This company was the first chocolate producer to Switzerland to roast its own cocoa beans. One hour tours are offered on Wednesday morning and afternoon at the Favarger factory in Geneva for about $28 per person and require advance registration.
Stay at the wellnessHostel4000, an eco-friendly Alpine hostel in Sass-Free, which is a car free resort town, home to many classic Swiss chalets. This hostel offers luxury treats for travelers on a budget, including an indoor pool, fabulous mountain views, and private rooms with en suite bathrooms. Nightly rates in a four bedroom unit with a private bathroom start at about $73 during high season and include breakfast.
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without dinning on its famous fondue. Stop by the dairy in Schonried and pick up a portable fondue pack designed to be used on the Fondue Trail. The pack comes with fondue mix, a burner, a fondue pan, and everything else needed to enable hikers to enjoy an authentic open air Swiss meal for about $20 per person.
Given that Swiss made watches tend to cost a fortune, travelers on a budget would be wise to look in lieu of buying. A tour of Genevas famed Patek Philippe watchmaking factory is where visitors can see displays of secret prototypes, multimillion dollar timepieces, and a huge Jean Kazes wall clock. Unfortunately these tours are limited to watch owners and dealers. The close by Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva is a budget friendly alternative. Admission costs about $11 to view a collection of antique watches, watchmaking tools, and contemporary timepieces.
Geneva and its environs have many street markets. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, Carouge, a historical garden city built by the Romans, comes alive with a bustling food market. Grocers and wine sellers are out in force as are vendors offering their latest harvest of hand foraged fungus, fresh cheese, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Lunch at outdoor markets can be a true bargain.
Giant outdoor chess sets are often on display and available for public use in Swiss cities. At the Parc des Bastions in Geneva, players square off in free epic chess tournaments featuring knee high pieces on sweeping outdoor chessboards. Visitors should check out the parks famous Reformation Wall which maintains the large scale effect by displaying huge statues of William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox.
Visit Chillon, one of Switzerlands most iconic castles. Chillon is situated on the banks of Lake Geneva and is home to dank subterranean vaults, vast banquet halls, and looming watchtowers. Adult entry costs about $14.
No trip to Switzerland would be complete without tasting some of its beer. BierVision Monstein in the Alps resort town of Davos is the tallest altitude brewery in Europe. Tours of the facility are free, and a tasting is priced at about $3.30 per cold one.
Swiss water views can be memorable. The rocky shores of the lake in Vevey offer one of the best views of Lake Geneva and its Alpine surroundings. A collection of chairs are bolted onto rocks along a palm lined, flower filled lake promenade. Visitors can climb down over the rocks or just relax in seats that seem to virtually float over the clear water for free.
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