Franc Switzerland

Franc Switzerland
Does Switzerland accept Euros or must I buy Swiss Francs for my trip there?

Can I also use Euros in London? What about in Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris?

The Swiss will take Euros but will give you change in Swiss Francs.

London will not accept Euros.

Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris all take the Euro.

When I visit Europe I find it easier to put most charges on a credit card as the exchange rate is usually better then the exchange kiosks you find at the airport and in the city.

Franc Switzerland

Switzerland on a 4 Day Pass

Is it possible to see the best of this beautiful country in the heart of Europe, in 4 days? If you’re adventurous and have a reasonable level of fitness, it can be done. Read on to discover how.

Your time in Europe is limited and there’s so much to see. However to miss this tiny country would be a great pity. The people are courteous and friendly, the lakes breathtaking and the mountain scenery the most spectacular in Europe.

The booking clerk at the Zurich Bahnhoff looked at me with surprise when I presented him with my 4 day Swiss Pass and told him of my travel plans.
“I hope you are fit “, he said. Fortunately Switzerland is compact and its travel system is smooth, punctual and efficient.

Zurich is an ideal starting point because of its transport access to the rest of Europe. Most international airlines fly to Zurich and travelers from London can go by Eurostar to Paris and then by express from Paris to Zurich. Lausanne, just east of the border with France, is a convenient finishing point with its TGV high speed rail connection with Paris.
I chose a Swiss pass (which must be purchased before you leave) because it offers cheap unlimited travel on all trains, buses and ferries and discounts on most mountain railways and cable cars.

DAY ONE. ZURICH TO SPIETZ.

An early morning departure (7.30AM) from the Zurich Bahnhoff was followed by a short ride south through undulating countryside to Lucerne and the first change of trains. Because of the regularity of trains, it is worthwhile taking a 2 hour stop at this beautiful little city on Lake Lucerne. If you have time, four optional excursions spaced over 2 days are worthwhile.

A steamer trip to the eastern end of Lake Lucerne alighting at Fluelen is recommended. The mountain scenery on the south side of the lake is breathtaking. A quick train journey back to Lucerne completes this half-day excursion.

Two mountain trips are within easy reach of Lucerne. The closest is Mt Pilatus, and my suggestion is to take the cog railway up the south face and return on the cable car as you descend the north face. The views north to Lucerne are some of the finest in Europe.
Further afield is Mt Titlis. This requires a bus journey to Engelburg, then a series of cable car rides to the summit with its permanent snow cover. Spectacular views of the main mountain peaks in Switzerland await you. The fourth major attraction in Lucerne is the transport museum: reputed to be the finest in Europe.

The next part of the journey is over the top of the Brunig pass. A cog railway is necessary because of the steep gradients ascending and descending these mountain passes. It is worth taking an hour’s stop at the pretty village of Brienz on the north shore of Lake Brienz, before continuing on to Interlaken and the next change of trains.

Interlaken is an ideal base to explore the magnificent mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland including Jungfrau, one of the highest peaks in Switzerland. A rapid train journey to Thun is followed by a walk down to the harbour to join the ferry for a 1-hour voyage to Spietz, the overnight stop. I would strongly recommend this late afternoon ferry journey on one of the prettiest lakes in Europe.

DAY TWO. BRIENZ to LOCARNO.

This spectacular journey includes 2 of Europe’s major tunnels: Lotschberg and Simplon and travels south through high alpine scenery to Ticino, the southernmost and warmest canton in Switzerland. The descent to Brig with views of the Rhone Valley on the right is particularly spectacular. At Brig, following another train change, we travel through the Simplon tunnel into Italy.

Leaving the train at Domodossola, the journey continues on a quaint little privately owned railway to the overnight stop at Locarno. This journey on the Centovalli railway is strongly recommended because of the spectacular gorges and ravines en route. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views.

Locarno has a beautiful location at the top end of Lake Maggiore and a visit to the Madonna Del Sasso church, a short funicular journey from the heart of town, will reward you with magnificent views over the lake.

DAY THREE. LOCARNO to St MORITZ.

