Page 552 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

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NEED TO Climate

KNOW

CURRENCY Basel
Swiss franc (official GO Jul & Aug, Dec #
abbreviation CHF, also Sfr)
# Zürich
GO Apr–Aug
LANGUAGE # Bern
German (p520), French GO Jul & Aug, Nov
(p196), Italian (p110), Swiss Alps
Romansch GO late Dec–early Apr,
May–Aug
VISAS # Geneva
GO Anytime,
Generally not required for Jun–Sep
stays of up to 90 days;
some nationalities need a Warm to hot summers, mild winters
Schengen visa. Warm to hot summers, cold winters
Mild summers, cold winters
FUEL Cold climate
Polar climate, below zero year round
Petrol stations are common
on main roads and highways,
and in larger towns.
Unleaded costs around When to Go
Sfr1.55 per litre and diesel is High Season (Jul–Aug & Dec–Apr)
Sfr1.53.
» In July and August walkers and cyclists hit high-altitude trails.
RENTAL CARS » Christmas and New Year see serious snow-sports action on
Auto Europe (www. the slopes.
autoeurope.com) » Late December to early April is high season in ski resorts.
Avis (www.avis.com) Shoulder (Apr–Jun & Sep)
Europcar (www.europcar. » Look for accommodation deals in ski resorts and traveller
com) hotspots.
Hertz (www.hertz.com) » Spring is idyllic with warm temperatures, flowers and local
produce.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS » Watch the grape harvest in autumn.
Europe-wide emergency
covering police, fire and Low Season (Oct–Mar)
ambulance (%112) » Mountain resorts go into snooze mode from mid-October to
early December.
» Prices are up to 50% less than in high season.
» Sights and restaurants are open fewer days and shorter
hours.

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