For generally hanging around town, you need layers: Houses, shops and offices are heated to around 45 degrees throughout the winter, in a nice contrast to the fog, rain and occasional snow outside. It's not really that cold in the most heavily populated parts of Switzerland, and public transport within the cities is so good that you might spend no more than ten minutes outside in a whole day.

For tramping around hillsides, however, you'll need to wear something a little more serious: Again, layers are the answer. You'll need decent waterproof boots (snowboots if you want to go up the mountains), warm trousers, long johns, a fleecy jacket with a waterproof windcheater over the top, and some nice woolly jumpers. And a hat and gloves. And sunglasses.

But don't worry too much - when it gets too cold, just go inside. There's always sausages and hot chocolate, whatever the weather...