Vegan & Vegetarian in Switzerland: What to Expect
Switzerland is often associated with cheese, chocolate, and hearty Alpine cuisine, but traveling there as a vegetarian or vegan is much easier than many people expect. After spending time exploring the country, here are a few things I learned that made eating plant-based much easier.
Switzerland Is More Vegetarian-Friendly Than You Might Expect
I was pleasantly surprised by how many vegetarian options I found, even in smaller towns. Most restaurants offered at least one vegetarian dish, especially in cities and popular tourist destinations. Vegan options are becoming increasingly common as well, particularly in larger cities.
Grocery Stores Are Your Best Friend
The plant-based selection in Swiss grocery stores is honestly better than many people expect. I had no trouble finding oat milk, vegan yogurt, protein bars, and just about anything else I needed.
Migros and Coop both have excellent vegetarian and vegan selections, including:
- Ready-made meals
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Plant-based snacks
- Dairy alternatives
These were perfect for picking up lunch before heading out on a hike or long train ride.
Don't Assume a Dish Is Vegetarian
Traditional Swiss dishes aren't always as meat-free as they seem.
For example:
- Rösti may be cooked with bacon.
- Vegetable soups are sometimes made with meat stock or broth.
- Some cheeses contain animal rennet.
When ordering, I always made a point to ask and double-check the ingredients.
Helpful Menu Words to Know
Learning a few German phrases made dining much easier.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Vegetarisch | Vegetarian |
| Vegan | Vegan |
| Kein Fleisch und kein Fisch | No meat or fish |
| Keine Fleischbrühe | No meat broth |
| Kein Schmalz | No lard or animal fat |
| Keine Milch | No milk |
| Keine Eier | No eggs |
| Keine Butter | No butter |
Mountain Restaurants Have Limited Options
Once you're high in the Alps, menus tend to become much smaller. I could usually find something vegetarian, but vegan choices were often very limited.
If you're vegan—or simply want more flexibility—it's worth packing a few snacks before heading into the mountains.
Bring Snacks on Travel Days
Train stations usually have decent food options, but once you're deep in the mountains, restaurants can be spread out or closed between meal times.
I always kept an extra granola bar or sandwich in my backpack, and it ended up being a lifesaver more than once.
Swiss Cities Have Amazing Vegan Food
If you're spending time in Switzerland's larger cities, you're in luck.
Cities like:
- Zurich
- Geneva
- Basel
- Lausanne
all have fantastic vegan cafés and restaurants with plenty of creative plant-based options.
One of my favorite spots was tibits, a popular vegetarian buffet restaurant that's definitely worth checking out if you have the chance.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Switzerland as a vegetarian or vegan was much easier than I expected. With well-stocked grocery stores, plenty of vegetarian restaurant options, and a little planning for mountain excursions, eating plant-based throughout the country was surprisingly simple. Pack a few snacks for Alpine adventures, learn a handful of helpful phrases, and you'll be well prepared to enjoy everything Switzerland has to offer.