Switzerland
Switzerland
Snow-Capped Peaks, Storybook Villages, and Chocolate Make Every Day an Adventure!
Welcome to Switzerland, where snow-capped Alpine peaks, shimmering lakes, and some of the most charming small cities in Europe come together to create a family travel experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Switzerland is the kind of place that makes children feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook — and makes parents wonder why they waited so long to come. Whether you’re riding a historic cog railway up to a glacier, making your own chocolate in a century-old factory, or watching the sun set over Lake Lucerne from a paddleboat, every moment here feels a little magical.
Switzerland is also one of the most effortlessly family-friendly countries on Earth. The trains run on time (Swiss precision is a very real thing), English is widely spoken throughout the country, and the combination of outdoor adventure and world-class cultural experiences means every member of the family — from toddlers to teenagers to grandparents – will find something that feels made just for them. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity at every turn, which makes it a perfect fit for the KeeKee spirit.
- Capital City: Bern
- Population: 8.7 million
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Main Cities
Featured Cities in Switzerland
Culture
The Swiss flag is one of the most iconic in the world, and one of only two square national flags on Earth (the other belongs to Vatican City), which is a fun fact kids tend to love. The bold red background represents valor and bravery, while the white cross at the center has historically represented Switzerland's commitment to faith, peace, and neutrality. That spirit of neutrality has defined Switzerland for centuries — it's one of the reasons the country feels so uniquely calm, orderly, and welcoming to visitors from everywhere in the world.
Swiss culture places a deep value on precision, craftsmanship, and quality, from the famous watches and chocolates to the trains that run to the minute. It's a great conversation to have with kids about what different cultures value and take pride in.
Language
Language: German
(also French, Italian, and Romansh by region)
Switzerland is also remarkable for being home to four official national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Which language you'll hear depends on which part of the country you're visiting: German in Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern; French in Geneva and Lausanne; Italian in the Ticino region in the south. Most Swiss people also speak English fluently, so families rarely feel lost.
English is spoken widely throughout Switzerland, especially in cities and tourist areas. But the Swiss have a greeting all their own - "Grüezi" (the traditional Swiss-German hello) - and locals absolutely light up when visitors make the effort to use it. Here are a few words to practice before you go. Note: most of Switzerland speaks German, so these phrases will serve you well in Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken, and Zurich.
| English | German | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Swiss Greeting) | Grüezi | (GROO-et-see) |
| Hello (informal) | Hallo | (GROO-et-see) |
| Goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen | (ah-ree-veh-DARE-chee) |
| Thank You | Danke | (GRAHT-see-eh) |
| Please | Bitte | (BIT-teh) |
| Yes | Ja | (yah) |
| No | Nein | (nine) |
| 1 - One | Ein | (EYE-n) |
| 2 - Two | Zwei | (TVSVYE) |
| 3 - Three | Drei | (DRY) |
| 4 - Four | Vier | (FEER) |
| 5 - Five | Fünf | (FOONF) |
