13 Snow-Capped Books About Switzerland

Looking for books set in Switzerland to read before going? Discover 13 books about Switzerland to spark your Swiss wanderlust.

Heading to Switzerland, I could not wait to see those white snow-capped mountains next to vibrant blue lakes. Rumors of the expensive country did not detour us; we craved fresh mountain air, gorgeous vistas, and Swiss wine.

Sadly, cheese and chocolate are not for us, and as you know from my Instagramming, I don’t wear watches. But lactose-intolerance be danged, we still had a foodie good time with the MEATS. I didn’t see many Swiss cows, but I sure as heck ate them.

Before we headed over to Europe, I asked other readers what books we should read before visiting Switzerland. What are the best books about Switzerland? Which books set in Switzerland will enhance our travels?

Einstein’s Dreams helped better educate me about science theories before touring Einstein’s Bern residence. This beautiful Switzerland-based novel reminded me of his mind-blowing revelations exemplified by Lightman in everyday life depictions.

And like Mark Twain’s A Tramp Abroad, I had to see the Lion Monument in Lucerne. I truly hate hurt or dying animal stories so this statue made me miss my kitties.

Twain’s tales from A Tramp Abroad gave me greater respect for those gorgeous Alps. And, like Twain, I people-watched and wondered what brought these gaggles of tourists to Switzerland in February. One word: Carnival.

Below, discover even more books about Switzerland that inspired our Swiss vacation. We also asked some of our favorite bookworms and bloggers to share the best books set in Switzerland that they recommend for our readers. Let’s get started!

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Contemporary Books About Switzerland

Her Husband’s Secrets by Louise Mangos

Psychological Thriller
Published in June 2019

CW: Domestic Abuse

Known previously as The Art of Deception, Her Husband’s Secrets by Louise Mangos is one of the best contemporary books about Switzerland, especially if you are interested in reading about international prison systems.

If you loved Orange Is The New Black, you’ll eat up this Switzerland novel, which is both a thriller and a slight mystery.

Lucie is on her way to the Greek islands when she meets Matt, a sexy ski instructor. Young and blinded by love, Lucie goes all in for Matt–even though the community warns her that he has a troubled past.

You know that something has gone very wrong for Lucie since the novel starts out with her sitting in a Swiss jail and Matt dead. How did this happen? Is Lucie innocent?

Author Lousie Mangos grew up in the UK but has spent half of her life residing in the Swiss Alps. Amazon | Goodreads

Save Our Switzerland Reading List For Later

Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum

Psychological Fiction | Women’s Fiction
April 2015

Swiss book recommendation from regular TUL contributor, Hayley of Backpacking Bookworm

In Essbaum’s Hausfrau, American ex-pat Anna Benz lives with her husband and three children in an affluent suburb in Zurich. Her life might look perfect from the outside, but Anna is struggling to adapt to the Swiss way of life.

Anna seeks solace in the arms of other men, initiating brief sexual affairs as a coping mechanism. But, her system fails when an unimaginable tragedy occurs leaving Anna more alone than ever.

She must face her mistakes head-on, and there’s only one way she can do it. If you are looking for an intense book set in Switzerland, Hausfrau is for you. Amazon | Goodreads

The Finishing School by Joanna Goodman

Contemporary Women’s Fiction
April 2017

Submission from regular TUL contributor and bookstagrammer, Jennia.

Twenty years ago, Kersti’s best friend and roommate, Cressida, fell from a fourth-story balcony at their prestigious Swiss boarding school.

The event has been confined to the back of Kersti’s mind, lurking like a sleeping bear waiting to be disturbed, until she receives a startling letter from another of her former school friends.

The letter serves as a catalyst, igniting Kersti’s obsession with unraveling the most minute of details in a desperate attempt to unearth what really happened to Cressida.

Kersti’s amateur sleuthing exhumes layers of secrets that have been hidden for decades by students and teachers alike, each revelation chipping away at the polished veneer of the exclusive school.

Those hoping to be regaled with bucolic Swiss imagery in The Finishing School will be disappointed since the setting merely serves as a barely sketched in background.

However, the story sells itself thanks to Kersti’s admirable, unrelenting search for the truth and the plentiful, though often unsettling, bombshells. Amazon | Goodreads

Older Literary Fiction Set In Switzerland

Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman

Literary Fiction
Published in 1992

You cannot head to Switzerland without thinking about Einstein. Einstein’s Dreams is a book about Switzerland that walks you through Einstein’s greatest theories in the backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

With scenes from Lucerne and Berne (or Bern), Lightman imbues time, relativity, and physics with human qualities. Through everyday actions, we watch Einstein’s theories come to life. Einstein and Besso even make appearances in the interludes.

Imagine a world with no future, or instead, a world that moves in an endless circular nature. What if we only had the present or no past? How would we live?

Slightly obscure but beautifully written, you can finish Einstein’s Dreams in a few short hours. My tattered library copy proudly wore its age with a due date slip still intact. Amazon | Goodreads

Explore even more of Europe with the Best Books Set In Spain.

And Both Were Young by Madeleine L’Engle

Classic Fiction
Published in 1949

Submission from Mel, who loves backpacking in Europe, from the travel blog, TravelingMel

And Both Were Young is a sweet and fun read about an American girl, Flip, who attends a boarding school in Switzerland in 1949. Initially, Flip doesn’t fit in and desperately misses her father.

I read this Switzerland-based novel while gazing out at the snowy Jung Frau and Eiger peaks, which made it even easier to picture the Swiss landscape.

