Production Services in Switzerland

If you’re planning to shoot in Switzerland and need local production services, Swixer provides everything you need — from crew and locations to logistics and permits. Operating across Switzerland, we customize crews and resources to suit your specific production requirements.

Full Production Services

At Swixer we provide local film production services in Switzerland and assist you with everything from booking a crew to find locations, logistics and more. Our locally based Fixers, Producers and Production Managers comes with local knowledge and can help manage and coordinate international shoots of any kind. We have experience in TV-series, feature films, commercials, branded content, documentaries, corporate as well as still shoots.

Filming in Switzerland

One advantage of filming in Switzerland is in most cases the budget since it is a country of high salaries and high standard of living. Switzerland is famous for its alps. Filming in high mountains affect in many cases the transport and travel costs e.g. helicopter. Hotels in Switzerland are in comparison to the rest of Europe more expensive. Since Switzerland is not part of the EU goods that you import have to be declared.

Crew & Equipment

Swiss crew is professional and keeps a high standard as there have been lots of international feature film productions. But they are also used to work for small shoots as well as for documentaries, commercials, corporate or branded content productions. Swiss film business is small, if there is somebody special needed crew from neighboring countries e.g. Germany can help out. Swiss people highly value honesty, hard work, tolerance and a sense of responsibility. Professional English is guaranteed. Besides English all crew speak either French, German or Italian. Rentals have equipment in good quality. Special equipment like a russian arm has to be brought in from the neighboring countries.

Permits

Filming on public property with minimal portable equipment, short duration, for current and unpredictable media coverage does not in itself require a filming permit. However, as soon as equipment is put down on the ground, streets closed off and for larger projects with bigger crew, a permit is required.

As in many countries a separate permit is required for the drone. And be aware of the data protection regulations of the federal government and the protection of privacy apply to photo and film recordings of any kind. In cities like Zurich, applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance. If no parking spaces or road closures are required, allow at least 2 weeks for the filming permits.

On high national holidays, only photographs and small filming are permitted. Advertising photos/advertising films are prohibited on such days. And of course the prices of permits as always are very different. It really depends on the needs.

Filming Locations in Switzerland

Switzerland offers some of the most breathtaking filming locations in Europe, combining dramatic landscapes with rich cultural diversity. From snow-capped Alpine peaks to fairytale villages, the country is a natural film set.

Iconic Alpine Landscapes

Switzerland is world-renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery. Towering peaks such as the Matterhorn (4,478m) in Valais, Eiger (3,967m), Mönch (4,107m), and Jungfrau (4,158m) in the Bernese Oberland, as well as Piz Bernina (4,048m) in Graubünden, offer majestic backdrops ideal for cinematic productions. These high mountains and glacial landscapes have appeared in numerous Hollywood films, bringing a sense of grandeur and natural drama to the screen.

Lakes and Waterfalls

In addition to its mountains, Switzerland is home to over 1,500 lakes. While many are small and tucked away in the mountains, several large and well-known lakes offer striking views and tranquil waterside settings. Notable examples include Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) bordering France, Lake Constance (Bodensee) on the German and Austrian border, Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), and Lake Maggiore on the Italian border.

Another spectacular natural attraction is the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, which draws visitors year-round and adds dynamic visual interest to any film setting.

Seasonal Beauty

Each season in Switzerland offers a different cinematic mood, but autumn in the Engadin Valley, often referred to as “Indian Summer,” is especially striking. The golden foliage, clear air, and soft light create a magical atmosphere perfect for filming.

Architectural Diversity

Switzerland’s architectural landscape is just as diverse as its nature. From medieval castles and renaissance châteaux to contemporary buildings and rustic mountain huts, the country offers a wide variety of styles and eras. Picturesque villages, charming streets, and impressive villas add character and visual richness to any shoot.

Urban Charm with Historical Roots

Switzerland’s larger cities, Zürich, Geneva, Bern, and Lucerne, are modern yet deeply rooted in history. Their unique charm lies in the blend of old and new, set against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and lakes. Each city tells its own story, shaped by centuries of cultural evolution.

Multicultural Appeal

The country is divided into three main language regions: German, French, and Italian. This multilingual identity not only influences the spoken word but also shapes the architecture, culture, and appearance of different regions—offering filmmakers a broad palette of locations and styles within one country.

Weather

The climate varies greatly from region to region. It is characterised by the Alps and the proximity to the Atlantic. North of the Alps there is a moderate Central European climate, south of the Alps it is more Mediterranean. Four seasons can be clearly distinguished from each other. The temperatures are primarily dependent on the altitude.

In the highest regions of Switzerland, the average values are well below freezing. Average daily maximums of 25 °C and more are possible in June, July and August in the lower elevations on the southern side of the Alps and in the Central Plateau. The longest and most intense heat waves typically also occur in these months, with daily highs of more than 30 °C. There are hardly any hot days above 1200 m above sea level.

Switzerland is particularly hard hit by global climate change. The zero degree limit rises. As a result, winter precipitation at lower altitudes increasingly falls as rain rather than snow. Summers are getting hotter and drier. A particularly big challenge is among other things the glacial retreat.