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Are you looking for books to read before heading off to Switzerland? 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 detract us as we craved fresh mountain air, gorgeous vistas, and 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 damned, we still had a foodie good time with the MEATS. I didn’t see many Swiss cows, but I sure as heck ate them.
Why Read Books About Switzerland?
Before we headed over to Europe, I asked others what books we should read before visiting Switzerland.
Einstein’s Dreams helped better educate me about science theories before touring Einstein’s Bern residence. The beautiful novel reminded me of his mind-blowing revelations exemplified by Lightman in everyday life depictions.
And like Mark Twain, 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 books set in Switzerland that they recommend for our readers.
Let’s get started!
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
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
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
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.
More Reading Lists You May Enjoy:
Beautiful Icelandic Novels To Read Before You Go
Baltic Books Perfect For History Lovers
Must-Read Books Set In Italy
Oh goodness! I read this post in high interest, because we moved to Switzerland about eighteen months ago and I haven’t had much luck finding books by Swiss authors or set in Switzerland. You’ve definitely found more books than I did–and thank you!–but what this list drives home to me more than anything is that there really needs to be more authors in Switzerland writing about Switzerland! My hypothesis for the dearth is the difficulty in finding a local market sizeable enough when one country with a relatively small population has so many native languages. And perhaps the publishing industry figures you need a large enough local market before you can even think about a global market? Alas.
Have a wonderful trip to Switzerland! If you make it down to Lausanne way or nearby (where I’m based), let me know if you need any local tips or want a buddy for coffee one morning!
How is it living in Switzerland?
I completely agree about the Swiss authors. When I wrote my Iceland book list, I had way more native Icelanders with translated works. For books set in Switzerland, this list relies heavily on travelers and/or authors who live there part-time but weren’t born there. If you find any, please let me know.
Granted, I am so grateful for any diverse books set around the world written by anyone, but yes, I wonder if the diverse languages play into the publishing market there!? I didn’t realize how diverse it was until we started driving around and watched the languages change on road signs.
I actually walked into a bookstore looking for Swiss authors translated into English but didn’t see any at this particular store (granted it was in Thun). In Estonia, this is how I grabbed more local and authentic Baltic lit that I couldn’t get at my library or even online.
We actually just returned from Switzerland–thanks! We did go to Lausanne! We dropped in on our way from Geneva to Interlaken. What a gorgeous little city. We parked near the historic courthouse (I think it was the courthouse), and the views of the lake blew me away. It was a pretty day so people were sitting on the grass having picnics. We dipped into the old Cathedral and had Pho for lunch. I am so bummed to have missed you.
After that, it snowed like crazy for a few days, but at least we saw Carnival in both Bern and Lucerne. Loved it!
Fab list, definitely eager to read Her Husband’s Secrets and The Finishing School, both sound right up mu alley. Hope you had incredible trip, you’ve definitely given me wanderlust envy! Thank you for including me in your contribution ?
Thanks so much for contributing–always!! Hausfrau is SO intriguing to me–I’ve never read a book like it. Mangos, author of Her Husband’s Secrets, wasn’t on my radar until a Twitter follower clued me in. You can grab the ebook for $1 on Amazon. We had a fabulous trip–thank you. I am hoping to post a ton of our Switzerland trip on Instagram stories soon. I have SO much content. I think I’ll do a few blog posts too, even though originally I was thinking that I wouldn’t.
Cool list. I remember Heidi from my childhood. And I read Frankenstein in college and hated it. I think those are the only Switzerland book I’ve read. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun. I’d love to go to Europe someday.
Thank you! Yes, I read Heidi as a child too, and I think I first read Frankenstein in or after college along with Dracula. We had a fabulous trip. Where in Europe would you love to visit first? I want to go to Scotland, Norway, or Hungary next.
Possible slight TMI here…
I was reading this while snuggled under the covers, trying to block out the fact that I should have been getting ready for work, and also attempting to not wake the significant other.
That went out the window when I read: ” I didn’t see many Swiss cows, but I sure as heck ate them.”
I laughed so hard that he kicked me out of bed.
