WELCOME TO SWITZERLAND
For anyone planning a move to Switzerland in central Europe, we have collated information below about different places to live, International schools and private schools (including High schools), property and relocation agents and other information we think useful for relocating to Switzerland and the surround area.
Offering some of the best living anywhere in Switzerland, some of the famous cities in Switzerland include Bern (Berne), Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, Zürich.
Switzerland has a great choice of high quality private international schools and high schools, beautiful countryside, lots of activities and excellent housing - with a fantastic range of different property to call home, from country mansions and estates, villas and bungalows to new build executive housing, family townhouses and apartments.
”Switzerland, land of four languages, is all about once-in-a-lifetime journeys, heart-racing Alpine pursuits and urban culture. Switzerland's ravishing landscapes demand immediate action – grab boots, leap on board, toot bike bell and let spirits rip. The perfect antidote to rural beauty is Switzerland's urban edge: capital Bern with its mediaeval old town and world-class modern art, deeply Germanic Basel and its bold architecture, chic Geneva astraddle Europe’s largest lake, party-loving Lausanne, tycoon magnet Zug and uber-cool Zürich with its riverside bars, reborn industrial west district and atypical street grit." Lonely Planet
Switzerland is located right in the heart of Europe, bordering Italy, France, Germany, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein. It is home to many breathtaking lakes, including famous Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne and Lake Constance. However it is possibly the mountains of Switzerland that attract the most visitors due to the incredible skiing that is on offer, you can even see the famous Matterhorn in Switzerland and admire it’s amazing pyramid shape.
Switzerland is voted the third happiest country in the world! Its beautiful landscapes and lively cities definitely help, however its stability, safety and culture also boost its popularity with many across the world.
For more fun facts about Switzerland, scroll down to our feature page!
TOP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN SWITZERLAND
Looking for a prestigious International (private) school in Switzerland?
If you are thinking of moving to live in Switzerland (or you already live in Switzerland but are considering relocating) and you and your family are researching some of the best International schools and private schools in Switzerland, there is a big choice of high quality Swiss schools, with a number of the countries highest ranking International schools considered to be some of the best in Europe.
The private education sector in and around Switzerland features day and residential boarding schools, single sex and co-educational (mixed) schools, including leading private nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and high schools.
Find Private International Schools in Switzerland (Or "International Schools And Private Schools Near Me")
Developed over the last 35+ years, the isbi School Search guide is one of the largest and most comprehensive International school and private school directories available, helping thousands of families to find, compare and select good schools since the 1980s.
> You can search for International schools and private schools with a reputation for excellence in Switzerland - in the cities of Zürich, Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Lucerne and in towns and villages across Switzerland - by using our International Schools Directory and International Schools Finder (powered by School Search Directory) or by clicking on the names of the International schools, private schools and colleges and High schools listed below to see detailed profiles with photos, videos, maps etc.
> With our expanded school search technology you can filter your search by the type of school you are looking for such as International school and private school, day and boarding, gender, age range, academic study, religious affiliation, school fees, scholarships and bursaries, open days etc.
> You can also focus your search on just private junior schools or senior high schools or on all-through International schools, or view search results for all of them together.
Please explore isbi.com for detailed information and guides about good schools of all types and for open days, school and college and news, articles and blogs with details of school associations, glossaries and explanations about examinations and qualifications and expert advice about independent education at International schools and private schools around Switzerland and worldwide.
