As someone who lives in Switzerland for more than 4 years, there are many moments every year that remind me just how lucky we are. Such as seeing the first hikers share their beautiful scenery photos from the Alps after winter, hearing different languages spoken along the lakeside promenades, and watching visitors experience the beauty of our country for the very first time.
Tourism is an important part of Swiss life, and most of us genuinely enjoy sharing our mountains, villages, cities, and traditions with people from around the world. That’s why I was pleased to see Switzerland Tourism launch its new awareness campaign aimed at helping visitors better understand local customs and etiquette and how to behave in Switzerland overall. The goal isn’t to discourage tourism. It’s to make the experience better for everyone, both guests and locals.
Switzerland Is Happy You’re Here
Switzerland experiences record tourism numbers, with nearly 44 million hotel overnight stays recorded in 2025. As visitor numbers continue to grow, some destinations have started to feel the pressure of overcrowding, particularly in popular locations such as Interlaken, Lucerne, Grindelwald and other iconic sightseeing spots.
As a local living here for more than 4 years now, I completely understand both sides of tourists and locals. The good news is that a little awareness goes a long way.
Before diving into the campaign’s recommendations, there’s one thing I’d like every visitor to know: You are welcome here!
Despite some headlines about overtourism, the vast majority of Swiss people appreciate respectful visitors. Tourism creates jobs, supports local businesses, and helps preserve many cultural and natural attractions. Most locals understand that people come here because they admire our country.
The campaign is not a list of strict rules. It is more like a friendly guide to understanding how Swiss communities work and how visitors can help preserve the things that make Switzerland special.
Switzerland’s New Campaign: Travel With Care. Leave With Memories
Here below are the main points of the campaign:
Respect Private Spaces
One thing that surprises some visitors is how closely nature and daily life are connected here.
That beautiful farmhouse surrounded by mountains? Someone probably lives there.
That flower-filled meadow that looks perfect for a social media photo? It may be someone’s workplace or private land.
In Switzerland, we value personal space and private property. When signs, fences, or barriers are present, they are there for a reason. Respecting them is one of the easiest ways to show consideration for local communities.
Stay on the Marked Trails
If you’re visiting Switzerland for hiking, you’re in for a treat. The Swiss trail network is one of the best in the world. But those marked paths aren’t just suggestions.
They help protect fragile alpine environments, prevent erosion, and keep hikers safe. Stepping off designated routes might seem harmless, but when thousands of people do it over a season, the impact can be significant. That’s one reason the tourism campaign reminds visitors to stay on marked trails whenever possible.
As a local, I’d much rather see visitors enjoying nature responsibly than unknowingly damaging the very landscapes they came to admire.
Some of our favourite hiking spots around Switzerland include:
- Piora Valley with 3 lakes in the Ticino region
- Saxer Lücke mountain ridge hike in the Appenzell region
- Hiking above Foroglio in the Ticino region
A Little Quiet Goes a Long Way
If you’ve spent any time in Switzerland, you’ve probably noticed something.
It’s a fairly quiet country.
Whether it’s on public transport, in residential neighbourhoods, or in scenic mountain villages, many Swiss people appreciate calm and peaceful surroundings. That’s especially true in areas where people live year-round rather than in purely tourist-focused destinations.
This doesn’t mean you need to whisper everywhere. It simply means being mindful of your surroundings. Keeping music low, avoiding unnecessary noise (like not shouting on a phone call in a train carriage!), and respecting quiet spaces helps preserve the relaxed atmosphere that many visitors love in the first place.
Ask Before Taking Photos
In today’s travel culture, everyone wants great photos. We understand that completely as we take lots of photos ourselves too. But remember that locals are not tourist attractions.
The campaign encourages tourists and visitors to ask permission before photographing people directly. It’s a small gesture, but it shows respect and often leads to friendlier interactions. In many cases, you’ll find that people are happy to say yes when asked politely.
Support the Communities You Visit
One part of the campaign that I particularly like encourages visitors to support local businesses.
Instead of always choosing international chains, consider stopping at a family-run café, purchasing souvenirs from local artisans, or dining at a restaurant serving regional specialties. For example in Ticino, there’s some amazing grotto’s you can try local Ticinese delicates.
Not only does this help local economies, but you’ll often have a more authentic Swiss experience.
Some of my favourite places in Switzerland aren’t famous attractions at all. They’re small bakeries, mountain restaurants, and village shops that visitors might otherwise walk past.
Learn the Little Things
Sometimes it’s the smallest customs that make the biggest difference.
For example, on Swiss trains, it’s customary to let passengers exit before boarding. It sounds obvious, but for visitors from different cultural backgrounds, local travel habits aren’t always immediately clear.
These small acts of consideration help public spaces function smoothly and make life easier for everyone.
Travel Is About Connection
What I appreciate most about this campaign is that it focuses on mutual understanding.
The tourism board recognizes that visitors often come from different cultures and may not be familiar with Swiss customs. At the same time, local residents want to feel that their concerns are being heard as visitor numbers continue to rise. The campaign aims to build a bridge between those two perspectives.
So before you visit, consider learning a little into Swiss customs and this will also help your experience visiting Switzerland be more enjoyable.
My Final Thoughts as a Local
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, don’t worry about memorizing dozens of rules. Simply come with curiosity, kindness, and respect. Just remember these things to how to behave in Switzerland.
Smile at people. Support local businesses. Stay on the trails. Respect private spaces. Be mindful of noise and treat the places you visit as if they were your own home.
Do that, and you’ll discover something that guidebooks rarely mention: the warmest and most memorable Swiss experiences often happen when visitors and locals meet with mutual respect and understanding.
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