What is the Legal Drinking Age in Switzerland?
Curious about the legal drinking age in Switzerland? We certainly were!
When we were planning our road trip through this incredible country, this question certainly crossed our minds.
Not only were we planning to take the younger kids with us, but also our teenage daughter who was 19 at the time.
And considering Switzerland is not just known for its gorgeous Alpine scenery, but also for its beer and wine culture, we went into full research mode.
Want to learn more? Let’s dive right in!
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Switzerland?
Much like in other European countries, Switzerland takes a slightly different approach to their drinking age than compared to North America.
In Switzerland, the legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16 years old.
However, when it comes to stronger alcoholic beverages like spirits or liqueurs, the minimum age bumps up to 18.
This is in an effort to encourage responsible drinking in minors.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Lucerne?
In Lucerne, the legal drinking age for beer and wine remains at 16 years old, and 18 for stronger alcoholic beverages such as spirits or liqueurs.
In fact, the legal drinking age is consistent across all of Switzerland.
That said, individual establishments, such as bars and clubs, may have their own policies when it comes to entry and alcohol service. More on this later.
What is the Drinking Age in Switzerland for Tourists?
The drinking age in Switzerland applies to both residents and tourists.
In other words, tourists visiting Switzerland are subject to the same legal drinking age requirements as the local population.
Can a 16-Year-Old American Drink in Switzerland?
Yes. A 16-year-old American visiting Switzerland can legally consume beer and wine, but not spirits.
As we mentioned above, Switzerland does not restrict alcohol consumption based on nationality.
So the legal drinking age applies universally to both Swiss residents and visitors from other countries.
Does Switzerland Have a Drinking Culture?
Yes. Switzerland has a pretty prominent drinking culture.
Swiss drinking culture is all about appreciating fine beverages, be it a glass of really great local wine, a refreshing pint of beer, or even a meticulously crafted cocktail.
The Swiss take pride in their wide variety of traditional alcoholic drinks, including the iconic Swiss absinthe, their famous regional wines, and their craft beers.
From their incredible Christmas Markets to après-ski gatherings in the snowy mountains, the Swiss know how to enjoy their alcohol in style.
What are the Rules Regarding Drinking in Switzerland?
The alcohol laws are pretty straightforward in Switzerland, no matter where you go:
Drinking Age in Switzerland
🍺 16 Years Old – Can purchase and consume beer and wine.
🍸 18 Years Old – Can purchase and consume Spirits and other distilled alcoholic beverages.
Purchasing or Selling Alcohol in Switzerland
Switzerland’s alcohol act also states that it is illegal to sell alcohol to youth under the legal drinking age or to encourage them to drink.
This means that any vendor selling alcohol, be it a grocery store or bar, must check the identification of anyone who looks under the legal drinking age.
If you are an adult and you purchase alcohol for a minor, you could face legal consequences as well.
Impaired Driving in Switzerland
Lastly, it is also important to note that drunk driving laws in Switzerland are strict, and penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.
In fact, Switzerland’s legal limit of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is lower than that of North America at .5mg per ml of blood.
So it wasn’t too surprising when I found out that professional drivers, new drivers (probationary driving licences), learner drivers, driving instructors and persons accompanying learner drivers are not allowed to drink at all.
Drinking in Public in Switzerland
When it comes to the rules about drinking in the streets, the alcohol policy can be different depending on the canton (region) within Switzerland.
In some cantons, such as Zurich and Basel, you are generally allowed to consume alcohol in public spaces.
This, of course, is provided that you do so responsibly and without causing a disturbance.
And although you may not see it too often in some of the smaller parts of towns, you are free to drink in public, whether it’s strolling down the street, or even while riding on a train.
In fact, during our time in Switzerland, we passed many people sitting in the park enjoying a picnic with a glass of wine, or a beer.
Do They ID for Alcohol in Switzerland?
Yes. It is common for restaurants and bars in Switzerland to ask for ID to verify a person’s age before serving them alcohol.
So, even if you appear to be of legal age, it is not uncommon to be asked to provide ID to confirm your age before being served alcoholic beverages.
In fact, our oldest daughter (Miss Sunshine, age 19 at the time) was asked for ID every time she ordered a glass of wine in a restaurant in Geneva.
And this is while she was with John and I and the kids.
So, carrying a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, is definitely a good idea if you plan on purchasing or consuming alcohol.
I would imagine that is especially true if you appear to be on the younger side
At What Age Can You Drink with Parents in Switzerland?
Unlike Germany, in Switzerland, there is no specific age at which a person can consume alcohol in the presence of their parents.
Instead, the legal drinking age for beer and wine applies regardless of whether parents are present or not.
This goes along with what we mentioned above, how Miss Sunshine would get asked for ID even when drinking in our presence.
Is Alcohol Expensive in Switzerland?
No. Alcohol is not overly expensive in Switzerland. I say this lightly because EVERYTHING is expensive in Switzerland!
And I guess when you compare it to some other countries with high taxes and regulations on alcohol, Switzerland can be considered relatively inexpensive when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
Obviously, prices are going to vary depending on the specific brand and where you purchase it.
But for the most part, it wasn’t too difficult for us to find reasonably priced options for beer, wine, and spirits in Switzerland.
This is especially true if you purchase them from local supermarkets, shops, or markets.