Top International Schools And Private Schools & Colleges in Switzerland
Some of the best International schools and private schools and colleges in Switzerland, providing a top-tier, world-class day and boarding single-sex and mixed education for boys and girls include:
- Ecole Francaise de Bale
- Minerva Volksschule Base
- British School of Bern
- Ecole Francaise de Berne
- Hohliebi Educational Programs
- International School of Berne
- Music School, Berne
- Ecole d'Humanite, Hasliberg
- International School Rheintal
- Aiglon College
- St George's International School
- Ecole Rene Descartes
- College du Leman International School, Versoix
- Deutsche Schule Genf
- Ecole Primaire Francaise de Geneve
- Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
- International School of Geneva
- International School of Geneva
- International School of Geneva (La Grand Boissiere)
- Mutuelle d'Etudes Secondaires
- Geneva English School
- La Cote International School
- Bilingual School Terra Nova
- Brillantmont International School, Lausanne
- Ecole Francaise Valmont
- Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande
- Aidan College
- International School of Lausanne
- International School of Monts-de-Corsier
- Leysin American School in Switzerland
- Kumon Leysin Academy
- Institute Monte Rosa, Montreux
- Surval Montreux International School for Girls
- Neuchatel Junior College
- College Champittet Nyon
- College Champittet Pully
- International School Basel
- Ecole Francaise de Bale
- Minerva Volksschule Basel
- British School of Bern
- Ecole Francaise de Berne
- Hohliebi Educational Programs
- International School of Berne
- Music School, Berne
- Ecole d'Humanite, Hasliberg
- International School Rheintal
- Aiglon College
- St George's International School
- Ecole Rene Descartes
- College du Leman International School, Versoix
- Deutsche Schule Genf
- Ecole Primaire Francaise de Geneve
- International School of Geneva
- International School of Geneva
- International School of Geneva (La Chataigneraie)
- International School of Geneva (La Grand Boissiere)
- Mutuelle d'Etudes Secondaires
- Geneva English School
- La Cote International School
MOVING TO SWITZERLAND
Where To Live In Switzerland
The most popular suburbs in Switzerland and the surrounding area include, with approximate population numbers:
> Zürich
Zürich (402,800), Winterthur (109,800), Lucerne (81,600)
> Geneva
Geneva (203,900), Champel (27,200), Grottes Saint-Gervais (18,400), Centre Plainalais Acacias (17,500), Servette Petit-Saconnex (16,700), Eaux-Vives (11,200), Jonction (9,200), Pâquis Nations (8,400), Saint-Jean Charmilles (300)
> Lausanne
Lausanne (137,800), Le Mont-sur-Lausanne (8,500), Epalinges (8,200), Romanel-sur-Lausanne (3,200), Jouxtens-Mézery (1,500), Cheseaux Sur-Lausanne (1,300)
> Bern (Berne)
Bern (133,120), Basel (171,000), Luhano (63,900), Fribourg (38,900), Lyss (11,400), Kirchberg (5,600)
> Lucerne
Lucerne (81,600), Sursee (8,600), Lenzburg (8,000), Malters (6,400)
> Uri
Altdorf (8,700), Silenen (2,500), Wassen (400), Realp (150)
> Schwyz
Ibach (2,200), Seewen (1,000)
> Glarus
Glarus (5,900), Netstal (2,900), Enneda (2,600), Riedern (720)
FOCUS ON... LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a very popular place to live and many people move to Switzerland each year, or to near Switzerland and the surrounding area, from around Europe and the rest of the world.
Many of those moving to Switzerland are seeking a more urban lifestyle, deciding to relocate to the Switzerland for work and to enjoy the great facilities and leisure amenities, high quality housing and schools, fantastic bars, restaurants, sports and popular cultural events involving art and music available to families living in Switzerland and the surrounding area.
Ten Things To Know About Switzerland
> FACT 1: Switzerland is the third happiest country in the world! Its beautiful scenery and vibrant cities certainly contribute to this, however Switzerland is also recognised for its excellent healthcare and education systems - making it the perfect place for family living.
> FACT 2: The Swiss Alps are famous for the incredible skiing that is on offer. There are over 300 ski resorts in Switzerland, with the most famous ones being Zermatt, Verbier and Davos.
> FACT 3: Switzerland knows how to look after their furry friends! In fact, owners have to complete a course to ensure they know how to look after their dogs - there are even laws that mean animals must be kept in pairs to stop them from becoming lonely!
> FACT 4: The Swiss mountains are certainly worth their high reputation. With hikers flocking to the Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route and others marvelling at the Matterhorn whilst skiing, Switzerland is actually home to 48 mountain peaks that are above 4000 metres!
> FACT 5: Switzerland is the most innovative country in the world! Ranked first for the 8th consecutive year, Switzerland’s economy is growing fast, booming with diverse and unique ideas.
> FACT 6: It’s not only the lakes and mountains that Switzerland is known for, it also has the Rhine Gorge, popularly nicknamed the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’. It’s a great place for a chilly dip in freshwater, or if you’re a bouldering or mountain biking fanatic - this is the place for you.
> FACT 7: Sundays are a big deal in Switzerland. So much so that you are not allowed to do any chores - that includes mowing the lawn or hanging out laundry!
> FACT 8: Switzerland exported 122,000 tonnes of chocolate in 2018! We all know and love swiss chocolate - but this is impressive.