AHAHA, it’s so true, too. We actually debated on vegan that night but somehow landed at the local butchery where you pick your meat and they cook it for you. Meanwhile, I saw maybe TWO cows the entire trip. I am sorry to get you kicked out of bed, though. lol
Not only do I need to make it to Switzerland to eat some great meat… I can never say no to a great steakhouse. I also, need to read Her Husband’s Secrets, Einstein Dreams and Frankenstein. I had no idea Frankenstein was set in Switzerland.
Switzerland sounds and looks amazing. I can’t wait to go one day. Although it will most likely be a summer trip for us.
Looking forward to other Switzerland posts!
When we were in Brazil and Argentina, we met the South American steakhouse. I was hooked!! Have you been to either of those yet?
Her Husband’s Secrets was only $1 on Amazon the last I checked (Kindle version), which is a great steal! I want to order Mangos’ second book that is also set in Switzerland.
I almost forget that Frankenstein was set in Geneva, too! Einstein’s Dreams is one you can read in a few read hours–it’s super obscure but oddly poetic? At first, I was like: ughhhhh, but then I was like OOOOHHHHH. lol
I definitely need to figure out my Switzerland content–there isn’t too much literary tourism to Switzerland, but I do have a few places in mind. I think I’ll do our Switzerland itinerary too. Thanks!
I remember reading two, middle-grade, WW2 fiction books set in Switzerland years ago! I love the classics you included; I’ve only read a shorter, adapted version of Heidi before, so I’d love to read the full version soon.
Ahhhhh, do you remember the names of the WW2 books set in Switzerland? I am going to start googling…
I can’t remember which version of Heidi I’ve read, now that you mention it. I feel like it was pretty short…
You know, I don’t think I have read a single book set in Switzerland. I had no idea Frankenstein was set in Switzerland, despite having that book on my TBR for a long time. I can’t say I have plans to visit Switzerland but I can appreciate how beautiful the country is and perhaps one day I will go there. I think reading a mix of classics and contemporary books would give the best look into what the country was like and how it is in modern times.
The craziest thing for me is that I didn’t realize how many books about Switzerland I had read until I started making a list and adding some more to read. When I first read Frankenstein YEARS AGO, I had no idea where it took place. Predominantly Geneva! Who knew!? Switzerland is definitely a little pricey. While we loved it, I’m not sure I’d go back sooner over a few other places first?! The landscape, mountains, and cultures are stunning, though. Yes, I agree! I like seeing a country evolve over time in literature.
I didn’t realize so many classics were set in Switzerland or connected to the country! It makes me want to reread Heidi – I definitely remember liking it a lot when I was a little girl. Switzerland was never really on our radar to visit, but after seeing pictures and updates from your trip, I really want to go now!
Right?! I didn’t know that I had previously read a ton of Switzerland classics, and all of these books were pretty easy to obtain, too. Switzerland was great! It wasn’t a bucket list destination for us, but I am SO glad that we visited.
A lot of friends have recommended Hausfrau to me, and I honestly can’t tell if they’re joking cause it doesn’t seem like my kind of thing AT ALL… haha. I do want to read Einstein’s Dreams, though! It’s been on my TBR for a looooong time!
You know, I feel like I should reread Frankenstein because I do NOT remember it taking place in Switzerland. I asked Jeremy who read it a few years ago and he was like, “You mean the book where he wanders through the arctic for half the book talking about how depressed he is because he’s a tortured genius?” So I guess we know what stayed with him haha.
Thanks for letting me contribute, I always like to spread my mountaineering books obsession! Glad you guys loved Switzerland!
NOW I AM EVEN MORE CURIOUS lol!! Hausfrau sounds…unique. Maybe it has dark elements, which is why they are recommending it?
I do think you will like Einstein’s Dreams. It’s short and oddly poetic. I’m not well-versed in Einstein *anything* so I am curious about the accuracy.
Haha, gotta love Jeremy. I want to re-read Frankenstein (again) now that I’ve been to Geneva…and didn’t necessarily love that particular Swiss city compared to others.
Thanks so much for contributing.
Love this! Switzerland is SUCH a dream destination for me. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book taking place in Switzerland or by a Swiss author so this list is super helpful.
We loved Switzerland. I hope that you get to visit one day — those mountains are stunning. Definitely pick up a few of these books before you go!