An early morning train journey to Lugano will be necessary for a connection to the Palm Express: a bus trip over the Majola pass to St Moritz. These Swiss postal buses negotiate terrain which is too steep for trains and the winding journey to the top of the pass is breathtaking.
To my surprise, particularly as I was told that bookings were essential, I was the only passenger. The joys of off season traveling resulted in the driver stopping at my whims. He even asked where I wanted to stop for coffee!

St Moritz is the starting point for two of the most outstanding train journeys in Europe: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express. Most overseas travelers board the Bernina Express and travel to Tirano in Italy but as my time was short and acting on advice from the station master at St Moritz, I left the train at Alp Grum (the top of the Bernina Pass), enjoyed a coffee and the spectacular Alpine views at the summit, before boarding another train an hour later for the return trip to St Moritz.

The Bernina Express journey is on the highest non cog railway in Europe and the high alpine glaciers and snow-capped peaks viewed on both sides of the train completed a memorable day.

DAY FOUR. St MORITZ to LAUSANNE.

The final day of my Swiss pass took me on a 7 hour journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. The Glacier Express journey from St Moritz to Zermatt is one of the most popular in Europe and is almost always fully booked.
For the first time, I did not have to change trains, enabling me to sit back and enjoy the high alpine scenery of rural Switzerland with its meadows, tiny villages, the sound of cowbells, the distant sound of church bells and the brilliant clear bracing mountain air. Every bend and every tunnel exit presented different vistas, but probably the most spectacular was the descent from Oberalp Pass to Andermatt. The views were unforgettable.
The Glacier Express arrived in Zermatt in the late afternoon and unfortunately the Matterhorn was covered in cloud. I reluctantly had to cancel a cog railway ascent to Gornergrat, a high plateau just below the summit of this spectacular mountain. It was here that I wished I had more time. The mountain walks around Zermatt are some of the finest in Europe. Another day perhaps!

So it was down the mountain to Visp to join a mainline express through the Rhone Valley for an overnight stop at Lausanne. Sadly most of this journey was at night. It did however give me peace of mind knowing that I would not miss my early morning TGV connection from Lausanne to Paris. Maybe next time, I’ll take the 8-day pass!

A Swiss Pass for 4 consecutive days first class costs US$278. Longer travel days are available. If you wish to combine travel in Switzerland with a number of other countries, a Eurail Pass gives you a number of flexible options.

About the Author

Graeme Lanham is a travel writer and health/fitness researcher. His new book “Your Life Fitness”, is devoted to the latest advances in health, fitness and antiageing with a special chapter on travel health. Discover more about sickness free travel plus receive a free subscription to his newsletter at:

http://www.yourlifefitness.com
and receive 2 special FREE bonuses.

which would you rather have, 100 Swiss Franc or 100 pounds? Why?

if:
Switzerland: U.S. $ Equivalent .8008
currency per U.S. $ 1.2488

U.K.: U.S. $ Equivalent 1.8301
currency per U.S. $ .5464

100 pounds are more than double as valuable as 100 Swiss francs – it’s that easy.

For 100 pounds you’ll get 228 Swiss francs.
(divide 1.8301 by 0.8008)