Through cross-country skiing and falling for a French boy–who lost his memory due to wartime trauma–Flip comes into her own. She heals both physically and spiritually.

As an avid Nordic skier and mountain lover, I am thrilled with stories that highlight the joy, beauty, and redemption offered by both. Amazon | Goodreads

The Best Classic Books About Switzerland

A Tramp Abroad by Mark Twain

Autobiographical Fiction & Travelogue Classic
Published in 1880

Another classic book set in Switzerland, Mark Twain’s A Tramp Abroad is a famous and hilarious travelogue. Twain ‘tramps’ across eastern and southern Europe to countries like Switzerland, Germany, and France.

A Tramp Abroad is both fictional and autobiographical. Overall, you’ll find Twain’s tone quite comical and observant. In Switzerland, Twain hikes the Swiss Alps and shares his time in Lucerne and Interlaken.

Twain is a brilliant and judgmental people-watcher. He puts a spin on what he sees and human nature. There might be some tall tales…

Tourists and their funny actions are his favorite subjects. You also gain an appreciation and respect for the treacherous mountains since Twain loves sharing stories of travelers’ untimely demises. Amazon | Goodreads

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

Children’s Classics
Published in 1880

Submission from frequent TUL book list contributor, Rachael of Booklist Queen

When you think about books set in Switzerland, the children’s classic Heidi is the first book to come to mind.

Set in the picturesque Alps, Johanna Spyri’s idolized version of pastoral life tells of a little orphan girl sent to live with her grandfather high up in the mountains. Heidi quickly wins her grandfather’s heart and becomes a favorite among the villagers.

Later, Heidi convinces her invalid friend Clara to move to the mountains, and the fresh mountain air eventually restores her health.

Heidi is a sweet little tale that will get you in the perfect mood for a relaxing trip in the Swiss Alps. Amazon | Goodreads

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

Classic Fiction | Adventure Fiction
Published in 1812

If you are looking for classic books with Swiss characters, you of course already know about The Swiss Family Robinson, which isn’t just a ride at Disney World.

Although technically not a book set in Switzerland with the climate being a bit more tropical, you’ll love this adventurous and optimistic Swiss family.

A Swiss pastor, his wife, and their four children land shipwrecked on a deserted island. Surviving off of the land, they build a treehouse and fight for survival in both a beautiful and deadly exotic new world.

Watch as their faith and bravery are tested as they recreate their own little life. Amazon | Goodreads

Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

Classic Literature
Published in 1818

Did you know that most of Shelley’s Frankenstein takes place in Geneva, Switzerland? We flew in and out of Geneva, home to Frankenstein himself.

One of the best classic horror books of all time, watch as an effort to cheat death goes completely awry. Imagine a grotesque and tragic science experiment that becomes out of control.

When Victor creates a Creature that he can no longer handle or contain, he decides to abandon him. The lonely Creature learns to take on true human capabilities but is consistently shunned from society. Ultimately, the Creature decides to take revenge on his maker and tormentors.

For books set in Switzerland, I wouldn’t miss Frankenstein. Amazon | Goodreads

Nonfiction Books About Switzerland

The White Spider by Heinrich Harrer

Biography | Climbing & Mountaineering
December 2004

Submission from Dagney of the dark tourism travel blog, Cultura Obscura

The North Face of Eiger Mountain in Switzerland is considered one of the most dangerous ascents in mountaineering.

In 1938, Heinrich Harrer was part of the team that made the first successful ascent of the North Face route. It took them three days. Before their ascent, two teams had attempted and tragedy had befallen them. 

The White Spider is an account of both Harrer’s team’s own achievement, as well as those who came both before and after – some who made it, and others who did not. 

The White Spider is the perfect book set in Switzerland for those who love non-fiction adventure books. Amazon | Goodreads

Swiss Watching by Diccon Bewes

Nonfiction Switzerland Travel Guides
September 2018

One of the books about Switzerland that everyone recommended we read is Swiss Watching by Diccon Bewes. On my TBR list, Bewes talks about what makes Switzerland so unique and misunderstood.

As my husband and I road-tripped around the country, we quickly learned about the multiple languages and cultures that shape different parts of the country. It’s pretty amazing.

You clearly feel the shift from French-speaking Switzerland into German-speaking territory. We did not make it down to the more Italian side.

Bewes smashes Swiss stereotypes and points out that there is so much more to this landlocked but tiny and special country.

After reading some pretty terrible travel blog posts about ‘what to do in Switzerland’ that were all: eat fondue, try the cheese and chocolate, and buy a watch, I need Swiss Watching in my life for the culture alone. Amazon | Goodreads

A Few More Books Set In Switzerland On Our TBR List

Hotel Du Lac by Anita Brookner

Literary Satire Fiction
Published in 1984

Edith Hope is a romance novelist whose life starts to look like her own plots. She flees to Switzerland for some TLC where instead of finding relaxation is met with a little more humorous romance situation. Amazon | Goodreads

Bloomability by Sharon Creech

Children’s Fiction
Published in 1998

Dinnie is used to moving around from state to state. However, this time, her aunt and uncle take her away to a private international school in Lugano, Switzerland. As if school isn’t hard enough, Dinnie must adjust to the different environment, culture, and languages. Amazon | Goodreads

Save These Switzerland-Based Books For Later

Which Books Will You Read Before Traveling To Switzerland?

Are you headed to Switzerland? Which of these books set in or about Switzerland are most appealing to you? Which Swiss books should we add to our TBR list in the future?

Do you like reading classics or more contemporary novels set in a destination? Let us know in the comments.

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