> FACT 9: Switzerland is actually very small, only measuring 41,285 kilometres in total.
> FACT 10: The Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland is the world’s longest tunnel! Catch a beautiful ride among the snowy mountains before entering the tunnel, which runs for 57 kilometres!
Where To Live In Switzerland
Switzerland and the surrounding area offers a huge choice of high quality, premium and luxury property to meet the needs of any family, whether wanting a townhouse, large apartment, villa, mansion or country estate, with or without granny annex, garden or swimming pool. There are also property development and investment opportunities too, with land available to purchase and properties in need of renovation.
From central Switzerland living to rural, country or lakeside lifestyles, Switzerland and the surrounding area is full of bustling districts and leafy suburbs, lush green areas, charming estates, vibrant high streets, busy neighbourhoods, friendly residential communities and countryside.
Some of the popular residential areas include:
Cham Switzerland, Zürich Switzerland, Lucerne Switzerland, Basel Switzerland, Bern Switzerland, Winterthur Switzerland, St. Gallen Switzerland, Interlaken, Switzerland, Zug Switzerland, Geneva Switzerland, Risch Switzerland, Altendorf Switzerland, Lausanne Switzerland, Walchwil Switzerland, Meggen Switzerland, Meilen Switzerland, Hergiswil Switzerland, Hünenberg Switzerland, Baar Switzerland,
Commuting To And From Switzerland By Rail Or Road
Relocating to Switzerland is especially popular with those happy to work from home most of the time but needing to occasionally commute to work.
The most popular, well-connected commuter towns and cities in Switzerland include Zürich, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne and Lausanne.
Travel times to and from key destinations by road and rail include:
> Bern to Zürich: Bern is about 120 miles by road from Zürich via the A1 and driving to the centre of Bern from Zürich normally takes under 1 hour 45 minutes. There is a very regular train service to Bern from Zürich, with trains taking about 1 hour.
> Geneva to Zürich: Geneva is about 280 miles by road from Zürich via the A1 and driving to the centre of Geneva from Zürich normally takes under 3 hours. There is a very regular train service to Geneva from Zürich, with trains taking about 2 hours 40 minutes.
> Lausanne to Zürich: Lausanne is about 266 miles by road from Zürich via the A1 and driving to the centre of Lausanne from Zürich normally takes under 2 and a half hours. There is a very regular train service to Lausanne from Zürich, with trains taking about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Nearest Airports To Switzerland, Country
The nearest airport to Zürich is Zürich Airport (ZHR) which is 9 km from Zürich. Other nearby airports include Basel (BSL) (under 80 kilometres), Memmingen (FMM) (140 km), Strasbourg (SXB) (150 km) and Stuttgart (STR) (160 km)
The nearest airport to Geneva and Lausanne is Geneva (GVA) which is 4 kilometres from Geneva. Other nearby airports include Lyon (LYS) (under 98 kilometres), Grenoble (GNB) (112), Turin (TRN) (161 kilometres) and Basel (BSL) (190 kilometres)
The nearest airport to Bern (Berne) is Berne (BRN) which is 16 kilometres from Bern. Other nearby airports include Basel (BSL) (under 100 kilometres), Zürich (ZHR) (120), Geneva (GVA) (150 kilometres) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) (350 kilometres)
ESTATE AGENTS IN SWITZERLAND
A.Früh Immobilien Schweiz AG
Agence Eugster
Archinnova Immobilien AG
Apartments UMS Estate Agents
Etzel Immobilien AG Estate Agents
Intercity Zürich Estate Agents
KM & P Estate Agents
Wuest und Wuest Estate Agents
Maxmore Estate Agents
AlphaSet Estate Agents
PSP Swiss property AG Estate Agents
Genardis Sagl
BDO AG Estate Agents
Buerke & Partner Estate Agents
Livit AG Estate Agents
Leuthold Leigenschaften Estate Agents
Max-Immo Estate Agents
OneCasa Estate Agents
MIBAG Estate Agents
Verit Immobilien Estate Agents
Engel & Voelkers Estate Agents
Hammer Retex Estate Agents
HRS Estate Agents
Privera AG Estate Agents
Verimag Estate Agents
Nesinco Group Estate Agents
Smeyers Estate Agents
Immoveris Inc. Zurich Estate Agents
REMOVALS IN SWITZERLAND
Moving Services Zurich
Fleig AG Removals
PELICHET NLC Removals
LASO AG Removals
Flair Relocations Removals
The SMC Removals
Roschumzug Removals
Martinas Removals
Balestrafic SA Removals
Henri Harsch HH
AMD Removals
FOCUS ON LIVING IN… BERN
Ten Things To Know About Bern, the capital city of Switzerland
> FACT1: Einstein once resided in Bern! The Famous physicist had a beautiful second floor flat right in the middle of the city and you can even visit it today as it’s recently been converted into a museum!