3 Days with Jonathan Franc in Switzerland

2 Lovely Coin Purses For Women / Kid Leather Product T4 £1.93

Charming White Coin Pearl Bracelet £0.99

Full Crown Silver Coin George V 1935 £7.61

1929 PIECI 5 LATI Coin (CO1080) £9.99

2 zl-complete 16 GN coins with coats of arms in album £25.83

Union Jack Trolley Coin Keyring – 19343 £2.62

15.5″ Lapis Lazuli Coin Beads – 10mm £4.50

Darwin £2 coin 2 pound coin £2.00

1887 DOUBLE FLORIN VICTORIA BRITISH SILVER COIN GEF £65.00

11 X 24k GOLD LEAF FLAKES VIALS scrap coin bar bullion £14.95

2001 US TWIN TOWERS MEMORIAL GOLD PROOF COIN CASED RARE £12.95

2006 CAPTURE OF GIBRALTAR 50p FIFTY PENCE COIN-LAST ONE £6.95

50P COIN CELEBRATING PUBLIC LIBRARIES 150 YEARS – RARE £2.95

RARE 2006 VICTORIA CROSS 150 ANNIV 50P FIFTY PENCE COIN £4.49

2 X 2007 UK £2 TWO POUND COIN SET – CASED AND RARE £8.95

Qing Dy Charm copper Coin”Qian Long TongBao乾隆通宝;32x2mm £0.64

Michael Jackson Silver Trolley Coin Keyring – 19376 £2.62

THE BANK OF BERMUDA LTD – COIN COLLECTION – PART TWO £8.00

24pcs Hello Kitty Girl’s Purses coin Wallets Hot £17.80

Japan ancient Coin”TianBao TongBao”天宝通宝”當百”,46x30x2.5mm £11.95

55th Birthday or Anniversary 1955 sixpence coin Keyring £2.79

Collecting World Coins , £7.36

20x 3V Alkaline Cell Button Coin Battery CR2450 CR 2450 £6.29

hello kitty Purse Xmas gift Girl Handbag Coin Bag cute £0.99

NEW DIGITAL COIN BANK MONEY JAR PIGGY BANK SAVING BOX £3.85

GUINNESS – NOVELTY PURE GENIUS METAL COIN TOKEN £0.50

Mandela 90th Birthday limited edition R5 coin £4.00

1897=1900=1901 Victoria Pennies 3 British Coins £0.99

THE PORTUGUESE DISCOVERY 4 COIN SET – GOLD, PLATINUM £3,200.00

48th Birthday Gift 1962 Scottish Shilling Coin Bookmark £3.75

China Special S/S Int’l Stamp & Coin Expo. Beijing 2004 £0.99

Rare Warring-States Era Bronze Coin”"Size;35×1.5mm £0.64

COINS OF SWEDEN x 12 £6.05

1893 Italian 10 Centimi Coin £0.99

QEII Silver Jubilee fivepound coin size Crown in a case £2.49

Royal Mint Uncirculated Coin Collection 1983 £1.04

Korea Ancient Charm Coin”壽富康寕”富贵多男”Size;35.5x29x2.5mm £3.80

Roman Gold Coin 402-450 AD £366.61

24K GOLD Nazi German 5 Reichsmark Coin WWII Era 1936 £19.37

10mm Black Onyx Coin Beads 16″ £4.50

China 1982 T71 Ancient Coins of China Stamps 2nd Series £12.88

China 1981-T65 Ancient Coins of China 1st £12.88

Fancy Jewelry Green Jade Flower Coin Pearl Necklace £0.79

two pound coin darwin 1809-2009 £1.95

SELECT 3 Pcs China Ancient Coins Song Dynasty 960-1279 £0.99

Women Lady Anna Sui Coin Bag Wallet Purse Cosmetic 123 £0.99

1906 DEUTSCHES REICH 10 PFENNIG GERMANY COIN £2.46

Lovely Cute Stealing Money Cat Kity Coin Box Bank NEW! £14.99

New Spider-Man Style Coins Bag Wallet Purse K11 £0.69

Panasonic CR2032 Card of 2 Coin Battery (4999-2) £1.39

2004 UK SILVER PROOF £1 coin. Box/COAForth Rail Bridge! £19.99

Qing Dy Charm conjoint Coin”道光通宝”天下太平”,Size;54x31x2.5mm £4.44

NEW Girls Hello Kitty PURSE COINS BAG Keychain £1.39

11-13mm genuine coin pearl loose strand gem £0.19

1938 George VI Silver Three Pence coin ring Ex Conditio £9.95

2 TWO FIFITY PENCE COINS VICTORIA CROSSES 99P START. £0.99

Pink Chips & Silver Coins Heavy Necklace – SALE ! £2.99

Women Anna Sui Coin Bag Wallet Purse Cosmetic Case 127 £0.99

