Fodor's Essential Switzerland (Full-color Travel Guide Book 1)

I used this book, as well as info available on the Internet, to plan a successful trip to Switzerland several years ago. This book provides a very good overview of the diverse aspects of this beautiful country. In addition, there is much in this book useful to visitors. Plus, the photos give a preview of the stunning scenery. My only caution/advice is that travelers should do their own research into hotels and lodging to find the right fit with their needs. There is a wealth of info on line, and it is worth the time and effort to do this research.

Frankly, I purchased this book because I thought an ebook version of Rick Steves guide was not available (I was mistaken). I am now in Switzerland trying to use the guide. I find it hard to navigate (might be true of all ebook travel guides) but of more concern to me is the lack of practical information. For example, in Zermatt there are three ways to get to a "Matterhorn view". The Fodor's mentioned them but provides no details - how much does it cost? where is the station? how long is the trip? and the guide only suggests a couple of restaurants, one of which is closed for remodeling until Dec 2015. As far as what do you do in this town when the weather is bad and the mountain isn't out, they are silent on that subject. Unless of course you want to go sit in a bar and drink.And I don't think the guide adequately addresses things like train ticket options -- such as the purchase of a Swiss rail pass which can be a very good choice for many tourists.There is always a possibility that some of the information I was seeking is somewhere in this guide and I couldn't find it, but I don't think so.I also purchased the Fodor's guide to England for this trip and had similar experience with it. Superficial at best and lacking in the practical details so important when you are traveling on your own.

I mainly bought Fodor's Switzerland travel guide for the section on Geneva. The Rick Steves' Switzerland travel guide is excellent and has better coverage on using Switzerland's excellent rail system, but Rick Steves doesn't have any information on Geneva.The Fodor's travel guide does not have an index, which I found very annoying. It also has limited information about the Swiss rail system, and it seems to be geared toward more expensive hotels, restaurants, etc. than the Rick Steves guide.

Good info. Nice photos. Good recommendations. We have used Fodor's to help us in Europe in the past. The most complete books that we have found. They could add a few more lodging options, but I suppose that's why we have the Internet.

I start with Rick Steves for most trips, but turn to Fodor’s for an alternative POV and details on areas Rick does not cover.

Rick Steves does not cover everything in Switzerland so Fodor’s is a good companion book if you are branching out from Stevesland.

It's more than a travel guide book. A real insight of Switzerland on top of all of the travel tips. A gem to keep.

There is so much valuable info in this book. I read a little each day while preparing for my trip. I’m taking it with me as I travel to make sure I’ll get to see as many highlights as I can

Of the eight or more current guides to Switzerland, Fodor's is among the reasonably wide-ranging. All such books reflect the preferences of the writer; Fodor's caters to a commendably wide range of readers' interests and needs (though it omits La Chaux-de-Fonds, with Le Corbusier's houses, and the watch museum and the medieval gem of St-Ursanne) and has the added bonus of attractive presentation, images and useful maps. Ideally, it pays to consult as many guides as possible, as one item found in only one book can lead to the discovery of an amazing but little-publicised attraction, like the 'cauldrons' close to Cavaglia station near Poschiavo (mentioned in the Eyewitness guide). Perhaps the two guides, which come closest to being fully comprehensive, are the Rough Guide and Switzerland Without a Car, the latter by no means only for railway enthusiasts.

Acostumado com Lonelu planet, fiquei um pouco frustrado com o Fodor's. Os locais e atrações indicados são mais óbvios do que esperaria, a organização das informações também não faz o guia especialmente fácil de consultar.O texto tem uma estilo bem antigo, com aqueles adjetivos superlativos. Hoje em dia a expectativa é de guias mais modernos, com uma linguagem mais próxima e com indicações de quem conhece a fundo o lugar e, portanto, conseguem aprofundar além do óbvio.

Easy read and full of helpful tips. I like the way it divided up all the regions of Switzerland. I always trust Fodors when I travel abroad.

On time and as advertised

No wear or dog ears. Not as easy to use as Rick Steves guides.