Experience the Best of Swiss Summer with All-Inclusive Guest Card
Updated: Oct 4
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Other Guest Cards
Other All-Inclusive Guest Cards in Switzerland
Are you dreaming of a perfect summer getaway in Switzerland, where many aspects of your trip are taken care of? Look no further than Switzerland's all-inclusive summer travel cards! These cards offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the breathtaking Swiss Alps, charming villages, and stunning landscapes without worrying about transportation or activity costs. In this article, we'll delve into three of our favorite all-inclusive summer guest cards: the Upper Engadine Card, Arosa Card, and Carte Bienvenue (Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets).
If you are using short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb, make sure you inquire about the availability of these all-inclusive cards before you book. In some regions, short-term rentals do not qualify or only qualify under certain circumstances.
Timeframe: Valid from 1 May to 31 October 2024.
How to Get It: Simply book a minimum of 2 nights in any participating hotel and inquire about the Upper Engadine Card.
Highlights: Enjoy complimentary rides on amazing cable cars like the Funicular Railway Muottas Muragl and the Aerial cable car to Corviglia and Piz Nair. Public transport included.
Why Stay There: The Upper Engadine Card is the best of all-inclusive experiences, granting access to spectacular mountain railways that lead to unforgettable hikes and panoramic views of the Engadine Valley. Whether you prefer the vibrant ambiance of St. Moritz or the small-town charm of Pontresina, Silvaplana, or Celerina, this card ensures a Swiss-style stay filled with adventure and relaxation. Learn more here about the upper Engadine card. During our last visit to the Engadine Valley, we stayed at Conrad's Mountain Lodge in Silvaplana, which I highly recommend.
What to do: Explore our recommended short trip to Engadine on days 4 and 5 of this article.
Timeframe: Valid from 8 June to 20 October 2024.
How to Get It: Just spend one night in an Arosa hotel, holiday apartment, or campsite, and you'll receive the Arosa Card at the reception.
Highlights: Take advantage of the cable car ride up to Weisshorn and enjoy reduced entrance fees for attractions like the bear sanctuary, boat rentals on the Obersee, and convenient public transport access.
Why Stay There: Arosa is tailor-made for a delightful summer weekend escapade. With the Arosa Card in hand, you can explore scenic trails, engage in water activities, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while relishing the comfort and affordability of your accommodation. Here is a summary of our favourite Arosa stay.
What to do: Discover more activities and insights in our article about Arosa.
Timeframe: Specific summer dates for 2024 are yet to be announced but are likely to be from July to October.
How to Get It: Stay in any affiliated accommodation in Ollon, Gryon, or Ormonts-Dessus (Les Diablerets) which contribute to the tourist tax.
Highlights: Enjoy a cable car journey up to Roc d'Orsay and convenient public transport options to explore the region.
Why Stay There: Opt for accommodation in Villars Sur Ollon for breathtaking views of the valley and a chance to glimpse the majestic Mont Blanc. The Carte Bienvenue is given to you when you stay in an accommodation in the communes of Ollon, Gryon, and Ormonts-Dessus (Les Diablerets) that are affiliated with and contribute to the tourist tax in 2023, excluding Airbnb accommodations. Learn more about Carte Bienvenue here.
Timeframe: The Saastal Card is available during the summer season, typically from early June to late October, depending on the specific opening times of cable cars and attractions.
How to Get It: The Saastal Card is automatically provided to guests who stay in partner hotels, holiday apartments, or campsites in the Saas Valley (including Saas-Fee and Saas-Grund). There’s no need to purchase the card separately, as it’s included in the accommodation fee.
Highlights:
Unlimited use of mountain cable cars in the Saas Valley, offering easy access to stunning alpine views.
Free rides on local public transport, connecting you to different villages in the valley.
Discounts on a variety of activities, including guided hikes, biking tours, and museum visits.
Why stay here: Saas Valley is known for its spectacular mountain scenery, with a wide range of outdoor activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind in nature. The area is also car-free, making it a peaceful, relaxing retreat.
