National economy Start of the vacation season: where vacations have become cheaper for the Swiss
At the start of the vacation season, it is clear that the Swiss can afford more abroad in many places than before the pandemic. The strong franc and comparatively low inflation in Switzerland have once again improved purchasing power.
02.07.2025, 09:29
SDA
Swiss travelers in Scandinavia have benefited the most, according to an analysis published on Wednesday by Raiffeisen Bank based on Eurostat data on price levels in Europe. The Norwegian krone and other Nordic currencies have weakened significantly.
Even Iceland, which has long been one of the most expensive travel destinations, is now slightly cheaper than Switzerland in terms of accommodation, restaurants, leisure and transport services. Purchasing power has also remained stable or even improved in traditional eurozone countries such as Italy, France and Spain since 2019.
Significantly higher prices in Turkey
Vacations in Croatia, on the other hand, have become more expensive. Since joining the euro in 2023, prices there have risen noticeably, causing Swiss purchasing power to fall - although the level remains attractive at around 60 percent of the Swiss price standard, as Raiffeisen writes.
Vacations in Turkey are also more expensive today than they used to be. Although the lira depreciated sharply, the extremely high inflation of over 700% in some cases since 2019 has eroded the strong price advantages.
