Are you travelling to Switzerland soon and want to get something unique to take back home, such as some special souvenirs From Switzerland? Or a unique Swiss gift for your loved ones back home? Switzerland is known for its beautiful scenery, delicious chocolates, and high-quality watches and knives. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you may be wondering what souvenirs to bring back home. You’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the best Swiss souvenirs to consider:
Best Swiss Souvenirs From Switzerland
Here are some of the top souvenirs from Switzerland that you can buy for yourself, for loved ones and to take home with you from your travels:
1. Swiss chocolates
This is perhaps the most famous and popular souvenir from Switzerland. Swiss chocolate is known for its rich and creamy flavour, and there are many renowned chocolate makers in the country, including Lindt, Toblerone, and Ghirardelli. Chocolates in our opinion the best Swiss souvenirs!
Many cities even have a Chocolate museum to visit, where you can make your own chocolate bar and see the chocolate making process with a tour or self guided walk.
Chocolate Museum Tours
Zurich: Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket
Lucerne: Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience
Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva
2. Swiss army knife
The Swiss Army knife is a versatile tool that features a variety of blades and tools, making it useful for a wide range of tasks. These knives are made by Victorinox, a company based in the town of Ibach in Switzerland. The Swiss Army knife has become an iconic symbol of Swiss precision, utility, and craftsmanship. It is widely used by outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, campers, military personnel, and everyday users around the world.
It’s origins in the late 19th century when the Swiss Army decided to issue a standard knife to its soldiers. Karl Elsener, founder of Victorinox, developed the first version of the Swiss Army knife in 1891.
While Victorinox is the original manufacturer of Swiss Army knives and is renowned for its quality and craftsmanship, Wenger was another well-known Swiss company that produced Swiss Army knives until 2013 when it was acquired by Victorinox.
3. Swiss clock or watch
Swiss watches are renowned for their precision and quality, and there are many luxury watch brands based in Switzerland, such as Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. A Swiss watch makes a great souvenir or gift and something you can treasure for a long time.
Contributed by Josh Band of A Backpacker’s World:
There are a number ofreasonswhy Switzerland is expensive, but the main factor is because the quality of life is so high. This quality is reflected through Swiss watches.
Many of the most famous watch brands in the world are Swiss including Rolex.
I chose to buy a Rolex in Switzerland because it came with the special story of being bought in Switzerland and it was a reminder of my trip on my wrist.
You can buy in lots of different price ranges, but the extra benefit is that Rolex watches generally increase in value over time, so it’s not only a souvenir but also an investment.
4. Swiss music box
Music boxes are a popular souvenir from Switzerland, and many are made in the town of Sainte-Croix in the Jura Mountains. These music boxes feature intricate mechanisms and beautiful melodies, making them a unique and memorable gift.
5. Swiss chalet or mountain-themed decoration
A Swiss chalet is a type of wooden house or cottage with a sloping roof and large overhanging eaves, typically found in the Swiss Alps. It is known for its traditional and rustic design. A mountain-themed decoration could include items such as paintings, sculptures, or other decorative items that are inspired by the mountain landscape of Switzerland.
6. Swiss flag or pin
The flag of Switzerland is a square flag with a white cross on a red background. It is one of the oldest national flags in the world and is associated with the country’s neutrality and peaceful reputation. A Swiss flag pin is a small pin or brooch featuring the design of the Swiss flag, which can be worn as a symbol of pride or as a souvenir of a visit to Switzerland. Its great to have one of these to pin on your bag, coat or other piece of clothing!
7. Swiss cheese, such as fondue or raclette
Switzerland is known for its delicious cheeses, such as Emmental and Gruyère. These cheeses are often used in traditional Swiss dishes, such as fondue and raclette.
TIP: When in Switzerland, you should definitely try raclette! Raclette cheese is often melted and served over potatoes or other vegetables, or used in dishes such as fondue or croque monsieur.
Contributed by Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop:
During my trip through Switzerland, I fell in love with Swiss cheese, especially Gruyère. Its rich flavour and creamy texture reflect Switzerland’s long heritage of great cheesemaking.
Chosen as a unique souvenir, this cheese reflects the culinary heritage of Switzerland. Gruyère’s history dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in Swiss culture.As evidence of its handcrafted quality, I paid about 30 CHF for it during myautumn in Switzerlandtrip. This Gruyère wasn’t just a buy; it was a tangible piece of Switzerland’s history that showed how pristine the country’s nature is and how carefully the cheeses are made.
Cheese Tours In Switzerland
Geneva: Countryside Day Trip with Chocolate & Cheese Tasting
Appenzell: Appenzeller Demonstration Dairy Ticket & Tastings
Lucerne: History Walking Tour With Cheese Tastings
8. Swiss cowbell
A Swiss cowbell is a type of bell that is traditionally used to help locate cows that are grazing in the mountains in Switzerland. It is typically made of metal and has a distinctive sound that can be heard over long distances. Cowbells are often used in Switzerland as decorative items and souvenirs, and are sometimes used in traditional music and dance performances. As a gift, you will see many touristic shops and kiosks selling mini cowbells in the form of a keyring or decoration you can hang up. A fun but one of the noisiest best Swiss souvenirs!
9. Swiss teddy bear
A Swiss teddy bear is a stuffed animal that is designed to look like a teddy bear wearing traditional Swiss clothing, such as lederhosen or a dirndl. A Swiss teddy bear or stuffed animal might be purchased as a souvenir of a visit to Switzerland, or as a gift for someone who is interested in Swiss culture. It’s the perfect gift for those with young children to have a cute toy!
