Switzerland
The Muslim Travel Guide to Heaven on Earth
Switzerland has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Before I caught the travel bug, I always heard people describe Switzerland as “paradise on earth” or “stunning” or “breathtaking” and to be honest I didn’t really buy into it. Sure, I had built an inclination and interest to visit but I kept my hopes low so I wouldn’t be a disappointment. In 2015, I finally visited and what can I say…every single thing I heard and read about Switzerland was 100% true. I loved my experience so much that I took my entire family along with my parents and siblings two years later. The country is absolutely beautiful. The mountains, the greenery, and the glacial rivers…it’s breathtaking. The air is fresher, the atmosphere is calming and there is a certain type of serenity that I cannot describe. It is something that must be felt.
Keep in mind, Switzerland is a very small country. You can travel from one to the other in 6 hours. The major cities like Geneva and Zurich are economic powerhouses and they are like any other European cities. There is lots to do and see in both these cities. However, it is the mountain areas you should visit and spend most of your time in.
Quick Links
Geneva
Geneva is a very important city. It is where the United Nations headquarters is located along with many other international organizations. Many of the attractions in Geneva you most likely saw in the new or in a movie. The city itself is beautiful and you can see the mountains in the distance. The halal options are many and there are masjids plenty. Alhamdulillah. French is the primary language spoken but most people are able to understand and communicate English.
Things to see and do
- Palais des Nations (The Palace of Nations)
- United Nations Office
- Broken Chair
- The Geneva water fountain
Where to pray
- Geneva Islamic Cultural Foundation
- Geneva Islamic Center
Where to eat
- Parfums de Beyrouth
- Chic Chicken
Zurich
Zurich is about a 3-hour drive from Geneva and is the most populous city in Switzerland. Unlike Geneva, the main language spoken here is German. In comparison to Geneva, Zurich has a larger Muslim population with many more halal food options as well as many more Masjids.
Things to see and do
- Palais des Nations (The Palace of Nations)
- United Nations Office
- Broken Chair
- The Geneva water fountain
Where to pray
- Madni Masjid Zurich – Swiss Muslim Society
- Zurich Islamic Center
- Islam Toplumu Külliye Mosque
Google “Mosque” and see which masjid is closest to you.
Where to eat
- Yalla Habibi
- Ege
- Palestine Grill
- Mezze
Zermatt (The Matterhorn)
Zermatt is a cool little city that houses the infamous Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is the mountain you see in that Toblerone chocolate logo. Cars are not permitted in Zermatt and you can only drive so far before you need to hop on to a train that will take you into the village. The views are amazing and village is a fun place to explore and stay over for the night.
Things to see and o
Where to pray
There are no designated prayer areas or masjids in Zermatt. You can find a quiet corner and pray your prayer there.
Where to eat
There is only one halal restaurant in Zermatt by the name of Take it Döner. Other than that you can try vegeterian and seafood options.
Interlaken
Interlaken will leave you imagining how beautiful Jannah is if the eath we live in is so stunning. It has become one of my favorite cities and I would visit it over and over again in a heartbeat. The best part about my multiple trips to Interlaken was that I discovered a small little Masjid in the middle of Swiss Alps.
Things to do and see
Interlaken is a city where you don’t really have to do anything in specific to enjoy the scenery. The drive into the city is extremely beautiful. Stopover on the side by a river and dip your hands in crystal clear cold water. If you want the experience of witnessing absolute awe, then make sure to take the gondola up mount Jungfraujoch. Make sure you get the ticket to the peak also known as “Top of Europe”. The views are unimaginable.
Where to pray
I don’t think I have ever been happier to visit a Masjid more than I was when I visited Interlaken. I did not expect to find an actual Masjid in the area. It is a very tiny little place but it meant so much when I prostrated there. To find a masjid, in the middle of literally nowhere was so humbling. If you make the trip to Interlaken, make sure you visit Masjid Interlaken.
Where to eat
Interlaken has a few halal places to eat. The food isn’t amazing…but you can crave your meat craving if needed.
- Layaly
- Napoli
- Istanbul
How to get around
Switzerland is an expensive country so your most budget-friendly transportation options are trains and buses. Driving is also a good option because it will give you the freedom to stop at viewpoints and enjoy the scenery more thoroughly without being rushed. You can pick up the car from Geneva airport and drop it off at Zurich airport.
Muslim Friendliness and Safety
It was interesting to see that there are many Muslims tourists in Switzerland. Hijabs were a very common sight. I even came across Saudi flags in many areas. Switzerland is definitely a Muslim friendly destination for Muslims to visit. Criminal activity and petty crimes are rare. Take normal safety precautions.
Tips
- Switzerland is expensive. Super expensive. Keep this in mind before booking your flights and hotels.
- Instead of staying the night in Geneva, stay in one of the neighboring French cities. The hotels are significantly cheaper and you can literally walk across the border to enter into Switzerland
Fun Facts
- The mountain in the Toblerone chocolate is called The Matterhorn. It is located in Zermatt.
- Toblerone, Nestle, Lindt, and Sprungli all originate from Switzerland
- Muslims make up 5% of the Swiss population