Map of Switzerland – A Small Country With Rich Traditions

The Map of Switzerland below shows the geographical location of our country with respect to the neighbouring countries. It is a landlocked country surrounded by nations belonging to the European Union. Our neighbours to the North are Germany, to the East Austria and Liechtenstein, to the South and Southwest Italy and to the West and Northwest France.

Switzerland has an area of 41,290sq km (15,942 sq mi), extending 220 km (137 mi) N-S and 348 km (216 mi) E-W. Compared to other countries, the area is slightly less than twice the size of the state of New Jersey and California is almost 10 times bigger.

Map of Switzerland


This detailed Map of Switzerland gives you an idea of the layout of our beautiful country – where to encounter main cities, lakes, the Alps, etc.

If you require larger maps, you can get them easily everywhere. Just about all the small shops, called "Kiosk" sell you a Map of Switzerland as well as maps from each Canton or region. Depending which area you are visiting, you can also buy maps for hiking or skiing in the mountains. In larger towns, bookstores will stock them too.

Switzerland is a multi-cultural country with four official languages. They are German, French, Italian and Rumantsch. The Swiss German is a challenge for foreign nationals moving here, because it has many different dialects. Only a minority of the Swiss population speaks Rumantsch, a language used only in the Eastern Canton of Grison. This Swiss map below shows you the boundaries of the various official Swiss languages.

Switzerland is a multi-cultural country with four official languages. They are German, French, Italian and Rumantsch. The Swiss German is a challenge for foreign nationals moving here, because it has many different dialects. Only a minority of the Swiss population speaks Rumantsch, a language used only in the Eastern Canton of Grison. This Swiss map below shows you the boundaries of the various official Swiss languages.

Languages of Switzerland

• German (64%, yellow)
• French (19%, purple)
• Italian (8%, green)
• Romansh (less than 1%, red)

Map of Switzerland – The Northern Part

The northern part of Switzerland is the most populated, especially around Zurich and Basel with its suburbs. Green rolling hills dominate the landscape with many villages and small town.

Various manufacturing industries like dyes and pharmaceutical, machinery and environmental technology are located in Basel, Aargau and Zurich areas.

Map of Switzerland – The Western Part

The people living in west Switzerland are French speaking. It includes the Cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchatel, Jura and Fribourg. It stretches from the Jura Mountains in the north almost in a strait line to the Valais.

Around picturesque Lake Geneva, you will encounter excellent gourmet restaurants. Situated directly on the lake are the cities Geneva and Lausanne… a wine-producing region … Fendant, Dole, Goron, Beaujolais.

The Romandie as we Swiss call the French speaking part of Switzerland has a few other beautiful lakes… Lac de Neuchatel …Lac de Morat… Lac de Bienne and Lac de Joux. The watch and jewellery industry is based mostly in the Jury Mountains.

Map of Switzerland – The Southern Part

The bilingual Canton of Valais (French & German) and the Italian speaking Ticino make up the southern part of Switzerland. The Ticino has a Mediterranean climate with palms growing like you could think you are in Majorca.

The Valais too is sacred with lots of sun but drier than the Ticino. Both Cantons possess vast wine growing, fruits and vegetable areas and high above them the towering Alps. Many of the top ski resorts are located in the Valais area that offers excellent facilities to enjoy any type of sports.

Map of Switzerland – The Eastern Part

The Eastern part of Switzerland is foremost the Canton of Grisons. The Thurgau, St. Gallen and both Appenzell cantons are located to the Northeast. Those Cantons are relatively hilly and border to Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein.

In contrast Grisons, the biggest Swiss canton is surrounded by the Alps. I am sure you have heard of the world famous high-end ski resort of St. Moritz and Davos where the WEF (World Economic Forum) is held. The Engadin is regarded as one of the sunniest regions in all of Switzerland.

Map of Switzerland – The Central Part

Central Switzerland has a number of rather tiny cantons, like Zug, Lucerne, Schwyz, Uri to name a few. Only Bern with its capital of the same name is larger.

When you drive through central Switzerland, you will notice all the green, well-preserved fields. Here, farming is still an important side occupation for many. It is a perfect place where you can discover many century old traditions that people maintained until today.

If you found this page helpful, then please have a look at the following…

Weather in Switzerland – Like everywhere else, the weather in Switzerland is a subject of constant discussion.

Switzerland Attractions – Discover some of the lovely attractions for the high-end traveler.

Return from Map of Switzerland to High End Travel Switzerland Home Page