10. Swiss cookbook or recipe book
A Swiss cookbook or recipe book is a collection of recipes that are traditionally prepared in Switzerland, or that are inspired by Swiss cuisine. Swiss cuisine is known for its variety and includes dishes such as fondue, raclette, and rösti, as well as a range of pastries and desserts. A Swiss cookbook or recipe book is a lovely gift and souvenir for someone who is interested in learning more about Swiss cooking or who wants to recreate traditional Swiss dishes at home.
11. St Bernard Plush
I’ve only visited Switzerland once (so far!) and spent that time in Lauterbrunnen with a trip to the top of Jungfraujoch. While there I bought myself an adorable plush St Bernard, since I occasionally collect stuffed animals on my travels that relate to the country I’m visiting.
I chose a St Bernard for Switzerland because the breed originated from the Western Alps of Switzerland and Italy, although they’re mostly associated with Switzerland. They were bred by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass to rescue people on the mountains and to this day are known as mountainous rescue dogs – although they never really had barrels of alcohol on their collars!
I can’t actually remember how much I paid for my little guy, although he wasn’t expensive.
Contributed by Kristy of Tassie Devil Abroad
12. Swiss tea or coffee
Swiss tea is typically made from a variety of herbs and plants, and is often served hot or iced. Swiss coffee is a type of coffee that is made using a specific brewing method, which involves boiling water and coffee grounds together in a pot or kettle. The perfect souvenir for someone who enjoys a hot drink every day!
A popular Swiss drink that can be drunk warm is Ovaltine. This is a malted milk hot drink often enjoyed with milk or hot water, providing a rich and chocolatey flavour.
13. Local COld Swiss Drinks
Following on from the tea and coffee, there are other local Swiss drinks that you can consider buying as your souvenirs from Switzerland.
Switzerland does have a variety of local and craft beers, including lagers, ales, and wheat beers, produced by numerous breweries across the country. We are personally not beer drinkers, but if you search and ask in local restaurants, they’ll definitely be able to give you a few suggestions!
A popular cold Swiss drink that we know of is Rivella, a soft drink made from milk whey.
In Lugano where I am based, we also have Gazzosa, which is made with lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water traditionally. It’s a bit like lemonade (Sprite/7UP) and you can also get it in different flavours!
14. Kambly biscuits
Biscuits are always a good idea, especially if you are British like me and want to take home some new treats.
Dating back to 1910, the Kambly company was founded by a family living in the Bern canton of Switzerland. They have a few famous biscuit which including Bretzeli and Caramels à la Crème d’Emmental.
They have numerous designs, with different combinations of nuts and chocolate, as well as vegan options!
15. Jakob’s Basler Leckerly biscuits
Following on with the Swiss Biscuits, here are more next in the souvenir list!
We love finding original and historic businesses that are unique to an area when we travel, especially when those businesses involve food!
One of Switzerland’s oldest businesses bakes the country’s beloved sweet treats known as leckerli, and you can visit this historic shop in Basel. The German läckerli biscuit was introduced to Basel in 1753 and instantly became one of the city’s favorite snacks.
Today, visitors can tasteBasler Leckerli at Jakob’s Basler Leckerlyin Basel’s Old Town. It’s the oldest operational business in Basel, and one of the oldest surviving companies in Switzerland that is still going strong. Take a short tour and learn the history of this delicious honey treat and leave extra room in your suitcase to take some biscuits home in their fun and interactive tins.
Contritbuted by Lori Sorrentino from Travelin Mad
16. Swiss alpenhorn
The Swiss alpenhorn is a long, wooden wind instrument that is played by blowing into one end and cupping the other end with the hands. It is native to the Swiss Alps and is often used to signal the start of a race or as a musical instrument in folk music. You can get small versions as gifts to take home!
17. Swiss hiking or outdoor gear
Swiss hiking or outdoor gear refers to equipment and clothing that is designed for use in outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping. This may include items such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and waterproof jackets.
Check our Switzerland hiking suggestion posts here!
18. Boccalino Jug (Specifically from Ticino)
One unique suvenier from the Ticino canton specifically is a Boccalino. It is an Italian word that translates to “pitcher” or “jug” in English.
In Italian cuisine and culture, it typically refers to a type of pitcher or jug used for serving beverages like wine, water, or other drinks. The jug can vary in size and material, ranging from traditional ceramic or pottery to glass or metal designs. It’s a common item found in Italian households and restaurants, often used for communal dining or during social gatherings – even my neighbour has one!
19. Swiss snow globe or ornament
A Swiss snow globe is a decorative object that contains a miniature scene inside a glass or plastic dome. The dome is filled with liquid and often contains flakes or glitter that simulate snow. When the globe is shaken, the flakes or glitter move around inside the dome, creating a snowy effect. Swiss snow globes are often made in the shape of Swiss landmarks or scenes, and are popular as souvenirs or decorations.
These are a pretty souvenir to have home, perfect for the snowy winter period as a decoration or to show off in your home all year round.
20. Self Made 3D-Printed Decorations from Etsy
For our final suggestion, we want to share with you our fully self designed and 3D printed decorations for you to buy and hang up in your home. What started as a Christmas decoration for your tree, can also be hung up in a window, with your photos, on a pin board and from a fridge!
Full list to our Etsy shop can be found here!
Summary Souvenirs from Switzerland
Overall, there are many great souvenirs to choose from when visiting Switzerland. Whether you’re looking for delicious chocolate, a practical Swiss Army knife, or a beautiful music box, there’s something for everyone. We hope this list of 20 top souvenirs and gifts guide you with what you may want to buy while visiting Switzerland!
60 Shares
← Previous Post
Next Post →