What to do: Enjoy scenic hikes, mountain biking, or take a ride on the famous cable cars for breathtaking views of the Alps. For a cultural experience, visit local museums or join guided tours to learn about the region’s rich history and traditions.
Timeframe: The Bernese Oberland Pass is available from early May to late October, covering the summer and autumn seasons when the region’s attractions are open.
How to Get It: You can purchase the Bernese Oberland Pass online, at local train stations, or from tourist offices in the Bernese Oberland region. Various pass durations are available, ranging from 3 to 10 days, allowing flexibility based on your travel plans.
Highlights:
Unlimited travel on public transportation, including trains, buses, boats, and select mountain railways across the entire Bernese Oberland region.
Access to popular destinations like Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
Discounts on mountain excursions, such as trips to the Schilthorn, Niesen, and Stockhorn.
Why stay here: The Bernese Oberland is one of Switzerland's most iconic regions, known for its majestic mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and charming alpine villages. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps with ease.
What to do: Take scenic train rides through the Alps, enjoy boat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and visit picturesque villages like Wengen and Mürren. Adventure lovers can hike, paraglide, or take cable cars to famous peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Important: The Berner Oberland Pass will undergo a few key changes in 2025 compared to this year:
Free Coverage of the Schilthorn: Starting in 2025, the ride to the Schilthorn, previously partially covered, will now be fully included in the pass.
GoldenPass Route: The GoldenPass Express route between Montreux and Zweisimmen will also be fully covered next year, a great addition for travelers wishing to explore this scenic journey without additional cost.
Reduced Coverage on Key Mountain Routes: Unfortunately, some routes that were fully covered in 2024 will only be partially covered in 2025. Key examples include:
50% discount on routes such as the Schynige Platte, Harder Kulm, and Grindelwald First.
25% discount on routes like Wengen–Kleine Scheidegg, Eiger Express, and Jungfraujoch.
Other All-Inclusive Guest Cards in Switzerland
In addition to the Upper Engadine Card, Arosa Card, and Carte Bienvenue, Switzerland offers a range of other all-inclusive travel cards. Here are some honorable mentions:
Davos Klosters Premium Card
Timeframe: Available during the summer season.
Website: Davos Klosters Premium Card
Highlights: Free use of mountain railways, discounted or free admission to numerous leisure facilities, and complimentary public transport within the Davos Klosters region.
Appenzeller Holiday Card
Timeframe: Summer season.
Website: Appenzeller Holiday Card
Highlights: Unlimited travel on public transport in Appenzell, including mountain railways and cable cars, along with free admission to museums and discounts on cultural events.
Ticino Ticket
Timeframe: Throughout the year.
Website: Ticino Ticket
Highlights: Free use of public transport throughout the Ticino region, including boats on the lakes, buses, and trains, allowing easy exploration of this Italian-speaking Swiss canton.
Interlaken Guest Card
Timeframe: Available during the summer months.
Website: Interlaken Guest Card
Highlights: Free travel on local buses and trains in the Interlaken area, as well as discounts on various attractions and activities.
Scuol Guest Card
Timeframe: Summer season.
Website: Scuol Guest Card
Highlights: Free use of public transport in the Lower Engadine region, including the Scuol-Motta Naluns mountain railway, and discounts on wellness facilities and local attractions.
Tell Pass
Timeframe: Available for varying durations (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days).
Website: Tell Pass
Highlights: Free travel on trains, buses, boats, and some mountain railways in Central Switzerland, covering iconic locations such as Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, and Lake Lucerne cruises.
Kandersteg Guest Card
Timeframe: Generally valid during the summer months.
Website: Kandersteg Guest Card
Highlights: Free access to local buses, discounted rates for cable cars and mountain railways, and various benefits in Kandersteg and its surrounding areas.
These additional all-inclusive travel cards offer a wealth of benefits, from free transport to discounts on attractions, making them perfect companions for an unforgettable Swiss holiday. Each card is tailored to enhance your experience in specific regions, allowing you to immerse yourself in Switzerland's diverse landscapes, cultural treasures, and outdoor adventures with ease and convenience.
