Rick Steves Switzerland

by Rick Steves

Cross the Alps in a cable car, cruise Lake Geneva, and tour a medieval châ with Rick Steves, Switzerland is yours! Inside Rick Steves Switzerland you'll Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Switzerland Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from bustling Zürich to the cozy small-town atmosphere of Appenzell How to connect with Chat with friendly Swiss locals at a mountain retreat, swim in the alpine waters of the Aare River, and treat yourself to delicious cheese fondue Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax over wine and Swiss chocolate Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and mountain towns Detailed maps for exploring on the goScenic railroad journeys such as the Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and Chur Useful resources including a packing list, German, French, and Italian phrase guides, a historical overview, and recommended reading, plus tips for visiting Switzerland in the winter Over 400 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Zürich, Luzern, Central Switzerland, Bern, Murten, Avenches, Gimmelwald and the Berner Oberland, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Appenzell, Lausanne, Château de Chillon, Montreux, Gruyères, Lugano, Pontresina, Samedan, St. Moritz, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Switzerland.

Genres: Travel

1011 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rick I Trust.

Followed the 2-week best rail tour - recommendations were solid! 5 stars, every day.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger from Rick!! I really appreciated his thorough coverage of the train lines

[Matt Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for our trip in fall 2024.

Switzerland is incredible and being able to plan our itinerary and activities in advance made the trip a breeze. I really rely on Rick’s guides. It is one of the first things I purchase for any trip to start planning.

[Christine Puckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Partial read of the areas I will be visiting.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a trusty guide and used especially in preparation for - and during - our RIck Steves tour of this magnificent country. We even recreated the cover photo in Lauterbrunnen Valley.

[John Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent travel guide to Switzerland. Steves recommendations were spot on such a Gimmelwald and Zurich walk.

[Kathy Romack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a novel but full of novel ideas when visiting Switzerland. Used it for activity ideas and restaurant recommendations while in Zurich and Lucerne.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides useful information about touring Switzerland. I especially liked the Zurich section. I was disappointed that there was no information on Geneva, though.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great travel resource! I thought it would be boring and outdated, but I learned a lot about how to get around Switzerland in the winter and which holidays, hikes, and goat farms to look out for. Thanks Rick!