VICTORIA British Coins 1899 . 1900 . 1901 . £0.99

GIBRALTAR 2 QUARTS 1842 COIN £0.99

220,000 fifa ultimate team coins and air £18.50

1998 SILVER PROOF PIEDFORT FIFTY PENCE COIN. 50P + COA £29.00

12 mix banknotes, and a mini plated golden coin… £1.23

2005 GUY FAWKS £2 TWO POUND COIN 99P START LOOK . £1.25

New (Spongebob Squarepants) Coins Bag Wallet Purse K84 £0.69

12 mix banknotes, and a mini plated golden coin… £1.23

4 X GEORGE V GOLD SOVEREIGN COINS £860.00

Tough Men’s GENUINE LEATHER WALLET Purse T1091 NWT Coin £14.99

2009 two pound coin (Darwin) £2.21

1951 George VI Proof Crown Coin £4.99

George IV Full Guinea 22ct *1792* EXTREMELY RARE COIN £500.00

Warring-States Era Charm Bronze Coin”下尃”"圆足币”;65x35x2mm £3.80

1 franc rare coin £0.99

Women Anna Sui Coin Bag Wallet Purse Cosmetic Case 125 £0.99

FAMOUS 1780 AUSTRIA MARIA THERESIA THALER SILVER COIN £18.99

12 mix banknotes, and a mini plated golden coin… £1.23

Ming Dy Charm lucky Coin”Jie Da Huan Xi”皆大欢喜”Size43x3mm £4.90

12 mix banknotes, and a mini plated golden coin… £1.23

Portugese coins (11) £0.85

Fairies TINKERBELL Tinker Bell Coins Bag Pouch Purse £1.99

Sexy Betty Boop Coins Pouch Bag Purse Wallet FREE SHIP £2.20

Joke with free 100,000 ultimate team coins £8.45

ANNA SUI COIN PURSE £4.00

NICA TEAL EMBOSSED COIN PURSE, BNWT £11.99

MK4 GOLF/ R32/ BORA/ ANNI PEN + COIN HOLDER GREY £3.00

BEAUTIFUL .999 PURE SILVER MAPLE BAR + PLUS MAPLE COIN £3.00

GB 35p Booklet DP1, British Coins Series No 1 £1.90

2009 Belgium 2 Euro LOUIS BRAILLE Proof-like coin £22.21

50p.SIZE COIN.GAMBIA CROCADILE.1998.NEAR MINT. £0.99

Women Anna Sui Coin Bag Wallet Purse Cosmetic Case 124 £0.99

Belly Dance Coin Belt Wrap Dancing Coloured Beads Gold £14.95

George IV Half Guinea 22ct *1798* OLD RARE COIN £350.00

HENRY III HAMMERED LONGCROSS PENNY GREAT DETAILED COIN £15.50

Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Coins Bag Pouch Purse £1.99

BLACk Deluxe Padded Coin Case 10 Silver EAGLES £14.99

New Men’s Genuine Leather Purse Wallet Coin Bag UK25 £3.99

Women Anna Sui Coin Bag Wallet Purse Cosmetic Case 089 £0.99

Tang Dy Charm lucky red copper Coin”OX”丑”Size;25x1mm £0.64

Green Jade Flower White Coin Pearl Necklace 18” £0.70

Black coin Pearl bangle Bracelet £0.99

Rare Warring-States Era Bronze Coin”"Size;35×1.5mm £0.64

George IV Full Guinea 22ct *1792* EXTREMELY RARE COIN £500.00

1 franc rare coin £0.99

George IV Half Guinea 22ct *1798* OLD RARE COIN £350.00

Rare new 2010 Battle of Britain BU £5 Five Pound coin £15.10

RARE 1889 DOUBLE FLORIN SILVER COIN GEF INVERTED 1 £200.00

RARE 1889 DOUBLE FLORIN SILVER COIN VF INVERTED 1 £75.00

SOLDIER 50p COIN 2006 RARE £0.99

LEBANON 1 PIASTRES 1941 COIN VERY NICE. RARE! £0.99

LEBANON 2 1/2 PIASTRES 1941 COIN VERY NICE. RARE! £0.99

2005-2009 SACAGAWEA DOLLAR`S,SATIN FINISH,10 COINS/RARE £30.02

RARE 1849 GODLESS FLORIN SILVER COIN OBLITERATED WW AU £375.00

KGVI 2.1/2 & 3d Mint.Unhi/Rare/Stamps/Coins/Penny Black £0.50

Old Silver Ring With Rare Islamic Silver Coin Insert £10.01

NELSON MANDELA R5 2000 SOUTH AFRICA COIN – RARE £14.99

RARE COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2002 SCOTISH FLAG £2 COIN £2.87