> FACT 2: The family favourite chocolate Toblerone chocolate was invented in Bern! The peculiar shaped treat was brought into circulation by Theodor Tobler in 1909.
> FACT 3: Bern is Switzerland’s beer capital! It has over 200 microbreweries, with the local company Bärner Müntschi being particularly popular with the locals for its natural cloudiness.
> FACT 4: Bern has a population of 133,000 people! Despite this fairly small population, it is the unofficial capital of Switzerland. In fact, its real title is ‘Federal City’ or ‘Bundesstadt’.
> FACT 5: Napoleon invaded the city in 1798, however because the majority of his troops were unable to read, they had to change the street signs so that they were colour coordinated… so look out for those burgundy, yellow, white and green street signs as this is how the soldiers found their way round the city!
> FACT 6: Bern Cathedral spine, measuring 101 metres, it is the tallest in Switzerland and has been one of Bern’s wow factors since it was first built in 1889. You can even climb to the top, however be warned - it’s a 200 step climb!
> FACT 7: If you have a spare moment, google some aerial shots of the river Aare, it circles through the city and makes for a beautiful view - not to mention the many intricate bridges that are located throughout Bern.
> FACT 8: Although football may not be one of Bern’s most famous aspects, in 1954 Bern hosted the World Cup Final. This was a big deal for the city as West Germany became victorious over Hungary with the score ending in 3-2.
> FACT 9: Bern was actually founded in the 12th century… it was a military post because of it’s ‘middleman’ location between Burgundy and Alemanni.
> FACT 10: Bern is 542 metres above sea level! Switzerland is famous for its mountains so it shouldn’t be surprising that the country's cities enjoy some beautiful snowy months in winter.
Where To Live In Bern, Switzerland
City and the surrounding area offers a huge choice of high quality, premium and luxury property to meet the needs of any family, whether wanting a townhouse, large apartment, villa, mansion or country estate, with or without granny annex, garden or swimming pool. There are also property development and investment opportunities too, with land available to purchase and properties in need of renovation.
From central city living to rural, country or coast lifestyles, City and the surrounding area is full of bustling districts and leafy suburbs, lush green areas, charming estates, vibrant high streets, busy neighbourhoods, friendly residential communities and countryside.
Some of the popular residential areas include:
Kramgasse Bern, Altstadt Bern, Länggasse Bern, Muri bei Bern, Burgdorf Bern, Old Town Bern, Kirchenfeld Bern, Breitenrain-Lorraine Bern, The Gurten Bern, The Zytglogge Bern, The Rosengarten Bern
Commuting To And From Bern By Rail Or Road
Relocating to Bern is especially popular with those happy to work from home most of the time but needing to occasionally commute to other places for work.
Bern attracts many businesses to the city, especially due to its recognition as the de facto capital of Switzerland. However many also choose to commute to towns and cities such as Basel, Zürich and Lausanne.
Travel times to key destinations by road and rail include:
> Bern To Zürich: Zürich is about 150 kilometres by road from Bern via the A2 and A1 and driving to the centre of Zürich from Bern normally takes under 1 hour 45 minutes. There is a very regular train service to Zürich from Bern, with trains taking about 1 hour.
> Bern To Basel: Basel is about 98 kilometres by road from Bern via the A2 and A1 and driving to the centre of Basel from Bern normally takes under 1 hour 30 minutes. There is a very regular train service to Basel from Bern, with trains taking about 1 hour.
> Bern To Lausanne: Lausanne is about 100 kilometres by road from Bern via the A1 and driving to the centre of Lausanne from Bern normally takes under 1 hour 20 minutes. There is a very regular train service to Lausanne from Bern, with trains taking about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Nearest Airports To Bern, Switzerland
The nearest airport to CITY is Berne (BRN) which is 16 km from Bern. Other nearby airports include Basel (BSL) (under 100 km), Geneva (GVA) (150 km) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) (350 km)