Of course, enjoying a drink at a bar or restaurant, especially in a touristy area, may be slightly more expensive due to service costs.
How Much is a Can of Beer in Switzerland?
The price of a can of beer in Switzerland can vary depending on various factors such as the brand, location, and where you are purchasing it.
On average, you can expect to pay around 3 to 5 Swiss Francs (CHF) for a standard 330ml can of beer when purchasing it from a store or supermarket.
However, prices may be higher in bars, restaurants, or venues where additional service costs are included.
Craft beers and specialty brews also tend to be pricier compared to mass-produced commercial beers.
What is the Most Popular Alcohol in Switzerland?
Hubby was pleased to find out that the most popular alcohol in Switzerland is beer. In fact, Eichof quickly became a favourite of his.
Whether you’re a fan of refreshing lagers, hoppy ales, or flavourful craft brews, Switzerland has something for every beer lover out there.
We noticed that Swiss beer culture is alive and thriving, as we passed many local breweries in our travels through Switzerland.
And the best part is that each brewery crafts its own unique flavour and style. So John was in his glory sampling whatever the local specialty was.
Don’t be surprised when you find the locals proudly supporting their favourite local brews at festivals and beer gardens.
Other Popular Alcoholic Drinks in Switzerland
While beer is popular in Switzerland, it is not the only drink in town! The Swiss also enjoy their spirits and their local wines.
Liquors
In Switzerland, there are three liquors that everyone seems to love.
People go for these drinks because they’re easy to find, thanks to being made locally, and they’re really delicious, which is something Swiss drinks are known for.
Absinthe – Is an iconic Swiss drink and a hit with the locals. It actually started as a medical tonic in the 18th century in Neuchatel and was once banned due to a scandal.
Schnapps – This fruit-based liquor is quite popular in Switzerland. Because there are many local producers of Schnapps in Switzerland, a bottle of the good stuff can go for as little as $10.
Abricotine – Abricotine is a clear fruit brandy made in Valais from locally grown Luizet Apricots. It is absolutely delicious!
Wine
Switzerland is also famous for its wine. With over 200 types of grapes grown, the country produces about 100 million litres of wine yearly.
But if you don’t find that very impressive, maybe the next fact will raise an eyebrow.
The Swiss actually drink most of what they produce! That’s right, over 89 million litres of wine are consumed by the Swiss yearly.
And just in case you are wondering, the most popular wine is the Chasselas from the French-speaking regions.
What is the Most Popular Beer Brand in Switzerland?
When it comes to the most popular beer brand in Switzerland, there are a few notable contenders.
One of the leading beer brands that has gained popularity across the country is Feldschlösschen.
Established in 1876, Feldschlösschen produces a wide range of beers, including lagers, ales, and specialty brews.
They have become a household name in Switzerland and are often enjoyed during social gatherings, events, and even at home.
Some of the other popular Swiss beer brands include Calanda, Cardinal, and Eichhof.
What is the Beer Capital of Switzerland?
The beer capital of Switzerland is Bern.
The city of Bern has a long-standing beer tradition.
Bern is home to several renowned breweries, including the historic Brasserie Federal, which has been producing beer since 1897.
You will find that Bern’s beer culture is celebrated through a variety of beer festivals and events.
One such festival is the Berner Biermarkt, where local breweries showcase their craft and visitors can sample a wide array of beers.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Go Clubbing in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, the legal age to enter clubs and bars is different depending on the specific venue and canton (region).
In general, most clubs and venues have an age restriction of 18 years and older.
However, we did come across some bars that required patrons to be 21 years old or older.
In my opinion, it’s always a good idea to check the specific club’s website or contact them directly about their age policy before planning a night out.
Can a 16-Year-Old Go to a Bar in Switzerland?
While it is legal for a 16-year-old can to consume wine and beer, this does not mean that they can enter all licensed establishments.
As we mentioned above, while some pubs and bars may allow 16-year-olds to enter, nightclubs will usually require patrons to be at least 18 or 21 years old.
Not only that, but bars may also enforce stricter age restrictions during certain times, such as late evenings or during certain events.
Lastly, even if a 16-year-old is allowed into a bar, they will not be served any alcoholic beverages with higher alcohol content.
Switzerland Legal Drinking Age – FAQs
Approximately 23.9 percent of young individuals aged 15 to 19 in Switzerland admit to consuming excessive alcohol at least once a month. This percentage rises to 25 percent among the 20 to 34-year-old age group.
Roughly 80% of alcohol consumption in Switzerland is attributed to beer and wine, reflecting the preferences of the Swiss population.
The largest brewery in Switzerland is Feldschlösschen, which is owned by the Carlsberg Group. Feldschlösschen has a long history and is known for producing a wide range of beers, including both traditional and modern varieties.
Turicum Gin is a popular locally-made gin made from lime blossoms from the Lindenhof and pinecone tips from Zurich’s forests.
Proscht, Zum Wohl, and Gesundheit are all options in German-speaking areas of Switzerland.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it!
Hopefully, we have covered everything that you have ever wanted to know about Swiss drinking laws and more!
So, the next time you’re in Switzerland, raise a glass (if you’re of age, of course) and enjoy the rich flavours and traditions that make Swiss beverages so special.
Prost!
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