PENNY VICTORIA 1860 ** RARE AND SCARCE COIN** £5.50

RARE CHARLES DARWIN TWO POUND COIN 2009 £2.50

FIFTY PENCE COIN 4 MINUTE MILE 50P BRITISH UK RARE £0.49

1826 GEORGE IV SIXPENCE. RARE COIN, 2ND HEAD, 3RD REV £1.04

FIFTY PENCE COIN 250TH ANNIVERSARY 50P BRITISH UK RARE £0.49

1918 GEORGE V SIXPENCE. RARE COIN, NICE CONDITION £1.24

£2 VINTAGE CARS RALLY COIN RARE BI METALLIC £0.99

SIX PENCE INLAY COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COIN 2006 ULTRA RARE £0.99

GOLD COIN Winston Churchill We shall fight ULTRA RARE ! £0.99

RARE: 50p coin Be Prepared 1907-2007 Scout Movement £0.75

COINS BRITISH EDWARD V11 SHILLING DATED 1905 FINE RARE £27.01

g.b whitman shillings 1902-1936,complete 38 coins,rare £195.00

COIN 1848 GOLD QUARTER GOLD PROOF + COA RARE £4.99

COIN UNA AND THE LION 1839 GOLD PROOF + COA RARE £4.99

CONCORDE FIRST SUPERSONIC GOLD COIN ULTRA RARE +PROOF ! £10.50

RMS TITANIC COMMEMORATIVE COIN + COA + ULTRA RARE £4.99

RARE BENHAM LTD EDITION SPECIAL GEORGE VI COIN COVER £0.99

2 X RARE BRITISH 50P COINS VICTORIA CROSS, HEROIC ACTS £0.99

COINS BRITISH EDWARDV11 HALFCROWNDATED 1904 N/FINE RARE £20.00

2 X RARE BRITISH 50P COINS PUBLIC LIBRARY + DICTIONARY £0.99

Rare £2 Coin with Error or Defect on the Rim £7.99

Waddingtons , Limited edition Jigsaw with coin , rare £4.99

RARE! 2 PFENNIG 1875D MUNICH MINT GERMAN COIN XF+ COND. £19.34

ULTRA RARE N.A. FREEMAN Southern coin forks Richmond,VA £774.94

Disney Minnie Mouse Heart coin purse Rare with strap £0.99

Rare 370 B.C Greece Phoenicia-Sidon Silver Di-Obol Coin £1.24

Rare 20p coin, NO DATES EITHER SIDE, MINT. £40.05

Rare c.600 AD Byzantine Bronze Follis Coin.Unresearched £2.70

5 REICHSPFENNIG 1919 E UNC / BU RARE WW I IRON COIN £3.99

ISLE OF MAN GEORGE 111-1786 HALF PENNY RARE COIN £12.00

Israeli coin: Rare, old & ancient nice Unique 50 Prutot £1.30

Rare, old nice unique Israeli coin, 10 Prutot. Copper £0.84

PORTUGAL-RARE COIN 1 ESCUDO 1944 £25.19

1953 ELIZABETH II CORONATION PROOF 10 COIN SET BOX RARE £131.05

Russian Soviet CCCP USSR Antique Rare 27 Coin Lot LENIN £6.74

1843 W Louis Phillip 5 cinq five franc coin rare France £6.30

WW2 Rare Old Nazi Swastika Reichsmark SS Note Coin Lot £6.45

RARE WWII German NAZI 3RD REICH Antique 1 COIN Swastika £1.29

1912-S Indian Gold Eagle $10 – GEM BU – RARE Coin! £1,591.86

RARE Coin .. 1873 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – CHOICE BU £2,108.49

