Are you travelling to Switzerland soon and want to get something unique to take back home? Or a unique Swiss gift for your loved ones back home? Switzerland is known for its beautiful scenery, delicious chocolate, and high-quality watches and knives. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you may be wondering what souvenirs to bring back home. You’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the best Swiss souvenirs to consider:
Best Swiss Souvenirs
1. Swiss chocolates
This is perhaps the most famous and popular souvenir from Switzerland. Swiss chocolate is known for its rich and creamy flavour, and there are many renowned chocolate makers in the country, including Lindt, Toblerone, and Ghirardelli. Chocolates in our opinion the best Swiss souvenirs!
Many cities even have a Chocolate museum to visit, where you can make your own chocolate bar and see the chocolate making process with a tour or self guided walk.
2. Swiss cheese, such as fondue or raclette
Switzerland is known for its delicious cheeses, such as Emmental and Gruyère. These cheeses are often used in traditional Swiss dishes, such as fondue and raclette.
Top tip: when in Switzerland, you should definitely try raclette! Raclette cheese is often melted and served over potatoes or other vegetables, or used in dishes such as fondue or croque monsieur.
3. Swiss army knife
The Swiss Army knife is a versatile tool that features a variety of blades and tools, making it useful for a wide range of tasks. These knives are made by Victorinox, a company based in the town of Ibach in Switzerland.
4. Swiss clock or watch
Swiss watches are renowned for their precision and quality, and there are many luxury watch brands based in Switzerland, such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. A Swiss watch makes a great souvenir or gift and something you can treasure for a long time.
5. Swiss music box
Music boxes are a popular souvenir from Switzerland, and many are made in the town of Sainte-Croix in the Jura Mountains. These music boxes feature intricate mechanisms and beautiful melodies, making them a unique and memorable gift.
6. Swiss chalet or mountain-themed decoration
A Swiss chalet is a type of wooden house or cottage with a sloping roof and large overhanging eaves, typically found in the Swiss Alps. It is known for its traditional and rustic design. A mountain-themed decoration could include items such as paintings, sculptures, or other decorative items that are inspired by the mountain landscape of Switzerland.
7. Swiss flag or pin
The flag of Switzerland is a square flag with a white cross on a red background. It is one of the oldest national flags in the world and is associated with the country’s neutrality and peaceful reputation. A Swiss flag pin is a small pin or brooch featuring the design of the Swiss flag, which can be worn as a symbol of pride or as a souvenir of a visit to Switzerland. Its great to have one of these to pin on your bag, coat or other piece of clothing!
8. Swiss cowbell
A Swiss cowbell is a type of bell that is traditionally used to help locate cows that are grazing in the mountains in Switzerland. It is typically made of metal and has a distinctive sound that can be heard over long distances. Cowbells are often used in Switzerland as decorative items and souvenirs, and are sometimes used in traditional music and dance performances. As a gift, you will see many touristic shops and kiosks selling mini cowbells in the form of a keyring or decoration you can hang up. A fun but one of the noisiest best Swiss souvenirs!
9. Swiss teddy bear or stuffed animal
A Swiss teddy bear is a stuffed animal that is designed to look like a teddy bear wearing traditional Swiss clothing, such as lederhosen or a dirndl. A Swiss teddy bear or stuffed animal might be purchased as a souvenir of a visit to Switzerland, or as a gift for someone who is interested in Swiss culture. It’s the perfect gift for those with young children to have a cute toy!
10. Swiss cookbook or recipe book
A Swiss cookbook or recipe book is a collection of recipes that are traditionally prepared in Switzerland, or that are inspired by Swiss cuisine. Swiss cuisine is known for its variety and includes dishes such as fondue, raclette, and rösti, as well as a range of pastries and desserts. A Swiss cookbook or recipe book is a lovely gift and souvenir for someone who is interested in learning more about Swiss cooking or who wants to recreate traditional Swiss dishes at home.
11. Swiss tea or coffee
Swiss tea is typically made from a variety of herbs and plants, and is often served hot or iced. Swiss coffee is a type of coffee that is made using a specific brewing method, which involves boiling water and coffee grounds together in a pot or kettle. The perfect souvenir for someone who enjoys a hot drink every day!
12. Swiss alpenhorn
The Swiss alpenhorn is a long, wooden wind instrument that is played by blowing into one end and cupping the other end with the hands. It is native to the Swiss Alps and is often used to signal the start of a race or as a musical instrument in folk music. You can get small versions as gifts to take home!
13. Swiss hiking or outdoor gear
Swiss hiking or outdoor gear refers to equipment and clothing that is designed for use in outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping. This may include items such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and waterproof jackets.
Check our Switzerland hiking suggestion posts here!
14. Swiss snow globe or ornament
A Swiss snow globe is a decorative object that contains a miniature scene inside a glass or plastic dome. The dome is filled with liquid and often contains flakes or glitter that simulate snow. When the globe is shaken, the flakes or glitter move around inside the dome, creating a snowy effect. Swiss snow globes are often made in the shape of Swiss landmarks or scenes, and are popular as souvenirs or decorations.
These are a pretty souvenir to have home, perfect for the snowy winter period as a decoration or to show off in your home all year round.
15. Self Made 3D-Printed Decorations from Etsy
For our final suggestion, we want to share with you our fully self designed and 3D printed decorations for you to buy and hang up in your home. What started as a Christmas decoration for your tree, can also be hung up in a window, with your photos, on a pin board and from a fridge!
Full list to our Etsy shop can be found here!
Summary
Overall, there are many great souvenirs to choose from when visiting Switzerland. Whether you’re looking for delicious chocolate, a practical Swiss Army knife, or a beautiful music box, there’s something for everyone. We hope this list of 15 top souvenirs and gifts guide you with what you may want to buy while visiting Switzerland!
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