RARE Coin: 1912-S Indian Gold Half Eagle $5 – CHOICE BU £1,527.28

RARE! 1915D MUNICH 1 MARK GERMAN EMPIRE COIN “BU” COND. £9.65

1921 Morgan Dollar RARE HIGH MS CHOICE BU GEM COIN £3.55

1909-S Indian Gold Eagle $10 – GEM BU – RARE Coin! £1,772.68

RARE Coin … 1901-O Liberty Gold Eagle $10 – GEM BU! £1,733.94

1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar CHOICE BU .. RARE KEY Coin! £1,281.89

RARE 2 POUND COIN 2005 ENGLAND FLAG COMMONWEALTH GAMES £2.50

RARE 2 POUND COIN 2008 BEJING LONDON OLYMPIC HANDOVER £2.70

RARE 2007 BRILL UNC ACT OF UNION TWO POUND COIN COVER £3.99

RARE 1992 BRITISH PRESIDENCY FIFTY PENCE COIN COVER £6.59

50 rare books on coins and medals of Spain and Portugal £9.69

1936 J X-RARE SILVER 5 MARK COIN HITLER GERMANY NAZI £32.28

1936 G X-RARE SILVER 5 MARK COIN HITLER GERMANY NAZI £31.97

2003 50P COIN FEATURING SUFFRAGETTE – RARE & MINT! £4.49

NEW 2009 ROYAL SHIELD OF ARMS 10P COIN RARE NO RESERVE £0.99

NEW 2008 ROYAL SHIELD OF ARMS 10P COIN RARE NO RESERVE £0.99

2008 ROYAL SHIELDS OF ARMS BU 2 PENCE COIN RARE NO RES! £0.99

2008 ROYAL THISTLE DESIGN BU 5 PENCE COIN RARE NO RES!! £0.99

1999 2 PENCE COIN RARE FROM A ROYAL MINT SET NO RESERVE £0.99

2008 ROYAL SHIELDS OF ARMS BU 5 PENCE COIN RARE NO RES! £0.99

1998 PIEDFORT EEC 50p SILVER PROOF COIN COA BOXED RARE £37.95

1998 PIEDFORT NHS ANNIV 50p SILVER PROOF COIN COA RARE £37.95

2006 UK RARE QUEEN ELIZABETH 80 GLORIOUS YEARS £5 COIN £13.99

RARE 1993 UNC FIVE POUND COIN COVER +BRITAINA £10 STAMP £7.99

Unusual/rare 1983 £1. coin. £5.99

VERY RARE! 1905A 2 MARK SILVER, PRUSSIA GERMAN COIN XF+ £25.80

bulcoins Japan 5 sen 1898 Copper Nickel Coin Rare aUNC £64.57

Le Shtandart Sailing Ship – ACRYLIC 10 FRANC COIN rare £19.99

celtic silver unit coin rare £51.00

SOUTH AFRICA – 1949 – 5 SHILLINGS SILVER COIN.RARE ! £24.99

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles COin Set 1980s RARE tmnt £8.99

RARE~ANTIQUE NAPKIN RING~coin~SOLID STERLING SILVER~ £73.30

SLOVAKIA – HISTORICAL REGIONS BU COIN SET 2010 – RARE! £21.25

RARE £1 COIN FROM THE ISLE OF MAN PHONE 1994. £0.99

1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar CHOICE BU .. RARE KEY Coin! £2,173.07

Rare Antique NAZI German Army WWII World War 2 Coin Lot £21.96

Rare Antique NAZI German Army WWII World War 2 Coin Lot £58.11

1801-1829ad MAHMUD SHAH DURRANI SILVER RUPEE RARE COIN £19.99

RARE 1986 £1 PROOF FLAX PLANT COIN, MINT £0.99

RARE JAPANESE 100 MON COIN STRUCK FROM 1835-1870 – VGC £0.99

5DM 1952 D Germanisches Museum Coin (Rare Original) £309.33

Azores Portugal 1865 20 Reis Rare Coin £1.29

RARE Silver c1910 Chinese 10 Cent Coin Signed box £194.99

George VI threepence 1938 rare three coins £0.99